Effects of dietary phenylalanine on growth,digestive and brush border enzyme activities and antioxidant capacity in the hepatopancreas and intestine of young grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)

This study investigated the effects of phenylalanine on growth, digestive and absorptive ability and antioxidant status of young grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). Young grass carp were fed diets containing 3.4 (basal diet), 6.1, 9.1, 11.5, 14.0 and 16.8 g phenylalanine kg^?1 diet with a fixed of 10.7 g tyrosine kg^?1 diet for 8 weeks. Percent weight gain (PWG), feed efficiency and feed intake of fish were the lowest in fish fed the basal diet (P < 0.05). Trypsin, lipase and amylase activities in the hepatopancreas, and antioxidants including glutathione contents and glutathione reducase activities in the hepatopancreas and intestine were all the highest in fish fed 11.5 g phenylalanine kg^?1 diet (P < 0.05). Trypsin, chymotrypsin and amylase activities in whole intestine, and creatine kinase, Na⁺, K⁺‐ATPase and alkaline phosphatase activities in the proximal intestine, and superoxide dismutase activities in the hepatopancreas and intestine were all the highest when phenylalanine at level of 9.1 g kg^?1 diet (P < 0.05). In conclusion, phenylalanine improved growth, digestive and absorptive ability, and antioxidant capacity of young grass carp. The phenylalanine requirement of young grass carp (256–629 g) based on PWG was 10.4 g kg^?1 diet or 3.44 g 100 g^?1 protein.     

Effects of dietary mannan oligosaccharide on growth,survival, physiological,immunological and gut morphological conditions of black tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon Fabricius 1798)

The aim of this experiment was to determine the effects of dietary inclusion with mannan oligosaccharide (Bio‐Mos, Alltech, Nicholasville, KY, USA) on growth, survival, physiological and immunological conditions and gut morphology of the black tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon). Five diets supplemented with MOS at 0 g kg^?1 (control diet), 1, 2, 4 and 8 g kg^?1 were fed to the prawn juveniles (0.4 ± 0.06 g, total weight) for the duration of 63 days. Growth was the highest (P < 0.05) when the prawns were fed the 1 g kg^?1 MOS included diet. Wet tail muscle index (Tw/B), dry tail muscle index (Td/B) and tail muscle protein (Tmp) were higher (P < 0.05) in the prawns fed MOS included diets MOS compared with the prawns fed the control diet. Total haemocyte counts (THCs) of the prawns fed MOS included diets were higher (P < 0.05) than THCs of the prawns fed the control diet. Epithelium layer and epidermal cell density of the gut of the prawns fed 1 g kg^?1 and 2 g kg^?1 MOS diets were better than the prawns fed the control and other MOS diets. The results imply a positive effect of dietary supplementation of 1–2 g kg^?1 MOS in the culture of black tiger prawns.     

Effects of DL‐methionine supplementation on the success of fish meal replacement by plant proteins in practical diets for juvenile gibel carp (Carassius auratus gibelio)

