Effect of feeding frequency on growth,feed utilization,body composition and waste output of juvenile golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus) reared in net pens

A 6‐week feeding trial was conducted to examine the effect of feeding frequency on growth, feed utilization efficiency, body composition and waste output of juvenile golden pompano Trachinotus ovatus reared in net pens. Fish (10.3 ± 0.5 g) were either fed a formulated diet containing 48.4% crude protein and 5.7% crude lipid at 0.5, 1, 2, 3 or 4 meals per day or fed a raw fish feed at two meals per day as a control. The weight gain (WG) increased with increasing feeding frequency from 0.5 to 3 meals per day (P < 0.05), but did not significantly change with the further increase in feeding frequency from 3 to 4 meals per day (P > 0.05). The feed intake (FI) was lower in fish fed at 0.5 or 1 meal per day than in fish fed at 2, 3 or 4 meals per day (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found in the feed conversion ratio (FCR), nitrogen retention efficiency (NRE), condition factor (CF), nitrogen waste output (NWO) and phosphorus waste output (PWO) between fish fed at 1, 2, 3 or 4 meals per day (P > 0.05), whereas no significant difference was found in the phosphorus retention efficiency (PRE) among the feeding treatments (P > 0.05). The body lipid content increased, whereas the contents of moisture and ash decreased, with the increase in feeding frequency (P < 0.05). At the same feeding frequency, fish fed the formulated diet exhibited lower FI, FCR, HSI, body moisture content, NWO and PWO, but higher NRE, PRE, body lipid content and body phosphorus content than those of fish fed the raw fish feed (P < 0.05). These results suggest that the formulated diet can satisfy nutrient requirements of juvenile golden pompano reared in net pens, and the suitable feeding frequency is 3 meals per day.     

The effect of photoperiod and feeding frequency on larval of the Amazonian ornamental fish Pyrrhulina brevis (Steindachner, 1876)

This study aimed to evaluate the performance of Pyrrhulina larvae, Pyrrhulina brevis, under different photoperiods and feeding frequencies. A completely randomized design was used, with four replicates in a 5 × 2 factorial, with five photoperiods (6L:18D, 12L:12D, 16L:8D, 20L:4D, 24L:0D) and two feeding frequencies (two or four times a day). Four hundred larvae with an initial length of 4.6 ± 0.09 mm were randomly distributed in 40, 1‐L containers at a density of 10 larvae/L. Feeding was performed with Artemia nauplii in the ratio of 150 Artemia nauplii/larva/feeding. After 15 days, all larvae were euthanized for measurements of length (mm), final weight (mg), survival rate (%) and larvae uniformity in weight an length (%). The data were subjected to analysis of variance and subsequently, in case of significance, a Tukey test was performed to compare means. There was no interaction between photoperiod and feeding frequency on studied variables (P > 0.05). Likewise, there was no influence of feed rate on the same variables (P > 0.05). There was only influence of photoperiod, where the larvae subjected to longest photoperiods (24L:0D and 20L:4D) showed improved weight and length (P < 0.05). Therefore, a photoperiod of 20L:4E, with feeding twice a day is recommended.     

Tuna viscera protein hydrolysate: nutritive and disease resistance properties for Persian sturgeon (Acipenser persicus L.) larvae

The effect of fish protein hydrolysate (FPH) on the growth, feed utilization, digestive enzymes, gut microflora and resistance to bacterial challenge in Persian sturgeon (Acipenser persicus) larvae during a 45‐day feeding trial has been investigated. Artificial diets containing different levels of tuna visceral protein hydrolysate (PH0, PH10, PH25 and PH50) and live foods (Artemia: 5 days, Daphnia: 40 days) were fed to Persian sturgeon larvae. Larvae fed on the PH10 and PH25 had growth, feed utilization, protein content and trypsin activity significantly better than PH0 and PH50 groups (P < 0.05). Condition factors, survival rate and pepsin activity were not significantly different (P > 0.05). Brush border membrane enzymes to cytosolic enzyme ratio revealed that maturation had been occurred in 41 days post hatch (dph) at moderate FPH levels. In 54 dph larvae, this ratio was not affected by the level of FPH in the diet. No significant differences were observed in the total number of gut microflora or in the resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila (P > 0.05), whereas lactic acid bacteria was significantly higher in PH50 (P < 0.05). The results of this study show that application of moderate levels of FPH in Persian sturgeon diets could enhance larvae performance due to the early maturation in intestinal.     

