饲料中添加植酸酶对南美白对虾生长及磷利用率的影响

在半精制饲料中分别添加1000IU／kg、2000IU／kg、3000IU／kg的植酸酶以及2％Ca(H2PO4)2，以不添加外源磷及植酸酶组为对照，研究以植物蛋白为主要蛋白源的饲料中添加植酸酶对南美白对虾生长和磷消化率的影响。40天的养殖实验结果表明，饲料中添加2％Ca(H2PO4)2，能提高南美白对虾的增重率，但与对照组无显著差异。饲料中添加1000IU／kg植酸酶组的南美白对虾增重率达到最高，但与其它各组没有显著差异。饲料的磷消化率在2％Ca(H2PO4)2组达到最高，蛋白质消化率在各组之间没有明显差异。综上所述，饲料中添加1000IU／kg植酸酶即能有效改善南美白对虾的生长和磷利用率，降低磷排泄。     

饲料铜的添加量对南美白对虾生长、血液免疫因子及组织铜的影响

通过在饲料中分别加入不同水平的硫酸铜,初步研究了饲料铜的添加量与南美白对虾(Litopenaeusvannamei)生长、血液免疫因子及组织中铜分布的关系。饲料铜元素的添加量分别为0、7.5、15、30、45mg/kg。研究结果表明,铜的含量对南美白对虾生长影响显著,添加水平30mg/kg的实验组生长速度显著高于其他组(P<0.05),成活率各组间差异不显著。实验组对虾的酚氧化酶(PO)和超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)的活力都高于对照组,其中当添加水平为30mg/kg时,两种酶的活力均最强。对虾肌肉铜的含量各组间无显著差异,为(4.27±1.83)mg/kg,个体间差异非常大;肝胰脏(包括淋巴器官)铜的最高含量为210.36mg/kg,最低为33.78mg/kg(空白对照组),明显高于肌肉中的含量。研究结果表明,饲料铜的含量对对虾生长影响显著,并影响对虾的免疫能力;肝胰脏是对虾体内铜的主要积累器官。     

拟微绿球藻粉替代鱼粉对大菱鲆幼鱼生长性能、体组成和血清生化指标的影响

为探讨拟微绿球藻(Nannochloropsis sp.)粉替代鱼粉对大菱鲆(Scophthalmus maximusL.)幼鱼生长性能、体组成和血清生化指标的影响,用拟微绿球藻粉替代基础饲料中0%、3.88%、7.76%、11.64%和15.52%的鱼粉,配制成5种等氮等能的饲料(N_0、N_(3.88)、N_(7.76)、N_(11.64)、N_(15.52))。选取初始体重为(24.60±0.02) g的大菱鲆幼鱼600尾,随机分成5组,每组3个重复,每个重复40尾鱼,养殖周期70d。结果显示:1)各实验组大菱鲆幼鱼的增重率(WGR)、特定生长率(SGR)、蛋白质效率(PER)、饲料系数(FCR)、日摄食率(DFI)、肥满度(CF)和成活率(SR)均无显著差异(P0.05);2)随着藻粉添加量的增加,全鱼及肌肉中粗脂肪含量显著降低(P0.05),粗蛋白、粗灰分和水分含量无显著差异(P0.05);3)血清溶菌酶(LZM)、补体蛋白C3、补体蛋白C4及酸性磷酸酶(ACP)活力均呈先上升后下降的趋势,分别在N_(7.76)、N_(7.76)、N_(11.64)、N_(7.76)组达到最大值,且显著高于N_0组(P0.05),N_(15.52)组碱性磷酸酶(ALP)显著低于其他组(P0.05),其他组之间无显著差异(P0.05);4)藻粉组血清总超氧化物歧化酶(T-SOD)、总抗氧化能力(T-AOC)和谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-PX)活力,均呈先上升后下降的趋势,在N_(7.76)组达到最大值,且显著高于N_0组(P0.05);5) N_(7.76)组血清甘油三酯(TG)含量显著低于其他组(P0.05),其他组之间无显著差异(P0.05),藻粉组血清总胆固醇(TCHO)显著低于N0组(P0.05),各藻粉组之间差异不显著(P0.05);6)藻粉组血清谷草转氨酶(AST)活力呈先下降后上升的趋势,N_(11.64)组达到最小值,显著低于N_0组(P0.05),藻粉组谷丙转氨酶(ALT)活力显著低于N_0组(P0.05)。研究表明,本实验条件下,拟微绿球藻粉替代大菱鲆幼鱼饲料中15.52%的鱼粉对其生长无显著影响,替代7.76%可显著提高其非特异性免疫力,降低血脂水平。     

