饲料Vc对异育银鲫的生理效应及其适宜添加量

在精制饲料中分别添加不同剂量Vc(0、37.5、75、15 0、30 0、6 0 0和 12 0 0mg/kg) ,连续投喂异育银鲫 (方正银鲫♀×兴国红鲤♂ ) (Carassiusauratusgitelio) 8周。结果显示 ,当饲料中缺乏Vc时异育银鲫虽没有出现明显的缺乏症状 ,但日增重率、血红蛋白含量和血清POD酶活性均低于Vc添加组 ,而红细胞脆性极显著地高于高剂量Vc添加组 (P <0 .0 1) ;同时 ,经新复极差检验 ,在适宜范围内随着饲料Vc含量增加 ,异育银鲫日增重率、血红蛋白含量、POD活性等指标显著提高 ,而红细胞脆性明显下降 (P <0 .0 5 )。综合以上指标的非线性回归分析结果 ,建议生产上异育银鲫饲料Vc适宜添加量为 30 0～ 5 0 0mg/kg。     

虾青素对红白锦鲤体色、生长的影响

为研究虾青素对锦鲤体色、生长的影响,在基础饲料中添加不同量的虾青素对红白锦鲤幼鱼进行了饲喂试验。试验鱼的初始体质量为7.31±0.12 g,饲料中虾青素的添加量分别为0、100、400、700、1 000、1 300、1 600 mg·kg-1,表观饱食投喂60 d。结果表明:随着虾青素添加量的增加,锦鲤皮肤和背鳍中的类胡萝卜素含量逐渐升高,700 mg·kg-1组的类胡萝卜素显著高于添加量为0的对照组,最高值出现在1 600 mg·kg-1组,但1 600 mg·kg-1组背鳍中的类胡萝卜素含量与1 000、1 300 mg·kg-1组间差异不显著;在促生长方面,100、700 mg·kg-1组的体质量增长率(BWG)、蛋白质效率(PER)显著高于对照组,虾青素添加量对锦鲤的肥满度(CF)、肝体指数(HSI)、脏体指数(VSI)无显著影响。研究结果说明,在饲料中添加虾青素可有效改变锦鲤的体色。综合考虑经济效益,饲料中虾青素的适宜添加量为700 mg·kg-1。     

免疫增强剂对异育银鲫非特异免疫力的影响

分别用添加1%酵母细胞壁(1号饲料)、1%酵母细胞壁+0.23%Vc+0.02%VE(2号饲料)、1%免疫多糖(3号饲料)的饲料投喂异育银鲫,并于试验后4、11、17、24、31 d测定头肾巨噬细胞吞噬活性、血清溶菌酶活性和血清杀菌活性.结果表明,与对照组相比,3组饲料均能显著提高异育银鲫的头肾巨噬细胞吞噬活性、血清溶菌酶活性和血清杀菌活性,其中3号饲料效果最为显著,其次为2号饲料.     

饲料VC 对草鱼生长、肌肉品质及非特异性免疫的影响

采用维生素C(Vc,以Vc磷酸酯为Vc源)添加量分别为50mg/kg、100mg/kg、150mg/kg、200mg/kg、300mg/kg饲料的配合饲料,喂养体质量(42.4±5.0)g的草鱼(Ctenopharyngodon idellus)60d,以不添加Vc的基础饲料饲喂组为对照,探讨vc对草鱼生长性能、肌肉品质和非特异性免疫的影响.结果表明,饲料中添加Vc能显著提高草鱼增重率,降低饲料系数,当Vc添加量为150～200mg/kg时,草鱼生长性能最佳:随Vc添加量增加,肌肉失水率、肌纤维直径和肌原纤维耐折力呈增加趋势;肌肉胶原蛋白含量和肝脏Vc含量随Vc添加量的增加而增加;Vc添加量为150mg/kg及以上水平时,各实验组草鱼血清碱性磷酸酶(AKP)活性比对照组显著提高(p＜0.05);Vc添加量达到300mg/kg后血清溶菌酶(LSZ)活性比对照组显著提高(P＜0.05);各组间血清超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性差异不显著(P＜0.05).上述研究表明,饲料中添加Vc能促进草鱼生长,改善肌肉品质,增强非特异性免疫力.适宜的Vc添加量为150mg/kg饲料.     