Evaluation of Four Commercial Grower Diets for Production of Largemouth Bass

We compared performance (growth, survival, condition, and health indices) of largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides, fingerlings (10.3 g [SE ± 0.5 g] and 92 mm [SE ± 1 mm] total length) fed one of four commercial grower feeds: Purina Aquamax Grower 400 (PAG; PMI Nutrition International LLC), Bio-Oregon BioDiet Grower (BDG; Bio-Oregon), Silver Cup Steelhead (SCS; Silver Cup), and Richloam Bass Fry Diet 12 (RBF; Silver Cup). Sixteen 833-L circular tanks, connected in parallel to a recirculation system, were initially stocked with 2.25 kg of fish (219 fish each, 0.32 fish/L) with four replicates per feed treatment. Water temperature was 25°C, and photoperiod was 15 h light:9 h dark. Feed sizes (2.4–3.0 mm) were comparable, and protein compositions ranged from 49% to 61%. Fish were fed to satiation multiple times per day (trial duration = 100 days). Overall, performance was best for fish fed RBF, followed by PAG and BDG, and then SCS. The SCS feed resulted in significantly lower growth and survival (P ≤ 0.05). The PAG and BDG feeds resulted in significantly lower growth than the RBF feed (P ≤ 0.05); however, survival did not differ (P > 0.05). Performance measures were positively correlated with protein, and protein to energy ratio and negatively correlated with fat and carbohydrate compositions. The four commercial grower feeds resulted in highly varied growth, survival, and health indices, and this research should facilitate feed choice for various largemouth bass production strategies as well as increase contribution of stocked fish.     

A metabolic approach to understanding adaptation to sea water by endangered Persian sturgeon,Acipenser persicus fingerlings

In this study, metabolic responses of Persian sturgeon fingerlings to hyperosmotic condition were investigated by NMR‐based metabolomics. Persian sturgeon fingerlings (n = 2010, mean total weight: 3.2 ± 0.6 g; mean total length: 8.5 ± 1.5 cm) were held in freshwater (FW) for 96 hr and then acclimated in brackish water (BW) (12 g/L) for 24 hr. Blood samples were taken before and after salinity acclimation. The major metabolite changes corresponding to salinity acclimation were related to amino acids, osmolytes and energy metabolites. The plasma glucose levels increased significantly after 24 hr acclimation in BW (p < .05). Other energetic metabolites (acetate, acetoacetate, beta‐hydroxybutyrate, phosphocreatine, creatine, glycerol) showed no significant changes after 24 hr salinity challenge (p > .05). The osmolytes (taurine, trimethylamine‐N‐oxide, choline, N,N‐dimethylglycine) and amino acids (aspartate, glutamate, glutamine, leucine, phenylalanine, β‐alanine, histidine, threonine, cysteine) declined significantly after 24 hr acclimation in BW (p < .05). However, the levels of glycine elevated after 24 hr acclimation in BW (p < .05). Other amino acids including aspargine, isoluecine, Tyrosine, Tryptophan, Valine, and Lysine showed no significant changes after salinity challenge (p > .05). The considerable decreases in almost all plasma amino acids and all osmolytes showed specific importance of these metabolites in osmotic adaptation of fish in BW. Also, it seems that Persian sturgeon fingerlings rely more on oxidation of glucose to meet energetic requirements of osmoregulation than oxidation of lipids, as we observed no detectable changes in metabolites associated with lipid oxidation during osmotic acclimation in BW. Our results may help to understand osmoregulation in a chondrostei fish species from a metabolic approach.     