A ten‐week feeding trail was conducted to investigate the effects of increasing DL‐methionine (Met) supplementation on the success of fish meal (FM) replacement with plant proteins in practical diets for juvenile gibel carp, Carassius auratus gibelio. Twelve isoenergetic diets were formulated including two 150 g kg^?1 FM diets (Diet 1—positive control 1 reflecting a commercial diet and Diet 2—positive control 2 reflecting a commercial diet but with balanced essential amino acid (EAA) profile) and ten 50 g kg^?1 FM diets (negative controls) supplemented with graded levels (0–3.0 g kg^?1) of DL‐Met (Diets 3–12). Each diet was fed to triplicate groups of gibel carp, near satiation four times daily for 10 weeks. Diet 2 with balanced EAA profile produced better final weight, specific growth rate (SGR) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) than the negative control diet containing no supplemental Met (Diet 3), but did not significantly differ from Diet 1. However, DL‐Met supplementation (0.5–3.0 g kg^?1) in the negative control diets (Diets 4–12) produced growth performances similar to those fed the positive control diets (Diets 1 and 2). Based on quadratic regression analysis, the optimal dietary Met level with 5.2 g kg^?1 of dietary cysteine (Cys) was found to be 7.1 g kg^?1 dry diet for SGR and FCR. The corresponding total sulphur amino acid requirements (Met + Cys) of this species were calculated to be 12.3 g kg^?1 dry diet for SGR and FCR. DL‐Met supplementation in 50 g kg^?1 FM diets showed a decreasing trend in plasma cholesterol contents (p < .05). No significant differences were observed in whole‐body composition, plasma protein, triglyceride and free EAA contents among dietary treatments, while plasma aspartate transaminase, albumin and ammonia contents were significantly influenced by dietary Met levels. Juvenile gibel carp grew equally well on 150 g kg^?1 FM diet or 50 g kg^?1 FM diets balanced for EAA profile with supplemental amino acids. The results of this study overall indicate that balancing dietary amino acid levels with DL‐Met supplementation is a key strategy in successfully reducing FM levels in the diets of gibel carp.     

Effective use of glucose rather than starch in formulated semimoist diets of common octopus (Octopus vulgaris)

The aim of the present work was to test the capacity of O. vulgaris to use carbohydrates supplied in three diets: a diet without added carbohydrates (diet C0: 500 g kg^?1 water, 200 g kg^?1 gelatine, 100 g kg^?1 egg yolk powder, 50 g kg^?1 freeze‐dried Sardinella aurita and 150 g kg^?1 freeze‐dried Todarodes sagittatus), and two obtained by substituting 50 g kg^?1 of T. sagittatus by glucose (diet GLU50) or by starch (diet STA50). The most stable and best accepted diet was STA50 (SFR 1.26%BW day^?1), although there were no significant differences in the growth rates obtained with the three diets: 10.1 g day^?1, 9.4 g day^?1 and 11.2 g day^?1 for C0, GLU50 and STA50, respectively (P > 0.05). The feed efficiency indices were better for GLU50, of particular note being the protein productive value of 72% and a feed conversion ratio lower than 1. Protein and lipid digestibility were similar in all three diets (96–98% for proteins and 85–94% for lipids), whereas carbohydrate digestibility was higher in GLU50 (98%) than in C0 (84%) and STA50 (0.33%). The content of carbohydrates increased in muscle and the digestive gland as a consequence of the increased carbohydrates intake.     

Effects of lysine and methionine supplementation on growth,body composition and digestive function of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) fed plant protein diets using high‐level canola meal

A 76‐day feeding trial was carried out to evaluate the effects of Lysine and Methionine supplementation on growth and digestive capacity of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) fed plant protein diets using high‐level canola meal (CM). Fish with initial average weight 103.9 ± 0.6 g were fed three extruded diets. Fish meal (FM) diet was formulated as the normal control with 40 g kg^?1 FM and 300 g kg^?1 CM; CM diet was prepared by replacing all FM with CM (total 340 g kg^?1) without Lys or Met supplementation; CM supplement (CMS) diet was similar to CM diet but was supplemented with essential amino acids (EAA) to ensure the levels of Lys and Met similar to those in the FM diet. Feed intake, feed efficiency and specific growth rate of the grass carp fed CMS and FM diets were similar (P > 0.05), but higher than those of the grass carp fed CM diet (P < 0.05). The hepatosomatic index, relative gut length, intestosomatic index and intestinal folds height were significantly improved in fish fed FM and CMS diets as compared to CM diet (P < 0.05). Lower activities of trypsin, lipase and amylase in hepatopancreas were observed in fish fed CM diet (P < 0.05). Three hundred and forty gram per kilogram CM without Lys or Met supplementation significantly decreased trypsin, lipase and amylase mRNA levels in hepatopancreas (P < 0.05). These results indicated that the high supply of CM (340 g kg^?1) in plant protein (200 g kg^?1 soybean meal and 100 g kg^?1 cottonseed meal) diets decreased digestive ability through decreasing digestive enzyme activities and enzyme gene's expressions of grass carp, and these side effects can be reversed by supplementing Lys and Met. Therefore, CM could be high level used in a plant protein blend‐based extruded diet for grass carp as long as EAA were supplemented.     

