Effects of different dietary selenium sources (sodium selenite,selenomethionine and nanoselenium) on growth performance,muscle composition,blood enzymes and antioxidant status of common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

This experiment was conducted to compare the effects of different sources of selenium (Se) on growth, muscle Se concentration, muscle proximate composition, blood enzymes and antioxidant status of common carp, Cyprinus carpio. Organic Se (selenomethionine, SeMet), inorganic Se (sodium selenite, Na₂SeO₃), or nanoselenium were each added to the basal diet at 0.7 mg Se kg^?1 diet. Four groups of fish with an average weight of 9.69 ± 0.12 g were fed one of the experimental diets for 8 weeks. Nano‐Se diet resulted in better growth performance (P < 0.05). Fish fed with Se‐supplemented diets showed a higher (P < 0.05) Se content in the muscle and liver tissues. Fish fed nano‐Se had the highest liver glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities (P < 0.05). Liver malondialdehyde level was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in fish fed on SeMet and nano‐Se diets as compared to control. The carp fed on nano‐Se diet had the lowest values of aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase. Lactate dehydrogenase activity was significantly lower in fish fed on SeMet and nano‐Se diets. This study shows that nano‐Se acts more efficiently on growth performance and antioxidant defence system of common carp than organic and inorganic sources of Se.     

Effects of dietary organic,inorganic, and nanoparticulate selenium sources on growth,hemato-immunological,and serum biochemical parameters of common carp (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Cyprinus carpio</Emphasis>)

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to compare the effects of supplementing (0.7 mg kg^?1) different dietary selenium (Se) sources including organic [selenomethionine (SeMet)], inorganic [sodium selenite (Na₂SeO₃)], and nanoparticulate Se (nano-Se) on physiological responses of common carp, Cyprinus carpio juveniles (9.7?±?0.1 g). Basal diet without Se supplementation used as control. Fish fed nano-Se supplemented diet had the highest weight gain (97.2?±?10.8%) and feed efficiency ratio (42.4?±?0.8%). Intestinal villi height was significantly taller in fish fed nano-Se diet than in the control group in both foregut and midgut sections. Serum glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities were significantly higher in nano-Se and SeMet groups than in control and sodium selenite groups. Fish fed Se-supplemented diets had greater red blood cell counts and hematocrit and hemoglobin values than the control group (P?<?0.05). Nano-Se and SeMet groups showed a significant increase in white blood cell counts, neutrophil percentage, and serum lysozyme activity than the other groups. Fish fed nano-Se diet had the highest serum hemolytic activity, total immunoglobulin, and total protein and albumin contents, as well as the lowest serum total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein levels (P?<?0.05). Overall, significant improvements in growth performance, feed utilization, intestinal morphology, and hemato-immunological and serum biochemical parameters of common carp juveniles suggest nano-Se as an efficient source for providing dietary Se in this species.     

Supra-nutritional dietary intake of selenite and selenium yeast in normal and stressed rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): Implications on selenium status and health responses

