Effect of dietary supplementation of calcium chloride on growth,survival, moulting frequency and body composition of narrow‐clawed crayfish,Astacus leptodactylus (Eschscholtz, 1823)

The effects of dietary calcium chloride (CaCl₂) concentration on the growth, survival, moulting and body composition of Astacus leptodactylus were studied. Diets were prepared using supplementation of 0 (control), 30, 60 and 120 g kg^?1 calcium chloride commercial trout larvae diet containing 50% protein and 12% lipid. Astacus leptodactylus larvae with an average total length of 22.0 ± 0.05 mm (TL) and weight of 0.53 ± 0.01 g obtained from eighteen ovigerous females collected from Seydisehir Sugla Dam lake in Konya, Turkey, were stocked in 0.2‐m² aquariums at a rate of 50 crayfish m^?2 and reared for 90 days. The experiments included four treatments (diets) with three replicates each. Calcium chloride exerted positive effects on growth, moulting frequency, feed efficiency and survival of narrow‐clawed crayfish. Crayfish fed with 60 g calcium kg^?1 calcium chloride‐supplemented diet exhibited the highest weight gain and specific growth rate (SGR) but the lowest survival rate (63.3%) (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in mean moisture (803.5 g kg^?1) and protein content (177.0 g kg^?1) in crayfish tail meat. However, lipid values were between 3.8 and 11.6 g kg^?1 and significantly different among the diets (P < 0.05). Diet with 60 g kg^?1 calcium chloride is recommended for the best growth of freshwater crayfish.     

A preliminary study on the use of mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) in freshwater crayfish, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Astacus leptodactylus</Emphasis> Eschscholtz, 1823 juvenile diets

The effects of dietary mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) on the survival and growth of Astacus leptodactylus juveniles were evaluated. Experimental diets were prepared by using supplementation of 0 (Control), 1.5, 3.0, and 4.5 g MOS kg⁻¹ commercial trout larvae diet containing 43 g kg⁻¹ protein and 15.74 g kg⁻¹ lipid. A. leptodactylus juvenile with an average total length of 3.6 ± 0.46 cm (TL) and average weight of 1.25 ± 0.43 g was stocked in 0.2-m² aquariums at a rate of 50 crayfish/m² and reared for 60 days at 22.8°C. The experiment consisted of four treatments with three replicates each. Each aquarium contained ten crayfish. Crayfish juvenile fed with 0, 1.5, 3.0, and 4.5 MOS attained 6.15 ± 0.49, 5.94 ± 0.29, 7.34 ± 0.39, and 5.94 ± 0.27 cm final total length and 50, 56.67, 46.67, and 50% survival rates, respectively. Moreover, molting frequencies in 0, 1.5, 3.0, and 4.5 g kg⁻¹ MOS groups were detected as 44.44, 61.11, 83.33, and 38.88%, respectively. At the end of the experiment, a general enhanced growth performance (P < 0.05) and feed conversion ratio were observed in crayfish fed on the diet containing 3.0 g kg⁻¹. Crayfish juveniles fed with 3.0 g kg⁻¹ MOS had the highest final length (7.34 ± 0.39 cm), although their survival was the lowest (46.67%) compared to other treatments but not significant. Specific growth rates were significantly different (P < 0.05) among the treatment groups at the end of the 60-day experiment. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in percentage moisture, protein, and ash (wet-weight basis) in the tail meat of A. leptodactylus juvenile among treatments (diet) that averaged 82.3, 16.1, and 1.2%, respectively. However, lipid value was significantly different among the diets P < 0.05), with values between 0.13 and 0.32. From the current results, it could be advised to use MOS at the rate of 3.0 g kg⁻¹ in A. leptodactylus juvenile diets.     

