Proximate Composition and Nutritional Profile of the Black Sea Anchovy (Engraulis encrasicholus) Whole Fish,Fillets, and By-Products

ABSTRACT

In this study, the proximate composition and nutritional profile of the Black Sea anchovy and its by-products were investigated. The total yield of by-products from anchovy was about 32% of the whole fish based on wet weight. The protein and fat contents of anchovy by-products were 13.39 and 10.02% for head, 16.47 and 15.50% for frame, and 12.05 and 23.90% for viscera, respectively. Significant differences were detected among the pH and color properties of anchovy whole fish, fillet, and by-products. Profiles of amino acids, fatty acids, and minerals of anchovy by-products showed they are rich sources of lysine (6–7% of total amino acids), leucine (5–6% of total amino acids), and a number of essential amino acid, polyunsaturated fatty acids (about 32–40% of total fatty acids), n-3 fatty acids (about 27–34% of total fatty acids), eicosapentaenoic acid + docosahexaenoic acid (about 26–32% of total fatty acids), and various minerals (P, Fe, Ni, Ca, Mn, Na, and Zn). These results revealed that anchovy by-products can be utilized for the production of value-added products such as protein powder, protein hydrolyzates, fish oils, and mineral supplements.     

Finishing diets stimulate compensatory growth: results of a study on Murray cod, Maccullochella peelii peelii

The effective implementation of a finishing strategy (wash‐out) following a grow‐out phase on a vegetable oil‐based diet requires a period of several weeks. However, fish performance during this final stage has received little attention. As such, in the present study the growth performance during both, the initial grow‐out and the final wash‐out phases, were evaluated in Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii). Prior to finishing on a fish oil‐based diet, fish were fed one of three diets that differed in the lipid source: fish oil, a low polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) vegetable oil mix, and a high PUFA vegetable oil mix. At the end of the grow‐out period the fatty acid composition of Murray cod fillets were reflective of the respective diets; whilst, during the finishing period, those differences decreased in degree and occurrence. The restoration of original fatty acid make up was more rapid in fish previously fed with the low PUFA vegetable oil diet. During the final wash‐out period, fish previously fed the vegetable oil‐based diets grew significantly (P < 0.05) faster (1.45 ± 0.03 and 1.43 ± 0.05, specific growth rate, % day⁻¹) than fish continuously fed with the fish oil‐based diet (1.24 ± 0.04). This study suggests that the depauperated levels of highly unsaturated fatty acids in fish previously fed vegetable oil‐based diets can positively stimulate lipid metabolism and general fish metabolism, consequently promoting a growth enhancement in fish when reverted to a fish oil‐based diet. This effect could be termed ‘lipo‐compensatory growth’.     

Restoration of the fatty acid composition of red seabream (Pagrus auratus) using a fish oil finishing diet after grow-out on plant oil based diets

This study evaluated the potential for manipulating the fatty acid composition of juvenile red seabream, Pagrus auratus. Prior to the start of the study, three groups of fish had been reared for 3 months on a fish oil based diet or diets where the added fish oil had been replaced with either canola or soybean oil. In the present study, fish that had previously been fed either the canola or soybean oil diets were fed a fish oil based diet. Three additional treatments included fish being maintained on their original diets of fish oil, canola oil or soybean oil. Fish were fed their respective diets twice daily to apparent satiety for 32 days. Samples of fish from each treatment were collected after 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32 days. Composition and growth of the fish were determined at each sample point. Most treatments showed no differences in growth performance, although fish fed a fish oil diet after previously being fed a soybean oil diet showed slightly better growth. No significant differences among treatments were observed in proximate composition of the fish, although there was a significant increase in total fat and individual fatty acid (g kg^?1 live‐weight) content of the fish from all treatments over the period of the study. No significant changes in the relative fatty acid composition (% of total fatty acids) over time were observed in the three treatments where fish were maintained on their original diets. In contrast, fish that were previously fed either the canola or soybean oil diets and were then fed a fish oil diet had significant changes in both the relative (% of total fatty acids) and absolute (g kg^?1 live‐weight) fatty acid content. Key changes observed included a decrease in the relative levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) such as 18 : 2n ? 6 and 18 : 3n ? 3. Increases in the relative levels of the long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (lcPUFA) 20 : 5n ? 3 and 22 : 6n ? 3 were also observed in both treatments. The rates of absolute (g kg^?1 live‐weight) change/accumulation of these fatty acids followed an exponential equation that differed for each fatty acid in each treatment. Examination of the retention efficiency of specific fatty acids also showed marked differences between fatty acids within treatments and also differences between treatments. Biologically important fatty acids such as 20 : 5n ? 3 and 22 : 6n ? 3 had only moderate retention efficiencies and these were unaffected by treatment. In contrast, the retention efficiencies of 18 : 2n ? 6 and 18 : 3n ? 3 suggested selective retention of these fatty acids when fed fish oil diets, but moderate catabolism when fed the plant oil diets. There were also high retention efficiencies of most saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids suggestive of active retention and/or active synthesis of these fatty acids by the fish. The results of this study, particularly the increases in lcPUFA, support the usefulness of a fish oil based finisher diet for fish raised predominantly on plant oil based diets.     