Commercial salmonid diets are not typically supplemented with selenium (Se) as they naturally contain relatively high levels of this essential trace element; however supplementation may be necessary to meet requirements during physical stress. Adopting an integrated approach by simultaneously determining Se status, various health parameters and interactions with other trace elements, this study aimed to determine the role of supra-supplemented selenite and Se-yeast (Selplex^®) on the growth and health of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), both under normal conditions and after exposure to chronic physical stress. Fish were fed one of seven diets; a basal un-supplemented diet (0.73 mg kg^− 1 Se) or diets supplemented with Se-yeast or sodium selenite to provide 2, 4, or 8 mg kg^− 1 Se for 10 weeks prior to subjection of daily handling and confinement stressors for seven days. Net whole body Se retention was significantly greater for Se-yeast than selenite at all levels. In normal conditions activities of hepatic glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and thioredoxin reductase (Trx-R) indicate that Se requirements were met by the basal diet. Similarly, pre-stress supra-supplementation of selenite and Se-yeast did not affect oxidative status (total antioxidant capacity of serum and hepatic malondialdehyde), immuno-competence (respiratory burst activity, serum lysozyme, and leukocyte counts) or other haematological and growth parameters (nuclear abnormalities in erythrocytes, and specific growth rate). In contrast, the trend towards a higher GSH-Px post-stress in Se supplemented diets over the basal diet, particularly in Se-yeast fed fish, indicates that Se requirements may not be met by the un-supplemented practical diet in stressed fish. Seven days of chronic physical stress decreased whole body Se and increased GSH-Px activity signifying an increased Se utilisation. During stress Se status was more effectively maintained by Se-yeast than selenite. Increased hepatic lipid peroxidation in stressed fish fed 8 mg kg^− 1 selenite indicates a possible pro-oxidant effect of selenite. A positive interaction was observed between dietary selenite and whole body copper, but no such interaction was observed with Se-yeast. This study concludes that physical stressors can result in an elevated Se utilisation and consequently supplementation of commercial diets may be necessary such that Se reserves are available as a contingency for stress.     

Effects of diludine supplementation on growth performance,liver antioxidant enzyme activities and muscular trace elements of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) juveniles at a low water temperature

Diludine is used as an effective agent reducing mutagenic effects of environmental pollutants, increasing productivity and protecting reproductive system of parental individuals and quality of their offspring. A 10‐week study was conducted to evaluate potential effects of diludine on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) juveniles growth performance, feed utilization, survival rate, liver antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, SOD, EC1.15.1.1 ; catalase, CAT, EC1.11.1.16 ; glutathione peroxidase, GPx, EC 1.11.1.9 ; glutathione reductase, GR, EC1.6.4.2 ; glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase, G6PD, EC1.1.1.49 and glutathione S‐transferase, GST, EC1.5.1.18 ), the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) as a lipid peroxidation marker and muscular trace elements at a low water temperature (9 °C). Diludine was added at 0.2, 0.5 and 1 g kg^?1 to a fish meal–based control diet, and each diet was fed to triplicate groups of rainbow trout juveniles. After 10 weeks, there were no differences in survival rate between fish fed experimental diets (P > 0.05). It was observed that a significant improvability existed for both growth and feed utilization in fish fed diets supplemented with diludine (P < 0.05). Antioxidant enzymes showed significantly increased activity in liver tissues (P < 0.05) and then a decrease to initial activity levels during the experimental time. (GPx activity was not determined in the juvenile livers.) SOD and GST activities in liver of fish fed the diets with diludine tended to be higher and GR activity tended to be lower than that in fish fed the basal diet. However, in general, it was determined that different concentration of diludine did not affect the studied antioxidant enzyme activities except G6PD in the liver of juveniles fed the diet with 1 g kg^?1 diludine. On the other hand, the significant reduction was found in MDA levels in the fish fed the diets with diludine compared with basal diet on the 14th and 28th days of experiment. It was also observed that Cu, Fe, Mg, Zn and Se levels were significantly higher in the juveniles fed the diet with 1 g kg^?1 diludine than those fed the basal diet. In conclusion, the results of this trial indicate that 1 g kg^?1 dietary supplementation with diludine seems to be most positive for rainbow trout production in cold‐water adaptation.     

Comparison of Purified and Practical Diets Supplemented with or without β-Glucan and Selenium on Resistance of Hybrid Striped Bass Morone chrysops ♀× M. saxatilis ♂ to Streptococcus iniae Infection