Effects of dietary l-tryptophan on the agonistic behavior,growth, and survival of freshwater crayfish Astacus leptodactylus Eschscholtz

In this study, the effects of dietary tryptophan (a precursor of 5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT, serotonin) on the agonistic behavior, growth, and survival of freshwater crayfish were investigated. For this aim, a control diet (D1) and three experimental diets (D2, D3, and D4) were prepared. D1 contained no additional tryptophan (TRP), but D2, D3, and D4 diets were supplemented with TRP at 0.50, 0.75, and 1.00 % in dry diet, respectively. The control contained 0.33 % TRP. Results revealed that higher supplemental dietary TRP levels caused a significant decrease in the aggressive behavior (P < 0.05), but an increase in the calmness of crayfish. In addition, the results showed that 5-HT levels in the hemolymph before the fight (after 15 days of feeding; resting) were significantly different (P < 0.05) between D1 and D4. There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) in the 5-HT level of hemolymph between the crayfish fed control and D4 after 15 days of feeding. However, after the fight, 5-HT concentration was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in TRP-supplemented A. leptodactylus as compared with the control. The findings of this study showed that supplemental dietary TRP caused a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the growth and survival rate of A. leptodactylus. The crayfish fed D4 had the best survival rate at the end of the experiment (91.60 % in August). The findings of this study also showed that difference in survival rate between the crayfish fed control and D2 in June, July, and August was not significant (P > 0.05). In addition to these, supplemental dietary TRP gave rise to significantly higher specific growth rate (SGR) values in June and July (P < 0.05). For example, in June, it was 0.38 for the crayfish fed D4, 0.28 for the crayfish fed D3, 0.18 for the crayfish fed D2, and 0.13 for the crayfish fed control. However, in August, the highest SGR (0.56) was obtained from the crayfish fed control. The results also showed that the SGRs of females were lower than the males in June, July, and August (P < 0.05). In conclusion, this research shows that the aggressive behavior of A. leptodactylus can be suppressed, and rearing efficiency (i.e., increased growth and high survival rate) of this species can be improved by increasing TRP levels to 1.00 % in its diet.     

Effect of dietary encapsulated organic salts (Na‐acetate,Na‐butyrate,Na‐lactate and Na‐propionate) on growth performance,haemolymph, antioxidant and digestive enzyme activities and gut microbiota of juvenile narrow clawed crayfish,Astacus leptodactylus leptodactylus Eschscholtz, 1823

A 63‐day experiment was done to study the effects of four levels (5, 10, 20 and 50 g/kg) of encapsulated organic salts (Na‐acetate, Na‐butyrate, Na‐lactate and Na‐propionate) on the growth indices and haemato‐immunological responses of crayfish Astacus leptodactylus leptodactylus (4.38 ± 0.08 g). Crayfish were distributed at 51 1,000‐L tanks (17 treatments at triplicate). The highest values of final weight (27.86 g), specific growth rate (2.94% body weight per day) and survival rate (96%) were observed in the crayfish fed the 20 g/kg of encapsulated Na‐propionate diet (p < .05). The highest activities of phenoloxidase (7.4 U/min), superoxide dismutase (7.80 U/min) and lysozyme (9.40 U/min) were observed in the gut of crayfish fed the 20 g/kg of encapsulated Na‐propionate diet (p < .05), as well as the highest activities of alkaline protease (10.70 U/mg), lipase (9.10 U/mg), amylase (9.60 U/mg) and the lactobacillus count (p < .05). Broken line regression model of SGR and phenoloxidase activity suggested that the optimum dietary levels of encapsulated Na‐acetate, Na‐butyrate, Na‐lactate and Na‐propionate could be 30.7, 31.8, 31.4 and 33.5 g/kg, respectively, in crayfish reared in culture conditions.     

The effect of dietary n‐3 series fatty acids on the number of pleopadal egg and stage 1 juvenile in freshwater crayfish,Astacus leptodactylus Eschscholtz

The effect of dietary n‐3 series fatty acids on the number of pleopadal egg and stage 1 juvenile in freshwater crayfish, Astacus leptodactylus was investigated. Crayfish were fed with n‐3 series fatty acids supplemented diets and a control diet for 251 days. Control diet did not comprise additional n‐3 series fatty acids. However, D2, D3 and D4 groups were supplemented with n‐3 series fatty acids at 1%, 2% and 3% level respectively. Results showed the beneficial effects of dietary n‐3 series fatty acids on the production of pleopodal egg and stage 1 juvenile number. At the end of the experiment, pleopodal egg (from 177 to 234) and stage 1 juvenile number (from 167 to 225) increased significantly with increased dietary n‐3 series fatty acid level. In addition, an increase in dietary n‐3 series fatty acids led to an increase in number of pleopodal egg and stage 1 juvenile produced per gram of female crayfish weight. It can be concluded that the reproductive efficiency of A. leptodactylus (i.e., pleopodal egg and stage 1 juvenile number) can be improved in controlled hatchery conditions by adding n‐3 series fatty acid into the diet of this species.     

