Digestibility,growth and pigmentation of astaxanthin,canthaxanthin or lutein diets in Lake Kurumoi rainbowfish,Melanotaenia parva (Allen) cultured species

New cultured ornamental fish namely Lake Kurumoi rainbowfish Melanotaenia parva (Allen) run into reduced of colour performances when reared in the aquaria, consequently, fish feed must be added with carotenoids as a pigment source. The aim of this study was to evaluate the digestibility, growth and pigmentation of astaxanthin, canthaxanthin and lutein in diet. Apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC) of dry matter, lipid, protein, carotenoids, growth and pigmentation were studied in twenty fish after 14 and 56 days of observation. The single‐dose supplementation of 100 mg/kg of astaxanthin, canthaxanthin, or lutein diets on fish was fed by apparent satiation. The basal diet without carotenoids was used as control. The result showed that the ADC of carotenoids of test diets was higher compared to control. Fish fed astaxanthin diet had higher survival rate (96.67 ± 2.89%), colour measurements of lightness (57.60 ± 7.46%), a*‐values (4.66 ± 1.20), total carotenoids content in skin (33.75 ± 5.02 mg/kg) and muscle (2.16 ± 0.74 mg/kg). Astaxanthin also increased the growth after 14 days (2.00% ± 0.19%/days) but there was no significantly different at the end of experiment. The yellowish‐orange colour performance was more rapidly achieved by fish fed astaxanthin diet after 28 days experimentation. These values suggested that dietary carotenoids were required and astaxanthin diet was superior to other diets for skin pigmentation of Lake Kurumoi rainbowfish.     

Effects of dietary lutein/canthaxanthin ratio on the growth and pigmentation of large yellow croaker Larimichthys croceus

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary lutein/canthaxanthin ratio on the growth and skin coloration of large yellow croaker. Five carotenoids supplemented diets were formulated to contain 75/0, 50/25, 37.5/37.5, 25/50 and 0/75 mg kg^?1 of lutein/canthaxanthin. The diet without carotenoids supplementation was used as the control. Fish of the similar size (13.83 ± 0.04 g) were fed with these experimental diets for 8 weeks in sea cages. Results showed that there were no significant differences in survival rate, specific growth rate and feed conversion ratio among the all treatments (P > 0.05). The ventral skin lightness was not affected by dietary treatments (P > 0.05). However, the dorsal skin lightness in the treatment of control was significantly lower than those in the treatments with supplemented dietary carotenoids (P < 0.05). The lowest values of yellowness, redness and carotenoid content both in ventral and dorsal skin were found in the control. Yellowness and carotenoid content both in ventral skin and in dorsal skin decreased with the decreasing of the proportion of dietary lutein. Meanwhile, the redness increased with the increasing of the proportion of dietary canthaxanthin. Fish fed with the control diet had higher melanin content in the dorsal skin, although no significant differences were found. Coloration parameters were linearly related to the carotenoid content in skin. Meanwhile, yellowness, redness and carotenoid content were linearly related to the proportion of dietary lutein. In conclusion, under present conditions, both lutein and canthaxanthin are needed in the diet for large yellow croaker. Compared to the lutein, higher dietary canthaxanthin contents are better for the skin redness.     

The pigmenting effect of different carotenoids on fancy carp (Cyprinus carpio)