This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of β-glucan and selenium supplements to the diet on increasing survival of hybrid striped bass Morone chrysops X M. saxatilis exposed to Streptococcus iniae. A 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design was employed by including purified casein/gelatin-based diets and practical menhaden fish meal-based diets with supplement! of either β-glucan from barley at 0 and 0.1 % of diet or sodium selenite at 0 or 0.2 mg/kg diet or a combination of these supplements. All diets were formulated to meet the nutritional needs of hybrid striped bass with the exception of selenium. The purified and practical basal diets contained 0.03 and 1.03 mg Se/kg, respectively, and the diets supplemented with sodium selenite had an additional 0.07 mg Se/kg on average. Juvenile hybrid striped bass initially averaging 2.44 ± 0.17 g/fish were fed the eight experimental diets in triplicate 110-L recirculating aquaria for 6 wk, after which they were immersed in a bath of S. iniae at 6.2 × 10⁶ CFU/mL for 2 h and monitored for 21 d. Weighi gain and feed efficiency were significantly (P < 0.05) affected by diet type and selenium supplementation, with fish fed practical diets and those supplemented with selenium having the greatest values. Supplementation of β-glucan to the purified or practical type diets did not significantly affect survival of fish after experimental infection. The most notable difference (P < 0.0001) was in the comparison of diet type; the survival rate of fish fed the practical diets was 75% compared to 35% for those fed the purified diets. Dietary supplementation of β-glucan did not enhance disease resistance in the present study. Fish fed menhaden fish meal-based diets were significantly more resistant to 5. iniae in comparison to the those fed the purified diets. Thus, nutritional influences on disease resistance of hybrid striped bass were evident in this study and warrant further investigation.     

Growth and Feed Utilization of Captive Wild Black Sea Bass Centropristis striata at Four Different Densities in a Recirculating Tank System

A study to determine the effects of four stocking densities on growth and feed utilization of wild‐caught black sea bass Centropristis striata was conducted in a pilot‐scale recirculating tank system. The outdoor system consisted of 12 insulated fiberglass tanks (dia. = 1.85 m; vol. = 2.17 m³) supported by biological filters, UV sterilizers, and heat pumps. Subadults (N= 525; ×± SD = 249 ± 16.8 g) were stocked at densities of 4.6 fish/m³ (1.18 kg/m³), 16 fish/ m³ (3.91 kg/m³), 25.3 fish/m³ (6.83 kg/m³), and 36 fish/m³ (7.95 kg1m³), with three replicate tanks per treatment. Fish were grown under 35 ppt salinity, 21‐25 C, and under ambient photoperiod conditions. A commercial flounder diet containing 50% protein and 12% lipid was hand‐fed twice daily to satiation for 201 d. Mean (range) total ammonia‐nitrogen, 0.61 (0‐2.1) mg/L, nitrite‐nitrogen, 0.77 (0.04‐3.6) mg/L, and nitrate‐nitrogen 40.1 (0‐306) mg/L were significantly higher (P < 0.0001) in the 25.3 and 36 fish/m³ treatments than in the 4.6 and 16 fish/m³ treatments [0.19 (0.05‐0.5), 0.1 (0.24‐0.63), and 11.9 (1.3‐82.2) mg/L, respectively]. However, there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in growth (RGR = 196.8‐243.1%; DWG = 2.55‐2.83 g/d; and SGR = 0.55‐0.61%/d), coefficient of variation of body weight (C_wtV., = 0.24‐0.25), condition factor (K = 2.2‐2.4), feed consumption (FC = 1.45‐1.65%/d), and feed conversion ratio (FCR = 1.45‐1.52) among stocking densities. Final biomass densities on day 201 reached 3.48, 12.0, 21.1, and 27.2 kg/m³ at stocking densities of 4.6, 16, 25.3, and 36 fish/m³, respectively. Survival (83.8‐99.1%) did not differ among treatments. Apparent net protein retention (ANPR) was significantly higher (P < 0.005) for fish stocked at the lower densities of 4.6 and 16 fish/m3 (22.5‐23.7%) than for those stocked at 25.3 and 36 fish/m³ (21‐20.1%). There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in apparent net energy retention (ANER = 55.9‐59.1 %) among stocking densities. Final whole body protein (15.3‐16.3%) and lipid (23.1‐26.4%) levels did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) among treatments. The results demonstrated that growth, survival, and feed utilization were not impaired under stocking densities ranging from 4.6‐36 fish/m³ (3.48‐27.2 kg/m3), despite a slight reduction in water quality at the higher densities. In addition, growth variation and final whole body protein and lipid levels were not influenced by these densities. The results suggest that black sea bass are tolerant of crowding and moderate variations in water quality during intensive culture in recirculating tank systems and that higher stocking densities are possible.     

