Comparative study of growth performance of three strains of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, L. at two stocking densities

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of stocking density (125 or 200 fish m^?3) on the growth performance of three strains of the Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus: the non‐improved strain (NS), the genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT) and the Freshwater Aquaculture Center selected tilapia known as the FaST selected line (SL). Each strain and density combination was triplicated in 0.42 m³ fibreglass tanks within a re‐circulating water system. Water temperature was maintained at 29.0±1.0°C. Large Nile tilapia having a mean body weight of 100–110 g were stocked in each tank and hand‐fed four times daily with commercial tilapia pellets (35% protein) for 104 days. Results showed that at the two stocking densities, the GIFT and SL strains showed a significantly higher (P<0.05) mean weight (MWT), daily growth rate (DGR), specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and gross yield (GY) than the NS. In all three strains, growth performance was negatively affected by stocking density. The lower density (125 fish m^?3) treatments had significantly higher MWT, DGR and SGR than the higher density one (200 fish m^?3). However, higher FCR and GY were observed at the higher density. Survival rates were high in all treatments and were not affected by strain or density. In general, the SL strain had better growth parameters than the GIFT strain. The findings of this study demonstrated the superior growth performance of the improved strains at both densities compared with the NS. The higher density (200 fish m^?3) could be more profitable for the tilapia farms in Kuwait than the lower density of (125 fish m^?3) in terms of reduced land cost and facilities, demand on the limited low‐salinity underground water and manpower.     

Effects of α‐lipoic acid on growth performance,body composition,antioxidant profile and lipid metabolism of the GIFT tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fed high‐fat diets

The wide use of lipid as a non‐protein energy substitute has led to lipid metabolic problems in cultured tilapia. Therefore, studies that reduce the effects of high‐fat diets in genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT) are required. This study evaluated the optimum level and effects of dietary α‐lipoic acid (α‐LA) on growth performance, body composition, antioxidant capacity and lipid metabolism of GIFT tilapia. The basal diet (120 g/kg lipid) was supplemented with six concentrations of α‐LA at 0 (control), L300, L600, L900, L1200 and L2400 mg/kg diet to make the experimental diets, which were fed to GIFT tilapia juveniles (initial body weight: 0.48 ± 0.01 g) for 8 weeks. The weight gain of fish improved significantly in the L300 than other dietary treatments. The intraperitoneal fat index and lipid content of fish fed on the L2400 diet decreased significantly than those fed on the control diet. The activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) in serum and liver were significantly higher in fish fed on the L300 diet than the control. The reduced GSH content of fish fed on the L300 in serum and liver was significantly higher than those fed on control diet. The malondialdehyde content in serum and liver was significantly lower in L300 than in the control. The adipose triglyceride lipase gene was significantly up‐regulated in fish fed on the L2400, but the diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 gene was down‐regulated in adipose. The liver‐type fatty acid‐binding protein gene in the liver was significantly up‐regulated in fish fed on the L300 and L600 diets. Moreover, the acyl‐coenzyme A oxidase gene in liver was significantly up‐regulated in fish fed on the L300, L600, L900 and L1200 diets. Polynomial regression analysis indicated that 439–528 mg/kg α‐LA is an appropriate dosage in high‐fat diet to improve growth performance and relieve lipid oxidative damage by accelerating lipid catabolism and reducing lipid synthesis in GIFT tilapia.     

Effects of dissolved oxygen on the growth performance,haematological parameters,antioxidant responses and apoptosis of juvenile GIFT (Oreochromis niloticus)

This study investigated the effects of different dissolved oxygen (DO) levels on the growth performance, antioxidant response and apoptosis of juvenile GIFT (genetically improved farmed tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus). GIFT were fed with five DO levels (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 mg/L) for 60 days, and the results showed that the final body weight, weight gain rate, specific growth rate and crude protein and crude lipid contents of the fish muscle increased at 5 mg/L DO. The activities of the antioxidant and digestive enzymes were significantly up‐regulated with increasing DO levels. However, the haemoglobin content, number of red blood cells, malondialdehyde content, transaminase activities, glucose content and lactic acid levels decreased at higher DO levels. Furthermore, the cardiomyocyte apoptotic index was significantly decreased with increasing DO levels. Our results show that 5 mg/L DO improved growth performance, promoted antioxidant enzyme activities and reduced liver damage in GIFT.     

