Diel and seasonal changes in nutritional condition of the anadromous twaite shad Alosa fallax fallax (Lacépède, 1803) larvae

Abstract –  In this work we aim to study: (i) the diel and seasonal changes in nutritional condition, herein RNA/DNA ratios, of twaite shad ( Alosa fallax fallax ) larvae and (ii) the influence of environmental and biological covariates on those changes. Samples were collected in the River Mira (Portugal) from February 1998 to July 2000. The RNA/DNA ratios were significantly lower than average during dawn and dusk hours. This pattern can be attributed to: the absence of better-fit specimens escaping the net; a nightly increase in the RNA content in response to circadian rhythm; and/or nucleic acids of prey items remaining in the gut of larvae during daylight. Thus, the time of day is important when examining RNA/DNA ratios of twaite shad. Generalised additive model of seasonal data showed that water temperature, freshwater pulses and/or turbidity largely contribute to create adequate environments. These might enhance the nutritional condition of twaite shad larvae during the period that they remain in the upper reaches of River Mira.     

Tropical hilsa shad (Tenualosa ilisha): Biology,fishery and management

Tropical hilsa shad, which is an anadromous fish migrating from the sea to spawn in freshwater river, constitutes an important fishery in some Asian and Middle East countries, particularly in Bangladesh. But, historical information on hilsa biology and ecology has confronted the scientists and policymakers with research and management challenges. We have reviewed both the old and recent findings on hilsa fishery to document the status of knowledge and potential gaps, necessary to comprehend for formulating a more effective fishery management plan. Thus, there has been a decline in hilsa catches in the riverine system associated with shift in fish migration routes, indiscriminate harvesting of brood and juvenile fish, and degradation of habitat. Specifically, the riverine hilsa catches peaked in the 1960s, declining thereafter, and became relatively abundant in marine waters since 1990s. Biological data indicated that hilsa goes through multiple reproductive cycles; therefore, a comprehensive understanding of reproductive biology, recruitment by various cohorts, stock abundance and habitats across the life cycle are necessary to accurately impose fishery regulatory measures, such as fishing ban in spawning season in Bangladesh. Moreover, domestication initiative is important for artificial seed production and mariculture development of hilsa that can not only offer economic return to small‐scale farmers but also reduce the growing pressure on capture fishery. Importantly, the arrangement of co‐management is found ideal as fishermen, scientists and managers can work jointly to improve the regulatory processes and to sustain the hilsa fishery over time.     

Lipid content and fatty acid composition in female American shad,Alosa sapidissima,at different stages of ovarian development under reared conditions

The fatty acid accumulation in broodstock influences the fecundity of spawners as well as egg quality. A comprehensive understanding of the lipid and fatty acid changes in broodstock during the reproductive period can increase our knowledge of the nutritional requirements in artificial breeding programs. The study assessed the lipid and fatty acid compositions of muscle, liver and ovary of American shad at different stages of reproductive development under reared conditions. The results indicated that there were significant differences in lipid content among ovary, liver and muscle. Mean total lipid levels in ovary, liver and muscle were 15.92%–10.87%, 13.62%–6.89%, 10.39%–6.11% respectively. During the development season, the total lipid content in muscle in stages V and VI were significantly lower than those in stages II and III. The total lipid content in liver in stages IV, V and VI was significantly lower than in stages II and III, whereas the total lipid content in the ovary increased significantly as the gonad developed and reached its highest value at stage V. From II to VI stage, the liver content of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) decreased and the ovarian content of DHA increased, whereas the content of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) remained relatively constant. The content of C16:0 and C18:1n‐9 decreased in muscle and liver, but significantly increased in ovary. It is therefore suggested that the lipids were preferentially transferred from muscle and liver to ovary beginning in stage IV as the gonad matured. At stage IV, the lipid transfer accelerated, and saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, such as C16:0, C18:1n‐9, DHA, EPA and arachidonic acid, were selectively transferred to and conserved in ovaries.     

Behavioral changes associated with suboptimal prey densities for larval American shad

Laboratory studies were conducted to determine the effects of suboptimal prey density and length of prey-deprivation period on swimming, feeding, and social behavior in larval American shad. Alosa sapidissima. Replicated prey-density treatments of 1,000, 500, and 0 Artemia nauplii/liter and deprivation periods of 0,2, and 4 days were established for an 8-day period. The duration or frequency of 11 behavior patterns was quantified with an event recorder during the experiment. Exposure to suboptimal prey densities affected three categories of larval behavior: swimming activities (pivot and dart), interaction with other larvae (escape or avoid), and stereotypical feeding responses (sigmoid and lunge). Location of a food patch, simulated by the sudden introduction of prey to aquaria, affected the frequency of feeding responses more than other categories of behavior. The patch model was supported as a foraging strategy in larvae. The ontogeny of prey deprivation was evidenced primarily by changes in swimming activity (reduced pivot and dart frequencies), though feeding responses (particularly fixate) were also diminished. Deprivation-induced loss of pivot and fixate was an irreversible, pathological effect of starvation. Deprivation also resulted in greater vertical orientation (head up, 42°) of larvae than non-deprived larvae (21–29°). These changes in behavior may result in less effective escape from predators, location of food patches, or pursuit and capture of prey items in riverine habitats.     