Effect of different dietary protein and lipid levels on growth performance, body composition of juvenile red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii)

We evaluated the effect of dietary protein and lipid on growth and body composition in juvenile red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii). Nine groups of crayfish were fed nine experimental diets containing three levels of protein (24, 27, and 30 %) and three levels of lipid (4, 7, and 10 %) for 8 weeks. We used a 3 × 3 factorial model with four replicates and 12 crayfish (initial average weight, 2.52 ± 0.04 g) per replicate. We measured weight gain ratio (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), and body composition. WG and SGR were significantly (P < 0.05) affected by dietary lipid but not significantly (P < 0.05) affected by dietary protein. When grouped by lipid levels, the WG of crayfish fed diets containing 7 % lipid was higher than that of crayfish fed diets containing 4 or 10 % lipid. The diet containing 30 % protein and 7 % lipid promoted the most efficient growth (WG: 483.38 %, SGR: 3.14 % day^?1). Dietary protein and lipid had no effect on condition factor or the viscous content (VC). Dietary protein, but not lipid, had a significant (P = 0.038) effect on the muscle content (MC). Crayfish fed a diet containing 27 % protein and 4 % lipid had the highest (P < 0.05) MC (16.16 %). Dietary protein levels also had a significant (P = 0.04) effect on the shell content (SC). SC was higher in crayfish fed a 30 % protein diet than in those fed 24 or 27 % protein. Proximate analysis suggested that crayfish fed a diet containing 27 % protein had a significantly higher nutritive composition than fish fed 24 or 30 % protein. Dietary protein also affected both whole body and muscle dry matter (DM) content. Similarly, both dietary protein and lipid affected whole-body crude lipid. Hepatopancreas DM, lipid content, and protein content were affected by dietary lipid. In conclusion, a diet containing 4–7 % lipid and 27 % protein with a protein to digestible energy ratio of 17–21 g protein·MJ^?1 appeared optimal.     

Effect of dietary n-3 series fatty acids on sperm production in the freshwater crayfish, Astacus leptodactylus (Eschscholtz) (Astacidae)

The objective of the present work was to evaluate the effects of three different rates of long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC n-3 PUFA) on the sperm number of Astacus leptodactylus. The experiment was carried out with the four following treatments: control group (not supplemented LC n-3 PUFA), D1 (1 %), D2 (2 %) and D3 (3 %). The sperm number of A. leptodactylus was counted; the reproductive system was weighted; and the macroscopical analysis of the testes and vasa deferentia (DVD) were conducted. In addition, gonado-somatic index (GI) and testes index (TI) were also calculated. The results showed that there was a significant difference between the crayfish fed LC n-3 PUFA supplemented diets (D1, D2, D3) and control in mean sperm number (P < 0.05). The highest sperm number was found for the crayfish fed D3 (6.27 ± 0.14 × 10⁸ sperm/distal vas deferens section). The results also showed that the reproductive system of the crayfish fed D3 and D2 was significantly heavier than that of the crayfish fed the control and D1 (P < 0.05). On the other hand, there was not a significant difference in the testes weight and vasa deferentia weight between the crayfish fed the control and D1, and between the crayfish fed D2 and D3 (P < 0.05). GI of the crayfish fed D3 and D2 was significantly higher than that of the crayfish fed control and D1 (P > 0.05), but there was not a significant difference in the TI of the crayfish fed control, D1, D2 and D3 (P > 0.05). In conclusion, diets containing different levels of LC n-3 PUFA significantly increase the sperm number of A. leptodactylus, and they are crucial for the production of higher number of sperm in this species.     