Performance of genetically improved Nile tilapia compared with red hybrid tilapia fed diets containing two protein levels

A 10‐week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the interaction between tilapia genotype and dietary protein level on the growth, feed utilization efficiency and body composition of Nile tilapia [Oreochromis niloticus L., F₉ generation of genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT) strain] and red hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis sp.). Two isoenergetic diets (15.5 kJ g⁻¹ diet) containing 25% or 35% crude protein were formulated and fed to triplicate groups of tilapia (12.8±0.2 g) at a fixed daily ration of 4% of their body weight. The growth performance of the GIFT tilapia fed 25% or 35% dietary protein was significantly higher (P<0.05) compared with red tilapia at either protein level. Increasing the dietary protein level by 10% led to a further 10% increase in the final weight of GIFT tilapia but no further increase was observed in the weight gain of red tilapia. Growth was influenced by the interaction between diet and tilapia genotype. Feed conversion ratios were 14% and 33% better in GIFT tilapia compared with red tilapia fed the 25% or 35% protein diet respectively. Protein efficiency ratio and net protein utilization were influenced by both diet and tilapia genotype, but not the interaction between the two. The apparent digestibility coefficients of dry matter and protein did not differ significantly between the two diets and tilapia genotypes but lipid digestibility was 1.2–4.7% higher for the GIFT tilapia. Tilapia whole‐body protein content was significantly influenced by both diet and tilapia genotype. The higher growth potential, better feed utilization efficiency and higher body protein content of GIFT tilapia compared with red tilapia should have a positive impact on tilapia farming in terms of production costs.     

Culture of organic tilapia to market size in periphyton‐based ponds with reduced feed inputs

In fish production under organic standards, only organic feeds and manures can be supplied. The cost of organic pelleted feeds is twice that of regular feeds. To support the organic production of hybrid tilapia [Oreochromis niloticus (L.) ×Oreochromis aureus (Steindachner)], a series of experiments in earthen ponds, to improve natural food production for this fish while reducing costs of added feed, are in progress. To improve natural food production for tilapia, plastic substrates equivalent to 50% of the pond surface were introduced into the water column to induce periphyton growth on them. To reduce costs, the feeding rate on pelleted feed was reduced to 60%. Tilapia growth in these periphyton ponds was then compared with ponds without underwater substrates that received the full feed rate. The polyculture consisted of 90% large (320 g stocking weight) hybrid tilapia and small amounts of other fish, at a total stocking density of 13 800 fish ha^?1, during 87 summer days. The results showed improved nitrification and the development of a large autotrophic periphyton biomass that competed with the phytoplankton in the periphyton ponds, and only a 10% and 15% reduction, respectively, in the tilapia daily and specific growth rates, with 40% feed saving. These results point towards periphyton‐based aquaculture as an appropriate technology for the reduction in production costs, allowing economically viable organic tilapia production.     

Preliminary study to evaluate the effects of dietary bile acids on growth performance and lipid metabolism of juvenile genetically improved farmed tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fed plant ingredient‐based diets

A 9‐week feeding experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary bile acids (BAs) on juvenile genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT) (Oreochromis niloticus) based on the evaluations of growth performance and parameters relevant to lipid metabolism. Each of five vegetable protein‐based diets containing BAs at a level of 0, 0.05, 0.15, 0.45 or 1.35 g/kg diet was fed to three replicates with 40 fish (8.2 g per fish). The results showed that weight gain (WG) increased significantly with the increase in BAs from 0 to 0.15 g/kg diet and then decreased significantly at a higher BA supplementation. Dietary BAs significantly reduced the crude lipid content in the whole body, muscle and liver tissue of GIFT. Fish fed diet with 1.35 g BAs/kg diet developed serious nuclear migration and vacuolization in hepatocytes. Gall bladder appeared to contain white solid and has fragile capsules. Dietary BA supplementation had significant effects on serum biochemical indices and activities of lipid metabolism enzymes in liver and intestine. In conclusion, dietary bile acid supplementation (0.15 g/kg) can facilitate the lipid metabolism and therefore promote the growth of tilapia. However, overdosed dietary BAs induced gallstone development, disrupted lipid metabolism and depressed the growth performances of GIFT.     

