Growth performance,immune response and disease resistance of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fed Thymus vulgaris essential oils

Efficacy of Thymus vulgaris essential oils was assessed on growth, immune response and disease resistance of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Fish weighing 10 g were fed with dietary supplemented of the oils at 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 ml/kg feed for 2 months. Fish fed with the oils at 0.5 ml/kg feed demonstrated a better weight gain and specific growth rate, compared to other treatments (p < .05). Fish fed with 1.0 ml the oils showed the highest up‐regulation of complement component 3 (C3) and (cluster of differentiation 4) (CD4) genes expression (p < .05), while lysozyme gene expression level significantly increased in fish fed with 2.0 ml of the oils. In addition, at the end of the experiment, the expression of C3 and CD4 genes were significantly up‐regulated in fish fed with 1.0 and 2.0 ml of the oils, while IL‐1ß and lysozyme genes expression levels were significantly decreased in fish fed 2.0 ml oils, towards the end of the trial (p < .05). There was a fluctuation in the levels of Alanine aminotransferase, Aspartate aminotransferase and Alkaline phosphatase in all treatments during the experiment. When treated fish were challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila, the highest survival rate was observed in 0.5 ml/kg treatment, followed by 2 and 1 mg/kg treatments. Overall, these findings demonstrated that dietary administration of T. vulgaris oils especially at 0.5 mg/kg feed can be considered as a potential component for enhancing of the growth, immune responses and disease resistance of trout against motile Aeromonas septicemia caused by A. hydrophila.     

Effects of dietary visceral protein hydrolysate of rainbow trout on growth performance,carcass composition,digestibility and antioxidant enzyme in juvenile Oncorhynchus mykiss

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary visceral protein hydrolysate (VPH) of rainbow trout on performance of juvenile Oncorhynchus mykiss. The antioxidant property of VPH was 85% ± 1.6%. Four diets were prepared including VPH free as the control and three diets with 5, 10 and 20 g/kg of VPH inclusions. Juvenile rainbow trouts (n = 252, 9.74 ± 0.22 g) were randomly distributed to experimental tanks. Final results showed the maximum amounts of weight gain and SGR and the lowest FCR value in fish fed with 10 g/kg VPH (p < .05). The highest carcass protein and fat contents were observed in 10 g/kg VPH treatment and the control diet, respectively (p < .05). The largest fat and dry matter digestibility were recorded in fish fed by 5 g/kg VPH (p < .05), while the control and 10 g/kg VPH diets showed the highest levels of protein digestibility (p < .05). Dietary inclusion of VPH improved SOD enzyme activity (p < .05). The results indicate that a diet containing 10 g/kg of VPH inclusion can improve growth performance and some other examined factors in juvenile O. mykiss.     

抗菌肽对凡纳滨对虾生长和血清非特异性免疫指标的影响

为考察抗菌肽对凡纳滨对虾(Litopenaeus vannamei)生长、饲料利用和免疫能力的影响,分别在基础组饲料中添加0 mg/kg(对照组)、300 mg/kg、400 mg/kg和500 mg/kg抗菌肽,投喂平均体重为(0.8±0.1 g)的凡纳滨对虾6周。结果表明,饲料中添加抗菌肽后,凡纳滨对虾的成活率均显著高于对照组(P<0.05);300 mg/kg抗菌肽组的增重率和饲料系数分别为509.10%、1.33,较对照组提高增重率8.76%(P<0.05),降低饲料系数12.5%(P<0.05),而添加400 mg/kg、500 mg/kg抗菌肽对增重率、饲料系数无显著影响,但显著提高了肌肉粗脂肪含量,各处理组在肌肉粗蛋白、水分含量上无显著差异;300 mg/kg、400 mg/kg抗菌肽组的血清碱性磷酸酶、超氧化物歧化酶、谷丙转氨酶、谷草转氨酶及400 mg/kg抗菌肽组的溶菌酶均显著高于对照组。上述研究表明,饲料中添加300 mg/kg抗菌肽,可显著提高凡纳滨对虾成活率和增重率,降低饲料系数;添加400 mg/kg抗菌肽,对血清非特异性免疫指标有提高作用,凡纳滨对虾饲料中抗菌肽的添加量建议为300～400 mg/kg。     