Effect of Feeding Frequency, Water Temperature, and Stocking Density on the Growth of Tiger Puffer, Takifugu rubripes

Effects of daily feeding frequency, water temperature, and stocking density on the growth of tiger puffer, Takifugu rubripes, fry were examined to develop effective techniques to produce tiger puffer in a closed recirculation system. Fish of 4, 14, and 180 g in initial body weight were fed commercial pellet diets once to five times a day to apparent satiation each by hand for 8 or 12 wk at 20 C. Daily feeding frequency did not affect the growth of 14‐ and 180‐g‐size fish. However, the daily feed consumption and weight gain of the 4‐g‐size fish fed three and five times daily were significantly higher than those of fish fed once daily (P < 0.05). Fish of 4 and 50 g in initial body weight were reared with the pellet diet at 15–30 C for 8 wk. The weight gain of fish increased with increasing water temperature up to 25 C and decreased drastically at 30 C for both sizes. Similar trends were observed for feed efficiency, although 4‐g fish had highest efficiency at 20 C. Effects of stocking density on growth were examined with fish of 8, 13, and 100 g in initial body weight. Fish were reared with the pellet diet for 8 or 16 wk at 20 C. Fish were placed in floating net cages in the culture tank, and the stocking density was determined based on the total weight of fish and volume of the net cage. Fish of 8 g in body weight grew up to 35–36 g during the 8‐wk rearing period independent of the stocking density of 8, 15, and 31 kg/m³ at the end of rearing. Final biomass per cage reached 32, 60, and 115 kg/m³ for 13‐g‐size fish, and 10, 18, and 35 kg/m³ for 100‐g‐size fish, and the growth of the fish tended to decrease with increasing stocking density for both sizes.     

Citric acid substituted the inclusion of inorganic phosphorus in diet of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of citric acid (CA) supplementation in diet without inorganic phosphorus (P) on growth, muscle and bone composition, proteolytic activities and serum antioxidant property of rainbow trout. Six diets were designed as the negative diet without monocalcium phosphate (MCP) supplementation, the positive diet containing 10 g kg^?1 MCP and CA supplementation diets with 4, 8, 12, 16 g kg^?1 CA supplementation in negative diet, and then were fed to rainbow trout (113.6 g) for 60 days. Results showed that the fish fed 8 g kg^?1 CA, 12 g kg^?1 CA diet had higher weight gain, higher contents of crude ash and P in bone, and lower feed conversion ratio than those of fish fed negative diet (P < 0.05), and showed the similar levels as those of fish fed positive diet (P > 0.05). The proximate composition and P level of muscle were not affected by dietary CA and MCP. The proteolytic activity in intestine, but not in stomach and gastric digesta, was significantly improved by dietary CA and MCP (P < 0.05), when compared with negative control. The activities of serum superoxide dismutase of 12 g kg^?1 CA and 10 g kg^?1 MCP groups were significantly higher, and the malondialdehyde of 8 g kg^?1 CA and 12 CA g kg^?1 groups were significantly lower than those of negative control (P < 0.05). The above results indicated that the supplementation of CA could substitute the inclusion of MCP in rainbow trout diet and the supplementation level was suggested to be 8–12 g kg^?1.     