饲料中添加南极磷虾粉对银鲳幼鱼生长、非特异性免疫及抗氧化功能的影响

以银鲳(Pampus argenteus)幼鱼为研究对象,设置4组不同南极磷虾粉替代鱼粉水平(0%、10%、20%、40%,其中0%为对照组)的饲料,进行60 d的饲养实验,探讨饲料中添加南极磷虾粉对银鲳幼鱼生长、非特异性免疫及抗氧化功能的影响。结果显示:饲料中添加南极磷虾粉的处理组银鲳增重率与特定生长率(SGR)较对照组均有显著性提高(P <0.05),但在添加不同比例南极磷虾粉的饲料组间(10%、20%、40%),银鲳的增重率与特定生长率无显著性差异(P> 0.05)。血清中碱性磷酸酶(AKP)、酸性磷酸酶(ACP)及溶菌酶(LZM) 20%饲料组活性均为最高,但与对照组无显著差异;肝脏AKP活性、肾脏LZM活性10%饲料组均分别显著高于其它各组(P <0.05);肌肉中超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性40%处理组显著高于对照组(P <0.05),20%饲料组也高于对照组,但差异不显著(P> 0.05);添加南极磷虾粉的饲料组血清和肌肉中过氧化氢酶(CAT)的活性均高于对照组,其中40%饲料组血清和肌肉CAT的活性均显著高于对照组(P <0.05)。结果表明,本实验条件下,结合银鲳幼鱼生长性能、非特异性免疫及抗氧化能力的分析,南极磷虾粉替代饲料中鱼粉的适宜比例建议控制在10%～20%。     

肽聚糖制剂对南美白对虾体液免疫因子的影响

按一定梯度配制5种含不同水平肽聚糖制剂的饲料,投喂南美白对虾(Litopenaeus vannamei),35 d后取实验对虾血样,用于测定血清中酚氧化酶活力、磷酸酶活力、溶菌活力及超氧化物歧化酶活力.结果显示,饲料中肽聚糖质量分数为500×10-6的实验组,对虾血清中酚氧化酶活力最高,肽聚糖质量分数为2 500×10-6的实验组,对虾血清中酸性磷酸酶与碱性磷酸酶活力最高,肽聚糖对对虾的血清溶菌活力影响不明显(P>0.05).由此表明饲料中添加适量(质量分数500×10-6左右)的肽聚糖制剂可使对虾体液免疫因子总体活力达到较高水平,饲料中肽聚糖制剂含量过高对对虾非特异免疫力的作用效果反而不佳.南美白对虾血清中酚氧化酶活力对饲料中肽聚糖含量变化较敏感,可作为肽聚糖使用效果的评价指标之一.     

饲料中添加芦荟粉对哲罗鲑生长和血清生化指标的影响

在水温8.3～17.2℃下,将初体质量(16.24±0.10)g的哲罗鲑Hucho taimen饲养在室内200L流水水族箱中,分别投喂添加0%(对照组)、0.125%、0.25%、0.5%和1.0%芦荟粉的饲料56d,每个处理3个重复,每个重复50尾鱼,研究芦荟粉对哲罗鲑生长和血液生化指标的影响。结果表明,饲料中添加芦荟粉(0.125%～1.0%)时,哲罗鲑的增重率、饲料系数、肥满度和成活率与对照组无显著差异(P0.05);当添加量为0.25%和0.5%时,哲罗鲑血清超氧化物岐化酶活力显著提高,丙二醛含量显著降低(P0.05);饲料中添加芦荟粉(0.125%～1.0%)时,对血清酸性磷酸酶、碱性磷酸酶、谷丙转氨酶活性、补体C3、C4和血糖含量等无显著影响(P0.05)。本试验条件下,饲料中添加芦荟粉对哲罗鲑幼鱼无促生长效应,但能提高其血清的抗氧化能力。     