超高压处理对卤制鹅胗灭菌保鲜与品质的影响

为了揭示超高压处理对卤制鹅胗灭菌保鲜与品质的影响,以100、200、300、400、500、600 MPa的压力对卤制鹅胗进行处理,保压15 min,以未经高压处理的样品为对照,室温(20±5)℃存放至第1、5、9 天测定样品的菌落总数、大肠杆菌及沙门氏菌等微生物指标,同时对样品的pH值、嫩度、色差等理化指标以及感官指标进行分析。结果表明：400 MPa以上压力保压15 min可以有效抑制大肠杆菌和沙门氏菌的生长;200～500 MPa处理对pH值的影响不显著（P＞0.05）,在9 d存放期中,pH值整体呈下降趋势,鹅胗样品中心点pH值高于边缘部位;超高压处理对嫩度没有显著影响（P＞0.05）;超高压处理对表面色差有显著影响（P＜0.05）。从感官上分析,高压处理对卤制鹅胗的口感、气味及质地等感官品质影响不显著。超高压处理不仅具有较好的杀菌效果,而且最大限度地保证了卤制鹅胗的品质。     

Function of the digestive system

The tremendous amounts of feed handled by commercial poultry breeds require an optimally functioning digestive tract. Functionality of the different segments of the digestive tract may be affected by diet and feeding systems, however. Retention time, moisture content, and pH of contents in the crop are, to a large extent, determined by feeding systems, where intermittent feeding is necessary for a stimulation of crop use. Retention time and pH of the gizzard contents are similarly affected by access to structural components, such as whole cereals or coarse fibers. These materials will stimulate normal development of the gizzard, increase retention time, and decrease pH. Less is known about characteristics of an optimally functioning small intestine, but stimulation of gizzard development will possibly improve functionality of the small intestine through a better feed flow regulation. Functionality of the digestive tract will possibly have a large effect on response to dietary manipulations (e.g., enzyme and pre- or probiotics addition), and therefore needs to be taken into consideration in experimental design and results interpretation.     

基于特征荧光信号的去囊衣带芯橘瓣分选

为实现去囊衣带芯橘瓣的机器视觉分选,给去囊衣带芯橘瓣的机器识别提供直接、准确的判别信号,采用荧光分光光度计对50颗去囊衣带芯橘瓣的橘芯和砂囊分别进行三维荧光光谱扫描,通过对橘芯、砂囊平均三维荧光光谱分析,确定了橘芯相对砂囊的特征荧光信号,据此对带芯橘瓣荧光图像识别的可行性进行了验证。检测发现,在370~390 nm紫外光激发下,橘芯和砂囊在440 nm处的荧光强度差异较大;橘芯与砂囊在370 nm紫外光激发下,440 nm处荧光强度分布的箱线图表明两者荧光强度分布存在明显差异,且以橘芯在440 nm处荧光强度的下四分位数(Q1)与砂囊在440 nm处荧光强度的上四分位数(Q3)的平均值作为分类标准,去囊衣带芯橘瓣检出准确率可达85%。对(370±2)nm激发下得到的单色(440±5)nm荧光图像进行二值化及形态学处理后,可在以砂囊为背景的橘瓣图形中显现橘芯亮斑。利用橘芯与砂囊的荧光特性差异进行机器视觉成像分析,可作为识别去囊衣带芯橘瓣的一种有效方法。     

Skeletal development and abnormalities of the vertebral column and fins in larval stage of hatchery‐reared American shad,Alosa sapidissima

The present study describes the skeletal development and the occurrence of deformities in American shad, Alosa sapidissima, larvae from hatching to 45 days after hatching (DAH). The ontogeny of the vertebral column started at 16 DAH (days after hatching), with the formation of the posterior neural and haemal arches, and was complete at 28 DAH. In comparison, the vertebral centra started to form at 16 DAH, with ossification being visible in all centra at 38 DAH. The pectorals were the only fins that formed before the onset of feeding (at 2 DAH), with ossification being complete at 45 DAH. The caudal fin formed at 5 DAH, with ossification being complete at 40 DAH. Dorsal and pelvic fin development began at 6 DAH and 20 DAH respectively. The ossification of both the dorsal and pelvic fins was visible at 45 DAH. The anal fin began forming at 14 DAH, and was complete at 30 DAH. The ossification of the anal fin was complete at 45 DAH. Overall, 22 types of skeletal deformities were detected in about 41% of individuals. Most anomalies were detected in the haemal region, while the fewest anomalies were detected in the anal fin. In addition, the frequency of deformities gradually increased with fish age at the different developmental stages. Our results are expected to contribute baseline information on how rearing conditions impact skeletal development, in addition to identifying potential causative factors of skeletal deformities.     

方便型鸡肫加工工艺的研制

以温州本地鸡肫为原料,采用预煮、真空滚揉腌制、调配、干燥和高温反压循环杀菌等工艺介绍了五香鸡肫的研制过程,该产品具有长期稳定棕红色泽,肉质紧密,富有弹性,鲜嫩味美,咸淡适宜等特点。