Effects of dietary supplementation of a marine thermotolerant bacterium,Bacillus paralicheniformis SO‐1, on growth performance and immune responses of Nile tilapia,Oreochromis niloticus

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of thermotolerant bacterium on growth and immune responses of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Bacillus paralicheniformis SO‐1 was isolated from marine environments and incorporated into four isonitrogenous (300g/kg crude protein; cp) and isocaloric (18 MJ/kg) diets at four concentrations: 0, 5, 10 and 20 g/kg diet. Each diet was fed to triplicate groups of Nile tilapia (41.5 ± 0.5 g average weight) at a daily rate of 3% of their biomass, three times a day for 50 days. At the end of the feeding trial, the growth rates, feed utilization efficiency (feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio, protein productive value), digestive enzymes (protease, amylase and lipase) activities, immunological response (serum lysozyme activity, phagocytic activity, respiratory burst and superoxide dismutase activity) and the expression of immune‐related genes [interleukin‐1 (IL‐1), interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) and interleukin‐12 (IL‐12)] were determined. Growth rates, digestive enzymes activities and immunological parameters were significantly improved (p < 0.05) with increasing supplemental SO‐1 up to 10 g/kg. However, further increase in bacterial concentration to 20 g/kg lead to significant decline in fish performance and immune response (p < 0.05). The expression of IL‐1, IL‐4 and IL‐12 genes was significantly up‐regulated (p < 0.05) in the liver of Nile tilapia fed SO‐1‐treated diets. This study clearly demonstrated that B. paralicheniformis SO‐1 could be considered as an efficient growth promoter and immune‐stimulating probiotic for farmed Nile tilapia.     

Effects of ferulic acid on growth performance,immunity and antioxidant status in genetically improved farmed tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fed oxidized fish oil

A study was conducted to characterize the effects of dietary oxidized fish oil on the growth performance, immunity and antioxidant status of genetically improved farmed tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and to determine the role of ferulic acid on the oxidative damage induced by the oxidized fish oil. The tilapia (13.73 ± 0.31 g) were fed four experimental diets containing untreated (peroxide value, POV: 2.2 meq/kg) and highly oxidized (POV: 120.6 meq/kg) fish oil either with or without ferulic acid (0 or 400 mg/kg) supplementation for 12 weeks. From the results, the oxidized fish oil treatments increased antioxidant enzyme activities and MDA values but decreased the weight gain and the immunological parameters in tilapia. Meanwhile, the serum biochemical indices were significantly affected by the oxidized fish oil. Besides, the addition of ferulic acid partially counteracted the free radical‐induced damage and improved the health status of tilapia. In conclusion, the oxidized fish oil may induce oxidative stress, destroy liver, dysregulate lipid metabolism as well as reduce non‐specific immunity, and eventually result in growth inhibition of tilapia. The ferulic acid supplementation partially offset the negative effects of the oxidized fish oil on tilapia.     

Metabolic responses of juvenile GIFT strain of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) to dietary L‐tryptophan supplementation

A 60‐day indoor feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary tryptophan supplementation on growth performances, whole‐body chemical composition, expression of muscle growth‐related genes (MyoD, myogenin and myostatin), and haematological and biochemical responses of juvenile genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT). Five corn–soy‐based isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were formulated to contain graded levels of dietary tryptophan (2.6, 3.2, 3.7, 4.2 and 4.8 g/kg of diet). Each diet was randomly assigned to triplicate groups of 30 fish (5.3 ± 0.1 g) per experimental unit, which were fed thrice a day (9:00, 13:00 and 17:00 hr). Maximum growth performances and feed utilization were observed in fish fed tryptophan at 3.7 g/kg of diet. There was no significant (p > .05) effect on whole‐body composition and amino acid profile by dietary tryptophan supplementation. However, significant (p < .05) differences were observed in plasma metabolites and the mRNA expression of MyoD, myogenin and myostatin. Serum cortisol level was found significantly lowest in fish fed tryptophan at 3.7 g/kg of diet. Second‐order polynomial regression analysis of weight gain and nitrogen gain against dietary tryptophan levels indicated that the optimum dietary tryptophan requirement for maximum growth and feed utilization of juvenile GIFT tilapia was 3.8 g/kg of diet.     