外源木聚糖酶对异育银鲫生长、超氧化物歧化酶及溶菌酶活性的影响

在基础饲料中分别添加0 mg/kg、50 mg/kg、100 mg/kg和200 mg/kg的木聚糖酶,饲养初始体重6.71 g左右的异育银鲫(Carassius auratus gibelio)56 d后,研究了木聚糖酶对异育银鲫生长、超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)和溶菌酶活性的影响。结果表明:添加100 mg/kg木聚糖酶组异育银鲫的增重率和特定生长率最大,显著大于对照组(P<0.05),同时该组异育银鲫的饲料系数最低,显著低于对照组(P<0.05)。添加50 mg/kg和100 mg/kg木聚糖酶可显著提高异育银鲫血清、脾脏、肝胰脏、头肾SOD活性以及血清、头肾、脾脏溶菌酶活性。     

壳聚糖和益生菌对异育银鲫非特异免疫功能及血清甲状腺激素、皮质醇水平的影响

为探讨壳聚糖和益生菌是否通过甲状腺激素、皮质醇对异育银鲫的非特异免疫功能的进行调控,试验以基础饲料为对照,在基础饲料中分别添加0.50%壳聚糖A、0.50%壳聚糖B、0.20%益生菌以及0.50%壳聚糖A与0.05%益生菌的混合物制备试验饲料,饲养异育银鲫64d后,测定各组鱼外周血白细胞数量及其分类、白细胞吞噬活性、脾脏溶菌酶活性、脾脏淋巴细胞转化能力;同时采用放射免疫分析法测定异育银鲫血清中三碘甲腺原氨酸(T3)、甲状腺素(T4)及皮质醇含量。结果表明,饲料中添加壳聚糖、益生菌或其混合物对异育银鲫白细胞总数无显著影响,但是可显著提高异育银鲫外周血淋巴细胞数量、白细胞吞噬活性和脾脏溶菌酶活性(P<0.05),显著降低外周血多形核细胞数量(P<0.05)。除了壳聚糖A能够显著提高异育银鲫脾脏B淋巴细胞转化能力之外,其余试验组的脾脏T、B淋巴细胞转化能力均与对照组无显著差异(P>0.05)。同时发现饲料中添加壳聚糖、益生菌或其混合物可以显著提高异育银鲫血清中T3的含量(P<0.05)、显著降低异育银鲫血清中皮质醇的含量(P<0.05),除了壳聚糖B对异育银鲫血清中T4的含量无显著影响(P>0.05)之外,其余均可...     

饲料中高水平维生素A对幼建鲤生长、饲料利用及免疫反应的影响

通过对幼建鲤(平均初重11.37±0.55 g)投喂5组不同维生素A水平的饲料(维生素A含量分别是3 969、23 816、39 693、99 233及158 773 IU·k~(-1)),进行70 d的饲养试验以及攻毒(为期15 d)和免疫接种试验(为期24 d),研究饲料中高水平维生素A对幼建鲤生长、饲料利用及免疫反应的影响。结果表明,饲料中过高维生素A显著地降低幼建鲤的体增重、净蛋白沉积率、肝胰脏重量、肠道皱襞高度、脾体指数、血红细胞、白细胞数量、血清溶菌酶活力及用灭活嗜水气单胞菌免疫后17、24 d血清抗体水平(P<0.05);显著提高饲料系数、肝胰脏维生素A含量(P<0.05),而对成活率、摄饵量、头肾体指数、后肾重量、后肾体指数,而用灭活嗜水气单胞菌免疫后0、10 d血清抗体水平影响不显著(P>0.05)。当饲料维生素A含量为158 773 IU·kg~(-1)时,对幼建鲤产生毒性作用。     