Effects of dietary onion (Allium cepa) powder on growth performance,hemolymph indices and fillet organoleptic properties of juvenile narrow‐clawed crayfish,Astacus leptodactylus leptodactylus Eschscholtz, 1823

A 18‐week feeding trial was carried out under controlled conditions to compare the effects of onion powder (OP) at six levels (5, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 g/kg) on the growth performance, nutritional efficiency indices, hemolymph indices and fillet organoleptic properties of juvenile (5.62 ± 0.39 g) crayfish. The significantly (p < .05) highest values of final weight (71.30 g) and SGR (2.02% per day) and the lowest FCR (1.03) were observed in the juvenile crayfish fed the diet containing 40 g OP/kg. The juvenile crayfish fed the diet containing 40 g OP/kg had the significantly (p < .05) highest THC (105.27 × 10⁵ cell/ml), HC (98.33 × 10⁵ cell/ml), SGC (38.54 × 10⁵ cell/ml) and LGC (49.51 × 10⁵ cell/ml). The crayfish fed the levels of dietary OP higher than 30 g/kg showed the significantly (p < .05) higher values of SOD (4.07–4.30 U/min) and LYZ (6.73–7.20 U/min) compared with those fed 5, 10, 20 and 30 g of dietary OP/kg and control. Polynomial regression of SGR, FCR, PPV and PER suggested that the optimum dietary OP level could be higher than 30 and <50 mg/kg in crayfish reared in culture conditions.     

Optimization of Dietary Manganese for Rainbow Trout,Oncorhynchus mykiss,Fed a Plant‐based Diet

Juvenile rainbow trout were fed a plant‐based diet supplemented with inorganic Mn added at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, or 32 mg/kg diet for 12 wk. Whole‐body Mn concentrations increased with increasing dietary levels. Rainbow trout fed 2–8 mg Mn/kg diet exhibited weight gain that was significantly higher than fish fed 0, 0.5, 1, 16, and 32 mg Mn/kg diet. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) showed a similar trend, where FCR values decreased with increasing dietary Mn until concentrations reached 8 mg Mn/kg, after which they increased. A rational nonlinear model (R² = 0.84) fit to weight‐gain data showed that the optimal predicted supplementation level for Mn was 4.8 mg/kg diet. The optimal predicted supplementation level for Mn was similar for FCR (5 mg Mn/kg diet). The predicted 5 mg/kg diet of supplemental Mn required for the plant‐based diet formulation examined in this study is lower than the National Research Council–recommended supplementation level of 12 mg/kg. However, due to potential differences in bioavailability or retention of Mn among plant‐protein sources, the level of dietary supplementation for optimal growth could be slightly higher or lower depending on the dietary formulation.     

Practical diets with essential oils of plants activate the complement system and alter the intestinal morphology of Nile tilapia

The effect of the essential oils (EOs) of peppermint, Mentha piperita L., and tea tree, Melaleuca alternifolia (Maiden & Betche) Cheel, on the haematological, biochemical, and immunological parameters and intestinal morphology of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus L., was evaluated. Fish (58.09 ± 5.87 g) were fed 100 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg of each EO and sampled on days 7, 14, 30 and 60 after starting supplementation. The haematological and biochemical parameters were not altered by the supplementation of EOs compared to the control (p > .05). With regard to the immunological parameters, the activation of the complement system of fish fed 250 mg/kg peppermint and 100 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg tea tree EOs were significantly higher compared to the control after 60 days of feeding (p < .05). The complement system plays an essential role in innate immunity and contributes significantly to the acquired immune response; thus, its activation through supplementation with EOs is promising for the formulation of nutritional additives in aquaculture. Regarding intestinal morphology, fish fed 250 mg/kg tea tree EO presented higher villus size compared to all other groups (p < .05), which represents a healthier gut. These fish present a larger intestinal surface, which can result in better absorption and utilization of the nutrients. Based on the responses found in this study, both EOs were considered promising for the formulation of feed additives for Nile tilapia.     