The optimal concentration of a panel of individual and combined carotenoid sources on skin pigmentation in fancy carp was investigated by nine experimental diets that were formulated and supplemented with astaxanthin at 25 mg kg^?1, lutein at 25 and 50 mg kg^?1, β‐carotene at 25, 50 and 75 mg kg^?1, and lutein combined with β‐carotene at 25 : 25 and 50 : 50 mg kg^?1, while a diet without supplemented carotenoid served as a control. The results showed that serum TC of fish fed diets containing supplemented with lutein plus β‐carotene at 25 : 25; 50 : 50 mg kg^?1 and lutein 50 mg kg^?1 diet were higher than the other treatments (P ≤ 0.05). Serum TC of the respective treatments was 6.2 ± 2.0, 7.8 ± 3.3 and 7.3 ± 1.9 μg mL^?1 serum, respectively. Fish fed diets combined with lutein and β‐carotene at 25 : 25, 50 : 50 mg kg^?1 and lutein 50 mg kg^?1 diet had serum astaxanthin concentrations similar to fish fed the diet with astaxanthin alone at 25 mg kg^?1. Serum astaxanthin concentrations was 0.7 ± 0.01, 0.9 ± 0.01, 0.4 ± 0.02 and 1.7 ± 0.18 μg mL^?1 serum, respectively. The chromaticity of fish body skin of red and white position was assessed by colourimetry using the CIE L*a*b (CIELAB) system. Pigmentation response of skin redness of fancy carp fed with diets combined with lutein and β‐carotene at 25 : 25, 50 : 50 mg kg^?1 and lutein 50 mg kg^?1 were higher than other treatments (P ≤ 0.05) but they were similar to fish fed with 25 mg kg^?1 astaxanthin diet. The redness (a* values) of fish fed diets with diets combined with lutein and β‐carotene at 25 : 25, 50 : 50 mg kg^?1 and lutein 50 mg kg^?1 were 28.3 ± 0.53, 29.9 ± 1.38, 28.8 ± 3.95 and 28.5 ± 2.49, respectively. After 3 weeks of feeding the experimental diets, the fish fed on a diet without carotenoid supplement for one week demonstrated that the same three groups still retained their redness and had an overall tendency to improve skin colouring. Finally, concentrations 50 mg kg^?1 of lutein, or the combination of lutein and β‐carotene at 25 : 25 mg kg^?1 showed the highest efficiency for improving skin pigmentation and redness of skin.     

Pigmentation of gilthead seabream, Sparus aurata (L. 1875), using Chlorella vulgaris (Chlorophyta, Volvocales) microalga

A feeding experiment was conducted over 9 weeks with seven groups of 30 (fish per group) unpigmented gilthead seabream, Sparus aurata (L. 1875) (initial mean weight = 145.2 ± 12.3 g). Three experimental diets were prepared by adding to a basal diet free of carotenoid (final pigment content of around 40 mg per kg feed): (i) a biomass of the carotenogenic Chlorella vulgaris (Chlorophyta, Volvocales); (ii) a synthetic astaxanthin; and (iii) a mixture (1:1) of microalgal biomass and synthetic astaxanthin. At 3‐week intervals, five fish were sampled from each tank for total carotenoids analysis in skin and muscle. The carotenoid pigments (total amount = 0.4%) identified in the carotenogenic alga were lutein (0.3%), β‐carotene (1.2%), canthaxanthin (36.2%), astaxanthin, free and esterified forms (55.0%), and other pigments (7.3%). Carotenoid pigments were significantly deposited in the four skin zones studied during the feeding trial: the forefront between the eyes, the opercule, along the dorsal fin and in the abdominal area. In the muscle, regardless of the astaxanthin source, the amount of carotenoids measured was very low (less than 1 mg kg^?1) and differences not significant. Moreover, no muscle pigmentation was evident, and there was no variation in the amount of carotenoid analysed in skin tissue, through the trial, for each treatment. It was concluded that supplementing the feed with C. vulgaris would be an acceptable practice in aquaculture to improve the market appeal of the gilthead seabream.     

Effect of microalgal biomass concentration and temperature on ornamental goldfish (Carassius auratus) skin pigmentation

The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of different carotenoid sources/concentrations and temperature on goldfish (Carassius auratus) skin pigmentation. In the first trial (trial A), the effect of carotenoid source (natural – microalgae Chlorella vulgaris and synthetic – Carophyll Pink) and carotenoid concentration (45, 80 and 120 mg pigment kg^?1 diet) was tested. Six homogeneous duplicate groups of juvenile goldfish (7.4 g) were fed, for 5 weeks, one of the diets containing 45, 80 or 120 mg of total pigments of C. vulgaris biomass or synthetic astaxanthin per kg of diet (Cv45, Cv80, Cv120, Ax45, Ax80, Ax120), respectively. In trial B, the effect of water temperature on skin pigmentation was studied. Five homogeneous duplicate groups of 25 goldfish each (5.2 g) were fed diet Ax45 over 9 weeks, to test the following temperatures: 22, 24, 26, 28 and 30 °C. At the end of both trials, samples of skin along the dorsal fin were withdrawn for subsequent analysis of total carotenoid content, intensity of colour, red and yellow hue and visual observation. The best carotenoid concentrations were achieved with astaxanthin diets. There was a tendency to an overall improvement of colour parameters (L and b) in fish fed diets with high levels of C. vulgaris. The results indicated that the best temperature range to maximize skin pigmentation was 26–30 °C.     