饲料过氧化水平对双齿围沙蚕生长、体组成及抗氧化指标的影响

以新鲜鱼油和氧化鱼油为脂肪源,制备6种过氧化水平的饲料,连续饲养初始体质量为(48. 8±0. 6) mg的双齿围沙蚕(Perinereis aibuhitensis) 60 d,然后测定沙蚕生长性能、体组成及抗氧化指标。结果表明,当饲料过氧化值(POV)超过7. 74 meq·kg~(-1)时,饲料系数显著上升,蛋白质效率和蛋白质沉积率则显著下降;当饲料POV超过11. 38 meq·kg~(-1)时,双齿围沙蚕的存活率、末体质量和特定生长率显著下降;沙蚕粗蛋白和体水分随饲料POV升高而逐渐降低,粗脂肪则随饲料POV升高而逐渐升高,灰分含量不受饲料POV显著影响;沙蚕丙二醛(MDA)含量随饲料POV升高而升高,谷胱甘肽(GSH)含量变化趋势与MDA相反,随饲料POV升高而逐渐降低,超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)和过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性均表现为先升高后降低,分别在饲料POV为11. 38 meq·kg~(-1)和7. 74meq·kg~(-1)时升至最高值。因此,双齿围沙蚕饲料的POV不宜超过7. 74 meq·kg~(-1),最好在4. 12 meq·kg~(-1)以下。     

卵形鲳鲹幼鱼对维生素B_2的需要量

为研究卵形鲳鲹(Trachinotus ovatus)幼鱼对饲料中维生素B_2的最适需要量,配制维生素B_2水平为10 mg·kg~(-1)、4.4 mg·kg~(-1)、6.2 mg·kg~(-1)、8.0 mg·kg~(-1)、11.3 mg·kg~(-1)、15.5 mg·kg~(-1)的6种实验饲料,每种饲料设3个平行,每个平行放25尾初始均质量为(11.63±0.17) g的卵形鲳鲹幼鱼,每日2次饱食,投喂8周。结果显示,4.4 mg·kg~(-1)组幼鱼的增重率、特定生长率均显著高于0 mg·kg~(-1)组(P0.05),血清中谷草转氨酶、谷丙转氨酶活性显著低于0 mg·kg~(-1)组(P0.05),但饲料中维生素B_2水平对饲料系数、成活率、肝脏维生素B_2含量、血清免疫指标、全鱼粗脂肪和粗蛋白、肌肉水分、粗脂肪和灰分均无显著影响(P0.05);6.2 mg·kg~(-1)组肝脏D-氨基酸氧化酶(D-AAO)活性显著高于0 mg·kg~(-1)组(P0.05)。折线模型分析显示,卵形鲳鲹获得最佳生长和肝脏D-AAO活力达到最大时对饲料中维生素B_2的需要量分别为4.23 mg·kg~(-1)和6.24 mg·kg~(-1)。     