Effect of dietary iron (Fe) levels on growth performance,hepatic lipid metabolism and antioxidant responses in juvenile yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco

This study was conducted to determine effects of dietary Fe levels on growth performance, hepatic lipid metabolism and antioxidant response for juvenile yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco. Yellow catfish were fed six isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets containing Fe levels of 16.20, 34.80, 54.50, 76.44, 100.42 and 118.25 mg/kg for 8 weeks. Weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) increased with dietary Fe levels from 16.20 to 54.50 mg/kg diet and then plateaued over the level. Feed conversion rate (FCR) was highest and protein efficiency rate (PER) was lowest for fish fed the lowest Fe levels of diet. Fe contents in whole body and liver increased with increasing dietary Fe levels. Hepatic lipid content was lowest, but mRNA levels of carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT‐1) and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α (PPARα) were highest for fish fed 54.50 mg Fe/kg diet. Fish fed adequate dietary Fe levels reduced hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) level and increased activities of antioxidant enzymes Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase (CAT) and GS. Based on the broken‐line regression analysis of WG against dietary Fe levels, optimal dietary Fe requirement for yellow catfish was 55.73 mg Fe/kg diets. Fe‐induced changes in MDA levels and antioxidant enzymatic activities paralleled with the change in hepatic lipid content, suggesting the potential relationship between oxidative stress and hepatic lipid accumulation in yellow catfish.     

Evaluation of Gambusia, Gambusia affinis, Fish Meal in Practical Diets for Fry Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus

This study was conducted to evaluate the use of gambusia, Gambusia affinis, fish meal (GFM) in practical diets for fry Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (2.11 ± 0.11 g). Six isonitrogenous diets (35%) were formulated in which GFM replaced 0.0, 10, 25, 50, 75, or 100% of the protein supplied by herring fish meal (HFM). Fish were fed one of the test diets at a feeding rate of 4% of the fish body weight 6 d a week, 2 times a day for 13 wk. Results demonstrated that fish growth increased with increasing GFM up to 75%, which produced the highest growth of the treatments. The lowest fish growth was obtained at 100% GFM. Feed intake (FI), protein efficiency ratio (PER), and apparent protein utilization (APU) increased significantly, while feed conversion ratio (FCR) decreased significantly with increasing GFM up to 75%. FI, PER, and APU decreased significantly, while FCR increased significantly for diets containing 100% GFM. There were no significant differences in moisture, protein, lipid, or ash contents in final fish body following inclusion of GFM in fish diet. There was no significant difference in the digestibility coefficient of dry matter. The digestibility coefficients of protein and gross energy for diets containing 100% GFM replacement were the lowest as compared with other GFM levels. The present study recommended that GFM is a suitable protein source in practical diets for fry Nile tilapia and could replace HFM up to 75%.     

Interactive effects of dietary protein and live bakery yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae on growth performance of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.) fry and their challenge against Aeromonas hydrophila infection