Evaluation of cold‐pressed flaxseed oil as an alternative dietary lipid source for juvenile sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria)

This study was undertaken to determine the suitability of using cold‐pressed flaxseed oil (FO) as a major source of lipid in place of anchovy oil (AO) in the diet of juvenile sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria), a relatively new marine species to aquaculture. Sablefish were fed one of four diets twice daily to satiation for 15 weeks. The test diets were identical in composition, except for the source of supplemental lipid which was either 100% AO (100AO), or increasing replacement of AO with FO i.e., 75AO:25FO, 50AO:50 FO or 25AO:75FO. Sablefish growth parameters, whole body and fillet proximate constituent concentrations and apparent digestibility coefficients were uninfluenced by diet treatment. There were also no adverse effects of the diet treatments on fish health, as determined from analysis of various haematological and innate immunological parameters. Terminal fillet fatty acid compositions generally reflected the dietary fatty acid compositions, while flesh contaminant concentration decreased with increasing dietary flaxseed oil content. Results indicated that FO may comprise up to 75% of the supplemental lipid in a grower diet for sablefish, while still providing humans with a rich dietary source of highly unsaturated fatty acids.     

Growth performance,histological alterations and fatty acid profile in muscle and liver of sharp snout sea bream (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Diplodus puntazzo</Emphasis>) with partial replacement of fish oil by pork fat

Four isonitrogenous (42% crude protein) and isolipidic (20%) diets were formulated using four different percentages of pork fat to substitute fish oil at 0, 25, 50 and 75% to evaluate the performance, body composition, fatty acids and liver histology of sharpsnout sea bream juveniles. One hundred and twenty fish (average weight 33.4 ± 2.9 g) were randomly distributed into pens (90 l capacity). Triplicate groups were fed each test diet twice a day to apparent satiation for 84 days. No difference was observed for feeding and growth performance. The only significant difference with respect to carcass was in moisture content (P < 0.05). With respect to liver fatty acids, there were significant differences in EPA and DHA, being fish fed 75% of pork fat that obtained the lowest value. With respect to muscle fatty acids, there were significant differences in saturated fatty acids and fish fed 0% of pork fat obtained the lowest value, but in poly unsaturated fatty acids the 75% of pork fat reported the lowest value. Although in both fish muscle and liver fatty acids, fish fed 75% pork fat diet presented significant difference in n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids and n3/n6, but in LA fish fed the 0% of pork fat diet presented the lowest value in liver and in fish muscle not only the 0% but also the 25% of pork fat diet obtained the lowest value.     