Effects of probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici on growth performance,survival rate,and stress resistance of Persian sturgeon (Acipenser persicus)

This study was conducted to examine the effect of Artemia urmiana nauplii enriched with Pediococcus acidilactici on growth performances, survival rate, and stress resistance of Persian sturgeon (Acipenser persicus). Artemia nauplii were enriched with P. acidilactici at concentration of 10¹⁰ CFU/ml for 3 h (T3), 6 h (T6), 9 h (T9), and one nonenriched nauplii treatment (control). Since nauplii enriched for 9 h had the most significant CFU/g, fish were fed with T9 for 11 days and compared with the control. To evaluate the effect of probiotic on fish resistance, Persian sturgeon larvae were subjected to osmotic shocks of 15, 25, or 35 ppt; four pH treatments, pH 5, pH 6, pH 8 or pH = 9; and air for 5, 10, 15, or 20 s on the 11th day. There were no significant differences in final weight, weight gain, CF, SGR, and FCR between T9 and control (P > 0.05). However, the survival rate of larvae fed nauplii enriched for 9 h increased significantly in comparison with the control group (P < 0.05). In addition, significant higher resistance to all stress challenges was observed in the T9 group.     

Feeding interval and photoperiod influence the growth performance of striped knifejaw,Oplegnathus fasciatus

A two‐factor experiment incorporating two photoperiods (16 L:8 D and 24 L:0 D) and four feeding intervals (6, 9, 12 and 24 h) was carried out to determine the most efficient feeding interval and photoperiod for striped knifejaw, Oplegnathus fasciatus. Fish were fed a commercial diet to apparent satiation for 10 weeks. Blood was collected to measure the stress indicators. Both the photoperiod and the feeding intervals had a significant effect on the growth performance of striped knifejaw; however, their interaction did not produce any significant effect. The final body weight, weight gain (%) and feed intake at 6‐, 9‐ and 12‐h feeding intervals under 16 L:8 D were significantly higher than those at the 24‐h interval irrespective of the photoperiod (P<0.05). The specific growth rate at 6, 9 and 12 h intervals of the 16 L:8 D photoperiod was significantly higher than that of the other feeding intervals, except at 12 h of the 24 L:0 D photoperiod (P<0.05). At the end of the experiment, there were no significant differences in the plasma levels of cortisol, glucose and total protein observed in fish exposed to different photoperiods compared with the initial levels. The results suggested that a combination of a 16 L:8 D photoperiod and either of 6‐, 9‐ or 12‐h intervals can be used to stimulate the growth performance in striped knifejaw.     

Feed intake,growth, feed utilization,body composition and waste output of juvenile hybrid bream at different feeding frequencies

An eight‐week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the feed intake, growth, feed utilization, body composition and waste output of juvenile hybrid bream at different feeding frequencies (0.5, 1, 2, 3 or 4 meals/day). Fish (initial body weight of 10.6 ± 0.8 g) were fed to satiation at each feeding. The test diet contained 336 g/kg crude protein and 79 g/kg crude lipid. The weight gain significantly increased with increase in feeding frequency from 0.5 to 3 meals/day (p < 0.05) and afterwards did not change with feeding frequency from 3 to 4 meals/day (p > 0.05). The feed intake increased with increase in feeding frequency (p < 0.05). Fish fed at 3 meals/day exhibited the lowest feed conversion ratio and waste output of nitrogen and phosphorus, however, the highest nitrogen retention efficiency (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found in the phosphorus retention efficiency, the body composition of crude protein, ash and phosphorus among all the feeding frequencies (p > 0.05). The body lipid content increased, whereas the content of moisture decreased, with the increase in feeding frequency (p < 0.05). The present study reveals that the optimum feeding frequency is 3 meals/day for hybrid bream.     