Fishmeal can be completely replaced by soy protein concentrate by increasing feeding frequency in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus GIFT strain) less than 2 g

An 8‐week growth trial was conducted to determine the effects of complete replacement of fishmeal protein by soy protein concentrate (SPC) on growth performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus GIFT strain) fry (initial body weight 1.6 ± 0.0 g). In control diet, 135 g kg^‐1 fishmeal was used, and in the other two diets, 100% of fishmeal was replaced by SPC supplemented with or without methionine hydroxy analogue (MHA) according to the content in FM diet. Fish of FM group were fed twice daily. Fish of SPC6 group were fed SPC diet six times daily. Fish of SPCM group were fed twice (SPCM2) or six times (SPCM6) daily. The results showed that complete replacement of fishmeal with SPC did not affect survival, condition factor, visceralsomatic index of Nile tilapia. Feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of fish in SPCM2 and SPC6 groups were higher than those in FM and SPCM6 groups. Specific growth rate (SGR) of fish in SPCM6 group was highest among four treatments. Productive protein value (PPV) of SPCM2 and SPC6 groups were significantly lower than that of FM group. Fishmeal could be completely replaced by SPC without negative effect on growth by MHA supplementation and increasing feeding frequency.     

Influence of Ulva meal on growth, feed utilization, and body composition of juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) at two levels of dietary lipid

A nutrition trial was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary lipid levels and supplemental Ulva meal on growth performance, feed efficiency, nutrient utilization, and body composition of juvenile Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Four isonitrogenous (CP 40%) diets containing 0% and 5% Ulva meal were formulated to contain 10% (low-lipid; LL) and 20% (high-lipid; HL) crude lipid. Triplicate groups of fish (~10 g) were fed to apparent satiation three times daily for 16 weeks. Fish fed 5% Ulva meal showed an increased growth performance (P < 0.05) compared with fish fed non-Ulva supplemented diets, irrespective of dietary lipid level. In particular, the incorporation of Ulva meal improved specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and protein efficiency ratio (PER). Feeding fish 5% Ulva meal diets resulted in significantly lower carcass lipid content. The results indicate that 5% inclusion of Ulva meal at both dietary lipid levels improves growth performance, feed efficiency, nutrient utilization, and body composition of Nile tilapia.     

Natural foods utilized by Nile tilapia, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Oreochromis niloticus</Emphasis>, in fertilizer-based fish ponds in Lao PDR identified through stable isotope analysis

Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, is one of the most popular freshwater aquaculture species in developing countries. Although formulated feed provides higher fish yield, it is expensive. Therefore, fertilizer-based fish culture using natural food sources is generally implemented in developing countries. The aim of this study was to identify the major natural foods contributing to tilapia growth in fertilizer-based fish ponds. The stomach contents of tilapia in a fertilizer-based fish pond in Lao PDR were analyzed to estimate their feeding behaviors; stable isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen in the potential food organisms and suspended solids were measured and compared with the ratios in the fish muscle tissues. Further, the feed efficiency of chironomid larvae was compared with that of chlorella and formulated feed in a laboratory feeding experiment. Consequently, chironomid larvae were identified as the main contributors to tilapia growth in the fertilizer-based fish pond. In conclusion, benthic larvae of insects belonging to the family Chironomidae are confirmed to be a natural food source for tilapia in the fertilizer-based fish pond.     