Nutrient Compositions and Properties of Antarctic Krill (Euphausia superba) Muscle and Processing By-Products

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the morphometrics, proximate chemical compositions, pH, total amino acid (TAA), fatty acid profile, and minerals of the processing by-products of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba). The nutrient compositions and properties of the by-products were revealed by being compared to those of Antarctic krill muscle and the economically important species of freshwater prawns (Macrobrachium nipponense) and penaeid shrimps (Metapenaeus ensis). The by-products are worthy of utilization because of the high ratio to the total weight (65.7%). The crude protein contents in the muscle and by-products of krill are 17.4 and 11.7%, respectively. The krill proteins have higher contents of essential amino acids (EAAs). The EAAs constitute 42 and 37% of the TAAs in muscle and by-products, respectively. The krill processing by-products contain high levels of total lipid (3.3%), and polyunsaturated fatty acids constitute 34% of fatty acids with high levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 19.08%) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 10.02%). Krill meat provides considerable iron, zinc, calcium, selenium, and copper. It is imperative to lower the fluoride level (70.1 mg/kg, wet basis) in krill muscle. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) reveals that myosin heavy chain (MHC) and actin are the major proteins in muscle, and their contents vary between species.     

Nutritional Composition and Thermal Properties of Goldstripe Sardinella (Sardinella gibbosa) Fillets and By-Products

Fish is a nutritious food for the whole family and a good source of protein and n-3 fatty acids. The fish-processing industry produces tonnes of fish-processing waste and by-products annually. Disposal of untreated by-products of the fish-processing industry may cause environmental pollution. Sardinella gibbosa or goldstripe sardinella is commonly used in surimi and fish cracker productions in Malaysia. However, data on the nutritional composition of goldstripe sardinella fillets (GSF) and by-products (GSB) remain limited. The objectives of this study are to determine the nutritional composition and thermal properties of fillets and by-products of S. gibbosa. Results showed that the protein and moisture contents of GSF were higher than GSB. Conversely, the ash and fat levels of GSF were lower than GSB. Levels of saturated fatty acids (SFA) in GSF and GSB were higher than monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Palmitic acid and oleic acid were the major SFA and MUFA found in GSF and GSB. Both GSF and GSB contain higher percentages of DHA and EPA. Melting and crystallization profiles of the oil from S. gibbosa fillets were similar to by-product oil, which was related to their fatty acid content.     

Influence of nutrition on the lipid quality of pond fish: common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and tench (Tinca tinca)

Like marine fish freshwater fish are an important source of essential fatty acids for human nutrition. However, the fatty acid composition of pond fish can vary considerably and strongly depends on that of the ingested food. Investigations on the fatty acid composition of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and tench (Tinca tinca) have shown that different methods of rearing and feeding cause substantial variations in the proportions of the n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids of these fish species. Carp reared on the basis of natural food in ponds exhibit high contents of n-6 as well as n-3 fatty acids in their muscle triacylglycerols. On the other hand carp fed supplementary wheat in ponds resulted in somewhat lower levels of these essential fatty acids. High amounts of n-3 fatty acids can be found in carp fed high-energy diets containing high levels of fish oil. Analogous results were obtained in experiments with tench reared under different nutritional conditions. While rearing on the basis of only natural food in ponds as well as feeding supplementary wheat yielded in similar levels of n-3 and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, higher contents of n-3 fatty acids were recorded in tench fed pellets. High levels of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in foodstuffs have positive effects on human health. Experiments with different cultured fish species proved that the fatty acid composition of the edible parts can be influenced by the diet. Therefore, a finishing diet with a suitable fatty acid profile can be used to improve the nutritional quality of fish products of farmed origin.     

Partial replacement of fish oil by flaxseed oil in Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus L.) diets: effects on growth,nutritional and sensory quality