Preliminary study on effects of methionine hydroxy analog and taurine supplementation in a soy protein concentrate‐based diet on the biological performance and amino acid composition of rainbow trout [Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum)]

A feeding trial was conducted on the effects of methionine hydroxy analog (MHA) and taurine supplementation in diets with high levels of soy protein concentrate (SPC) on the growth performance and amino acid composition of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum) comparing with fish meal based diet. The control diet had 520 g kg^?1 fish meal. In the methionine deficient diets (5.1 g kg^?1), fish meal was replaced by 490 g kg^?1 of the SPC in the SPC49 diet. The SPC49 diet was supplemented with either MHA (6 g kg^?1) only or a combination of MHA and taurine (2 g kg^?1). Fish were fed isoproteic (460 g kg^?1) and isolipidic (130 g kg^?1) diets for 12 weeks. Growth performance (i.e. weight, feed conversion ratio, and thermal‐unit growth coefficient) was inferior in fish fed the SPC49 diet. MHA supplementation improved growth performance (P < 0.05). No difference was observed when taurine was added to the SPC49 and MHA diet (P > 0.05). Whole‐body taurine contents increased with taurine supplementation, whereas plasma methionine increased with MHA supplementation (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the substitution of fish meal with SPC supplemented with MHA did not negatively impact growth, and the addition of taurine did not improve growth performance in rainbow trout.     

Feeding increasing levels of corn gluten meal induces suboptimal muscle pigmentation of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

A 24‐week growth trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of feeding levels of corn gluten meal (CGM) on growth performance and pigment deposition in the muscle of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Three isonitrogenous and isoenergetic (digestible energy basis) experimental diets were formulated to contain increasing levels of CGM (0%, 9% and 18%) and 50 mg kg^?1 of astaxanthin. Each diet was fed in triplicate to groups of 75 fish (initial average body weight = 549 g fish^?1) reared at 8.5°C. The inclusion of CGM did not significantly (P > 0.05) affect final body weight, thermal growth efficiency (TGC) or feed efficiency. Carotenoid concentration determined by liquid chromatography showed a significant (P < 0.05) linear reduction in the concentration of one astaxanthin isomer, all‐trans astaxanthin and all‐trans lutein in the muscle of fish in response to increasing levels of CGM. Tristimulus colour analysis of the muscle showed a significant (P < 0.05) linear reduction in a* (redness) and C*ab (chroma). Salmofan^? score showed a significant (P < 0.05) linear and quadratic reduction in response to increasing levels of CGM. In conclusion, the inclusion of CGM up to 18% does not significantly impact growth performance of rainbow trout. However, the concentration of all‐trans astaxanthin as well as the expression of important colour attributes of the muscle can be negatively affected at levels exceeding 9% of CGM in the diet. More research on this topic is needed to discern the mechanism(s) behind the negative effects of dietary CGM and/or its intrinsic yellow pigments on muscle pigmentation of rainbow trout.     

Immune Responses to Vibrio anguillarum in Yellowtail Kingfish,Seriola lalandi,Fed Selenium Supplementation

Effects of dietary selenium (Se) on immune competence of yellowtail kingfish, Seriola lalandi, were investigated. The fish were fed one of the three experimental diets including a control diet without Se supplementation and two diets supplemented with Se from Se‐yeast (Selplex) at 2 and 4 mg/kg. After feeding for 6 wk, the fish were challenged by injecting Vibrio anguillarum and observed for 2 wk. Dietary Se had no effect on feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and survival over the course of 6‐wk feeding; however, it significantly increased weight gain and Se content in muscle. Following the bacterial infection, the immune‐stimulating effects of Se were observed in antibody, lysozyme, and bactericidal responses, and there was a corresponding increase in survival and hematocrit by Se. Under infectious condition, antioxidant capacity of fish as measured in terms of resistance of red blood cells to peroxidation and glutathione peroxidase activity also increased by supplementation of Se. Liver necrosis and kidney melano‐macrophages were only seen in surviving fish fed the control diet after the challenge. Furthermore, there was evidence of myopathy in fish fed the diet without Se supplementation. This study suggests that Se, supplemented at 2 or 4 mg/kg, can improve growth and health of yellowtail kingfish.     