The effects of synthetic pigments on pigmentation of Pethia conchonius (Hamilton, 1822)

This study evaluated the effects of diets containing 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 mg kg^?1 diet astaxanthin or canthaxanthin on Pethia conchonius (Hamilton, 1822) pigmentation. A completely randomized experimental design was developed with ten treatments and three replicates. Three hundred rosy barb with a mean weight of 0.92 ± 0.06 g were assigned to thirty aquaria for period of eight weeks. Carotenoid contents of fish fed canthaxanthin were always lower than those fed astaxanthin. Yellowness (b*) was not affected by pigments. While Luminosity (L*) decreased in fish fed astaxanthin diets, this parameter increased by feeding on canthaxanthin. The most pronounced effect was higher a* values in fish fed astaxanthin. Astaxanthin retention rate was higher than that of canthaxanthin. The present results demonstrate that canthaxanthin cannot be considered as a proper replacement with astaxanthin. Inclusion of 80 and 100 mg astaxanthin kg^?1 diet can be suitable dietary levels to ensure pigmentation and this condition may improve market value of rosy barb.     

Effects of dietary keto-carotenoids (canthaxanthin and astaxanthin) on the reproductive performance of female rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum)

The aim of this study was to clarify further the relationship between dietary keto-carotenoids (canthaxanthin and astaxanthin) and reproductive performance in female rainbow trout. Three experiments were undertaken in three successive breeding seasons. In addition to a control diet, fish were fed a canthaxanthin-supplemented diet (200 mg canthaxanthin kg⁻¹ feed, designated as 6mC200) for 6 months prior to spawning (experiment A); the same diet as in A but for either 3 months (3mC200) or 6 months (6mC200) before spawning (experiment B); diets with one of two levels of astaxanthin supplementation, 50 mg (6mA50) or 100 mg (6mA100) kg⁻¹ feed, or a diet with 100 mg canthaxanthin kg⁻¹ feed (6mC100) fed for 6 months (experiment C).
There was no significant influence of carotenoid supplementation on either the frequency of maturing females or the date of maturation. The number of ova per kg of female body weight averaged 2700 and did not vary significantly among fish fed the different diets. Across experiments A, B and C there was no significant difference in egg and larval survival among fish fed carotenoid-supplemented and control diets. In experiment A, 6mC200 females produced smaller eggs than controls but this result was not confirmed in experiments B and C. In general, eyed egg yield appeared partly dependent upon egg size. Alevin weight was also correlated with egg weight. The growth test conducted on fingerlings from experiment B failed to provide any evidence of an effect of feeding carotenoid supplemented diets to the female parent. Pigment analyses conducted on alevins revealed that canthaxanthin fed to the female parent was transferred into the eggs and therefore to the larvae, although canthaxanthin was metabolized within a few weeks after hatching.     

Effect of Astaxanthin from Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous on the Pigmentation of Goldfish, Carassius auratus

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the addition of astaxanthin from red yeast, Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous, in the diets of goldfish, Carassius auratus. The first was designed to investigate the distribution of pigments in different tissues of goldfish and the effect of astaxanthin in the diet. The carotenoid concentration of tissues was not homogenous. The content of pigments in fish caudal fin was the highest followed by those of scales and head. Flesh had the least carotenoid deposition. Fish fed the diet containing 60 mg/kg astaxanthin had increased concentration of pigment in its head (22.6%), scales (45.5%), flesh (31.0%), and fin (21.2%), compared to fish fed basal diet (P < 0.05). Sixty parts per million astaxanthin had no effect on the weight gain and survival rate. High‐performance liquid chromatography analysis showed astaxanthin in its esterified form in goldfish. The second experiment was aimed at determining the dietary level of astaxanthin that improved color of goldfish. Goldfish were fed the same diet supplemented with 0, 10, 20, 40, 60, and 80 mg yeast astaxanthin/kg for 60 d. The deposition of carotenoids in goldfish fed diets supplemented with astaxanthin increased significantly (P < 0.05) after 15 d of feeding compared to that of the fish fed the diet without astaxanthin, but the effect of dosage of astaxanthin in the diets on the color of goldfish was not completely evident until Day 60 (P < 0.05). During the period of 15–45 d, the deposition of pigments in fish did not increase significantly (P > 0.05) in any treatment with the exception of the diet with 40 mg yeast astaxanthin/kg.     