Yeasts used as a probiotic in fish diets could stimulate fish resistance against bacterial infection and could enhance the activities of digestive enzymes in fish guts. In addition to yeast importance, dietary protein is another important part in fish diets that should be carefully optimized to meet fish requirement. It is proposed that the yeast supplementation may enhance the dietary protein turnover and reduce the protein requirement for fish. Therefore, the interactive effects of dietary protein and yeast levels on the growth performance of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.) fry and their challenge against Aeromonas hydrophila infection was evaluated. In the present study, ten experimental diets were formulated to contain either 35% or 45% crude protein (CP). For each protein level treatment, bakery yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) was supplemented at 0.0, 0.50, 1.0, 2.0, or 5.0 g/kg diet. Fish (0.25–0.48 g) were distributed at a rate of 25 fish per 140-L aquarium. For each diet, triplicate aquaria were fed twice a day, 5 days a week for 12 weeks. Fish growth and feed utilization were significantly affected by either dietary protein or yeast levels alone, while no significant effect of their interaction was observed. The highest fish growth was obtained at 1.0–5.0 g yeast/kg diet at both protein levels; however, the fish performance at 45% CP was better than that fed on 35% CP diets. The optimum feed conversion ratio (FCR) was obtained when fish fed on 1.0–5.0 and 2.0–5.0 g yeast/kg diet at 35 and 45% CP, respectively. The cumulative fish mortality, after interperitoneal injection with A. hydrophila for 10 days, and bactericidal activity was significantly higher in fish fed 35% CP diets than those fed 45% CP diets. Both variables decreased significantly with the increase in yeast levels. The lowest bacterial count and bactericidal activity were obtained in fish fed 5.0 g yeast/kg diet irrespective to dietary protein levels. It could be concluded that the inclusion of live bakery yeast in practical diets could improve the growth performances, feed utilization, and physiological status of Nile tilapia fry and their challenge against A. hydrophila infection. Moreover, fish performance when fed 45% CP diet was better than those fed 35% CP diet. Based on these results, the most suitable yeast level for maximum Nile tilapia growth was determined to be 2.0 g yeast/kg diet with 45% CP diet; however, this level was recommended to stimulate their productive performance and enhances their resistance against A. hydrophila infection.     

Effect of dietary vitamin E on growth,immunity and regulation of hepatopancreas nutrition in male oriental river prawn,Macrobrachium nipponense

We evaluated the effects of dietary vitamin E on growth, immunity and regulation of the hepatopancreas in male oriental river prawn, Macrobrachium nipponense. Shrimps were fed 0, 40, 80, 160, 320 or 640 mg vitamin E/kg for 60 days. The 80 mg/kg group had the highest weight gain rate, specific growth rate and lowest feed conversion rate while there were no significant differences in survival rate and hepatosomatic index. The highest crude fat and lowest crude protein content were observed in the 160 mg/kg group. In the hepatopancreas, lysozyme, acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase activities were highest in the 160 mg/kg group, while superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities decreased with increasing vitamin E levels. Malondialdehyde content initially decreased then increased with vitamin E levels, whereas the reverse was seen with total antioxidant capacity. Linoleic acid, DPA, DHA, total n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid and total polyunsaturated fatty acid first increased then decreased, while EPA and total saturated fatty acid rose with vitamin E levels. Total n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acid content declined while there were no significant differences in linolenic and total monounsaturated fatty acid content. Following a toxicity test with Aeromonas hydrophila, hepatopancreas ultrastructure revealed that appropriate vitamin E levels promote an increase in mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi bodies, but excess vitamin E can damage cell structure. These results provide evidence that 80–160 mg/kg dietary vitamin E has a positive impact on growth, immunity and regulation of the hepatopancreas in male shrimp.     

Effects of dietary vitamin C on growth,antioxidant activity,and immunity in ricefield eel (Monopterus albus)

A 10-week feeding trial aimed to investigate the effects of dietary vitamin C (l -ascorbic acid) on growth, antioxidant activity, and immunity in ricefield eel, Monopterus albus. Six diets were formulated with different levels of vitamin C supplementation (0.1, 17.5, 34.8, 68.6, 139.7, and 278.5 mg/kg). The results indicated that the weight gain (WG) of the M. albus fed the diets with vitamin C was remarkably higher than that of the M. albus fed the control diet (p < .05), and the quadratic analysis showed an optimal vitamin C level of 80.66 mg/kg. Compared with the control group, serum lysozyme activities, the complement pathway, red blood cell counts, white blood cell counts, immunoglobulin M, and phagocytosis percentage were significantly increased (p < .05) in the treatment groups, and superoxide dismutase activity, serum glucose, and malondialdehyde content were significantly decreased (p < .05) in the treatment groups. The challenge trial with Aeromonas hydrophila showed that the M. albus fed the diets with vitamin C had remarkably reduced cumulative mortality compared with those fed the control diet (p < .05), and mortality in the 68.60 mg/kg diet group was the lowest. Based on WG, the optimal vitamin C supplementation level for M. albus was estimated to be 80.66 mg/kg.     

