Genetic studies of growth in domesticated rainbow trout

The heritability of body weight and the form of the growth curve was investigated in two crossbred strains of domesticated rainbow trout. Growth rate was nearly exponential at young ages but slowed to nearly linear at older ages. An empirical equation was derived that related exponential growth constants to the observed growth patterns. Heritabilities of body weight based on full-sib families were estimated at six ages for each stock. Estimates made at young ages were similar to other estimates of body weight in salmonid fish. However, non-additive genetic variance, culling bias and common environmental effects may have inflated estimates made at older ages, as the estimates were extremely high, and these possible sources of confounding were known to exist in the experimental design.     

Intraspecific growth variation among rainbow trout and brook trout: impact of initial body weight and feeding level

This study describes growth variation within groups of salmonids and the relation to initial fish weights and feeding levels. PIT-tagged rainbow trout (RT) and brook trout (BT) of start weight 120–170 g were reared in separate tanks for 9 weeks. Both species were fed each day either a high ration close to satiation (H) or half of this ration (L). Four experimental groups (RT-H, RT-L, BT-H, BT-L) were studied with regard to their propensity to increase weight in accord with their initial weight. The slope of the regression line between initial weights (g) and weight increases for individuals in each tank in each period was applied as indicator for this propensity (termed “slope”). All calculated slopes in the experiment were positive which indicates the general ability of weighty fish to gain more weight than smaller individuals. The average slope during all 9 weeks was 2–4 times higher for RT-L (5.91) than for all other groups (RT-H: 1.50, P < 0.01; BT-H: 1.76, P < 0.01 and BT-L: 2.88, P < 0.05), indicating the particular propensity of large RT to gain weight when feed was restricted. Overall, ration level had large impact on slopes (H: 1.63, L: 4.39, P < 0.01), while this was not the case for species (RT: 3.71, BT: 2.32, P > 0.05). The magnitude of slopes decreased over time (weeks 0–3:4.27, weeks 3–6:3.02 and weeks 6–9:1.74, P < 0.05). The observed differences in weight gains between experimental groups were reflected in differences in coefficients of variations (CVs) for body growth. RT had larger body weight (BW) CVs compared to BT (0.257 vs. 0.206, P < 0.01) indicating more uneven feed share among RT than among BT in general. RT-L had significantly higher BW CVs than all other groups (0.300 vs. 0.184–0.229, P < 0.01). The observed differences in weight gains enhance size variations in terms of higher CVs, and this may have implications for feeding tactics in aquaculture where large size variations in groups may be disadvantageous to fish farmers.     

Predicting correction factors for differences in initial weight among genetic groups of common carp in communal testing

Testing different genetic groups of common carp by stocking them together into ‘communal ponds’, requires correcting observed weight gains for differences in initial weight among the tested groups. Reliable estimation of correction factors, by the multiple nursing technique, requires a minimum difference of 15 g in initial weight between multiply nursed samples. Empirical estimates of correction factors are biassed by errors in estimating initial weight differences. No consistent differences were isolated in the correction factors generated from different genetic groups.A multiple regression analysis based on data from ten tests generated the following prediction equation: b=4.543−0.113 X.+0.00671 Y. (R=0.716) where b=predicted correction factor; X.=mean initial weight; Y.=mean weight gain. Predicted correction factors, generated from the analysis of a large set of data, are at least as reliable as empirical estimates from a single experiment. Their use enables an economy in facilities, which would otherwise be required for producing and testing multiply nursed samples. The application of this technique to other fish species is discussed.     

Inter‐specific hybridization between Black Sea trout (Salmo labrax Pallas, 1814) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum, 1792)

Thermal shock‐induced triploid and unshocked control hybrids between rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and Black Sea trout (Salmo labrax) and their parental species were produced under hatchery condition by using heat shocks. Triploidization reduced eyed egg rate and alevin yield in all groups. Low survival rate was observed in both shock‐induced triploid hybrid and non‐shock‐induced control hybrids. Although hybrids demonstrated low body weight during the first feeding stage, they reached higher body weight by day 200 when compared with Black Sea trout and rainbow trout. A higher specific growth rate was calculated as 3.60 in the triploid hybrid groups, 1.41 in the triploid Black Sea trout groups and 2.27 in the triploid rainbow trout groups between days 110 and 200. A lower condition factor was determined in the hybrid than in the diploid parental species. A negative value of mid‐parent heterosis (MPH) performance was deected for condition factor, and a favourable MPH was detected for specific growth rate and weight in hybrids.     