Effects of open-pond density and caged biomass of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) on growth, feed utilization, economic returns and water quality in fertilized ponds

The effects of open‐water and caged fish density on growth, feed utilization, water quality and profitability were investigated to assess the feasibility of a small‐scale rotational system for production of Oreochromis niloticus (L.) in fertilized ponds. Hand‐sexed male fingerlings averaging 18.6 and 29.9 g were stocked in open water and cages, respectively in four treatments with open‐pond:caged tilapia ratios of 300:0 (control), 150:150 (L), 300:150 (H1) and 300:300 (H2). The ponds in L and H1 contained one cage, two cages in H2, and the control ponds had no cages. Each cage contained 150 fish, which were fed daily at 1.5% body weight for 125 days. All fish in the open water except the control fish were not fed. Growth of open water tilapia was significantly (P<0.05) higher in L than in control. Feed utilization, dawn DO and economic returns were significantly better (P<0.05) in caged than control ponds. Growth of tilapia in L was significantly lower (P<0.05) in cages than in open water. Fingerling production was significantly lower (P<0.05) in L than in other treatments. In conclusion, cage‐cum‐open‐pond integrated treatment (L) was optimal for O. niloticus production in fertilized ponds. However, the system could not rotate and needed further fine‐tuning to rotate.     

Dietary ratios of n‐3/n‐6 fatty acids do not affect growth of Nile tilapia at optimal temperatures (28°C) nor at temperatures that simulate the onset of winter (22°C)

Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) juveniles were fed diets containing 13 g/kg total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) at different n‐3/n‐6 dietary ratios (0.2, 0.5, 0.8, 1.3 and 2.9) for 56 days, at 28°C. Subsequently, fish were submitted to a winter‐onset simulation (22°C) for 33 days. PUFA n‐3/n‐6 dietary ratios did not affect fish growth at either temperature. At 28°C, tilapia body fat composition increased with decreasing dietary PUFA n‐3/n‐6. Winter‐onset simulation significantly changed feed intake. The lowest dietary n‐3/n‐6 ratio resulted in the highest feed intake. At both temperatures, body concentrations of α‐linolenic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, eicosatrienoic acid and docosapentaenoic acid decreased as dietary n‐3/n‐6 decreased. Body concentrations of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5 n‐3) increased with decreasing concentrations of dietary EPA. The n‐6 fatty acids with the highest concentrations in tilapia bodies were linoleic acid and arachidonic acid (ARA, 20:4 n‐6). At 28°C, SREBP1 gene expression was upregulated in tilapia fed the lowest n‐3/n‐6 diet compared to tilapia fed the highest n‐3/n‐6 ratio diet. Our results demonstrate that a dietary PUFA of 13 g/kg, regardless of the n‐3/n‐6 ratio, can promote weight gains of 2.65 g/fish per day at 28°C and 2.35 g/fish per day at 22°C.     

Interactive effects of salinity and complete fishmeal replacement on growth,food consumption,and gene expression of hepatic IGF‐I,IGF‐II and growth hormone receptors in Nile tilapia,Oreochromis niloticus (L.)

A 12‐week feeding trial was conducted using Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.) to evaluate the interactive effects of fishmeal replacement and salinity on growth, feed utilization efficiencies and relative expression of growth related genes. Two iso‐nitrogenous and iso‐energetic diets were prepared (32% protein). The control diet included 15% fishmeal (FM diet) and fishmeal component in non‐fishmeal diet (NFM) was eliminated by a mixture of poultry by‐product meal, high protein distillers dried grains and distillers dried grains with soluble. The NFM diet was supplemented with DL‐methionine and L‐lysine. Duplicated group of fish with initial mean weight of 6 g, reared in four salinity levels (0, 4, 8 and 12 g/L) were fed one of the two diets twice a day to near satiety. At the end of the experiment, growth, feed utilization efficiency and expression of growth related genes were compared. The specific growth rate (SGR), mean feed intake (MFI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were not affected by the diets while salinity effects were significant. The fish in the 4 g/L salinity showed the highest SGR and MFI while fish in the 0 g/L treatment showed the lowest FCR. Relative expression of hepatic IGF‐I and IGF‐II was regulated by salinity but not by the diet. Expression of growth hormone receptor gene was not affected by either diet or salinity. The present findings provide evidence for the possibility of total fishmeal replacement in saline waters (0–12 g/L) without compromising growth, feed utilization and body composition of Nile tilapia.     