Relative efficacy of dietary administration of 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (T3) to different stages of an Indian major carp, Cirrhina mrigala (Hamilton): growth and economics

Different stages of an Indian major carp, Cirrhina mrigala (Hamilton), i.e. hatchling, fry and fingerling, were fed diets supplemented with 3,5,3′-triiodothyronine (T₃) at doses of 0, 1, 5 and 10 mg kg^?1 diet for 60 days, and then reared on a hormone-free diet for 120 days to study the growth performance of fish during the treatment period (TP) and post-treatment period (PTP). Oral administration of T₃ at all the stages resulted in a significantly higher specific growth rate (SGR) and better food conversion ratio (FCR) in comparison to the control group (P<0.05). However, the growth response of C. mrigala towards T₃ administration appeared to be stage-specific. At the end of the experimental period of 180days (60days TP+120days PTP), the optimum dosage of T₃ appeared to be 5.0 mg kg^?1 diet for both hatchlings and fry, and 1.0 mg kg^?1 diet for fingerlings, resulting in 62.08%, 30.22% and 13.33% higher weights than in the control group, respectively. The cost of hormone for production of 1 kg of fish was lowest in the case of hatchlings (Rs 0.54), followed by fry (Rs 7.00) and fingerlings (Rs 16.07). Hence, based on the degree of growth response of the fish towards T₃ administration in addition to its economics, only incorporation of T₃ in the diet of hatchlings appeared to be economical.     

胆汁酸对草鱼(Ctenopharyngodon idellus)的生长性能、肌肉营养成分及消化酶活性的影响

为研究胆汁酸对草鱼(Ctenopharyngodon idellus)生长性能、肌肉营养成分及消化酶活性的影响,选取初始体重为(13.11±0.58)g的草鱼540尾,随机分成6个实验组,分别饲喂胆汁酸添加量为0、75、150、225、300、375 mg/kg的等氮等能饲料(粗蛋白含量34.56％,总能13.54 kJ/g),养殖时间为60 d.结果显示,随着胆汁酸浓度的增加,草鱼的增重率(WGR)、特定生长率(SGR)均呈先上升后下降的变化趋势,且均在胆汁酸添加量为300 mg/kg时达到最大值(分别为281.18％和2.23％/d);饲料系数(FCR)则呈先下降后上升的趋势,且在胆汁酸添加水平为225 mg/kg时达最低值(1.26).由二次回归方程可知,WGR、SGR、FCR等生产性能最优时,胆汁酸添加水平分别为222.15、265.00、242.86 mg/kg.实验鱼肌肉粗脂肪含量随胆汁酸添加量的增加而呈先下降后趋于稳定的变化趋势,粗蛋白质含量则呈先上升后降低的变化趋势.肠道各段及肝胰脏的消化酶活性均随胆汁酸添加量的增加呈先升高后下降的趋势.由此说明,适量的胆汁酸能提高草鱼生长性能,促进其脂肪代谢,降低机体脂肪沉积,改善其肌肉品质.本研究考虑到草鱼消化酶活性、肌肉品质及生长性能等因素,其饲料中胆汁酸适宜的添加量为222.15-265.00 mg/kg.     

Dietary nucleotide‐rich yeast supplementation improves growth,innate immunity and intestinal morphology of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

An 8‐week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary nucleotide (NT)‐rich yeast supplementation on growth, innate immunity and intestinal morphology in Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). Four isonitrogenous and isolipidic practical diets were formulated to contain 0 (control), 10, 30 and 50 g/kg of NT‐rich yeast, respectively. A total of 480 shrimp with an average initial body weight of 1.86 ± 0.02 g were randomly allocated into four groups, with four replicates per group and 30 shrimp each replicate. The results indicated that shrimp fed the diet containing 50 g/kg NT‐rich yeast had significantly higher weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) than those fed the control diet, and the lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) was observed in the shrimp fed the 50 g/kg NT‐rich yeast supplemental diet. However, there was no significant difference in survival among all treatments. The crude protein of whole shrimp in the 50 g/kg NT‐rich yeast group was higher than that in the control group. Total protein, triglyceride concentrations, the activities of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase in serum were significantly influenced by the dietary NT‐rich yeast supplementation. The activities of serum phenoloxidase (PO) and lysozyme (LZM) of shrimp fed the diet containing 50 g/kg NT‐rich yeast were higher than those in shrimp fed the other diets. Relative expressions of alp and lzm significantly upregulated in the 30 g/kg NT‐rich yeast group compared to the control group. The intestinal fold height and fold width in the 30 g/kg NT‐rich yeast group were significantly higher than those fed the control diet; and the highest microvillus height occurred in the shrimp fed the 50 g/kg NT‐rich yeast diet. In summary, dietary 30–50 g/kg NT‐rich yeast supplementation promotes growth performance, enhances innate immunity and improves intestinal morphology of Litopenaeus vannamei.     