Effects of temperature and dietary protein on gene expression of Hsp70 and Wap65 and immunity of juvenile mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Juvenile mirror carp were fed diets containing 303.4, 321.7, 341.2, 361.0 and 379.1 g kg^?1 proteins, respectively, and reared at different water temperatures (18, 23 and 28°C) for 60 days. Gene expression of heat shock protein gene (Hsp70) and the warm temperature acclimation‐related 65 kDa protein gene (Wap65), immunity and antioxidant status in the carp were investigated. Results indicated that the contents of serum complement 3 (C3), complement 4 (C4) and immunoglobulin M (IgM), as well as activities of liver superoxide dismutase (SOD) and lysozyme (LSZ) were significantly enhanced with increasing dietary protein (P < 0.05), while content of malondiadehyde (MDA) decreased. Gene expression level of Wap65 in the liver significantly increased with dietary protein, while gene expression of Hsp70 decreased. The contents of C3, C4 and IgM, the activities of SOD and LSZ and gene expression level of Wap65 in the liver significantly increased with temperature. These results suggest that: Serum immune parameter, antioxidant enzymes and Hsp70 and Wap65 expression interact in fish to improve ability to adapt to the environment; and the optimal conditions for the immunity of carp are 348.1?354.5 g kg^?1 protein at 18°C, 352.3?364.9 g kg^?1 at 23°C and 360.2?364.3 g kg^?1 at 28°C, and the optimum temperature for carp is 23°C.     

Bioavailability of arginine from Indian mustard protein concentrate and meal compared with that of a soy protein concentrate in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchys mykiss)

Relative bioavailability (RBV) of arginine (Arg) from Indian mustard protein concentrate (IMC, 62% crude protein) and Indian mustard meal (IMM, 42% crude protein), and a commercially available soy protein concentrate (SPC, 57% crude protein) was compared with that of crystalline L‐arginine (L‐Arg) in rainbow trout. A basal diet highly deficient in Arg (1.23%) was formulated. Eight other isoproteic and isoenergetic diets were formulated to contain ~1.35% and ~1.5% Arg by adding increasing amount of IMC, IMM, SPC and L‐Arg. The experimental diets were fed for 16 weeks using a standard protocol. Growth rate, weight gain (g fish^?1) and protein (PD, g fish^?1) and lipid (LD, g fish^?1) deposition were increased linearly with increasing level of Arg from all ingredients. Arg availability from protein‐bound sources were equal or higher than those from L‐Arg. RBV of Arg from IMC, IMM and SPC were ranged from 100% and 123% than that from L‐Arg (assumed as 100% bio‐available). Among the ingredients, only the RBV of Arg from IMC was significantly higher than those from SPC (P < 0.05). The findings suggest that the RBV of Arg from IMC and IMM are very good and comparable to that of the commercial SPC used in this study.     