Three isonitrogenous (520 g protein kg^?1 DM) and isoenergetic (25 MJ kg^?1 DM) diets containing increasing levels of flaxseed oil (FxO; 0%, 40% and 70% of total added oil) at the expense of fish oil (FO) were tested for 33 weeks in groups of 61 individually PIT‐tagged halibut (initial weight, 849 ± 99 g). Effects on fish growth performance, fillet nutritional and sensory quality were determined. Specific growth rate (0.2% day^?1), feed conversion ratio (1.2–1.3) and nitrogen and energy retention were not affected by dietary treatments. Dietary fatty acid composition was reflected in fatty acid profiles of halibut muscle, liver and heart. Muscle of fish fed FxO diets contained higher 18:2n‐6 and 18:3n‐3 concentrations whereas 20:5n‐3 and 22:6n‐3 levels were significantly reduced. However, increasing FO replacement induced preferential retention of 22:6n‐3 especially in heart, and a trend for 20:5n‐3 conservation in heart and muscle was observed. FO replacement did not affect colour, texture and the characteristic fish odour and flavour of cooked fillets. By selectively retaining long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids halibut can adapt to a lower dietary supply without adverse effects on growth, feed conversion ratio, survival, and fillet nutritional and sensory quality.     

Partial replacement of fishmeal with sunflower cake and corn oil in diets for tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (Linn): effect on whole body fatty acids

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of replacing fishmeal with high‐fibre and low‐fibre sunflower cakes (HFSC and LFSC) on whole body fatty acid composition in tilapia Oreochromis niloticus (Linn). Sex‐reversed O. niloticus males with an initial weight of approximately 16g ± 0.95 (SD) were used. A control diet based on herring meal and soybean meal was formulated. Six test diets were formulated such that low‐fibre (LF) and high‐fibre (HF) sunflower cakes (SC) contributed 30%, 60% and 80% of the dietary protein, and the diets were designated as LFSC‐30, LFSC‐60, LFSC‐80, HFSC‐30, HFSC‐60, and HFSC‐80 respectively. All fish were held at 25–28°C. They were fed three times daily their prescribed experimental diets for 70 days. At the end of this period they were starved for 24 h and weighed. Five fish representing the average weight of each replicated group (n=3) were frozen in plastic bags at –22°C for determination of fatty acid composition. Fatty acids in the fish were significantly influenced by diet. Palmitic, oleic and linoleic acids were the most abundant fatty acids in both the diets and the fish. Linoleic acid (18:2 ω6) was the most abundant fatty acid in diets based on sunflower cake. The levels of this fatty acid were also higher in fish fed diets with high contents of the sunflower cakes (LFSC‐60, LFSC‐80 and HFSC‐80) (31.3%, 34.7% and 29.7% respectively) than fish fed the control diet (13.8%). Percentages of long chain polyunsaturated acids of the ω‐3 family viz., docosahexaenoic (22:6 ω3) and eicosapentaenoic (20:5 ω3) were low in the diets and in the fish bodies. Fish fed the control diet had a higher level of 22:6 ω3 than those fed the other diets. The possible implications of the preceding findings for human health will be discussed.     

Dietary lipid sources for seabream and seabass: growth performance, tissue composition and flesh quality

Due to its traditionally good availability, digestibility and high content of n ? 3 HUFA, fish oil is the main lipid source in fish feeds. However, world demand for this product has grown significantly in recent years, whereas its production, based on fisheries landings, is static. The purpose of the present study was to assess the effect of partial replacement of fish oil in compound diets for gilthead seabream and seabass, by several vegetable oil sources, on growth, dietary fatty acid utilization and flesh quality. Five iso‐energetic and isoproteic experimental diets were formulated (25% lipid content). Fish oil was the only added lipid source in the control (FO) diet, and it was included in the other experimental diets at a level high enough (40% of FO diet) to keep the n ? 3 HUFA levels well over 3% in order to cover the essential fatty acid requirements of these species. Fish oil was replaced by soyabean oil (SO), rapeseed oil (RO) and linseed oil (LO) or a mixture (Mix) of them. Feed intake in all dietary groups was in the range of results obtained for commercial diets in both species, and growth and feed utilization were very good. The results show that, providing a minimum content of essential fatty acids in the diet, it is possible to replace up to 60% of the fish oil by SO, LO and RO or a mixture of them in diets for seabream and seabass, without compromising fish growth. Fatty acid composition of liver and muscle reflected that of the diet, but utilization of dietary lipids differed between these two tissues and was also different for the different fatty acids. Despite reduction in dietary saturated fatty acids by the inclusion of vegetable oils, their levels in fish liver were as high as in fish fed the fish oil diet, whereas, in muscle, levels were reduced according to that in the diet. Linoleic and linolenic acids were accumulated in the liver proportionally to their levels in the diet, suggesting a lower oxidation of these fatty acids in comparison to other 18C fatty acids. Regarding eicosapentaenoic acid (20 : 5n ? 3; EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (22 : 6n ? 3; DHA) and arachidonic acid (20 : 4n ? 6; ARA), these essential fatty acids were reduced in the liver at a similar rate, whereas DHA was preferentially retained in the muscle in comparison with the other fatty acids, denoting a higher oxidation particularly of EPA, in the muscle. Some other PUFA increased despite their low dietary levels in seabream fed LO diets and in seabass fed SO diet, suggesting the stimulation of delta‐6 and delta‐5 desaturase activity in marine fish. Despite differences in fatty acid composition, fillet of fish fed vegetable oils was very well accepted by trained judges when assessed cooked.     