Dietary pantothenic acid requirement of fingerling Channa punctatus (Bloch) based on growth,feed conversion,liver pantothenic acid concentration and carcass composition

A 16‐week feeding trial was conducted to determine the dietary pantothenic acid requirement of fingerling Channa punctatus. Six casein–gelatin‐based diets (450 g/kg CP; 18.39 kJ/g GE) with graded levels of pantothenic acid (0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 mg/kg diet) were fed to triplicate groups of fish (6.2 ± 0.71 cm; 4.26 ± 0.37 g) near to apparent satiation. The growth evaluation in terms of absolute weight gain (AWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and protein retention efficiency (PRE) indicated the best performance (p < .05) in fish fed diet containing 30 mg/kg pantothenic acid. Highest haemoglobin, haematocrit and RBCs counts were also obtained in fish fed diet with 30 mg/kg pantothenic acid. Mean cell haemoglobin and mean cell volume were found to be lowest in fish fed pantothenic acid‐free diet indicating the anaemia in this group of fish. Superoxidase dismutase and catalase activities of liver tissue were found to improve (p < .05) with the increasing levels of dietary pantothenic acid from 0 to 30 mg/kg. However, liver pantothenic acid concentration responded positively with the increasing levels of pantothenic acid up to 40 mg/kg diet and then stagnation in liver pantothenic acid concentration with the further inclusion of pantothenic acid was recorded. Second‐degree polynomial regression analysis of AWG, FCR and PRE exhibited the pantothenic acid requirement at 36.4, 32.8 and 34.7 mg/kg diet, respectively. Data generated during this study would be useful in formulating pantothenic acid‐balanced commercial feeds for the intensive culture of this fish.     

Effects of cellulase addition to canola meal in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) diets

The effects of commercial cellulase enzyme products on the nutritive value of canola meal (CM) were determined in tilapia fry. Nine diets were prepared by adding cellulase enzyme (1–5 g kg^?1) to control diet (containing no canola), low canola (41.7 g kg^?1 CM) and high canola (208.3 g kg^?1 CM). Tilapia fry was fed for 90 days, and growth, feed conversion ratio (FCR), body composition and nutrient digestibility were determined. Fish fed the diets containing the lowest levels of canola meal (41.7 g kg^?1) had similar final weight and FCR relative to the group fed the control diet, and high canola diet showed significantly lower growth than other groups (P < 0.05), irrespective of cellulase enzyme. The addition of canola meal to tilapia diets resulted in lower protein digestibility and cellulose digestibility. There were no significant differences in body compositions in all treatments. Addition of enzymes to canola meal diets had no significant effects on growth performance, body compositions and nutrient digestibility. The results of this study indicate that use in higher level of canola meal in tilapia diet was adversely affected growth parameters and FCR. Adding dietary cellulase enzyme in different rations to diets showed no significant differences in growth parameter.     