Effect of density on growth and survival of rainbow trout

Groups of rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) were kept at five different densities during an initial feeding period of 42 days and a subsequent growth period of 180 days. They were then kept at the same density for 55 days. Differences between groups in mean weights and mortality were found as early as the end of the initial feeding period. At the end of the 180-days growth period the differences in mean weight between density groups were large. Differences in condition (K) factor were also found at the end of this period. Groups at high densities had the lowest growth rate and K factor. When groups were kept at the same density, those originally at high densities showed the highest relative growth. It is concluded that high densities depressed the growth rate, and that compensatory growth occurred when the densities were standardized. It is important to take density into account when ranking families or progeny groups for growth performance.     

虹鳟体质量和主要体尺性状异速生长的遗传分析

采用联合异速生长遗传模型,对中国水产科学研究院黑龙江水产研究所渤海冷水性鱼类试验站培育的F1杂交虹鳟(Oncorhynchus mykiss)和F2杂交虹鳟的体质量和体尺性状异速生长进行了遗传分析,旨在为虹鳟及其他水产动物异速生长的遗传参数估计和实现体质量与体型的同步选育奠定理论基础。首先采用逐步回归分析法选择体尺性状对体质量的异速生长显著的性状,建立最优表型联合静态、动态异速生长指数模型,随后构建了两个用于遗传分析多个静态、动态异速生长的随机回归模型。虹鳟多个体尺性状相对体质量的异速生长遗传分析结果表明,体长与体质量具有较大的异速生长指数,为1.633 8,且为正异速生长,而其他体尺性状相对体质量呈现负异速生长;遗传方差大小顺序和表型的偏异速生长指数一致,体宽和背鳍基长的异速生长的遗传相关最大,为-0.867 5,其次为体长和体高,为-0.619 4,最小的是-0.021 7,为体高和体宽。体长与体质量的动态异速生长的加性遗传方差估计值为0.292 9。结果表明,虹鳟体质量和主要体尺性状的异速生长是由遗传机制决定的,遗传方差及遗传相关的估计能够用来筛选优良亲本,这为进一步利用异速生长理论指导虹鳟及其他水产动物体质量与体型的同步选育提供了理论基础。     

The effects of a prolonged photoperiod and light source on growth,sexual maturation,fin condition,and vulnerability to fungal disease in brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis

The effects of an artificially prolonged photoperiod on growth, survival rate, colouration, and sexual maturation in brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis during pre‐ and post‐spawning periods from 21 June to 06 November were investigated. Fish of mean initial weight ?150 g were reared at ambient photoperiod as well as with an artificially prolonged photoperiod produced by either a light‐emitting diode or a metal‐halide light. The fish groups subjected to a prolonged period of artificial light grew significantly larger and had a higher survival rate (p < 0.05), regardless of sex, and showed lower occurrence of fungal disease compared to controls reared in the natural photoperiod. We found a significantly higher number of sexually mature fish in the control groups compared with experimental groups. The increased photoperiod effectively delayed gonad development and increased somatic growth in both male and female brook trout, and also increased resistance to fungal disease. The increased photoperiod produced an observable difference in fish colouration, with control groups exhibiting more intensive spawning colouration.     

Factors influencing growth of individual brown trout in three streams of the upper Midwestern United States

Growth rate variation of three age groups of brown trout, Salmo trutta L. (age‐0, 1 and 2, and 3+), was quantified from recaptured, individually tagged brown trout and related to season, stream reach, relative abundance, initial length and movement to examine factors influencing growth in length in three streams in the Midwestern United States. Total variation in growth was almost five times greater for age‐0 than for age‐3+ trout. Individual trout accounted for about 13% of total variation in age‐0 growth, season about 57%, and trout initial length and relative abundance combined another 2%. The 2006 age‐0 cohort had the fastest growth rates in their second spring and summer (2007) and slowest growth in their first winter (2006–2007). About 53% of total growth variation of age‐1 and age‐2 trout was accounted for by individual trout, season, initial length and stream reach. Predicted growth rates indicated strong effects of season and initial length. A significant interaction between these two factors indicated that, although smaller trout grew faster than larger trout, this length effect was most pronounced in spring and summer. About 35% of total growth variation of age‐3+ trout was accounted for by individual trout and season. Together, season and individual trout characteristics were identified as the most important factors influencing brown trout growth in these streams.     