Influences of dietary fatty acid profile on growth, body composition and blood chemistry in juvenile fat cod (Hexagrammos otakii Jordan et Starks)

This study was conducted to investigate the influence of dietary lipid source and n‐3 highly unsaturated fatty acids (n‐3 HUFA) level on growth, body composition and blood chemistry of juvenile fat cod. Triplicate groups of fish (13.2 ± 0.54 g) were fed the diets containing different n‐3 HUFA levels (0–30 g kg^?1) adjusted by either lauric acid or different proportions of corn oil, linseed oil and squid liver oil at 100 g kg^?1 of total lipid level. Survival was not affected by dietary fatty acids composition. Weight gain, feed efficiency and protein efficiency ratio (PER) of fish fed the diets containing squid liver oil were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those fed the diets containing lauric acid, corn oil or linseed oil as the sole lipid source. Weight gain, feed efficiency and PER of fish increased with increasing dietary n‐3 HUFA level up to 12–16 g kg^?1, but the values decreased in fish fed the diet containing 30 g kg^?1 n‐3 HUFA. The result of second‐order polynomial regression showed that the maximum weight gain and feed efficiency could be attained at 17 g kg^?1 n‐3 HUFA. Plasma protein, glucose and cholesterol contents were not affected by dietary fatty acids composition. However, plasma triglyceride content in fish fed the diet containing lauric acid as the sole lipid source was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than that of fish fed the other diets. Lipid content of fish fed the diets containing each of lauric acid or corn oil was lower than that of fish fed the diets containing linseed oil or squid liver oil only. Fatty acid composition of polar and neutral lipid fractions in the whole body of fat cod fed the diets containing various levels of n‐3 HUFA were reflected by dietary fatty acids compositions. The contents of n‐3 HUFA in polar and neutral lipids of fish increased with an increase in dietary n‐3 HUFA level. These results indicate that dietary n‐3 HUFA are essential and the diet containing 12–17 g kg^?1 n‐3 HUFA is optimal for growth and efficient feed utilization of juvenile fat cod, however, excessive n‐3 HUFA supplement may impair the growth of fish.     

Digestibility of energy,lipids and fatty acids of vegetable oils and poultry fat by pacu Piaractus mesopotamicus (Holmberg 1887)

Evaluation of vegetable oils and poultry fat digestibility is the first step to elicit their use in aquafeeds. This work aimed at determining apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) of energy, lipids and fatty acids of oil sources for pacu, a widely farmed neotropical Characin. A semipurified, omnivorous fish diet (344.2 g kg^?1 crude protein; 18.16 MJ kg^?1 gross energy) was used as reference diet. Test diets were obtained by adding 2 g kg^?1 chromium III oxide and replacing 15 g kg^?1 reference diet with fish, soybean, colza, corn and flaxseed oils and poultry fat. Juvenile pacu (64 ± 10.8 g; 14.6 ± 1.1 cm) were fed to apparent satiety, four times a day, and then transferred to cylindrical–conical aquaria for collection of faeces by sedimentation (n = 3). Apparent digestibility coefficients of energy and lipids were high for all tested oils (P > 0.05); ADCs of saturated fatty acid (SFA) were lower than monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA). Essential fatty acids (18:2n‐6 and 18:3n‐3) had high ADC (>93%), colza oil and poultry fat yielding the lowest ADC for 18:2n‐6 (P = 0.01) and 18:3n‐3 (P < 0.01), respectively. Corn oil, soybean oil and flaxseed oil were interesting sources of 18:2n‐6 and 18:3n‐3 dietary fatty acids for pacu.     