Influence of vitamin C on the immune system of salmonids

Abstract. Trials were run to determine the immunomodulatory effect of dietary vitamin C in rainbow trout. Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), and Atlanticsalmon, Salmo Salar L. We first investigated whether depletion of ascorbic acid (AA) could depress the immune system. Subsequently, we focused our studies on the stimulatory effect of a high dietary dose of stable vitamin C derivatives (1000mg AA-equivalent per kg of feed) in order to determine their prophylactic role. Three trials were run with rainbow trout fed, for periods of time varying from 2 to 6 months, a high dietary dose of ascorbate-2-polyphosphate (AAPP) or L-ascorbate-2-monophosphate calcium salt (AAMP) equivalent to 1000mg AA per kg of feed. The high dietary level of vitamin C was compared to 60mg AA-equivalent per kg of feed. Another experiment was conducted with Atlantic salmon pre-fed AAPP at 60mg/kg for 6 months followed by AAPP at 1000mg/kg for 2 months. Various immune parameters were tested such as mitogen-induced proliferation, serum complement level, phagocytosis and natural cytotoxicity. Leucocyte and plasma AA contents were also determined. The immune response in vitamin-C deficient trout was not strongly different from that in trout fed the minimal growth requirement level. Serum complement level was not affected by vitamin C. A high dietary dose of vitamin C was found to increase trout and salmon leucocyte AA content, mitogen-induced proliferation of lymphocytes, and chemiluminescence response of leucocytes with a higher constancy, when the cells were stimulated with opsonized zymosan and with luminol as a substrate. Natural cytotoxicity was enhanced in trout fed a high dietary dose of vitamin C. The results of these immunity studies support supplementation levels of vitamin C which are much higher than the minimal requirement known to prevent deficiency symptoms and promote normal growth. Further investigations on the time-dose response are needed to define quantitatively the high dietary dose of vitamin C.     

Dietary sour lemon (Citrus limon) peel essential oil supplementation for reduction of deltamethrin‐induced stress in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

The purpose of this study was to investigate the dietary effects of using essential oil from sour lemon peel (Citrus limon) on growth performance, carcass composition, blood and serum parameters, and liver enzymes of juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) exposed to deltamethrin (DMN) pesticide. Treatments with no lemon peel essential oil (LPEO) and without DMN (control), as well as four treatments with 10% of 96‐h lethal concentration of DMN were prepared with dietary supplementation of LPEO (zero, 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg). Trout juveniles (95.12 ± 0.53 g) were randomly allocated to the treatments (each with three replicates). The results showed that dietary LPEO inclusion improved fish growth parameters in the DMN‐containing treatments. The highest fat content was found in zero LPEO treatment with no DMN while it was lowest in DMN treatments containing 400 and 600 mg/kg of LPEO. Carcass protein content was the highest in DMN treatment with 400 mg/kg of LPEO. Blood and serum biochemical parameters showed statistical differences between no LPEO treatment with DMN exposure and those detected in the control fish (p < .05). Overall, the results indicate that dietary inclusion of LPEO at 400 mg/kg level can decrease some negative effects of DMN exposure.     

饲料中添加生物素对草鱼幼鱼生长、体成分和血清生化指标的影响

在纯化饲料中分别添加生物素0、0.05、0.10、0.20、0.40、0.80、1.60 mg/kg投喂初始质量为(5.92±0.25)g的草鱼(Ctenopharyngodon idellus)幼鱼8周,研究了不同生物素添加量对草鱼幼鱼生长性能、饲料系数、机体营养成分、血清生化指标的影响。试验结果显示:与对照组相比,添加生物素提高了草鱼幼鱼的增重率、特定生长率,降低了饲料系数。添加量为0.40 mg/kg时草鱼幼鱼的特定生长率和增重率最大,饲料系数最低,并与对照组存在显著差异(P<0.05);添加不同水平生物素对草鱼幼鱼全鱼水分、粗蛋白、粗脂肪含量无显著影响,但添加量为0.40 mg/kg时粗蛋白含量最大。0.10 mg/kg组和0.20 mg/kg组的全鱼灰分含量显著高于对照组(P<0.05);添加生物素对血清总蛋白(TP)、血糖(GLU)和总胆固醇(TC)无显著影响,但显著提高了血清甘油三酯(TG)含量,各添加组TG含量均显著高于对照组(P<0.05),1.60 mg/kg添加组的高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)和低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)含量显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。综合本试验结果,草鱼幼鱼饲料中生物素适宜添加量为0.40 mg/kg。