Effects of dietary soybean lecithin on gonadal development and vitellogenin mRNA expression in the female redclaw crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus (von Martens) at first maturation

The effect of increasing levels of dietary de‐oiled soybean lecithin (SL) on the ovarian development of female redclaw crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus, was investigated. Five practical formulated diets were supplemented with 0% (Diet 1), 1% (Diet 2), 2% (Diet 3), 4% (Diet 4) and 6% (Diet 5) SL. Crayfish (initial weight: 25.64 ± 1.53 g) were fed each diet in four replicates for 8 weeks. Crayfish that were fed diets containing ≥2% SL had a significantly higher gonadosomatic index than those fed with Diets 1 and 2 (P < 0.05), while hepatosomatic index showed a decreasing trend (P > 0.05). The fatty acid composition of the hepatopancreas is largely due to the dietary composition. Higher dietary SL yielded a higher percentage of ovarian polyunsaturated and highly unsaturated fatty acids (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the higher content of linoleic acid and alpha linolenic acid in diets may be more important for ovarian development in C. quadricarinatus, as these originate from the hepatopancreas. The hepatopancreatic vitellogenin mRNA expression was the highest in crayfish that received Diet 3. Our results suggest that dietary SL has a positive effect on ovarian development in C. quadricarinatus broodstock, and at least 2% SL should be supplemented in broodstock diets to enhance ovarian maturation during aquaculture.     

Influence of dietary protein on digestive enzyme activity, growth and tail muscle composition in redclaw crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus (von Martens)

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary protein on digestive enzyme profiles, growth and tail muscle composition in the freshwater redclaw crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus. Crayfish were fed five diets that consisted of a commercial crayfish pellet and experimental diets containing 13%, 18%, 25% or 32% crude protein (CP), for a period of 12 weeks. Analysis of digestive enzyme profiles from the midgut gland (MG) revealed a positive correlation between protease, amylase and cellulase activities and dietary protein level. For all treatments, carbohydrase activity levels (cellulase and amylase) were significantly higher than those detected for protease. As dietary protein was elevated, there was a general increase in specific growth rate (SGR), with the highest SGR (0.58 ± 0.06) values observed in crayfish fed the diet containing 25% CP. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) ranged between 5.84 and 6.97 and did not differ significantly among the treatment groups including the reference diet, with the exception of the low‐protein diet (13% CP) which showed an FCR of 9.31. Finally, regression analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between the level of dietary protein and CP content in the tail muscle (P=0.004; r²=0.99).     

Effect of Dietary Protein and Lipid Levels on Growth and Body Composition of Spotted Halibut,Verasper variegatus

A 83‐d feeding experiment was undertaken to evaluate the effects of dietary protein and lipid levels on growth and body composition of spotted halibut, Verasper variegatus (initial average weight of 93.0 ± 1.0 g). Nine diets were formulated to contain three protein levels (40, 45, and 50%), each with three lipid levels (8, 12% and 16%). Each diet was randomly fed to triplicate groups of 20 fish per tank in the indoor culture system. Results showed that the survival rate of fish was not significantly affected by protein and lipid levels (P > 0.05). Weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), and feed intake (FI) significantly decreased with the increasing dietary lipid levels (P < 0.05). Feed efficiency significantly increased while the feed conversion ration significantly decreased with increasing dietary protein levels (P < 0.05). Weight gain, SGR, FI, and feed efficiency of fish fed 50% protein and 8% lipid were significantly higher than that of the other groups. For each level of dietary lipid, the increase in dietary protein resulted in significant increases in whole‐body crude protein (CP) contents (P < 0.05); the increase in dietary lipid caused significant increases in whole‐body crude lipid content and gross energy at each protein level (P < 0.05). The muscle CP, lipid, and gross energy had the same tendency. The results of this study indicated that increasing dietary lipid levels did not result in a protein‐sparing effect. It could be recommended that the proper dietary protein and lipid levels of spotted halibut were 50 and 8%, respectively.     