Pigmentation, carotenoids, lipid peroxides and lipid composition of skin of red porgy (Pagrus pagrus) fed diets supplemented with different astaxanthin sources

A feeding experiment was carried out to determine the efficiency of different commercial sources, chemical forms and levels, of dietary astaxanthin, to appropriately pigment the red porgy (Pagrus pagrus) skin. According to this, total carotenoid content, profiles and chemical forms present in the skin were determined. In order to establish the potential for antioxidant protecting role of astaxanthin supplemented diets, peroxide levels and lipid composition of skin were also determined.

Red porgy alevins were fed six dietary treatments in triplicate; a basal diet (B) without carotenoids; two diets (N25 and N50) formulated to supply either 25 or 50 mg kg^− 1 of an esterified source of astaxanthin (Haematococcus pluvialis, NatuRose™); two diets (CP25 and CP50) with either 25 or 50 mg kg^− 1 of unesterified astaxanthin (Carophyll® Pink); and a positive control diet (B + S) proved as a successful pigmenting-diet in previous experiences (B + S, 88% basal diet:12% frozen shrimp) [Cejas, J., Almansa, E., Tejera, N., Jerez, S., Bolaños, A., Lorenzo, A., 2003. Effect of dietary supplementation with shrimp on skin pigmentation and lipid composition of red porgy (P. pagrus) alevins. Aquaculture 218, 457–469].

All fish fed carotenoid supplemented diets displayed a pink-coloured skin after 4 months of feeding in contrast to the greyish appearance displayed by fish fed the basal diet not supplemented with carotenoids (B). Furthermore, astaxanthin diesters were the major carotenoid in the skin of pink fish. A second carotenoid, tentatively identified as tunaxanthin diester, was also detected. The best results in terms of skin natural reddish hue, total carotenoid and astaxanthin contents were found by using the esterified forms of dietary astaxanthin (N25, N50 and B + S). Interestingly, the lowest levels of lipid peroxides were found in the fish fed these three treatments. However, no effect of treatment on lipid composition was found. In conclusion, red porgy alevins are able to efficiently utilise dietary natural or synthetic astaxanthin, and deposit this pigment in its esterified form to acquire an acceptable pink-coloured skin compared to that of the wild fish.     

Effect of Astaxanthin on the Pigmentation of Goldfish Carassius auratus

The optimal dosage of astaxanthin for goldfish Carassius auratus was determined by feeding a series of diets containing 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg of astaxanthin/kg of diet for 4 wk. The pigmentation on fish skin was measured by visual assessment against a color chart and by counting chromatophores produced in the dermis layer of fish skin. Both criteria showed that 36–37 mg/kg astaxanthin was the optimal dosage to stimulate fish color. A 4-wk observation after this experiment demonstrated that fish color stimulated by dietary astaxanthin was stable in its intensity. Therefore feeding astaxanthin could be a suitable way for goldfish producers to stimulate color among fish grown in an algae-free environment. The survival rate of fish fed diets with astaxanthin was significantly higher than fish fed diets without astaxanthin. However, there was no significant effect of astaxanthin on fish weight gain.     

The Use of Natural Carotenoids and Growth Performance,Skin Pigmentation,and Immune Response in Fancy Carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Fancy carp were fed seven dietary treatments with natural pigment sources (tea, mulberry, cassava) at a specific rate to achieve a total carotenoid (TC) concentration in the diet of 25 mg/kg. Growth performance among treatments was not significantly different (p ≥ 0.05). TC and skin redness (a*) of fish fed tea leaves was higher than the other treatments (p ≤ 0.05). Fish fed with tea extract and cassava leaves had higher serum astaxanthin concentrations than the other groups (p ≤ 0.05). This group also retained serum astaxanthin and red color better than other groups two weeks post treatment (p ≤ 0.05). Phagocytic activity was significantly greater in fish fed carotenoid supplements compared with the control group (P ≤ 0.05). Therefore, dietary supplementation with 25 mg/kg tea leaves is sufficient to obtain good coloration in fancy carp as well as enhance immunity.     