维生素C、E对中华绒螯蟹生殖性能的影响

通过对河蟹雌性亲体投喂不添加或添加VC、VE的4组实验饲料,并以新鲜河蚌为对照,进行198d饲养试验,以雌蟹性腺系数、产卵力、孵化率以及各组织中SOD活性、MDA含量等指标作为判据,研究了VC、VE对雌蟹生殖性能的影响。结果表明,1(投喂添加0.5mg·(100g)-1VC饲料组)、2(投喂添加0.022mg·(100g)-1VE饲料组)和3(投喂添加0.5mg·(100g)-1VC饲料和0.022mg·(100g)-1VE饲料组)3个组雌蟹的产卵力分别为3620个卵细胞·g-1体重、3540个卵细胞·g-1体重、3710个卵细胞·g-1体重,孵化率分别是83.03%、84.06%、86.27%,均极显著高于4组(投喂未添加维生素饲料组)雌蟹的产卵力(2490个卵细胞·g-1体重)和孵化率(29.28%)(P<0.01),也显著高于5组(饲喂河蚌)雌蟹的产卵力(3010个卵细胞·g-1体重)和孵化率(71.12%)(P<0.05)。雌蟹卵巢中SOD活性,1、2和3组则比4组和5组显著低(P<0.05),分别为56.35Nu·mL-1、53.61Nu·mL-1和39.87Nu·mL-1,相应地,MDA含量分别为6.03nmol·mL-1、5.65nmol·mL-1和5.57nmol·mL-1;4组雌蟹,虽然其卵巢中SOD活性较高,达79.25Nu·mL-1,但因饲料中缺乏抗氧化性的VC、VE,引发卵子脂质过氧化,MDA含量显著增加(P<0.05),为23.18nmol·mL-1,导致卵质低下,从而影响了卵子孵化。综上所述,雌蟹饲料中添加适量的VC     

Association between the interannual variation in the oceanic environment and catch rates of bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) in the Atlantic Ocean

The environmental processes associated with variability in the catch rates of bigeye tuna in the Atlantic Ocean are largely unexplored. This study used generalized additive models (GAMs) fitted to Taiwanese longline fishery data from 1990 to 2009 and investigated the association between environmental variables and catch rates to identify the processes influencing bigeye tuna distribution in the Atlantic Ocean. The present findings reveal that the year (temporal factor), latitude and longitude (spatial factors), and major regular longline target species of albacore catches are significant for the standardization of bigeye tuna catch rates in the Atlantic Ocean. The standardized catch rates and distribution of bigeye tuna were found to be related to environmental and climatic variation. The model selection processes showed that the selected GAMs explained 70% of the cumulative deviance in the entire Atlantic Ocean. Regarding environmental factors, the depth of the 20 degree isotherm (D20) substantially contributed to the explained deviance; other important factors were sea surface temperature (SST) and sea surface height deviation (SSHD). The potential fishing grounds were observed with SSTs of 22–28°C, a D20 shallower than 150 m and negative SSHDs in the Atlantic Ocean. The higher predicted catch rates were increased in the positive northern tropical Atlantic and negative North Atlantic Oscillation events with a higher SST and shallow D20, suggesting that climatic oscillations affect the population abundance and distribution of bigeye tuna.     

Growth performance,digestive enzyme activity and immune response of Japanese sea bass,Lateolabrax japonicus fed with fructooligosaccharide

In this experiment, a feeding trial was performed to determine the effects of fructooligosaccharide (FOS) on growth performance, digestive enzyme activity and immune response of Japanese sea bass, Lateolabrax japonicus juveniles (initial weight 38.3 ± 0.5 g), and the fish were examined following feeding with six levels of FOS (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 6 g/kg) for 28 days. Significant enhancement of weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) was found in fish fed 1 g/kg FOS incorporated diets (p < .05), while the feed conversion ratio (FCR) in the 1, 2 g/kg FOS groups reduced significantly compared with the control (p < .05). Besides, the crude lipid in the 4, 6 g/kg FOS groups increased significantly compared with the control (p < .05). On the other hand, the erepsin and lipase activities significantly elevated in intestine of fish fed 2 g/kg FOS (p < .05) and the lysozyme activity in serum of fish fed 2 g/kg FOS were significantly higher than that in the control (p < .05). Moreover, the alkaline phosphatase activities in serum of fish fed 0.5, 1, 2 g/kg FOS were significantly higher than in control (p < .05). Regression analysis showed that the relationships between dietary FOS levels and either SGR, FCR, erepsin or lysozyme activities were best expressed by regression equations, and the optimal inclusion levels are 1.37, 1.80, 3.06, 3.11, 1.93 and 1.80 g/kg for SGR, FCR, erepsin, lipase, lysozyme and total superoxide dismutase activities, respectively. Overall, this study revealed that FOS incorporated diets could beneficial for L. japonicus culture in terms of increasing the growth, digestion and immune activities. Under the present experimental condition, the optimal supplementary level of FOS in the diet of L. japonicus is 1–3 g/kg.     