Growth,antioxidant capacity,intestine histology and lipid metabolism of juvenile red claw crayfish,Cherax quadricarinatus,fed different lipid sources

Five dietary lipid sources (fish oil, soybean oil, palm oil, rapeseed oil and linseed oil) were evaluated in juvenile red claw crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus, based on the response of growth, antioxidant capacity, intestine histology, whole‐body composition, fatty acid nutrition and lipid metabolism. Crayfish were fed in quadruplicate net cages for 8 weeks. Crayfish fed diets with fish oil, soybean oil and linseed oil obtained significantly higher weight gain and specific growth rate than those fed the other two diets. Survival, condition factor and hepatosomatic index were not significantly affected by lipid sources. Lipid sources also do not affect the whole‐body composition of crayfish. Serum SOD, T‐AOC and GSH‐PX activities of crayfish fed the palm oil and rapeseed oil diets had a significantly lower value than those fed other diets. The minimum concentrations of MDA have been observed in crayfish fed the soybean oil diet. The activity of ACC in the hepatopancreas of crayfish fed the linseed oil diet showed the highest value, and the CPT‐1 activity was not significantly affected by different lipid sources. Crayfish fed the soybean oil diet showed significantly higher TC and TG contents in hepatopancreas than those fed other diets. Crayfish fed linseed oil diet had a significantly higher percentage of EPA, C18:3n?3 and Σn?3 PUFA in muscle than those fed other treatments. Most of the fatty acid compositions in the hepatopancreas had a close correlation to fatty acid compositions in diets. All findings in this study indicate that soybean oil is the advantageous lipid source for juvenile C. quadricarinatus which can reflect in satisfactory growth performance, antioxidant capacity and fatty acid nutrition of edible tissues.     

Dietary Lipid Requirements for Optimal Egg Quality of Redclaw Crayfish,Cherax quadricarinatus

The effect of three crude dietary lipid levels (4, 8, and 12%) on egg quality of the female redclaw crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus, was evaluated. Three replicate groups of 40 crayfish (mean initial weight ± SD, 23.0 ± 3.0 g) per diet treatment were stocked in 15,000 ‐L tanks, at 28 C. After 75 d of culture, there were significant differences (P < 0.001) in egg area (3.52–3.90 mm²), volume (34.0–39.3 mm³), weight (4.81–5.36 mg), and diameter (2.15–2.27 mm) in response to dietary lipids in the diet. Using the quadratic equation, the maximum responses of these parameters corresponded to lipid levels from 8.60–8.84%. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in survival (82.1–86.9%), final weight (41.0–43.7 g), number of spawning females (18.12–27.38%), and fecundity (9.07–10.31 eggs/g female). Additionally, there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in egg mean protein (2306.87 ± 440.08 μg/egg), lipid (441.95 ± 83.23 μg/egg) and carbohydrate (74.81 ± 10.12 μg/egg) contents, and energy (13.49 ± 2.25 kcal/egg). The optimum overall response was obtained for dietary lipid content of 8.7%, which we recommend to optimize egg quality of this freshwater crayfish.     

Effect of dietary lipid levels on growth performance,fatty acid profile and enzymatic activity of juvenile swimming crab,Portunus trituberculatus

The main objective of this investigation was to study the lipid requirements of the early juvenile (C1) swimming crab (Portunus trituberculatus) based on growth performance, survival, moulting and fatty acid profile. Four test diets were formulated with graded lipid levels (3.63%, 6.70%, 10.72% and 13.91%). Each diet was fed to 4 replicates of crabs (30 crabs per replicate initial weight (8.4 ± 0.1 mg). In this study, crabs fed diets with 13.91% lipid had significantly (p < 0.05) higher survival than crabs fed with 3.63% lipid, but no significant (p > 0.05) improvement of survival was observed when dietary lipid increase from 6.70% to 13.91%. Crabs fed diets with 10.72% and 13.91% lipid had significant higher weight gain(WG) than crabs fed with 3.63% lipid. While crabs fed with diets containing 6.70%, 10.72% and 13.91% lipid showed no significant (p > 0.05) difference in weight gain(WG). Moreover, the lowest moulting number was observed in crabs fed diets with 3.63% lipid, but there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) among other groups. The content of LC‐PUFA and DHA in the crabs fed diets with 3.63% lipid was significant (p < 0.05) lower compared to other groups. But there was no significant (p > 0.05) difference in EPA and ARA content among all groups. The activity of lipase increased as dietary lipid level increased (from 6.70% to 10.72%). However, beyond 10.72%, a significant (p < 0.05) decreased in lipase activity was observed. The regression analysis of weight gain data indicated that crab fed diet containing 10.47% lipid level is considered as optimum lipid level for its maximum growth and moulting process.     