Growth, Survival and Feed Conversion Rates of Sea Bream (Sparus aurata) Cultured in Earthen Brackish Water Ponds Fed Different Feed Types

Sparus aurata were cultured during an 8-month period in brackish water (salinity about 25 ppt) in an extensive culture system comprising eight earthen ponds, each with a water surface of 2.1 ha. Initial mean wet weight of fish in all ponds varied from 13.6 ± 1.9 to 19.2 ± 2.6 g/fish. The eight ponds were randomly allocated one of four experimental treatments (two ponds/treatment). In the first treatment, ponds were fertilized monthly with 100 kg urea and 50 kg triple super phosphate. The other treatments (2–4) were fed a locally produced tilapia pellet feed containing 25% crude protein made using different processes. Fish in the second treatment were fed tilapia feed pelleted by compressing machine, whereas in treatments 3 and 4 the pellets were produced by extruder machine (Wenger). Pellets in treatment 3 were floating and in the fourth were semi-sinking. Fish were fed pellets twice daily at 6% of their biomass. The mean final body weight for each treatment respectively was 104.6, 118.9, 156.8 and 158 g. Specific growth rate (SGR) of 0.8, 0.79, 0.99 and 0.95%/day, were obtained in ponds using only inorganic fertilizer, compressed sinking pellets, extruded floating pellets and extruded semi-sinking pellets, respectively. Feed conversion ratios (FCR) for treatments with the extruded tilapia pellets were 2.2 and 2.6 g feed/g gain, which were significantly (P < 0.05) better than treatments with compressed pellets (3.2 g feed/g gain). Production/ha/year were 1389, 1358, 945 and 682 kg fish for the groups fed with extruded floating, extruded semi-sinking, compressed and natural food, respectively. Under the present experimental circumstances, Sparus aurata fed extruded floating tilapia pellets (25% crude protein and 2,600 kcal/g), showed the best productive performance.     

饲料磷水平对吉富罗非鱼营养代谢和肠道微生物的影响

为研究饲料不同磷水平对吉富罗非鱼营养代谢及肠道微生物的影响,实验以磷酸二氢钙作为磷源,配制成总磷含量为0.26%(低磷组)、0.81%(适磷组)和1.51%(高磷组)的3组等氮等能饲料,每种饲料为一个处理,每个处理设置4个重复,每个重复30尾鱼,用3种饲料分别饲喂初始体重为(8.42±0.09) g的吉富罗非鱼8周。结果显示,适磷组吉富罗非鱼的增重率和特定生长率显著高于低磷组和高磷组,饲料系数在适磷组最低。脏体比、肝体比和肥满度随饲料磷水平的升高呈逐渐下降趋势。随着饲料磷水平的增加,吉富罗非鱼干物质、粗蛋白、粗脂肪、磷的表观消化率显著降低。对筛选到的差异代谢物进行KEGG注释和富集分析发现,饲料磷缺乏时下调的差异代谢物主要富集的代谢通路为氰胺酸代谢、葡萄糖酸酯的生物合成、丙氨酸、天冬氨酸和谷氨酸代谢,上调的差异代谢物主要富集的代谢通路为脂肪酸合成;当饲料磷过量时下调的差异代谢物主要富集代谢通路为精氨酸和脯氨酸代谢、苯丙酸的生物合成,上调的差异代谢物主要富集代谢通路为氨基糖和核苷酸糖的代谢。Ace、Chao1和Shannon指数表明,吉富罗非鱼肠道菌群丰度和多样性随着饲料磷水平的升高呈现...     