Involvement of gonadal steroids in final oocyte maturation of white perch (Morone americana) and white bass (M. chrysops): in vivo and in vitro studies

Plasma estradiol-17 (E₂), testosterone (T), 17,20-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (DHP) and 17,20,21-tri-hydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (20-S) levels were measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA) in white perch (Morone americana) and white bass (M. chrysops) that were induced to undergo final oocyte maturation (FOM) with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). Plasma DHP levels increased in females of both species in association with oocyte germinal vesicle migration (GVM) and germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) and decreased thereafter. Plasma 20-S levels also increased with oocyte GVM in white bass, but were several-fold lower than DHP levels. Circulating E₂ and T levels were greatest during GVM and GVBD in both species and decreased to low levels during oocyte hydration and ovulation. Follicles from white perch and white bass which received a priming injection of hCG in vivo, produced both DHP and 20-S in vitro after exposure to hCG and their oocytes underwent GVBD. Ovarian incubates from unprimed fish of either species produced only E₂ and T and their oocytes did not complete GVBD. Oocytes from unprimed bass, but not perch, matured when follicles were exposed to hCG in vitro. Both trilostane and cycloheximide blocked in vitro production of DHP and 20-S and oocyte GVBD by white perch follices. DHP and 20-S were equipotent inducers of FOM in the GVBD bioassay. None of several other structurally-related steroids tested were effective within a physiological range of concentrations. These results indicate a role for DHP and 20-S in the control of FOM in white perch and white bass.     

Cardiac,ventilatory and metabolic responses of two ecologically dissimilar species of fish to waterborne cyanide

Changes in heart rate, ventilatory activity and oxygen consumption were determined in trout (Salmo gairdneri) and brown bullhead catfish (Ictalurus nebulosus) during exposure to a steadily increasing concentration of waterborne cyanide selected to produce death in 8–9 hours for each species. The lethal cyanide concentration for the bullheads was an order of magnitude higher than for trout. Trout developed an immediate and gradually increasing bradycardia throughout the exposure period. Cyanide produced tachycardia in the bullhead followed by a gradual onset of bradycardia as the concentration of cyanide was raised. Pericardial injection of atropine (a muscarinic cholinergic antagonist) indicated that bradycardia in the trout was due initially to increased vagal tone but later due to the direct effect of cyanide on the heart. Hyperventilation in the trout persisted throughout the exposure period, although the rate and amplitude fluctuated and was variable between individual fish. During the last hour of exposure (highest cyanide concentration), ventilation was characterized by rapid, shallow breaths followed by a sudden respiratory arrest. The bullheads exhibited hyperventilation during the first 3 hours of exposure followed by a gradual, linear drop in ventilation rate and amplitude until death occurred. Cardiac and ventilatory responses in both species were attributed to stimulation of central and peripheral chemoreceptors by cyanide. Evidence is presented which suggests the initial response in the bullheads was due, at least in part, to gustatory stimulation by the cyanide. Oxygen consumption of the trout remained above pre-exposure levels for the majority of the test period. Oxygen consumption in the bullhead paralleled the changes in heart and ventilatory rates. Whole-body lactate levels of fingerlings of both species during cyanide exposure were measured to estimate the extent of anaerobiosis. Whole-body lactate levels were much greater in the bullheads than the trout, indicating a higher capacity for anaerobiosis, possibly due to a greater fuel supply. Overall, the trout responded to cyanide in a manner similar to that produced by environmental hypoxia whereas the bullheads experienced a gustatory stimulus which masked the hypoxia-like response.     