Effects of Panax ginseng extract in practical diets for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) on growth performance,immune response and resistance to Yersinia ruckeri

In a preliminary in vitro study, a Panax ginseng extract exhibited an evident antibacterial activity against Yersinia ruckeri and Lactococcus garvieae and affected the respiratory burst and proliferation of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss leukocytes. Subsequently, the effects of a dietary ginseng extract supplementation on growth, blood biochemical profile, innate immune response and resistance against Y. ruckeri infection were investigated in vivo in rainbow trout juveniles. Four experimental diets were obtained by adding 0.0%, 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03% of ginseng ethanolic extract to a commercial feed. Each diet was fed to triplicate groups of fish (mean body weight 30.5 ± 0.15 g) at 1% of body weight day^?1 for 10 weeks. The dietary supplementation with ginseng extract did not affect growth performance, feed utilization, biometric traits and fish whole body composition (P > 0.05). No major changes due to graded levels of ginseng extract in the diet were observed in blood biochemical parameters except for increasing plasma triglycerides and non‐esterified fatty acids in fish fed diets including 0.01% and 0.02% of extract (P < 0.05). The innate immune response was barely modulated by the dietary addition of ginseng extract. Serum lysozyme and leukocytes respiratory burst activities were just slightly increased in fish fed all the ginseng extract‐supplemented diets compared with controls, whereas serum antiproteases and leukocyte MPO were not affected (P > 0.05). The dietary administration of ginseng extract induced a reduction in mortality of rainbow trout infected with Y. ruckeri, although no significant differences between treated and control groups were observed (P > 0.05).     

Urea and trimethylamine oxide in diets for seawater farmed rainbow trout: effect on fat belching,skin vesicle,winter ulcer and quality grading

Three experiments were conducted in order to evaluate the effects of urea and trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) supplementation in diets for seawater‐farmed rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss. In all experiments, commercial extruded feed was used as basal control diet, whereas experimental diets were the basal diet supplemented with either 10 g kg^–1 TMAO, 10 g kg^–1 urea or 10 g kg^–1 TMAO and 10 g kg^–1 urea. The experiments were conducted both in research units and in a commercial fish farm. Quality was evaluated in three different commercial slaughterhouses, sorting the rainbow trout into superior, ordinary or processing grade. Significantly more TMAO was observed in muscle of rainbow trout given dietary supplementation of TMAO. However, the levels were low compared with levels in marine fish in general. Trimethylamine (TMA) was not found. No increase in muscle urea content was observed in trout fed urea in the diet. Significantly reduced fat belching, seen as reduced number of fat droplets surfacing in the net pen, was observed in groups given TMAO‐supplemented feeds. At least twice as many rainbow trout with skin vesicles were observed in the control group as in the group fed urea‐supplemented diet. In addition, skin vesicles developed into open sores in the winter only in rainbow trout fed control diet. In a large‐scale trial, quality grading of almost 200 000 market‐sized rainbow trout showed significantly more (88 vs. 83%) trout of superior grade in the group fed dietary urea compared with fish fed control diet. The main reason for downgrading from superior to ordinary and processing grade was skin lesions, supporting the observations made in the experimental units.     

Dietary supplementation with Mannanoligosaccharides (MOS) from Bio‐Mos enhances growth parameters and digestive capacity of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata)

Dietary mannanoligosaccharide (MOS) from commercial product, Bio‐Mos supplementation, has been examined for its effects on weight gain and feed conversion of domestic mammals and birds, but very few studies have evaluated the responses of aquacultural species to MOS. A feeding and digestibility trial was performed to asses the potential beneficial effect of two levels of Bio‐Mos on growth, feed utilization, survival rate and nutrients’ digestion of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) with an initial average weight of 170 g. Bio‐Mos was added at 2 or 4 g kg^?1 to a fish meal–based control diet, and each diet was fed to triplicate groups of 1‐year‐old gilthead sea bream. After 12 weeks, there were no differences in survival rate among fish fed experimental diets (P > 0.05). It was observed that a significant improvability existed for both growth and feed utilization in fish fed diets supplemented with Bio‐Mos (P < 0.05). Body proximate composition remained unaffected by Bio‐Mos supplementation in fish fed experimental diets (P > 0.05). Apparent digestibility values for protein, carbohydrate and energy were appreciably affected by the inclusion of two different levels of Bio‐Mos, only lipid digestibility was the exception. In conclusion, the results of this trial indicate that 2 g kg^?1 dietary supplementation with BIO‐MOS seem to be most positive for gilthead sea bream production.     