Effects of varying dietary docosahexaenoic acid levels on growth,proximate composition and tissue fatty acid profile of juvenile silver pomfrets,Pampus argenteus (Euphrasen, 1788)

This study investigated the effects of varying dietary levels of decosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on growth performance, proximate composition and whole body fatty acid profiles of juvenile silver pomfret, Pampus argenteus. Triplicate groups of fish (30.55 ± 0.08 g) were fed diets containing 5.2%, 9.31% and 13.38% DHA (% of total fatty acids) or 0.85%, 1.52% and 2.18% DHA on dry diet weight for diets 1, 2 and 3 respectively. Survival was not affected by dietary DHA levels. The growth performance and feed utilization parameters of fish fed diets 2 and 3 were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those fed diet 1, although these parameters in diets 2 and 3 did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). Whole body lipid and fatty acid profiles were influenced by dietary DHA levels. Significantly higher n‐3 fatty acids particularly DHA, DHA:EPA(eicosapentaenoic acid) ratios and n‐3:n‐6 ratios were observed in fish fed diets 2 and 3 compared to those fed diet 1. Better growth performance and higher whole body DHA:EPA (2.31, 2.29) ratios and n‐3:n‐6 ratios (2.17, 2.12) observed in fish fed diets 2 and 3, respectively, suggests that silver pomfret juveniles have a higher requirement for n‐3 fatty acids, notably DHA for optimum growth and survival.     

Effects of dietary palm oil source on growth,tissue fatty acid composition and nutrient digestibility of red hybrid tilapia,Oreochromis sp., raised from stocking to marketable size

A 20-week feeding trial was carried out to investigate the influence of three palm oil products as the principal dietary lipid source on the growth performance, proximate composition, tissue fatty acid composition and nutrient digestibility of red hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) fed these diets from stocking to marketable size. Four isonitrogenous (30% crude protein) and isoenergetic (16.5 kJ g^− 1) practical diets were formulated with 8% of added fish oil (FO), crude palm oil (CPO), palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD) or refined, bleached and deodorized palm olein (RBDPO), respectively. Each diet was fed to triplicate groups of 30 fish of 31.24 ± 0.05 g mean initial body weight. The tilapia were raised at 29 ± 1 °C in 12 round 1000 L fiberglass tanks with a continuous water flow rate of about 1.8 L/min.Results showed that the source of added lipid did not significantly influence (P > 0.05) final body weight, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, survival, body indices, hematocrit and production yield of tilapia. There was no significant difference in the fillet proximate composition of fish fed the various diets, except that fish fed the PFAD diet showed lower lipid deposition. The deposition of fatty acids in fish tissues was generally influenced by the fatty acid profile of the diets. Fillet fatty acid profiles of tilapia fed palm oil-based diets had significantly higher concentrations of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, but lower levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) compared to the fish fed the FO diet. Fillet of fish fed the FO diet had significantly higher concentrations of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) compared with fish fed palm oil-based diets. Dietary lipid source did not significantly affect dry matter and protein digestibility (62.1–64.8% and 83.5–85.0%, respectively). The inclusion of dietary palm-origin oils significantly reduced the total lipid digestibility of the diets due mainly to the decreased digestibility of the saturated fatty acids. In all treatments, the apparent digestibilities of both n − 3 and n − 6 PUFA were the highest, followed by monoenes, while the lowest were the saturated fatty acids. Despite the high free fatty acid content of PFAD (92.2%) compared to CPO (4.8%) and RBDPO (0.1%), the different free fatty acid content did not significantly affect the nutrient digestibility of the palm oil-based diets. Results obtained confirmed the feasibility of feeding tilapia with palm oil-based diets with a 100% substitution of added dietary fish oil throughout the grow-out cycle until marketable size.     