Effect of Dietary Carbohydrate‐to‐lipid Ratios on Growth Performance,Body Composition,Hepatic Enzyme Activities,and Digestive Enzyme Activities of Juvenile Australian Redclaw Crayfish,Cherax quadricarinatus (von Martens)

A growth experiment was conducted to determine the optimal dietary carbohydrate‐to‐lipid (CHO : L) ratio for the Australian redclaw crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus (von Martens). Specimens were divided into five treatment groups and fed twice a day to apparent satiation with isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets with dietary CHO : L ratios of 10.75:1, 5.99:1, 3.60:1, 2.18:1, or 1.33:1. Over the 8‐wk growth trial, redclaw crayfish fed the 2.81:1 and 3.60:1 diets exhibited better weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) than specimens fed the other diets (P < 0.05). Activities of hexokinase and pyruvate kinase were stimulated by elevated levels of dietary carbohydrate, whereas activities of lipase and alkaline phosphatase were stimulated by elevated levels of dietary lipid. Dietary CHO : L ratios significantly affected digestive enzyme activities (P < 0.05), except for trypsin (P > 0.05). On the basis of the analysis of growth, FCR, and costs of culturing redclaw crayfish, the optimal growth and costs occurred when the dietary carbohydrate and lipid levels were 290.10 g/kg and 80.70 g/kg, respectively, corresponding to a CHO : L ratio of 3.60:1. These results indicate that a CHO : L ratio of 3.60:1 is optimal for rearing redclaw crayfish and that this species uses carbohydrate more efficiently than lipid.     

Growth performance and RNA/DNA ratio of noble crayfish (Astacus astacus) and narrow‐clawed crayfish (Pontastacus leptodactylus) fed fish waste diets

New and viable species for aquaponics and integrated multi‐trophic aquaculture (IMTA) in freshwater systems can improve yields and sustainability of aquaculture. Freshwater crayfish species such as Astacus astacus and Pontastacus leptodactylus are omnivorous feeders and considered candidates for feeding on faecal matters in existing aquaculture systems. Feeding trials were conducted to determine growth response and RNA/DNA ratio in freshwater crayfish fed fish waste. Carapace length and wet weight were measured to determine the growth response. Juvenile A. astacus was fed faeces of hybrid striped bass (Morone chrysops × Morone saxatilis) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), while adult P. leptodactylus was fed with two commercial pellet diets and pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) faeces. The nutritional composition of hybrid striped bass faeces was close to optimal diet composition of A. astacus, and crayfish showed significantly higher carapace growth, weight gain and weight gain per moult as the group fed rainbow trout faeces. The growth of P. leptodactylus was significantly lower in terms of weight gain and weight gain percentage per moult for crayfish fed on pikeperch faeces. Thus, this study can recommend a co‐cultivation of hybrid striped bass and A. astacus within one system, but cannot recommend co‐cultivation of P. leptodactylus with pikeperch. Additionally, this study showed controversial results of RNA/DNA ratio and weight gain of both crayfish species. Thus, RNA/DNA ratio cannot be approved for investigations on crayfish physiological status in controlled feeding experiments if animals are fed with an inadequate diet.     

Dietary lipid requirements of larval genetically improved farmed tilapia,Oreochromis niloticus (L.), and effects on growth performance,expression of digestive enzyme genes,and immune response