Stocking Density Effects on Production Characteristics and Body Composition of Market Size Cobia,Rachycentron canadum,Reared in Recirculating Aquaculture Systems

Culture density in excess of a critical threshold can result in a negative relationship between stocking density and fish production. This study was conducted to evaluate production characteristics of juvenile cobia, Rachycentron canadum, reared to market size in production‐scale recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) at three different densities. Cobia (322 ± 69 g initial weight) were reared for 119 d at densities to attain a final in‐tank biomass of 10, 20, or 30 kg/m³. The specific objective was to determine the effects of in‐tank crowding resulting from higher biomass per unit rearing volume independent of system loading rates. Survival was ≥96% among all treatments. Mean final weight ranged from 2.13 to 2.15 kg with feed conversion efficiencies of 65–66%. No significant differences were detected in growth rate, survival, feed efficiency, or body composition. This study demonstrates that cobia can be reared to >2 kg final weight at densities ≤30 kg/m³ under suitable environmental conditions without detrimental effects on production.     

Hyperaccumulation of selenium in hybrid striped bass: a functional food for aquaculture?

One method of increasing the value of aquacultured product is to produce fillets that are fortified with minerals that are beneficial to human health – that is enhance the functionality of an already healthy product. A good candidate mineral in this regard is selenium (Se) which is of vital importance to normal metabolism in humans. In order to evaluate the dose response and tissue accumulation of supplemental dietary Se, a study was undertaken with hybrid striped bass (HSB). Animals were fed diets supplemented with either organic (0–3.2 mg kg^?1 as SelPlex^®) or inorganic (0.2 and 0.4 mg kg^?1 as sodium selenite) Se for 6 weeks. Because basal fishmeal‐based diets contained 1.22 mg Se kg^?1, doses of Se delivered equated to 1.22–4.42 mg kg^?1. At trial end, greatest weight gain was observed in fish receiving 0.2 mg Se kg^?1, irrespective of form (organic/inorganic). Se accumulation in HSB liver and fillet revealed a classical dose‐response once a threshold level of 0.2 mg Se kg^?1 was surpassed. Greatest tissue accumulation of Se was observed in fish fed the 3.2 mg Se kg^?1 level (P > 0.0001). A 100 g portion of Se‐enhanced HSB fillet would contain between 33 and 109 μg Se, amounting to a dietary intake of between 25 and 80 μg Se; a level that would satisfy present daily intake recommendations. Comparison of tissue Se levels indicated that the muscle provides a more conspicuous gauge of dietary Se dose‐response than does liver. Dietary treatments of between 0.4 and 1.6 mg organic Se kg^?1 reduced (P < 0.024) plasma glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) activity. No differences were observed in ceruloplasmin, lysozyme or GSH‐Px activities between organic and inorganic Se when delivered at the 0.2 mg Se kg^?1 level. Ceruloplasmin, lysozyme and GSH‐Px levels were elevated (P ≥ 0.025) in fish fed the diet containing 0.4 mg inorganic Se kg^?1.     