不同投喂率和投喂频率对大杂交鲟幼鱼生长、体成分和生化指标的影响

为探讨大杂交鲟(Huso dauricus♀×Acipenser schrenckii♂)适宜投喂率和投喂频率,本实验分别设计了5个投喂率(0.4%、0.8%、1.2%、1.6%和2.0%)和5个投喂频率(1次/d、2次/d、3次/d、4次/d和5次/d),研究不同投喂率和投喂频率对大杂交鲟生长、体成分和生化指标的影响。投喂率实验中鱼初重(335.87±0.82)g,投喂频率实验中鱼初重(334.77±1.06)g,养殖周期为10周。结果表明,随着投喂率升高,实验鱼增重率、特定生长率、肝体比、脏体比、肥满度,肌肉粗蛋白、粗脂肪和肝粗脂肪含量显著升高(P0.05),血清谷丙转氨酶、谷草转氨酶和胃蛋白酶活性均显著升高(P0.05);饲料效率、全鱼和肌肉水分含量均显著降低(P0.05);全鱼粗脂肪含量,血清总蛋白、白蛋白和高密度脂蛋白胆固醇含量,肠脂肪酶活性呈先升高后降低趋势(P0.05)。随着投喂频率增加,实验鱼增重率、特定生长率和饲料效率无显著差异(P0.05);1次/d投喂频率组脏体比、肥满度和全鱼粗脂肪含量显著低于其他各组(P0.05),2次/d投喂频率组全鱼粗蛋白含量显著高于其他各组(P0.05)。不同投喂频率对实验鱼除血清葡萄糖含量以外的其他血清生化指标和胃肠消化酶活性或含量均无显著影响(P0.05)。综合以上结果认为,在300～600g大杂交鲟的养殖过程中日投喂率在1.2%～1.6%,投喂频率为2次/d比较适宜。     

Effects of Light Intensity on the Growth Performance and Stress Response in Striped Knifejaw, (Oplegnathus fasciatus)

Six light intensities (50, 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1500 lx) were used under a photoperiod of 16 h light : 8 h dark (16L : 8D) to investigate the growth performance and stress response of striped knifejaw, Oplegnathus fasciatus. Forty juveniles of mean weight approximately 27 g were randomly distributed into each of eighteen 300 L tanks, fed to apparent satiation two times a day for 8 wk. At the end of the rearing trial, there were no significant differences in final mean weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, condition factor, and survival among the treatments (P > 0.05). Although there was no significant difference in feed intake, fish exposed to 50–200 lx showed significantly higher feed efficiency (FE) compared to that of other treatments (P < 0.05). There was a decreasing trend in retention efficiency of protein and lipid with increasing light intensities (400–1500 lx), but there were no significant differences among the treatments. There were no significant differences in plasma levels of cortisol, glucose, and total protein among the treatments (P > 0.05). To consider the FE and given the fact that an intensity of 50 lx is insufficient to monitor fish activity during feeding, light intensity of 100–200 lx would be better for rearing of striped knifejaw.     

Effects of feeding rate on growth, feed utilizationand body composition of a tropical bagrid catfish

A 10 week experiment was conducted to determine theeffects of feeding rate on growth, feed utilizationand body composition of the tropical bagrid catfish,Mystus nemurus. Catfish fingerlings with anaverage initial body weight of 12 g were fed apractical diet (36.2% protein, 16.5 kJ/g diet) atrates of 1, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4 or 5% of their bodyweight (BW) per day in two equal meals. Watertemperature was approximately 29 °C throughoutthe experiment. Percent weight gain increased almostlinearly with increasing feeding rates up to 2.5%BW/day beyond which no significant (P > 0.05)improvement in weight gain was observed. The specificgrowth rate of catfish fed rations of 1% BW/day was0.72%/day and this increased significantly to anaverage of 1.39%/day for catfish fed 2.5% BW/day andbeyond. Feed utilization did not differ significantly(P > 0.05) between fish fed 1.0 to 2.5%BW/day but decreased when rations were increased to3.0% BW/day and above. Feed efficiency ratio was0.79 for catfish fed 1.0% BW/day compared to a ratioof 0.27 for fish fed at 5% BW/day. Catfish fed 1.0%BW/day had the lowest condition factor, hepato- andviscerosomatic indices, but the highest carcass tobody weight ratio. These fish also had lowerproportions of whole body dry matter, lipid andprotein, carcass dry matter and lipid, and visceraldry matter and lipid than fish in other groups. Therewere no significant differences in either conditionindices or relative body composition of fish fedrations of 2.0 to 5.0% BW/day. Based on the growth,feed efficiency and body composition data obtained, afeeding rate of 2.5% BW per day is recommended forM. nemurus fingerlings raised at 29 °C.     