Effect of temperature and feed ration on energy utilization in large rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum)

Abstract In one experiment, temperature and feed ration were varied for rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum), with an initial size of about 1200g. In two experiments the feed ration was varied between parallel tanks, with naturally fluctuating ambient temperatures, and containing rainbow trout with an initial size of about 1000g and 400–550g, respectively. Growth and feed efficiency were measured in all experiments. An ad libitum feed ration without wastage produced the most effective energy utilization in most experimental groups. At best an average of 50% of the gross energy was utilized for growth. The relation between growth rate and feed ration was linear, and there was no optimum point for feeding below this level. The observed intake of energy is compared with growth, measurements of digestibility, feeding and starving metabolism. It is also linked to earlier observations of intake by rainbow trout fingerlings to give equations expressing the energy needs of rainbow trout of different sizes (30–1500g). These are intended to be used for efficient rearing at different temperatures (10–22°C).     

Dietary soybean phosphatidylcholine affects growth performance and lipolytic enzyme activity in Caspian brown trout (Salmo trutta Caspius) alevin

The effects of supplemental dietary phosphatidylcholine (PtCho) on the growth performance, survival and digestive enzyme activity of Caspian brown trout (Salmo trutta caspius Kessler 1877) alevins were investigated in this study. Alevin (initial weight 0.8 ± 0.12 g) was fed for 5 weeks with an isoproteic‐ and isolipidic‐formulated diet with increased levels of PtCho from 0 to 60 g kg^?1 dry matter and decreasing levels of soybean oil. The increase in dietary PtCho up to 4% led to an increase in alevin final weight, suggesting that moderate PtCho levels are needed during this stage of Caspian brown trout. Survival was not affected by the dietary PtCho level. Phosphatidylcholine incorporation into the diet caused higher phospholipase A2‐specific activity. Phosphatidylcholine did not show a beneficial effect on the specific activity of amylase and protease. Lipase‐specific activity was significantly higher in the PtCho groups compared with the control group. The hepatosomatic index (HSI) was significantly influenced by the dietary PtCho level. The results of the present study indicated that the dietary supplementation of PtCho in the diet of Caspian brown trout alevin improved growth and lipolytic enzyme activity.     

Density-dependence of growth characteristics and maturation in stream-dwelling resident brown trout, Salmo trutta, in Serbia

Abstract  Breakpoints in both length and weight that represent the onset of first maturation, revealed that growth and maturation were correlated with density-related parameters in stream-dwelling resident brown trout, Salmo trutta L., from nine different rivers in Serbia. The determination of density dependence of growth is not simple, as both river width and depth, as single variables of habitat and relative biomass, and density were not significantly correlated with breakpoints. The significant relationship between breakpoints and the mean weight of brown trout ( x _p) suggests that differences in breakpoints were inversely related to brown trout density. The implications of density dependence for management of streams holding resident brown trout are discussed.     

Comparative performance of juvenile rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson, fed to satiation with simulated 'standard' and 'high energy' diet formulations

Abstract. Four experimental diets were formulated to resemble practical rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson, grower feeds based on medium and moderate lipid inclusions of 10 and 14% (standard energy levels) to relatively 'high energy' diets containing 18 and 22% lipid respectively. Each of these diets was isonitrogenous with a defined protein content of 42%. During a 10-week growth trial period, juvenile rainbow trout of initial mean weight of 10g were fed each ration to satiation. At the end of the study, there was a significant gain (P> 0.05) in the mean live weights of fish receiving the higher energy diets associated with improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) and net protein utilization (NPU). Although there was a declining trend in voluntary food intake relative to body weight with increasing dietary lipid content, this was insufficient to prevent greater deposition of body fat.
The results are discussed in relation to practical trout feeds in order to achieve a desired growth performance and acceptable body composition with intensive feeding regimes.     

A mistaken method for correcting potential bias in genetic testing of common carp, Cyprinus carpio L., and tilapias, Oreochromis spp.