蚯蚓粉替代鱼粉对大鳞副泥鳅生长、肌肉成分、血清生化指标及免疫性能的影响

以初始体重为(3.86±0.23)g的大鳞副泥鳅(Paramisgurnus dabryanus)为试验对象,研究蚯蚓(Eisenia foetida)粉替代鱼粉对其生长、肌肉成分、血清生化指标及免疫性能的影响。以0代替鱼粉为对照组,用蚯蚓粉替代25%、50%、75%、100%的鱼粉配制成5组等氮等能饲料,在网箱中进行10周的养殖试验。结果显示,饲料中的蚯蚓粉替代鱼粉对大鳞副泥鳅的存活率无显著影响;随着替代水平的升高,饲料系数、增重率升高(P0.05),肥满度、肝体比降低(P0.05)。各组间脾体比、特定生长率均无显著性差异;75%和100%替代组肌肉粗脂肪含量显著高于对照组(P0.05),100%替代组粗蛋白和水分含量显著低于对照组(P0.05)。随着饲料中蚯蚓粉水平的上升,鱼体肌肉蛋白质的精氨酸、胱氨酸、天门冬氨酸含量升高(P0.05),脯氨酸、组氨酸、蛋氨酸、苏氨酸、苯丙氨酸含量显著降低(P0.05);各组间血清谷丙转氨酶活力、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇含量、脂肪酶和淀粉酶活性均无显著性差异(P0.05)。随着代替水平的上升,血清甘油三酯和总胆固醇含量显著升高(P0.05),谷草转氨酶显著降低(P0.05);随着替代水平的继续上升,肝胰脏过氧化氢酶、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶、溶菌酶活力下降,肝胰脏丙二醛含量、碱性磷酸酶活力、攻毒后的发病率和死亡率上升。各组间的肝胰脏总超氧化物歧化酶活力和总抗氧化能力均无显著性差异(P0.05)。研究表明,本实验条件下,蚯蚓粉可部分替代(22%)饲料鱼粉而不影响大鳞副泥鳅的生长和存活,且能提高鱼体肌肉成分,有效预防肝胰脏损伤和过氧化,但显著降低了鱼类免疫性能(P0.05)。     

酶解磷虾粉替代鱼粉对珍珠龙胆石斑鱼幼鱼生长性能、体组成及血清生化的影响

以酶解磷虾粉分别替代基础饲料中0(T0)、10％(T10)、20％(T20)、30％(T30)、40％(T40)、50％(T50)的鱼粉,配制6种等氮等能的饲料,研究饲料中酶解磷虾粉替代鱼粉对珍珠龙胆石斑鱼幼鱼生长性能、体组成、血液生化指标、抗氧化性能及氟残留的影响.选取初始均重为(57.80±0.28)g的珍珠龙胆石斑幼鱼360尾,随机分为6组,每组3个重复,试验周期为56 d.结果显示,(1) T30组的增重率、特定生长率和摄食率均显著高于T0组(P＜0.05);在替代量大于20％时,饲料干物质表观消化率显著高于T0组()＜0.05);各替代组的饲料系数、肥满度、肝体比、蛋白质效率、蛋白质消化率与T0组无显著差异(P＞0.05).(2)各替代组全鱼和肌肉水分、粗脂肪、粗灰分含量与T0组无显著差异(P＞0.05);T30组肌肉粗蛋白质含量显著高于T0组(P＜0.05).(3)各组间血清谷丙转氨酶、谷草转氨酶、总蛋白、白蛋白、碱性磷酸酶、甘油三酯和高密度脂蛋白含量无显著差异(p0.05);T30组尿素氮含量显著低于T0组(P＜0.05);各替代组低密度脂蛋白含量显著高于T0组(P＜0.05).(4)酶解磷虾粉替代鱼粉显著升高了珍珠龙胆石斑鱼幼鱼血清和肝脏中谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶及血清超氧化物歧化酶的活力(P＜0.05),同时,显著降低了血清和肝脏中丙二醛含量(P＜0.05).(5)各组肌肉氟含量均在可检测范围以下,各组间骨骼氟含量随着替代比例的升高而升高,各组差异显著(P＜0.05).研究表明,综合考虑生长性能、体成分、生化指标及抗氧化性能,酶解磷虾粉可替代珍珠龙胆石斑鱼饲料中40％以下的鱼粉,替代量为30％时效果最佳.     