Evaluation of raw and hydrothermically processed leguminous seeds as supplementary feed for the growth of two Indian major carp species

To study the effect of four different raw and hydrothermically processed leguminous seeds, namely Glycine max (soybean), Vigna radiata (moong), Vigna ungiculata (cowpea) and Cyamopsis tetragonaloba (guar) on growth in the fingerlings of Cirrhinus mrigala (mrigal) and Labeo rohita (rohu), two experiments were conducted. The first experiment was conducted under laboratory conditions (LD 12:12 at 25 °C) and the mrigal fingerlings were fed @2% BW d^?1 for 30 days. Before using the seeds as feeds, they were hydrothermically processed (15 lbs at 121 °C for 15 min) for the elimination of antinutrient factors (ANF). The results indicate that 15 minute autoclaving significantly reduces the trypsin inhibitor activity. Phytase‐phosphorous and tannins were also analysed from raw and treated beans. Studies on mrigal have revealed that weight gain was significantly low (P < 0.05) in the fish fed on raw beans compared with the fingerlings fed on processed bean proteins. Among the various raw diets used, significantly highest growth (P < 0.05) was observed in fish fingerlings fed on raw moong, followed by raw soybean, cowpea and guar. On the other hand, when beans were processed, the highest growth was observed in fingerlings fed on processed soybean. Studies have further revealed that hydrothermal processing also affected the values of the feed conversion ratio, gross conversion efficiency, protein efficiency ratio, gross protein retention, gross energy retention and ammonia excretion. Proximate composition of the carcass revealed high accumulation of protein, fat and energy in fingerlings fed on processed soybean in comparison with other diets. Keeping in view the higher weight gain in fish fed on hydrothermically processed bean proteins, only processed bean diets were fed to the fingerlings of mrigal and rohu stocked in fish ponds (experiment 2). A significant (P < 0.05) increase in mean fish weight, and specific growth rate was observed in fingerlings fed on hydrothermically processed soybean, followed by moong and cowpea. Weight gain for mrigal fingerlings remained significantly low in comparison to the rohu fingerlings fed on similar diets. An investigation on the effects of feeds on water quality parameters indicate that the trophic status of the ponds where soybean was used as fish feed remained high in comparison to the other treatments. A significant positive correlation of nutrients, NPP and plankton population with fish growth was also observed.     

Growth performance and physiological responses in striped knifejaw, Oplegnathus fasciatus, held under different photoperiods