Abstract. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the phenotypic coefficient of regression of weight gain on initial weight as a correction factor in genetic testing programmes. A correction factor is required in order to remove the biasing effect of variation in initial weight among genetic groups tested, on their weight gain. In a genetic testing programme, involving common carp, Cyprinus carpio L., the environmentally generated coefficient of regression of weight gain on initial weight was used as a correction factor. It was estimated with the aid of the'multiple nursing technique'. In other genetic testing programmes, not accompanied by multiple nursing, the phenotypic regression coefficient of weight gain on initial weight was used as a correction factor. These factors were compared by computing a series of each coefficientfrom a data set, consisting of the results of 10 yearly experiments and including 21 different experimental treatments. The results of this analysis showed that the phenotypic regression coefficient generated unreliable and often inflated estimates of the correction factor, relative to the estimate generated from multiple nursing, which we regard as reliable. Adequate genetic testing programmes therefore need to be accompanied by multiple nursing, unless test progenies are stocked at identical weights.     

Maternal variation in juvenile survival and growth of triploid hybrids between female rainbow trout and male brown trout and brook charr

Related sib‐groups of rainbow trout × brown trout and rainbow trout × brook charr triploid hybrids and monospecific diploid and triploid rainbow trout controls were obtained from a common set of rainbow trout dams. On the basis of hybrid juvenile performances, 10 sib‐groups were selected and the corresponding diploid rainbow trouts were raised up to adult stage. Females from each group of rainbow trout were used to produce a second generation of hybrid progeny, the performances of which were analysed for grandmaternal variation and relation with first‐generation relatives. Results showed that hybrid traits (alevin yield and weight, survival and growth of fingerlings) were strongly influenced by maternal origin, and could be correlated to those of rainbow trout controls, but that maternal abilities had a low rate of inheritance. It was concluded that little improvement can be expected through selective breeding within parental populations.     

Influence of reward level on vertical distribution and growthof rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss fed on demand with self-feeders

ABSTRACT:   The influence of reward level on vertical distribution and growthwas examined in rainbow trout fed on demand with self-feeders. Groupsof 15 trout with initial body weight of 140 g were maintainedat 14°C and feed access was restricted to a 12-h photophase.The trout received three reward levels with triplicates: 0.051 (low),0.089 (medium) and 0.267 g/kg fish/triggeractuation (high). Vertical distribution in the higher reward groupswas generally more even than that in the lower-reward groups, butthe behavioral characteristics of some individuals in a group couldplay an important role in determining vertical distribution. Moreover,no fish including the individuals responsible for trigger actuation,occupied the vicinity of a trigger. The small groups of 15 troutreceiving the medium-reward level obtained as much feed and grewas fast as the high-reward groups, but this was not the case forthe low-reward groups.     

Effect of dietary phospholipid sources and levels on growth performance,enzymes activity,cholecystokinin and lipoprotein fractions of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fry

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of soybean lecithin (SBL) and chicken egg lecithin (EGL) on growth performance; pancreatic and intestine enzymes, cholecystokinin (CCK) and lipoprotein fractions of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum) fry. Seven isonitrogenic and isolipidic diets were prepared by replacing 0 (as a control), 2%, 4% and 6% soybean and chicken egg lecithin instead of soybean oil in diets. Trout fry with initial average weight of 120 ± 4.08 mg, were randomly distributed in 21 90 L tanks. Triplicate groups (165 fish for each tank) of fry were fed each diet to visual satiation at six meals per day for 40 days. Dietary supplements of 2% and 4% chicken egg lecithin led to increase in fry final weight, weight gain and specific growth rate suggesting that moderate PL levels are needed during this stage of rainbow trout. Also 2% chicken egg lecithin caused significantly higher activity of amylase, lipase, phospholipase A₂, alkaline phosphatase (AP), aminopeptidase‐N (AN) and lower activity of leucine alanine peptidase (leu‐ala) in the digestive tract of fry than those in control group. Furthermore, fry fed 2% chicken egg lecithin had a higher ratio of AN/leu‐ala and AP/leu‐ala than that in the control group. Chicken egg lecithin increased significantly cholecystokinin (CCK) and chylomicron fractions of fry compared to control group. It is noteworthy that soybean lecithin had moderate effect on final growth, weight gain and specific growth rate of fry and induced significantly higher activity of amylase, lipase, phospholipase A₂ and secretion of CCK compared to control group. The results of this study indicate that dietary supplementation 2% chicken egg lecithin indirectly through some biochemical parameters improves growth performance of rainbow trout fry.     