The Efficacy of a Novel Microbial 6‐Phytase Expressed in Aspergillus oryzae on the Performance and Phosphorus Utilization of Cold‐ and Warm‐Water Fish: Rainbow Trout,Oncorhynchus mykiss,and Nile Tilapia,Oreochromis niloticus

The efficacy and tolerance of a novel microbial 6‐phytase were investigated in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, and Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Reference diets were sufficient in available phosphorus (P). The test diet limiting in available P was supplemented with phytase at 500, 1000, or 2000 phytase units/kg feed. The enzyme was effective in increasing total P apparent digestibility coefficient in relation to increasing the dose of phytase in rainbow trout and Nile tilapia. Zinc apparent digestibility improved in relation to phytase supplementation in rainbow trout. P release due to phytase supplementation ranged from 0.06 to 0.18% P/kg feed in rainbow trout and from 0.13 to 0.26% P/kg feed in Nile tilapia. A 58‐d performance trial was conducted to evaluate tolerance of fish to phytase supplementation. Dietary treatments consisted of a basal diet without phytase or supplemented with 2000 and 200,000 phytase units/kg feed. Results indicate that this novel microbial 6‐phytase is well tolerated by fish. Significant improvements for growth as well as feed conversion ratio were observed when the phytase was fed at 2000 phytase units/kg feed. This phytase is proven efficient in releasing P from phytate and could be added when plants are used for fish meal replacement in diets for salmonid and omnivorous fish.     

No synergistic effects by the dietary supplementation of ascorbic acid, α-tocopheryl acetate and selenium on the growth performance and challenge test of Edwardsiella tarda in fingerling Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus L.

To investigate the potential synergistic effects of dietary ascorbic acid (AA), α‐tocopheryl acetate (TA) and selenium (Se) supplementation above minimum requirement levels on the growth performance and disease challenge of fingerling Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus L., five experimental diets were formulated: control (150 mg AA, 100 mg TA and 0.2 mg Se per kg diet), excessive ascorbic acid (eAA) (2000 mg AA, 100 mg TA and 0.2 mg Se per kg diet), excessive α‐tocopheryl acetate (eTA) (150 mg AA, 240 mg TA and 0.2 mg Se per kg diet), excessive selenium (eSe) (150 mg AA, 100 mg TA and 0.5 mg Se per kg diet) and excessive all (eALL) (2000 mg AA, 240 mg TA and 0.5 mg Se per kg diet). Experimental fish averaging 2.9 were randomly distributed in each aquarium as a group of 40 fish with total weight 116±2.9 g (mean±SD). Each diet was fed on a dry‐matter basis to fish in three randomly selected aquaria at a rate of 4–8% of total body weight daily. After 10 weeks of the feeding trial, fish fed eAA, eTA and eALL diets had significantly higher weight gain, feed efficiency ratio, protein efficiency ratio and specific growth rate than fish fed eSe and control diets (P<0.05). There was no significant difference among fish fed five experimental diets in cumulative mortalities when fish were challenged with Edwardsiella tarda at the end of the experimental period. These results indicate that sufficient supplementation of dietary AA or TA had positive effects on growth performance, but there was no synergistic effect of excessive dietary AA, TA and Se supplementation on growth performance and disease resistance to E. tarda in fingerling Nile tilapia.     

Evaluations of Hilyses™, fermented Saccharomyces cerevisiae,on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) growth performance,enzymatic activities and gastrointestinal structure

This study examined the effects of Hilyses?, fermented Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae), on rainbow trout growth performance, haematological parameters, digestive enzyme activities and gastrointestinal structure. Rainbow trout (mean weight 100–110 g) were fed dietary Hilyses? (5 g kg^?1) and control diet without Hilyses? for 50 days. Results of this study demonstrated that yeast supplementation in treatment group resulted in increased feed intake, followed by improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) and growth performance. Significant increases were also observed in trypsin and amylase activities in juvenile fish fed treatment diet. Light microscopy demonstrated that both groups of fish displayed normal morphology of proximal intestine and pyloric caeca. In yeast‐treated group, higher density of the goblet cells per villus in the proximal intestine was shown. No effects on haematological parameters and carcass chemical composition were noted. It is therefore possible to use fermented S. cerevisiae supplementation to significantly improve the gastrointestinal structure and growth performance in rainbow trout.