The growth performance and stress response in striped knifejaw, Oplegnathus fasciatus (body weight 100–300 g) reared under four photoperiods (6L:6D, 12L:12D, 16L:8D and 24L:0D) were investigated. Fish were fed a commercial diet to apparent satiation, two times a day for 8 weeks. A trial of acute handling and confinement stress was also carried out to investigate the stress-induced levels of different stress indicators in O. fasciatus. Blood was also collected from undisturbed fish which was considered as control. Although there were no significant differences in weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR) and feed conversion efficiency (FCE) in fish exposed to 6L:6D, 16L:8D and 24L:0D photoperiods, all parameters in these photoperiods were significantly higher than those of 12L:12D photoperiod (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in protein retention efficiency (PRE) between fish exposed to 16L:8D and 24L:0D photoperiods, but PRE in both photoperiods was significantly higher than that of 12L:12D photoperiod.Acute stress significantly increased the plasma levels of cortisol (110.3 ng ml^− 1) and glucose (195.4 mg dl^− 1), and decreased plasma levels of total protein (0.8 g dl^− 1); however, all parameters were returned back to the levels indistinguishable from those of control, undisturbed fish within 24 h. The levels of cortisol, glucose and total protein in fish exposed to different photoperiods during the study were far from the stress-induced levels (P < 0.05). The results demonstrated that the growth performance of O. fasciatus reared from 100 to 300 g can be stimulated significantly by using the manipulated photoperiods where feeding time may be playing an important role to increase food intake and feed conversion efficiency. It also revealed that the artificial photoperiods did not cause significant stress response in fish.     

Reproduction,growth and stress response in adult red sea bream,Pagrus major (Temminck & Schlegel) exposed to different photoperiods at spawning season

Adult red sea bream, Pagrus major (body weight, 1.0–2.0 kg) was exposed to three photoperiods [12 h light:12 h dark (12L:12D), 16 h light:8 h dark (16L:8D) and 24 h light:0 h dark (24L:0D)] from 2 months before spawning till the end of the spawning season to investigate growth, spawning and stress response. During the spawning season, tanks were checked every morning for spawned eggs. The growth performance in fish under 24L:0D was stimulated with significantly higher feed intake than those under other photoperiods (P<0.05). The number of eggs and gonadal histology confirmed that three and five females out of six in each of duplicate tanks of the 16L:8D treatment spawned. In contrast, only two out of six females in one tank of the 24L:0D treatment spawned, and no spawns were observed in the 12L:12D treatment. At the end of the spawning period, both 17β‐estradiol and testosterone levels were significantly higher in fish exposed to 16L:8D followed by 12L:12D and 24L:0D photoperiods (P<0.05). Photoperiod manipulation did not cause significant stress response in fish (P>0.05). The results suggest that stimulating the growth performance of red sea bream at reproductive stage with a 24L:0D photoperiod is possible if the fish are subjected to this photoperiod long before the onset of the spawning season.     

Correlations between circulating insulin-like growth factor-I and thyroxine and cortisol hormone levels,and some biometrical traits in female brood stocks during the late stages of sex maturation and in juvenile Persian sturgeon (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Acipenser persicus</Emphasis>)

Relationships between insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and thyroxine (T4) and cortisol hormones were studied in female brood stocks of Persian sturgeon [Acipenser persicus; caught from both sea water (SW) and fresh water (FW)] during late stages of sex maturation. A number of biometrical traits were also studied that could represent the reproductive and/or growth states of brood stocks, and the possible relationship between IGF-I and growth was assessed in juvenile Persian sturgeons between 1 and 4 years of age. IGF-I, T4 and cortisol were measured in serum samples using commercially available kits. A four-parameter logistic model test was performed between the standard curves and the sample dilutions for each hormone. Parallelism, linearity and regression coefficients for the linearized standard curves and serial dilutions of samples were not significantly different (P < 0.05). Serum IGF-I levels in the juveniles were higher than those in the SW brood stocks, and cortisol levels in the former were lower than those in both brood stocks (P < 0.05). T4 levels in serum samples of juveniles were below the detectable level. IGF-I concentrations in juveniles were correlated with total weight, total length and fork length, but they did not increase significantly with increasing age from 1 to 4 years old (P < 0.05). Compared with SW brood stock, the FW brood stock was younger, had a smaller girth, smaller polarization index and higher ova diameter (P < 0.05). There were no differences between IGF-I and T4 levels in the two brood stocks, but cortisol levels were significantly higher in the FW brood stock. Percentage of fertilization was correlated with serum IGF-I in both brood stocks (P < 0.05). Our results support a role for IGF-I during the juvenile growth and reproductive physiology in female brood stocks of the Persian sturgeon.     