Dietary L‐tryptophan requirement of fingerling stinging catfish,Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch)

To quantify dietary L‐tryptophan requirement of fingerling Heteropneustes fossilis (6.66 ± 0.08 g), casein–gelatin‐based isonitrogenous (38% CP) and isoenergetic (14.72 kJ g^?1 DE) purified diets with eight levels of L‐tryptophan (0.12%, 0.16%, 0.20%, 0.24%, 0.28%, 0.32%, 0.36%, 0.40% dry diet) were fed to triplicate groups of fish twice daily to apparent satiation for 12 weeks. Incremental levels of dietary tryptophan from 0.12 to 0.28% significantly (P < 0.05) improved absolute weight gain (AWG; 14.3–65.9 g fish^?1), feed conversion ratio (FCR; 5.9–1.5), protein retention efficiency (PRE; 6.2–32.2%), haemoglobin (Hb; 6.5 to 11.9 g dL^?1) and haematocrit (Hct; 23.5–33.8%). To determine the precise information on tryptophan requirement, data were subjected to broken‐line and second‐degree polynomial regression analysis. Broken‐line regression analysis reflected highest R² values for AWG g fish^?1 (0.999), PRE% (0.993), Hb g dL^?1 (0.995) and Hct% (0.993) compared with R² values obtained using second‐degree polynomial regression analysis of AWG g fish^?1(0.949), PRE% (0.890), Hb g dL^?1(0.969) and Hct% (0.943), indicating that data were better fit to broken‐line regression analysis. Hence, based on broken‐line regression analysis at 95% maximum response, tryptophan requirement of fingerling H. fossilis is recommended between 0.24% and 0.27% dry diet (0.63–0.71% protein).     

Dietary copper requirement of fingerling Channa punctatus (Bloch) based on growth,feed conversion,blood parameters and whole body copper concentration

A 12‐week feeding trial was conducted to estimate the dietary copper requirement of fingerling Channa punctatus. Six casein?gelatin‐based test diets (450 g kg^?1 crude protein; 18.81 kJ g^?1 gross energy) with graded levels of copper as copper sulphate (3.7, 4.7, 5.7, 6.7, 7.7 and 8.7 mg copper equivalent kg^?1 diet) were formulated and fed to triplicate groups of fish (7.25 ± 0.81 cm; 5.21 ± 0.27 g) near to satiation. Fish fed diet with 6.7 mg kg^?1 copper had highest absolute weight gain (AWG; 51.63 g fish^?1), protein efficiency ratio (PER; 1.42 g fish^?1), protein gain (PG; 8.34 g fish^?1), haemoglobin (Hb; 9.68 g dL^?1), haematocrit (Hct; 31.18%) and RBCs (3.24 × 10⁶ × mm^?3). Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was found to be best (1.57) at above level of dietary copper. Whole body copper concentration was found to increase with the increasing levels of dietary copper. Hepatic thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances concentration was found to decrease with increasing dietary concentrations of copper up to 6.7 mg kg^?1 beyond which a reverse trend in this parameter was noted. Broken‐line regression analysis of AWG, FCR and PG concentrations against varying levels of dietary copper yielded the requirement in the range of 6.66–6.78 mg kg^?1. Data generated during this study would be useful in formulating copper‐balanced commercial feeds for the intensive culture of this fish.     

A comparison of the effect of dietary fungal phytase and dicalcium phosphate supplementation on growth performances,feed and phosphorus utilization of tra catfish juveniles (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus Sauvage, 1878)

Six isonitrogenous (320 g kg^?1) and isolipidic (60 g kg^?1) diets were formulated with graded levels (0, 5, 10 and 15 g kg^?1) of dicalcium phosphate (DCP) and fungal phytase (750 and 1500 FTU kg^?1 diet). Tra catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus), 9.6 g, were fed the diets for 12 weeks. Each experimental diet was fed to eight replicates of fish to apparent satiation. At the end of the trial, fish fed the diets containing 15 g kg^?1 DCP, 750 and 1500 FTU kg^?1 phytase had higher growth performances, protein efficiency ratio and phosphorus retention than those fed the control diet, 5 g kg^?1 DCP and 10 g kg^?1 DCP diets (P < 0.05). Whole body ash and phosphorus concentration of fish fed the 10 g kg^?1 DCP and 15 g kg^?1 DCP diets were significantly higher than those of fish fed the control diet. Higher apparent digestibility coefficient of phosphorus was observed in fish fed the phytase supplemented diets. The present results indicate that supplementation of phytase at 750 FTU kg^?1 and 1500 FTU kg^?1 improves growth performances, feed and phosphorus utilization. The supplementation can completely replace dicalcium phosphate or other phosphorus sources in tra catfish feed and reduce the phosphorus discharge into environment.     