Effect of Dietary Astaxanthin on Growth,Survival, and Stress Tolerance of Postlarval Shrimp,Litopenaeus vannamei

The effect of dietary astaxanthin on growth, survival, and stress tolerance was determined in postlarval Litopenaeus vannamei. An experiment was performed with postlarval shrimp (mean initial wet weight 1.2 mg) fed four isoenergic and isonitrogenous diets containing four supplemented levels of astaxanthin (0, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg diet, respectively). Shrimp fed diets containing 100, 200, and 400 mg astaxanthin/kg diet for 30 d showed higher weight gain (WG, %) and survival compared to the control (without supplementation of astaxanthin). Specific growth rate (SGR, %/day) and final body wet weight (FBW, mg) showed the same pattern as WG. There were no significant differences in growth performance (FBW, WG, and SGR) among the groups fed the diets with astaxanthin supplementation at the termination of feeding trial. Survival of shrimp in the control and 100 mg/kg diet treatments was significantly lower than that of shrimp in the treatments with 200 and 400 mg/kg diet. After 9 d of a stress tolerance test, survival of shrimp in the 200 and 400 mg astaxanthin/kg treatments was significantly higher than that of shrimp in the 0 and 100 mg astaxanthin/kg treatments (P < 0.05). We concluded from this experiment that astaxanthin was a necessary ingredient for the development of larval L. vannamei. Considering the effect of astaxanthin on both, growth performance and survival of postlarval L. vannamei, the level of astaxanthin supplemented in the diet should be between 100 mg and 200 mg/kg of diet.     

虾青素和角黄素对虹鳟肌肉着色和肝脏总抗氧化能力的影响

分别在基础饲料(对照组)中添加100 mg/kg的虾青素、角黄素,混合色素(50 mg/kg虾青素+50 mg/kg角黄素)饲喂初始体重为(56.60±0.63) g的虹鳟60 d,考察虾青素和角黄素对虹鳟肌肉着色和肝脏总抗氧化能力的影响。结果显示,饲料中添加了虾青素、角黄素和混合色素后对虹鳟增重率、饲料系数及肌肉常规成分、肌肉失水率、含肉率均无显著影响(P> 0.05)。虾青素组、角黄素组和混合色素组虹鳟肌肉的比色卡得分、红度、虾青素含量和血清总类胡萝卜素含量均比对照组有显著提高(P< 0.05);虾青素组虹鳟肌肉比色卡得分(26.25)和红度值(18.40)显著高于角黄素组(22.38, 14.13)和混合色素组(24.00, 15.70)(P< 0.05);虾青素组虹鳟肌肉虾青素含量为4.75 mg/kg (30 d)和6.45 mg/kg (60 d),均显著高于混合色素组的3.87 mg/kg (30 d)和5.48 mg/kg (60 d)(P< 0.05);在虹鳟血清总类胡萝卜素含量方面,虾青素组 > 混合色素组 > 角黄素组;虾青素组、角黄素组、混合色素组虹鳟肝脏的总抗氧化能力之间无显著差异(P> 0.05),分别为2.39 U/mg,2.25 U/mg,2.39 U/mg,均较对照组(2.03 U/mg)显著提高(P< 0.05)。上述结果表明：饲料中添加100 mg/kg虾青素、角黄素及虾青素+角黄素混合(1∶1)均能有效改善虹鳟肌肉颜色,提高肝脏总抗氧化能力,虾青素、虾青素+角黄素混合(1∶1)对虹鳟肌肉的着色效果优于角黄素。     

Effects of dried fairy shrimp Streptocephalus sirindhornae meal on pigmentation and carotenoid deposition in flowerhorn cichlid; Amphilophus citrinellus (Günther, 1864) × Cichlasoma trimaculatum (Günther, 1867)

We investigated the effects of dried fairy shrimp Streptocephalus sirindhornae meal (FS) on skin pigmentation and carotenoid deposition in flowerhorn cichlid. Six experimental diets including three treatments of FS at 10% (FS10), 20% (FS20) and 30% (FS30), two dried Spirulina sp. meal (SP) at 6% (SP6) and 12% (SP12), and a control diet (a basal diet without FS or SP) were offered for 90 days. The results demonstrate an increase in the flowerhorn cichlid skin pigmentation from alternative carotenoid feeding. Fish fed the FS diet displayed higher (P ≤ 0.05) chroma and redness values than those fed with a SP diet. The hue value (measure for skin pigmentation) was high when fish were fed with FS20 for 30 and 60 days (P ≤ 0.01). However, fish also showed high hue values when fed for 90 days with FS10 (P ≤ 0.01). The FS20 treatment gave better results than other treatments in terms of total carotenoid, canthaxanthin, astaxanthin and β‐carotene concentration in the skin and musculature. The optimum level of FS in flowerhorn cichlid diets for achieving the highest skin pigmentation was 20%.     