A comparison of the effect of organic acids and dicalcium phosphate supplementation on phosphorus bioavailability,growth performance and digestive enzyme activities of Labeo rohita fingerlings

The effect of organic acids (OA) and dicalcium phosphate (P_i) supplementation in the feed of Labeo rohita fingerlings was studied by formulating seven practical diets, designed as D1 with no feed additives {dicalcium phosphorus (P_i) and organic acid (OA) blend} while, D2, D3, D4 and D5 were supplemented with P_i at the graded levels of 5, 10, 15 and 20 g/kg, respectively, whereas D6 and D7 contained blend of OA at 15 and 30 g/kg, respectively. The diet supplemented with OA blend exhibited increase (p < .05) in growth of L. rohita fingerlings compared with the diet supplemented with P_i. The OA supplementation at both levels showed significant improvement in nutrients digestibility and minerals absorption in fingerlings. Moreover, in case of muscle proximate composition, crude fat (CF) and crude protein (CP) were increased (p < .05) with the inclusion of OA blend in the diet while crude ash (CA) was improved by P_i supplementation. Additionally, digestive enzyme activities were not affected (p ? .05) by OA blend supplementation while increased activities were observed in the fingerlings fed with P_i diet. Consequently, supplementation of OA blend in the diet improved the growth performance and nutrient status while P_i enhanced digestive enzyme activities of L. rohita fingerlings.     

Feeding,growth, and blood chemistry of the tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) held under self-feeding and time-restricted automatic feeding conditions

This work evaluated the effects of food frequencies and self-feeding on the behavior, performance, and blood biochemistry of Colossoma macropomum. Juveniles weighing 3.63?±?0.05 g were distributed in 27 aquariums (40 L), with six fish per aquarium, to evaluate nine treatments in three replications in a 12L:12D photoperiod. The treatments were 24-h self-feeding (SF); daytime self-feeding at will (SFD); nighttime self-feeding at will (SFN); and feeding at fixed frequencies of two (2D), four (4D), and six times (6D) daytime and twice (2 N), four (4 N), and six times (6 N) nightly. The treatments were offered in automatic feeders, with fixed frequencies programmed. Extruded commercial feed, with 46% protein, was used. The experimental period was 40 days. In the SF treatment, the animals exhibited 95.7% nocturnal and 4.3% diurnal feeding activity (p?<?0.05). In the treatment SFD and SFN, the animals showed feeding activity throughout the day and night. Final weight, weight gain, and total feed intake were higher for animals at fixed daytime and nighttime frequencies (p?<?0.05). Feed conversion was better for animals in SF, SFD, 4D, SFN, and 4 N (0.89, 0.76, 0.91, 0.85, and 0.88, respectively) (p?<?0.05). Cholesterol and high-density lipoproteins were lower for fish in SF, SFN, 2 N, 4 N, and 6 N (p?<?0.05). SF treatment animals had lower triglyceride content, 154.20 mg dL^?1 (p?<?0.05). Colossoma macropomum has nocturnal food preferences, however, with remarkable plasticity. Juveniles of this species fed four times during the day or night show good performance. Dietary patterns influenced the blood metabolic indicators of this species and the periods studied.

     

Effects of Sangrovit‐supplemented diet on growth performance,blood biochemical parameters,survival and stress resistance to salinity in the Caspian roach (Rutilus rutilus) fry