An overview of stress physiology of fish transport: changes in water quality as a function of transport duration

This study brings an integrated analysis about the relationship between water deterioration and its physiological consequences in live fish transport. The analysis was focused on the transport water and its deterioration, and physiological challenges imposed on the fish. Usual commercial handling procedures employed to mitigate fish stress during transport were discussed. Future topics of research for the establishment of safer fish transport protocols were proposed. Transport was classified into short (≤8 h) or long transport (>8 h). The main issue in short transports should be the prevention of water pH reduction, while in long transports it is the increase in ammonia. Plasma cortisol is the most employed marker for stress and is acutely elevated upon short episodes of transport, but remains elevated even in long‐transport events. Plasma glucose is perhaps a better marker for handling stress. Plasma lactate, pH, osmolality CO₂ and ions should be more often evaluated. Plasma Na⁺ and Cl^‐ are very useful markers of acidosis, due to their respective exchange for H⁺ and , for acid–base regulation. The establishment of species‐specific transport protocols should be preceded by such combined analyses of water and physiological parameters.     

Are hatchery‐reared abalone naïve of predators? Comparing the behaviours of wild and hatchery‐reared northern abalone,Haliotis kamtschatkana (Jonas, 1845)

Abalone populations have declined worldwide, generating interest in enhancement using hatchery‐reared individuals. In many cases, such restoration efforts have met with limited success due to high predator‐induced mortality rates. Furthermore, the mortality rates of outplanted hatchery abalone are often considerably higher than for wild individuals. This study uses northern abalone (Haliotis kamtschatkana) as a case study to determine whether hatchery‐reared abalone behave differently than their wild counterparts. In the field, outplanted hatchery‐reared abalone were significantly less responsive than wild abalone, in terms of number of abalone responding and intensity of response, to nearby movement and to physical contact with an inert probe. Also, when encountering a cue to which all abalone responded (a seastar predator), hatchery‐reared individuals remained subdued. Anti‐predator behavioural deficits in hatchery‐reared abalone were more pronounced in 4‐year‐old individuals than in 1‐year‐old individuals, suggesting an influence of either age or amount of time spent in the hatchery environment. These behavioural differences are expected to increase the vulnerability of hatchery‐reared abalone to predators, and are likely a major cause of their elevated predator‐induced mortality when outplanted.     

Effects of cadmium on the kinetics of calcium uptake in developing tilapia larvae, Oreochromis mossambicus

The toxic effects of Cd²⁺ on Ca²⁺ influx kinetics in developing tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) larvae were evaluated. Addition of 20 µg l^-1 of Cd²⁺ to the environment of 0 and 3 day-old larvae competitively inhibited the Ca²⁺ uptake within 4h resulting in a great increase in K_m values for Ca²⁺ influx (19.3 and 17.4 fold, respectively) as compared with their respective controls. Consequently, the actual Ca²⁺ influx of larvae in solutions of 0.2 mM Ca²⁺ are suppressed by 32–45%. Also, 3 day-old larvae were more sensitive to internally accumulated Cd²⁺ than 0 day-old larvae. Although the Ca²⁺ influx in 0 and 3 day-old larvae may be restored to the levels of their respective controls with 24h of being transferred to a 20 µg l^-1 Cd²⁺ solution, total body Ca²⁺ content was significantly reduced in 3 day-old larvae. Increased Ca²⁺ uptake efficiency ensures sufficient Ca²⁺ for normal growth. However, rapid increase in Ca²⁺ influx after hatching also leads to higher Cd²⁺ uptake. Exposure to Cd²⁺ will lead to a drop in body Ca²⁺ content resulting in retardation of larval growth. Therefore, we conclude that if Ca²⁺ uptake is interfered with at this critical stage of development, larvae will not be able to maintain normal levels of body Ca²⁺ and will show signs of Cd²⁺ poisoning.     