饲料中添加浒苔对仿刺参幼参生长、消化酶活性和免疫力的影响

在水温17~18℃和盐度30条件下,将初始体质量为(4.09±0.26)g的仿刺参饲养在15个循环水玻璃缸(容积100L)中,投喂在基础饲料中添加0%、3%、6%、9%和12%浒苔的饲料,于投喂后第7、14、28d和42d分别检测仿刺参的生长指标、消化酶(蛋白酶、淀粉酶、纤维素酶和褐藻酸酶)和体腔液免疫酶(溶菌酶、酸性磷酸酶、碱性磷酸酶和超氧化物歧化酶)的活性。试验结果表明,投喂试验饲料后第14、28d和42d:(1)饲料中添加6%和9%浒苔组仿刺参的特定生长率显著增加(P0.05),在不同取样时间其他添加组仿刺参的的特定生长率与对照组差异不显著(P0.05);(2)饲料中浒苔添加量为6%和9%试验组仿刺参的4种消化酶比活力显著高于对照组(P0.05),其中6%组仿刺参的消化酶比活力最高;(3)饲料中浒苔添加量为6%时,仿刺参溶菌酶活力显著高于对照组及其他试验组(P0.05);饲料中浒苔添加量为6%和9%时,仿刺参碱性磷酸酶活力和超氧化物歧化酶活力显著高于对照组及其他试验组(P0.05);添加浒苔可以显著提高酸性磷酸酶活力,至第42d,试验组酸性磷酸酶活力高于对照组(P0.05),且浒苔添加量为6%时活力最高。在本试验条件下,饲料中添加浒苔可以提高仿刺参的特定生长率、消化酶活力及免疫力,浒苔的最适添加量为6%~9%。     

饲料中添加甘薯(Ipomoea batatas)块根与茎蔓对刺参(Apostichopus japonicus)生长和非特异性免疫力的影响

在刺参(Apostichopus japonicus)配合饲料中添加不同比例(10%、20%、30%、40%、50%、60%)的甘薯块根粉与甘薯茎蔓粉,测定了添加2种甘薯饲料成分对刺参生长和非特异性免疫力的影响。结果显示,在50 d实验期间,投喂添加甘薯块根粉饲料的实验组刺参平均体重随实验时间呈上升趋势,实验结束时,添加20%甘薯块根粉组终末体重显著高于对照组(P0.05),10%、30%组特定生长率(SGR)与对照组差异不显著(P0.05);投喂添加10%甘薯茎蔓粉的实验组刺参SGR与对照组差异不显著(P0.05),其余各组SGR均低于对照组(P0.05)。投喂添加10%、20%甘薯块根粉饲料的实验组刺参体腔液中过氧化氢酶(CAT)、酸性磷酸酶(ACP)、碱性磷酸酶(AKP)均显著高于对照组(P0.05);投喂添加10%甘薯茎蔓粉饲料的实验组ACP显著高于对照组(P0.05),刺参体腔液中的溶菌酶(LZM)、总超氧化物歧化酶(T-SOD)、CAT和AKP与对照组差异不显著(P0.05)。研究表明,当甘薯块根与茎蔓的添加比例分别在30%和20%以下时,可满足刺参的营养需求,促进或保证刺参的生长,提高刺参免疫能力。     

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.     

Protein and amino acid composition from the mantle of juvenile O ctopus vulgaris exposed to prolonged starvation

Protein and amino acid composition of the mantle of juvenile O ctopus vulgaris (Cuvier, 1797) during fasting for 27 days were determined. Average protein content of octopus mantle was of 711.19 ± 46.80 g kg^?1 DW, and it decreased with increasing fasting days. The non‐essential amino acids content was higher (486.18 ± 11.08 g kg^?1 protein) than essential amino acids (425.82 ± 9.15 g kg^?1 protein) at the start of the experiment (unstarved animals). The results suggest that the amino acid profile of the mantle where the most abundant amino acids are Arg, His, Lys, Gly, Leu and Pro could indicate a prolonged fasting condition (>20 days) or poor nutrition of O . vulgaris. This study supports the idea of using mantle for metabolic needs of starved O . vulgaris suggesting that the degradation pathway of amino acids to pyruvate and tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates was favoured contrary to the degradation pathway of ketogenic amino acids. Special considerations should be taken concerning Thr, Ile, Ser, Ala, Asx (Asp, Asn), Glx (Glu, Gln) (because of their fast intake) and Lys and His (due to their stable contents) during a prolonged period of fasting.     

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.