Formulation of practical diets for rainbow trout based on desired performance and body composition

Rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) with an initial average weight of 1.8 g were fed eight experimental diets with 26 and 35% protein and varying amounts of lipid for 112 days. All experimental diets contained 10% fish meal (the only source of animal protein), as compared to a control diet with 35% fish meal. The energy content of the diet was the most important factor in determining growth rate. The percentage of dietary lipid was the dominant factor in determining the body composition of rainbow trout. Increased amounts of dietary lipid resulted in fish with increased amounts of whole-body fat and reduced amounts of whole-body protein and moisture. Body composition was more closely a function of nutritional history than of fish size. Protein retention and energy retention were negatively associated with the percentage of digestible protein in the diet. Mortality rates did not differ significantly among the groups tested; the general health of all fish examined was good.     

Effect of increased liver glycogen and liver weight on liver function in rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson: recovery from anaesthesia and plasma 35S-sulphobromophthalein clearance

Abstract. Juvenile rainbow trout (initial mean body weight 17 g) reared on practical trout diets containing different levels of available carbohydrate for 8–24 weeks were assayed for liver function based on the time required to recover from the anaesthetics tricaine methanesulphonate (MS222), 2-phenoxyethanol (2PE) and tertiary-amyl alcohol (TAA), as well as plasma clearance of ³⁵S-sulphobromo-phthalein (BSP), Liver/body weight ratios (LBW) and percentage liver glycogen content (LG) increased in a linear manner with increased available carbohydrate. The mean recovery time (MRT) of trout anaesthetized with 2PE and TAA increased linearly with increased LBW and LG. No difference was observed in the MRT of trout anaesthetized with MS222 which is not metabolized in the trout liver. There was a significant linear regression of the biological half-life of plasma BSP on LBW (MR²= 95.7) and LG (MR²= 99.6). The results indicate that increased liver glycogen and liver weight due to higher levels of available carbohydrate affect the liver function of rainbow trout. These liver function tests may be applicable in determining acceptable levels of available carbohydrate in practical trout diets.     

Effects of dietary administration of Echinacea purpurea on growth indices and biochemical and hematological indices in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fingerlings

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Echinacea purpurea (EP) on growth and some hematological and blood biochemical indices of rainbow trout fingerlings. A basal diet was supplemented with 0 (control), 0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2 g EP kg?1 to formulate five experimental diets. Each diet was randomly allocated to triplicate groups of fish with an initial average weight of approximately 8 g. After 8 weeks of feeding trial, fish fed diets with 0.25 and 0.5 g EP kg?1 showed highest final weight and SGR and fish fed with the control diet indicated the lowest final weight and SGR. There was a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in FCR between the control group and the groups fed with diets of 0.25 and 0.5 g EP kg?1. Biochemical parameters such as serum total protein content, albumin content, globulin content, and albumin/globulin ratio in the fish were evaluated. There were significant differences between hematological parameters including RBC, WBC, HB, lymphocyte, and neutrophil percentage in fish fed with dietary nucleotide compared with control treatment (P < 0.05). The results suggest that EP administration at 0.25 and 0.5 g EP kg?1 exerted positive effects on growth and biochemical and hematological indices in rainbow trout.     

The effect of timing of extended photoperiod on growth and maturity of brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis)

The influence of timing of extended photoperiods on growth and maturity of brook trout was investigated in a 112‐day experiment. The fish with mean initial weight of ~192 g were reared under four light regimes: one control group with natural ambient photoperiod and three groups exposed to an 18L:6D regime initiated at days 1, 23 or 46 of the growth trial. Light‐emitting diodes, with intensity of 250–1000 lux, depending on the distance from the light source, were used for extending light periods. There was a positive effect of prolonged day length on fish growth (p < 0.05), and a delay in gonad development and sexual maturity. Significantly higher numbers of sexually mature fish were found among controls groups, regardless of sex. Survival rate was not affected by light regime. This study demonstrated that the short‐term expansion of the photo period delayed maturation and increased the growth rate of brook trout.