Migratory dynamics of stream-spawning longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseus)

Abstract– Literature evidence suggests that lake-dwelling longnose gar (Lepisosteus osseus) enter tributary streams to spawn, Until the present study, the dynamics of this breeding migration had never been investigated quantitatively. During the summers of 1991 and 1992, longnose gar were captured as they entered Weaubleau Creek, Missouri, a tributary of Harry S. Truman Reservoir. The in-stream spawning migration began in early April and ended in late May, and was positively correlated with stream flow and water level, and negatively correlated with water temperature. In-stream residence times ranged from 15 to 94 days, with males exhibiting longer residence times than females. Once in-stream, longnose gar travelled as far as 10 km upstream and occupied certain pools at greater relative frequencies. Although the reason for this preferential utilization is not completely understood, it may relate to pool depth and riffle proximity. Longnose gar disperse from the spawning stream great distances, with gar captured in Weaubleau Creek being recaptured up to 48 km away. This information should provide fisheries biologists the means to consider the reproductive ecology of this species in their conservation and management decisions.     

Nutritional regulation of hepatocyte fatty acid desaturation and polyunsaturated fatty acid composition in zebrafish (Danio rerio) and tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

The desaturation and elongation of [1-¹⁴C]18:3n-3 was investigated in hepatocytes of the tropical warm freshwater species, zebrafish (Danio rerio) and Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The hepatocyte fatty acid desaturation/elongation pathway was assayed before and after the fish were fed two experimental diets, a control diet containing fish oil (FO) and a diet containing vegetable oil (VO; a blend of olive, linseed and high oleic acid sunflower oils) for 10 weeks. The VO diet was formulated to provide 1% each of 18:2n-6 and 18:3n-3, and so satisfy the possible EFA requirements of zebrafish and tilapia. At the end of the dietary trial, the lipid and fatty acid composition was determined in whole zebrafish, and liver, white muscle and brain of tilapia. Both zebrafish and tilapia expressed a hepatocyte fatty acid desaturation/elongation pattern consistent with them being freshwater and planktonivorous fish. The data also showed that hepatic fatty acid desaturation/elongation was nutritionally regulated with the activities being higher in fish fed the VO diet compared to fish fed the FO diet. In zebrafish, the main effect of the VO diet was increased fatty acid Δ6 desaturase activity resulting in the production of significantly more 18:4n-3 compared to fish fed the FO diet. In tilapia, all activities in the pathway were greater in fish fed the VO diet resulting in increased amounts of all fatty acids in the pathway, but primarily eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n-3). However, the fatty acid compositional data indicated that despite increased activity, desaturation of 18:3n-3 was insufficient to maintain tissue proportions of EPA and DHA in fish fed the VO diet at the same level as in fish fed the FO diet. Practically, these results indicate that manipulation of tilapia diets in commercial culture in response to the declining global fish oil market would have important consequences for fish fatty acid composition and the health of consumers. Scientifically, zebrafish and tilapia, both the subject of active genome mapping projects, could be useful models for studies of lipid and fatty acid metabolism at a molecular biological and genetic level. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Production of diatom–bacteria biofilm isolated from Seriola lalandi cultures for aquaculture application

Controlled incorporation of selected microalgae and bacteria in aquaculture systems can be beneficial because they can act as microbiological control. That is why the characteristics of biofilm generated naturally in Seriola lalandi culture cages were analysed, their potential benefit to the growth of larvae was studied, and their controlled use for improving the larval viability and as a vector to improve incorporation of previously studied probiotic bacteria was tested. According to biodiversity results, these biofilms are composed of a diatom–bacteria mix showing a decrease in biodiversity in laboratory culture conditions being dominated by Navicula phyllepta and bacteria of the family Rhodobacteraceae. This can be produced on mesh substrates incorporated in bioreactors with rapid growth rate and adhesiveness. Preliminary results from the addition of substrates with this specific biofilm in larvae culture systems showed that it is consumed by the larvae without negative effects, while positive effects on the viability of larvae in combination with probiotics were observed. Considering preliminary results, the addition of these specific substrates with diatom–bacteria biofilms could be a good improvement for aquaculture systems and together with the use of probiotics can contribute to maintaining a stable and controlled system improving the viability of the larval fish culture in its early stages.