The effect of dietary methionine on growth,antioxidant capacity,innate immune response and disease resistance of juvenile yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco)

An 11‐week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary methionine on the growth, antioxidant status, innate immune response and disease resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila of juvenile yellow catfish. Six isonitrogenous and isolipidic practical diets were formulated to contain different graded methionine levels ranging from 6.1 to 16.4 g kg^?1 of dry weight. The results indicated that growth performance and feed utilization were significantly influenced by the dietary methionine levels; fish fed the diet containing 6.1 g kg^?1 methionine level had lower specific growth rate, percentage weight gain (PWG), feed efficiency and protein efficiency ratio than those fed the other diets (P < 0.05). Fish fed the diet containing 16.4 g kg^?1 methionine level had lowest protein contents in whole body and muscle among all treatments. Triacylglycerols, cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and haemoglobin (Hb) in plasma or whole blood were significantly affected by dietary methionine levels. Fish fed the diet containing 6.1 g kg^?1 methionine level had higher superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase activities and malondialdehyde values than those fed other diets. Fish fed diets containing 9.7 and 11.8 g kg^?1 methionine levels had higher lysozyme activity, total immune globulin, phagocytic activity and respiratory burst than those fed other diets. The lowest survival after A. hydrophila challenge was observed in fish fed a diet containing 6.1 g kg^?1 methionine. Quadratic regression analysis of PWG against dietary methionine levels indicated that the optimal dietary methionine requirement for the maximum growth of juvenile yellow catfish was estimated to be 11.5 g kg^?1 of the diet in the presence of 4.0 g kg^?1 cystine (corresponding to 23.5 g kg^?1 of dietary protein on a dry weight basis).     

Utilization of diets with different fish oil content in common octopus (Octopus vulgaris Cuvier, 1797) and resulting changes in its biochemical composition

The aim of the present work was to obtain the lipid utilization of Octopus vulgaris supplying formulated semi‐moist diets with different contents in cod oil (reduced from water content): 0 g kg^?1 (A0, 138 g kg^?1 lipids DW; N = 4), 100 g kg^?1 (A100, 286 g kg^?1 lipids DW; N = 6) and 200 g kg^?1 (A200, 388 g kg^?1 lipids DW; N = 6). The rest of the ingredients were constant in the three diets: 200 g kg^?1 gelatin, 100 g kg^?1 egg yolk powder, 150 g kg^?1 freeze‐dried Todarodes sagittatus and 50 g kg^?1 freeze‐dried Sardinella aurita). Survival was 100% with the three diets. The highest absolute feeding (15.8 ± 1.2 g day^?1), growth (9.6 ± 1.4 g day^?1; 0.91% BW day^?1) and feed efficiency rates (60.3%) were obtained with diet A0. This diet also showed greater retention of lipid and protein than A100 and A200. Protein digestibility was above 95% in all of the diets. Only diet A0 led to a high lipid digestibility coefficient (81.25%), which fell drastically to 12.3% in A200. It was notable the high polar lipid digestibility rates (83–89%) respect to neutral lipids (2–87%) in all diets. The best results were obtained with lipid feeding rates of around 1 g day^?1 and a suitable lipid content on 130–140 g kg^?1 DW in formulated diets for O. vulgaris.     