Natural bixin as a potential carotenoid for enhancing pigmentation and colour in goldfish (Carassius auratus)

Discovering natural carotenoids for colour enhancement and health benefits of fish is important to develop new feed formulations. We have purified natural bixin from achiote seeds and evaluated the effect of colour enhancing and pigmentation in goldfish. Varying levels of bixin‐based diets were prepared with 420 g kg^?1 of crude protein and 120 g kg^?1 of lipid content. Our results clearly showed that bixin (0.05, 0.10, 0.20 and 0.60 g kg^?1) based diets significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced the skin and fin colour at 30 and 60 days compared to diet without bixin. Interestingly, diet which contains 0.20 g kg^?1 bixin and commercial feed (with astaxanthin) had similar effect on carotenoid deposition in skin. Moreover, total carotenoid deposition in fin was higher than in skin of all bixin‐containing diets. However, 0.60 g kg^?1 bixin‐containing diet had lower specific growth rate (1.01 ± 0.01) and higher feed conversion ratio (2.05 ± 0.19) compared to the control group. The present results demonstrate that achiote bixin can be successfully used as an alternative natural carotenoid source against synthetic astaxanthin in fish feed. Our data indicate that 0.20 g kg^?1 is a suitable dietary level of bixin to ensure strong pigmentation, acceptable growth and feed utilization in goldfish.     

Efficacy and tolerance of lutein as colourant in diet of juvenile soft‐shelled turtle Pelodiscus sinensis

The effects of dietary supplementation of lutein on the growth, haematological profile and pigmentation in target tissues of the soft‐shelled turtles were investigated. Five experimental diets were prepared with lutein levels at 1.16 (D1, control), 70.3 (D2), 132 (D3) and 239 (D4) mg kg^?1, and one more high inclusion level of 3410 mg kg^?1 (D5) was included for tolerance test. Each diet was fed to 24 juvenile turtles for 8w. Specific growth rate (SGR) in D2, D3 and D4 was significantly higher than that of group D1 and D5. Skin yellowness (b*) and chroma (C*) of both carapace and plastron skin were all significantly increased with higher dietary lutein levels. Dietary lutein supplementation turned the H° values of skins into yellowness. The accumulation of lutein in skin and muscle also augmented significantly with increasing lutein levels and fit a logarithmic correlation with dietary lutein levels. There were almost no differences in haematological parameters of all turtles. Lutein is an efficient and safe colourant in diet of soft‐shelled turtle. The optimal inclusion levels for the highest SGR and desired skin colour in carapace and plastron of soft‐shelled turtle were 162, 142 and 143 mg kg^?1, respectively.     

Response of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) to varying dietary astaxanthin/canthaxanthin ratio: colour and carotenoid retention of the muscle

Rainbow trout with an average initial weight of 160 g were fed during 42 days diets containing varied keto‐carotenoids astaxanthin (Ax)/canthaxanthin (Cx) ratio, as follows: Ax 100% : Cx 0%; Ax 75% : Cx 25%; Ax 50% : Cx 50%; Ax 25% : Cx 75% and Ax 0% : Cx 100%. Muscle colour and carotenoid muscle retention were studied. Colour parameter values for mixed astaxanthin–canthaxanthin‐fed fish were intermediate between those obtained for Ax 0% : Cx 100% fed fish group and for Ax 100% : Cx 0% fed fish group. Concerning muscle carotenoid retention, it has been observed that as the level of canthaxanthin in diet increased, the muscle total carotenoid retention decreased. In the mean time, as the level of canthaxanthin in diet increased, the muscle astaxanthin retention decreased while that of canthaxanthin increased. The results reported here provide further evidence of non‐beneficial effects in terms of muscle colour and muscle carotenoid retention of the use of varying dietary astaxanthin/canthaxanthin ratio for feeding rainbow trout compared to values obtained for astaxanthin‐only feed.     