The present study was performed to investigate the effects of dietary lipid level on growth performance, antioxidant defense, and mRNA levels of digestive enzymes and immune genes in larval genetically improved farmed tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The results show that larvae fed lipid levels of 4–11.5% had greater weight gain (WG), feed efficiency, protein efficiency ratio and survival than larvae fed the other dietary lipid levels (P < 0.05). No difference whole‐body crude protein, ash or moisture contents were found between treatments (P > 0.05) but lipid contents increased as dietary lipid level was increased. The 8% and 11.5% dietary lipid levels had stimulatory effects on trypsin mRNA level compared with those of larvae fed the 15% and 18.5% lipid diets. Intestinal and liver amylase mRNA levels decreased in larvae fed the 18.5% lipid diet, following the decrease in dietary starch. Analysis of the secondary curve equation for WG indicated that the optimal dietary lipid level in larval tilapia was 8.56%. In addition, the 4–11.5% lipid levels improved superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities and increased mRNA levels of heat shock protein70, hepcidin antimicrobial peptide‐1, and C‐type lysozyme in the liver of larvae (P < 0.05). A 192‐h Streptococcus iniae challenge study was conducted after the 35‐day feeding trial, and the results showed that post‐challenge mortality of larvae fed the 11.5% lipid level was the lowest and enhanced the immune activities.     

The effects of dietary nucleotide content on the growth performance,digestibility and immune responses of juvenile narrow clawed crayfish,Astacus leptodactylus leptodactylus Eschscholtz, 1823

A 126‐day experiment was carried out under controlled conditions to compare the effects of five levels (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 g kg^?1) of dietary nucleotide (Vannagen^®) on the growth performance and biological indices of juvenile crayfish (8.25 ± 0.39 g). The protein efficiency ratio (PER, 1.69–2.17), lipid efficiency ratio (LER, 2.29–3.00), energy efficiency ratio (EER, 2.68–3.65), protein productive value (PPV, 57.01–68.95%), lipid productive value (LPV, 63.02–75.15%) and energy productive value (EPV, 68.20–88.15%) increased significantly (P < 0.05) as linear response to increased dietary nucleotide from 0.5 to 2.5 g kg^?1 in the feed. With an increase in the dietary nucleotide, the uricase activity (654.29–827.63 U g^?1) and lactobacillus count to total count ratio (1.21–2.17) of crayfish fed the experimental diets increased significantly (P < 0.05). Crayfish fed the diets containing different levels of nucleotide (from 0.5 to 2.5 g kg^?1) had higher phenoloxidase activity (1.57–2.11 U min^?1) than that of control after air exposure challenge. At the levels tested, 2 g kg^?1 nucleotide in the diet was considered optimum for growth performance, digestibility and immune responses. It can be concluded that dietary nucleotide exerted positive effects on growth performance, feed utilization and accelerate crayfish immune response against air exposure challenge.     

克氏原螯虾的适宜蛋氨酸需求量

以酪蛋白、明胶、鱼粉、小麦面筋粉和晶体氨基酸为蛋白源配制了6组蛋白质水平为28.25%、能量为16.07 kJ/g的等氮等能的半纯合饲料, 各组蛋氨酸实际含量分别为0.39%、0.53%、0.71%、0.86%、0.98%和1.13%。以初始体质量为(9.80±0.15) g的克氏原螯虾(Proambarus clakii)为试验对象, 每组设4个重复, 每个重复12尾虾。养殖试验于室外网箱(规格为60 cm×60 cm×60 cm)中进行, 饲养周期为56 d。结果表明, 当饲料中蛋氨酸水平由0.39%升高至1.13%时, 克氏原鳌虾的增重率、特定生长率和饲料效率均显著升高(P<0.05)。当蛋氨酸水平为0.86%时, 三者均达到最大值。当蛋氨酸水平进一步升高时, 三者均呈下降趋势。试验各组的成活率为83.33%~91.67%, 但无显著差异(P>0.05)。当蛋氨酸水平为0.86%时, 全虾粗蛋白含量最高, 其显著高于0.39%组(P<0.05)。日粮蛋氨酸水平对全虾的水分、灰分和脂肪含量以及肝胰脏组成和肌肉氨基酸组成均无显著影响(P>0.05)。肌肉粗脂肪含量以蛋氨酸水平0.98%组最低, 其显著低于0.39%组(P<0.05)。饲料中蛋氨酸水平显著影响肠道蛋白酶的活性(P<0.05), 但对脂肪酶和淀粉酶活性均无显著影响(P>0.05)。以增重率为评价指标进行一元二次回归分析, 得出克氏原螯虾的适宜蛋氨酸需求量为0.94%, 占饲料蛋白质的3.36%。本研究通过分析饲料中不同蛋氨酸水平对克氏原螯虾生长、饲料利用、虾体组成、肌肉氨基酸组成和消化酶活性的影响, 确定克氏原螯虾的适宜蛋氨酸需求量, 以期为其人工配合饲料的研制提供基础数据和理论依据。