This study was carried out to show the effects of Sangrovit on growth, blood biochemical parameters, survival and resistance to salinity stress in the Caspian roach. Fish (1.24 ± 0.13 g) were divided into four groups fed diets containing Sangrovit at different levels: 0 (control), 0.05, 0.1 and 0.15% for 45 days. The results showed that there was a significant increase in final weight, weight gain and specific growth rate in those fish fed 0.15% Sangrovit diets compared with the control (P < 0.05). Food conversion rate of fish fed 0.05% Sangrovit diet was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than the control group. Condition factor was not significantly affected by Sangrovit dosage (P > 0.05). The blood glucose and cholesterol levels were significantly lower in treated groups compared with the control (P < 0.05). The highest total protein was obtained in the 0.15% group and it was significantly higher than in all other groups (P < 0.05). Challenges were carried out after 45 days of feeding, to determine the effect of Sangrovit on resistance to salinity stress. Blood samples were obtained four times after challenge (day 1, 3, 5 and 7) for evaluate haematocrit levels. On the first day, haematocrit increased significantly in all groups compared to day 5 and 7 (P < 0.05). The haematocrit levels decreased gradually in all groups from the third day. Before and after stress, no differences were observed for survival rate among the experimental diets (P > 0.05). These results indicate that the inclusion of 0.15% Sangrovit in the diet of the Caspian roach enhances feed efficiency, fish growth and blood biochemical parameters.     

Effects of photoperiod on growth and spawning efficiency of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) broodstock in a recycling system

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of photoperiod on the growth, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and spawning performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) broodstock. Duplicate groups of two males (66±3.04 g) and six females (50.5±1.58 g) were stocked in 0.4 m³ fibreglass tanks in a recirculating water system at a male:female ratio of 1:3. The fish were subjected to four photoperiod treatments: 24:0 light:dark (L:D), 18L:6D, 12L:12D and 6L:18D. Light intensity was kept constant at about 2500 lx throughout the study. The fish were fed a commercial tilapia diet (35% crude protein and 16.6 MJ GE kg⁻¹) at a daily rate of 2–3% of tank biomass, twice a day, for 130 days. Males grew significantly faster than females under all photoperiod regimes. The best growth rate and FCR were attained at 18L:6D, followed by 24L:0D, 12L:12D and 6L:18D respectively. The number of eggs per female, number of eggs per spawn and number of spawnings per female were all significantly higher in the 12L:12D treatment than in all other photoperiod cycles. Interspawning intervals and days elapsed per spawn were also shorter in the 12L:12D treatment. The time to first spawning was slightly longer in the 24L:0D and 6L:18D than in 12L:12D and 18L:6D light phases. The 18L:6D and 6L:18D photoperiods produced the lowest spawning performance. It is concluded that a 12L:12D photoperiod regime should be adopted for maximum fecundity, seed production and spawning frequencies of Nile tilapia broodstock reared in intensive, recirculating systems. If maximum reproduction is desired, a near‐natural day length photoperiod should be used.     

Effect of dietary mannan oligosaccharide on growth,body composition,haematology and biochemical parameters of Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer)

A feeding trial was conducted to study the effect of mannan oligosaccharide (MOS) supplementation on growth, body composition, haematology, biochemical parameters and histology of Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) fingerlings (8.13 ± 0.06 g average weight). Mannan oligosaccharide was supplemented at five different concentrations viz., 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2% levels in the diet (40% protein and 9% lipid) of L. calcarifer. The results of the 60 days feeding trial showed that there was a significant (P < 0.05) increase in the final body weight, weight gain (WG), WG%, average daily gain, survival, specific growth rate, daily growth coefficient, hepatosomatic index and viscerosomatic index in the fish fed diet containing 1% MOS. Whole body composition of post‐fed animals showed non‐significant differences (P > 0.05) among the various treatment groups. The analysis of haematological parameters showed that there was no significant (P > 0.05) differences among different treatments but for the haemoglobin content which was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the fish fed 1% MOS. Biochemical parameters revealed that glucose, urea, cholesterol and triglyceride content showed significant (P < 0.05) difference between control and MOS‐supplemented group. Histological observations of post‐fed animals revealed that MOS supplementation resulted in increased absorptive surface area of the intestine and increased glycogen deposition in liver. The result of this experiment infers that MOS supplementation has got a beneficial effect in the diet of seabass and supplementation at 1% level is optimal for improving the growth.