Effect of oxidized fish oil on growth performance and oxidative stress of Litopenaeus vannamei

A 4‐week feeding trial was conducted to determine the effects of oxidized fish oil (OFO, POV: 234.84 meq kg^?1) on growth performance and oxidative stress of Litopenaeus vannamei. Five diets containing various OFO levels (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 g kg^?1) with the same dietary lipid level were fed to L. vannamei. The results showed that the body weight gain and the specific growth rate of the shrimp fed with 50, 75 and 100 g kg^?1 of OFO diets decreased significantly (P < 0.05), whereas the hepatosomatic index increased significantly (P < 0.05). The malondialdehyde concentrations in the serum and muscle of the shrimp fed with 50, 75 and 100 g kg^?1 of OFO diets were significantly higher than that of the shrimp fed with fresh fish oil (P < 0.05). The total antioxidant competence decreased significantly compared with the control group. Therefore, dietary OFO affects the growth performance and increases the oxidative stress of shrimp.     

Combined effects of dietary fructooligosaccharide and Bacillus licheniformis on growth performance,body composition,intestinal enzymes activities and gut histology of triangular bream (Megalobrama terminalis)

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of fructooligosaccharide (FOS) and Bacillus licheniformis (B. licheniformis) on growth performance, body composition, intestinal enzymes activities and gut histology of Megalobrama terminalis. Nine experimental diets were formulated to contain three FOS levels (0, 3 and 6 g kg^?1) and three B. licheniformis levels (0, 1 and 5 × 10⁷ CFU g^?1) following a 3 × 3 factorial design. Accordingly, diets were named as 0/0, 0/3, 0/6, 1/0, 1/3, 1/6, 5/0, 5/3 and 5/6 (B. licheniformis/FOS). At the end of the 8‐week feeding trial, weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) of fish fed 6 g kg^?1 FOS were both significantly (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05) higher than that of the other groups in terms of dietary FOS levels. Besides, WG and SGR of fish fed 1 × 10⁷ CFU g^?1 B. licheniformis were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of the control group in terms of dietary B. licheniformis levels. In addition, a significant interaction (P < 0.05) between dietary FOS and B. licheniformis was observed in finial weight, WG, SGR as well as the survival rate with the highest values all observed in fish fed diet 1/3. Hepatosomatic index, carcass lipid content, lipase activities as well as microvilli length increased significantly (P < 0.05) from 0 to 1 × 10⁷ CFU g^?1, but no significant difference (P > 0.05) was observed in terms of dietary FOS levels. In addition, a significant (P < 0.05) interaction of FOS and B. licheniformis was observed in both protease and Na⁺, K⁺‐ATPase activities with the highest value obtained in fish fed diet 1/3. The results indicated that the dietary applications of dietary FOS and B. licheniformis alone or in combination can significantly improve the growth performance, survival rate, intestinal enzymes activities as well as microvilli length of triangular bream. In addition, there is a significant interaction between dietary FOS and B. licheniformis. The best combination for this species is 3 g kg^?1 FOS with 1 × 10⁷ CFU g^?1 B. licheniformis.     

Development of low‐lipid formulated feeds with different protein/energy ratios for Octopus vulgaris ongrowing

We studied the feeding and growth rates, feed efficiency and nutritional composition of subadult octopuses (689 ± 77 g) fed low‐lipid diets with two different protein/energy ratios (P/E): Medium P/E diet (30.5 g protein MJ^?1, 662 g kg^?1 protein dry weight (dw)) or High P/E diet (36.8 g protein MJ^?1, 843 g kg^?1 protein dw). Survival was 100% for the Medium P/E and 87.5% for the High P/E diet. The specific feeding rates were 1.91% and 1.67% body weight day^?1 for the Medium P/E and High P/E diet, respectively (P < 0.05). The specific growth rates (0.92% and 1.25% body weight day^?1), feed efficiency indices (47.3% and 72.7%), productive protein value (23.9% and 29.1%) and digestive gland index (5.6% and 6.4%) were significantly better in animals fed the High P/E than the Medium P/E diet (P < 0.05). The proximate composition of the digestive gland was similar for both diets, but the total lipid content of carcass was higher in animals fed the Medium P/E diet (P < 0.05). Our results suggest that the protein content of the feed could be a factor regulating feeding rates in octopus.     