Influence of dietary nucleotides supplementation on growth,body composition and fatty acid profile of Beluga sturgeon juveniles (Huso huso)

Effect of different levels (0%, 0.15%, 0.25%, 0.35% and 0.50%) of Optimûn, a commercial nucleotide (NT) product, on the growth performance, body composition and fatty acid profile of juvenile Beluga sturgeon (Huso huso) (12.57 ± 0.5 g) was investigated over a 62‐day period. This experiment was done in fifteen 600 L tanks, each stocked with 30 fish. Fish fed nucleotide showed significantly better growth performance (P < 0.05). Incorporation of 0.25% and 0.35% NT resulted in whole body protein content elevation, but the other proximate composition indices were not influenced by dietary nucleotide treatments. There were significant differences in saturated fatty acids (SFA) and total unsaturated fatty acids (TUFA) levels among fish fed on different experimental diets, while monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), n‐3 PUFA, n‐6 PUFA, n3/n6 and eicosapentaenoic acid + docosahexaenoic acid were not influenced by NT. The results showed that diet supplementation with 0.35% Optimûn (NT) enhance growth performance, also administration of 0.25% and 0.35% affected chemical composition, as well as decreased SFA/TUFA ratio of Beluga juvenile.     

The influence of a dietary lipid source on growth, muscle fatty acid composition and erythrocyte osmotic fragility of hybrid tilapia

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to determine the effects of various dietary lipids on the growth, tissue proximate composition, muscle fatty acid composition and erythrocyte osmotic fragility of red hybrid tilapia, Oreochromis sp. Five isonitrogenous and isoenergetic semipurified diets were supplemented with 10% of either cod liver oil (CLO), sunflower oil (SFO), crude palm oil (CPO), crude palm kernel oil (CPKO), or a combination of 5% CLO with 5% palm fatty acid distillates (PFAD), respectively. There were no significant effects (P > 0.05) of diet on growth but fish fed the CLO diet showed a significantly (P< 0.05) poorer feed efficiency ratio compared to fish fed the CPO diet. Lipid deposition in fish muscle was mostly similar among fish fed the various diets but bone ash was significantly higher in fish fed the CPO and CPKO diets. Muscle lipids of fish fed palm oil-based diets did not increase in saturated fatty acids content but showed significantly lower polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) concentrations compared to fish fed the CLO diet. The concentrations of individual PUFA in muscle lipids were strongly influenced by dietary PUFA concentrations. Dietary lipids did not markedly affect the structural integrity of erythrocyte membranes but the erythrocytes of tilapia fed the CPO diet were slightly more resistant to osmotic lysis. It was concluded that palm oil products, especially CPO, could be successfully used in the diet of hybrid tilapia based on its availability, cheaper costs and its potential ability to enhance oxidative stability due to its low PUFA content and high natural concentrations of antioxidants.     

Evaluation of poultry fat and blends of poultry fat with cold‐pressed flaxseed oil as supplemental dietary lipid sources for juvenile sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria)

The objective of this study was to access the suitability of using poultry fat (PF) or blends of PF with flaxseed oil (FO) to replace 75% of the supplemental anchovy oil (AO) in the diet of juvenile sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria), a relatively new marine species to aquaculture. Sablefish were fed one of four diets twice daily to satiation for 15 weeks. The test diets were identical in composition except for the source of supplemental lipid which was either 100% AO (100AO), or had 75% of the supplemental AO replaced with 50% FO:25% PF, 25% FO:50% PF or 75% PF. Sablefish growth parameters, whole body and fillet proximate constituent concentrations, and apparent digestibility coefficients were uninfluenced by diet treatment. There were also no adverse effects of the diet treatments on fish health, as determined from analysis of various haematological and innate immunological parameters. Terminal fillet fatty acid compositions generally reflected the dietary fatty acid compositions. Results indicated that PF or blends of PF and FO may comprise 75% of the supplemental lipid in a grower diet for sablefish and are an economic alternative to AO while still providing humans with a rich dietary source of highly unsaturated fatty acids.     