Pigmentation and growth performance in the blue gourami,Trichogaster trichopterus,fed marigold,Calendula officinalis,powder, a natural carotenoid source

The present study aimed to determine the effects of different levels of marigold, Calendula officinalis, powder, 0 (control), 0.5% (M0.5), 1.5% (M1.5), and 2.5% (M2.5), on pigmentation and growth performance of the blue gourami after a 70‐day trial. At the end of the experiment, no significant differences (p > 0.05) were found in fish growth performance and body compositions. Color parameters (L*, a*, and b*) were weekly evaluated by examining a point posterior to the fish operculum. The marigold‐fed fish were darker than the control fish at Weeks 9 and 10. Yellowness intensity of the M2.5 was significantly higher than the other treatments at Week 9. Skin and caudal fin total carotenoids, astaxanthin, canthaxanthin, and β‐carotene contents of the treatment M2.5 were significantly different (p < 0.05) compared to the other treatments. Muscle total carotenoids, astaxanthin, and canthaxanthin contents of the marigold‐treated fish were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the control group. Muscle β‐carotene contents of the treatments M1.5 and M2.5 were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the control group. This study shows that marigold powder may be considered an efficient natural carotenoid source for pigmentation in blue gourami.     

Effects of E/Z Isomers and Coating Materials of Astaxanthin Products on the Pigmentation and Antioxidation of Rainbow Trout,Oncorhynchus mykiss

The objective of this study was to compare the effects of four astaxanthin preparations with different ratio of E/Z (trans/cis) isomers and different coating materials on the pigmentation and antioxidation properties of rainbow trout. Five diets were designed as basal diet (without astaxanthin supplementation) and four astaxanthin diets (100 mg/kg diet) supplemented with four astaxanthin products, BASF (79% all‐E, gelatin coated), Wisdom‐B (85% all‐E, gelatin coated), Wisdom‐C (94% all‐E, carrageenan coated), and Wisdom‐D (94% all‐E, gelatin coated). After 4 wk feeding, the flesh astaxanthin content, redness, and yellowness of astaxanthin‐supplemented groups were higher than those of control group at the second and fourth week (P < 0.05). Among these astaxanthin‐supplemented groups, the Wisdom‐B group had the highest flesh redness and astaxanthin content. The astaxanthin‐supplemented groups also had the lower flesh frozen loss and malondialdehyde level than control group at the fourth week (P < 0.05). The results indicated that dietary 100 mg/kg astaxanthin could improve the flesh redness and antioxidation abilities of rainbow trout. The ration of E/Z isomers and properties of coating materials of astaxanthin preparations influenced the pigmentation and antioxidation properties, and Wisdom‐B had a better pigmentation effect on the flesh than other astaxanthin preparations.     

Effects of dietary astaxanthin on the growth,innate immunity and antioxidant defence system of Paramisgurnus dabryanus

The effects of astaxanthin supplementationon the growth, innate immunity and antioxidant defence system of loach (Paramisgurnus dabryanus) were investigated in this study. A total of 450 fish (initial average weights of 3.00 ± 0.10 g) were fed five diets with graded levels of astaxanthin (0.00, 50.00, 100.00, 150.00 and 200.00 mg/kg) for 56 days. The results showed that astaxanthin supplementation significantly stimulated the growth (FBW, WG, FER, HSI), innate immunity (AKP activity in the hepatopancreas, intestinal tract, muscle and skin and LZM activity in the hepatopancreas, intestinal tract and skin), antioxidant ability (T‐SOD, GSH‐PX and CAT activities and T‐AOC, GSH and MDA contents in the hepatopancreas, intestinal tract, muscle and skin) of loach. Moreover, dietary astaxanthin supplementation significantly up‐regulated the relative mRNA levels of Nrf2 and Maf, and down‐regulated the relative mRNA level of Keap1 in the hepatopancreas when the supplementation levels of astaxanthin were 50–200 mg/kg. In conclusion, the diets with 100–151.06 mg/kg astaxanthin supplementation were optimal for loach, which based on the growth, immunity and antioxidant‐related indicators, and the astaxanthin supplementation regulated the antioxidant ability partially referring to Keap1‐Nrf2 signallings.