Effects of dietary protein and lipid levels on growth,feed utilization and body composition in Pseudobagrus ussuriensis fingerlings

An 8‐week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the optimum dietary protein and lipid levels for growth, feed utilization and body composition of Pseudobagrus ussuriensis fingerlings (initial weight: 3.40 ± 0.01 g). Twelve diets containing four protein levels (350, 400, 450 and 500 g kg^?1 crude protein) and three lipid levels (50, 100 and 150 g kg^?1 crude lipid) were formulated. Fish were randomly allotted to 36 aquaria (1.0 × 0.5 × 0.8 m) with 25 fish to each glass aquarium. Fish were fed twice daily (08:00 and 16:00) to apparent satiation. The results showed that weight gain and specific growth rate (SGR) decreased with increasing dietary lipid level from 50 to 150 g kg^?1 at the same dietary protein level. Fish fed the diets containing 150 g kg^?1 lipid exhibited higher feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05), lower protein efficiency ratio (PER) and nitrogen retention efficiency (NRE) relative to fish fed the diet containing 50 and 100 g kg^?1 lipid. Weight gain and SGR significantly increased with increasing dietary protein from 350 to 450 g kg^?1 at the same dietary lipid level, and even a little decline in growth with the further increase in dietary protein to 500 g kg^?1. Daily feed intake, NRE and PER were significantly affected by both dietary protein and lipid levels (P < 0.05) and tended to decrease with increasing dietary protein and lipid levels. Whole‐body protein content increased as protein levels increased and lipid levels decreased. Whole‐body lipid and muscle lipid content increased with increasing dietary lipid level, and decreased with increasing dietary protein at each lipid level. There was no significant difference in condition factor and viscerosomatic index among fish fed the diets. Hepatosomatic index was affected by dietary lipid level (P < 0.05), and increased with increasing dietary lipid level at the same protein level. These results suggest that the diet containing 450 g kg^?1 protein and 50 g kg^?1 lipid with a P/E ratio of 29.1 mg protein kJ^?1 is optimal for growth and feed utilization of P. ussuriensis fingerlings under the experimental conditions used in the study.     

Partial replacement of fish meal by soybean meal with or without methionine and phytase supplement in diets for juvenile Chinese sucker,Myxocyprinus asiaticus

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of using soybean meal supplemented with or without methionine (M) and graded levels of phytase (P) to replace high‐level (60%) fish meal in the diets for juvenile Chinese sucker. Seven experimental diets (about 430 g kg^?1 crude protein on dry matter basis) were formulated from practical ingredients. The control diet (FM) was formulated to contain 400 g kg^?1 white fish meal (FM), whereas in the other six diets (diets 2–7), soybean meal (SBM) was used to replace 60% fish meal with or without methionine (3 g kg ^?1) and 0,500, 1000, 1500 and 2000 U kg^?1 phytase (designated as SBM, SM, SMP500, SMP1000, SMP1500 and SMP2000, respectively). Results from the feeding trial indicated that SBM without any methionine or phytase supplement replacing about 60% FM significantly affected the growth of fish (P < 0.05). Weight gain of fish fed diet SM was significantly higher than the fish fed diet SBM, but still much lower than fish fed the control diet (P < 0.05). SBM with methionine and phytase supplement significantly improved the growth of fish and apparent digestibility coefficients of phosphorus compared with the groups which fed diet SBM and diet SM (P < 0.05). Weight gain of fish fed SMP1000, SMP1500 and SMP2000 had no significant difference than fish fed control diet. Furthermore, fish fed SMP1500 showed optimum weight gain and ADC of phosphorus between these three groups. This suggested that soybean meal with 3 g kg^?1 methionine and 1500 U kg^?1 phytase supplement could successfully replace 60% fish meal in the diet for juvenile Chinese sucker without affecting growth and enhanced the apparent digestibility coefficient of phosphorus.     