Effects of dietary lipid level and vegetable oil on fatty acid metabolism in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) over the whole production cycle

Changes in fatty acid metabolism in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) induced by vegetable oil (VO) replacement of fish oil (FO) and high dietary oil in aquaculture diets can have negative impacts on the nutritional quality of the product for the human consumer, including altered flesh fatty acid composition and lipid content. A dietary trial was designed to investigate the twin problems of FO replacement and high energy diets in salmon throughout the entire production cycle. Salmon were grown from first feeding to around 2 kg on diets in which FO was completely replaced by a 1:1 blend of linseed and rapeseed oils at low (14–17%) and high (25–35%) dietary oil levels. This paper reports specifically on the influence of diet on various aspects of fatty acid metabolism. Fatty acid compositions of liver, intestinal tissue and gill were altered by the diets with increased proportions of C₁₈ polyunsaturated fatty acids and decreased proportions of n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA) in fish fed VO compared to fish fed FO. HUFA synthesis in hepatocytes and enterocytes was significantly higher in fish fed VO, whereas β-oxidation was unaltered by either dietary oil content or type. Over the entire production cycle, HUFA synthesis in hepatocytes showed a decreasing trend with age interrupted by a large peak in activity at seawater transfer. Gill cell prostaglandin (PG) production showed a possible seasonal trend, with peak activities in winter and low activities in summer and at seawater transfer. PG production in seawater was lower in fish fed the high oil diets with the lowest PG production generally observed in fish fed high VO. The changes in fatty acid metabolism induced by high dietary oil and VO replacement contribute to altered flesh lipid content and fatty acid compositions, and so merit continued investigation to minimize any negative impacts that sustainable, environmentally-friendly and cost-effective aquaculture diets could have in the future. Abbreviations: FO - fish oil; HUFA - highly unsaturated fatty acids acids (carbon chain length ≥C ₂₀ with ≥3 double bonds); LO - linseed oil; RO - rapeseed oil; VO - vegetable oil. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Effect of Dietary Safflower and Canola Oil on Growth Performance,Body, and Fatty Acid Composition of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the diets enriched with safflower and canola oil on growth, feed utilization, body composition, liver, and muscle fatty acid composition of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Rainbow trout having approximate initial weight of 97.03 ± 0.10 g were fed the experimental diets containing only fish oil (Group 0SFO), safflower oil (50% safflower oil, Group 50SFO and 33% safflower oil, Group 33SFO), and vegetable oil blend (33% safflower and 33% canola oil, Group 66SFCO) for 45 days. Twenty-five fish were randomly assigned for triplicate treatments and offered the test diets two times daily to apparent satiation. At the end of the experiment, survival was 100% in all treatments. No significant differences in the weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, and protein efficiency ratio were found between fish fed with the different experimental diets. The highest hepatosomatic index (HIS) and viscerasomatic index (VSI) was obtained in 50SFO and 33SFO groups, respectively. The moisture, protein, lipid, and ash content in the body composition of the fish increased in all experimental groups. The lipid content was not significantly different among the groups (p > 0.05); however, there was a significant difference in ash content between the control and the other groups (p < 0.05). The experimental diets containing vegetable oil (50SFO and 33SFO groups) and vegetable oil blend (66SFCO group) had significantly higher concentrations of n-6 fatty acids, predominantly in the form of linoleic acid (LA). The n-3 fatty acids were present in significantly higher concentration in the control treatment (0SFO). The fatty acid composition of fish fillet and liver were reflective of the dietary lipid source. While the fillet and liver of fish fed the 50SFO diet was high in linoleic acid (18:2 n-6), fish fed the 66SFCO diet had high concentrations of oleic acid (OA; 18:1 n-9). The present study suggests that fish oil can be replaced by up to 50% with safflower oil and by up to 66% with safflower + canola oil blend in rainbow trout diets with no significant effect on growth.