Effect of different culture conditions on the structural diversity of prokaryote communities in the sediment of earth ponds stocked with gilthead seabream Sparus aurata (Linnaeus, 1758)

In this study, we evaluate the use of polymerase chain reaction‐denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR‐DGGE) for monitoring the effect of different aquaculture practices on sediment prokaryote (Archaea and Bacteria) communities. The effect of initial fish (gilthead seabream Sparus aurata) stocking density on the structural diversity of prokaryote communities of earth ponds bottom sediments was evaluated using PCR‐DGGE after a 5 month grow‐out period. An identical approach was used to monitor the effect of supplying different fish feeds [commercial feed (CD) versus an ecofeed (ECO)]. One additional variable was the use of copper sulphate (CuSO₄) as an algicide in some of the experimental rearing tanks. The statistical analyses of prokaryote community profiles showed that the presence of fish in earth ponds significantly influenced the structure of sediment prokaryote communities, when compared with earth ponds without fish, independently of the stocking density. Our results also indicated that the structure of the prokaryote communities of earth ponds supplied with the ECO feed shared a strong similarity with that fed CD. Curiously, the use of CuSO₄ in ponds receiving the ECO feed promoted significant differences on the structural composition of the bacterial community, but not on the archaeal community. DGGE molecular fingerprints are suitable for fast evaluation of new management practices in food‐fish production on earth ponds by monitoring shifts on microbial communities in bottom sediments.     

Effects of dietary L‐lysine supplementation on growth,body composition and muscle‐growth‐related gene expression with an estimation of lysine requirement of GIFT tilapia

An 8‐week feeding trial was conducted with extruded practical diets containing 320 g/kg of crude protein from plant‐based sources to determine the effects of L‐lysine on growth performances, muscle‐growth‐related gene (myoD, myogenine and myostatin) expression and haemato‐biochemical responses in juvenile genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT). Five isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were formulated to contain graded levels of lysine (14.3, 16, 17.5, 19 and 20.5 g/kg of diet). Each diet was randomly assigned to triplicate groups of 30 juvenile fish (5.2 ± 0.1 g), which were fed thrice a day (9:00, 13:00 and 17:00 hr). Maximum growth performances were observed in fish fed with lysine at 19 g/kg of diet. There was no significant (p > .05) effect on whole‐body composition and amino acids profile by dietary lysine supplementation. Significant (p < .05) changes were observed in relative expression of muscle‐growth‐related genes namely myoD and myogenine and in plasma metabolites by dietary lysine supplementation. In contrast, the relative expression of myostatin was not affected by dietary lysine supplementation. Broken‐line regression analysis and second‐order polynomial regression analysis of weight gain and N gain against dietary lysine levels showed that the dietary lysine requirement for juvenile GIFT tilapia was 18–18.3 g/kg of diet and 19.3–19.5 g/kg of diet, respectively.     

Effect of Dietary Fish Meal Replacement by Canola Meal on Growth Performance and Hepatic Intermediary Metabolism of Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia Strain of Nile Tilapia,Oreochromis niloticus,Reared in Fresh Water

An 8‐wk feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the potential of replacing fish meal with canola meal in experimental diets for genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT) strain of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (mean initial weight: 20.0 ± 0.62 g, means ± SD), reared in fresh water. Six isonitrogenous (30% crude protein) and isolipidic (10%) diets were formulated with canola meal included at six levels of 0 (control), 11, 22, 33, 44, and 55%, replacing 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, and 75% fish meal, respectively. Growth performance and feed utilization showed no significant differences among the treatments. In general, dietary canola meal supplementation showed significant effect on hepatic composition of tilapia, but not muscle composition. Viscerosomatic index tended to increase with increasing dietary canola meal levels from 0 to 44%, and then declined when dietary canola meal levels further increased from 44 to 55%. Dietary fish meal replacement by canola meal significantly influenced several hepatic enzymatic activities, including succinate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase, malic dehydrogenase, lipoprotein lipase, and hepatic lipase, suggesting that dietary fish meal replacement by canola meal had significant effects on nutrient metabolism in the liver. Based on the information above, 75% of dietary fish meal could be replaced by canola meal with no effect on growth performance of GIFT strain of Nile tilapia. Use of canola meal in practical diets for GIFT stain of Nile tilapia may allow producers and feed mills to formulate more economical diets.