Quantifying the dietary potassium requirement of subadult grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus)

A growth trial lasting for 12 weeks was conducted in 21 net cages to determine the dietary potassium (K) requirement of subadult grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) (Average weight: 331.3 g). Seven isonitrogenous and isoenergetic semi‐purified diets were compounded with different dietary K level. The specific growth rate (SGR) of fish was significantly (P < 0.05) improved by dietary K supplementation, SGR and the gill Na⁺‐K⁺ ATPase activity increased first and then decreased (P < 0.05) as dietary K level increased. The highest SGR and gill Na⁺‐K⁺ ATPase activity values were both observed at 6.38 g kg^?1 group. Dietary K level showed significant (P < 0.05) effect on serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glucose (GLU), the maximum values of SOD and GLU were in 8.42 and 6.38 g kg^?1 group, respectively. The body lipid content of the 6.38 g kg^?1 group was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than that of the control. However, the ash content in the 8.42 g kg^?1 group was significantly higher than those in the 1.21, 2.21, 4.41 and 6.38 g kg^?1 group. When dietary protein was 320 g kg^?1 and the waterborne potassium ranged from 6.86 to 9.10 mg L^?1, the dietary K requirement for subadult grass carp judged from SGR and gill Na⁺‐K⁺ ATPase activity is 5.38 and 7.41 g kg^?1 diet, respectively.     

The effects of Spirulina platensis meal on proximate composition,fatty acid profile and lipid peroxidation of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) muscle

This study evaluated the effects of diets containing 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 g kg^?1 Spirulina platensis on proximate composition, fatty acid profile and lipid peroxidation of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Supplementation of S. platensis did not change moisture and protein contents, but fish fed 50 and 100 g kg^?1 S. platensis had lower muscle lipid content than those fed control diet (P < 0.05). Fish fed 100 g kg^?1 of S. platensis contained lower percentages of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acid and a higher percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acid than those fed control diet (P < 0.05). The n‐3/n‐6 ratio of the fatty acid increased and muscle atherogenic and thrombogenic indices were significantly decreased as the dietary supplement of S. platensis increased. Furthermore, lipid peroxidation of the fillet significantly decreased with increasing dietary S. platensis at 4 °C and at ?20 °C (P < 0.05). The results of this study show that supplementation of S. platensis to the diet improves muscle quality of the rainbow trout.     

Effects of temperature and feed processing on protease activity and dietary protease on growths of white shrimp,Litopenaeus vannamei,and tilapia,Oreochromis niloticus × O. aureus

Effects of temperature and processing on the stability of a commercial protease were assessed in an in vitro trial followed by growth trials with white shrimp and tilapia. Results showed that the protease has a high heat stability against pelleting, and it could hydrolyse dietary proteins during feed processing. In Exp. 2, white shrimp (3.3 g) fed low fish meal (FM) diet (LFD) with protease addition had similar growth to that fed high fish meal diet, and both had higher weight gain (WG) and lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) than that fed LFD without protease addition (P < 0.05). In Exp. 3, compressed (CD) or extruded (ED) diets containing 30 g kg^?1 or 90 g kg^?1 FM were supplemented with or without protease and then fed to tilapia (1.7 g) for 8 weeks. WG was improved and FCR decreased (P < 0.05) by the supplementation of protease in 30 g kg^?1 FMCD, but not in 90 g kg^?1 FMCD and ED diets when compared to those diets without protease supplementation. The digestibility trial with CD indicated the improved apparent digestibilities of dry matter and crude protein by dietary protease in 30 g kg^?1 FMCD, but not in 90 g kg^?1 FMCD. Results above showed that the protease has a high heat stability and the supplementation of protease in CD with low FM level can improve the growth of shrimp and tilapia.