     

饲料脂肪水平对克氏原螯虾亲虾生长性能、肌肉成分、繁殖性能以及血淋巴生化指标的影响

为研究克氏原螯虾亲虾对脂肪的需要量,本实验采用初始体质量为(15.46±0.20)g的克氏原螯虾亲虾324尾,分为6组(每组设置3个重复,每个重复18尾,雌雄比例为2:1),投喂粗蛋白质水平为30%,脂肪水平分别为1.98%(对照组)、4.12%、5.84%、7.89%、10.48%和11.89%的6组半精制饲料,饲养8周后,测定并分析亲虾的生长性能、肌肉成分、繁殖性能、肝胰腺消化酶活性以及血淋巴部分生化指标。结果发现:①随着饲料脂肪水平的升高,增重率和特定生长率先上升,在饲料脂肪水平达到7.89%后呈下降趋势;饲料系数和肝体比呈上升趋势,11.89%组最高。②饲料脂肪水平对亲虾肌肉水分和灰分含量无显著影响;随着饲料脂肪水平的升高,肌肉粗脂肪含量呈现先升高后降低最后趋于稳定的趋势,在饲料脂肪水平为5.84%时最高。③随着饲料脂肪水平的升高,性腺指数、抱卵率、抱卵量均呈现先上升后降低的变化规律,均在饲料脂肪水平为7.89%时达到最大。④血淋巴中总蛋白含量随饲料脂肪水平呈现先下降后上升趋势;谷草转氨酶、谷丙转氨酶活性均随饲料脂肪水平升高而升高,均在11.89%组最高;血淋巴中葡萄糖含量各组间无显著性差异。⑤饲料脂肪水平对实验虾肝胰腺蛋白酶和脂肪酶活性有显著影响,对淀粉酶活性无显著性影响。利用增重率与饲料脂肪水平进行折线回归分析,克氏原螯虾亲虾获得最佳增重率时对饲料的脂肪需要量为7.60%。对实验虾生长性能、肌肉成分、繁殖性能、肝胰腺消化酶活性、血淋巴生化指标进行综合分析,显示本实验条件下克氏原螯虾亲虾对脂肪需要量为7.60%～7.89%。     

Effects of dietary protein levels on the growth,survival, amylase and trypsin activities in large yellow croaker,Pseudosciaena Crocea R., larvae

A feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary graded protein levels on the growth, survival, amylase and trypsin activities of large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea R.) larvae from 12 to 42 days after hatching (DAH). Five approximately isoenergetic microbound diets (16.65 MJ/kg diet) were formulated to contain different protein (47.1%, 52.0%, 57.1%, 62.2% and 67.5%) levels. Frozen copepods, containing 54.5% crude protein (CP), 6.0% crude lipid, 27.2% ash and 6.7% glycogen, were used as a control. Each diet was randomly fed to triplicate groups of larvae with an initial mean body weight of 1.76 ± 0.09 mg (mean ± SD) in 180 L white plastic tanks, and each tank was stocked initially with 3500 larvae. Both the survival and the specific growth rate (SGR) of large yellow croaker larvae significantly increased with increasing dietary protein level up to 57.1%, and decreased thereafter. Frozen copepods resulted in intermediate survival and low SGR compared with the other diets. Whole‐body moisture and protein of larvae were not significantly affected by the dietary protein level. In contrast, whole‐body lipid of larvae fed diet with 47.1% CP was significantly higher (P<0.05) than those from fish fed the diets containing more than 57.1% CP. Additionally, fish fed the frozen copepods had the lowest whole‐body protein and lipid. The amylase‐specific activity increased with increasing dietary carbohydrate level during the period of this experiment. However, trypsin activity was not significantly affected by the dietary protein content before 42 DAH, indicating a later onset of trypsin than amylase in the regulation of enzymatic synthesis induced by a dietary substrate.