养殖密度对杂交鲟幼鱼生长、肌肉组分和血液生理生化指标的影响

工厂化流水养殖条件下进行为期90 d的饲养试验,探讨养殖密度对杂交鲟[西伯利亚鲟(Acipenser baerii)(♀)×施氏鲟(Acipenser schrenckii)(♂)]幼鱼生长性能、肌肉组分含量和血液生理指标的影响。杂交鲟初始体重为(251.11±0.59)g,养殖密度分别设置为5.50 kg/m3、8.27 kg/m3、11.01 kg/m3、13.80 kg/m3。结果表明,养殖密度对杂交鲟幼鱼的生长和存活影响显著(P0.05),随着养殖密度的增加,幼鱼的终末体重、特定生长率、肥满度和存活率呈下降趋势,而饲料系数则呈上升趋势;实验结束时,杂交鲟幼鱼肌肉中水分含量随养殖密度的增加而上升(P0.05),而粗脂肪含量却下降(P0.05),粗蛋白和灰分的含量则变化不显著(P0.05);养殖密度对杂交鲟幼鱼的血液指标影响显著(P0.05),各处理组的幼鱼血液中血红蛋白、血浆葡萄糖及总蛋白含量差异显著(P0.05)。结果说明,高密度环境对杂交鲟幼鱼生长性能与肌肉组分均产生了显著影响。     

养殖密度对西伯利亚杂交鲟幼鱼生长、抗氧化酶活性和相关基因表达的影响

为了研究流水养殖系统中养殖密度对井冈山地区西伯利亚杂交鲟（西伯利亚鲟Acipenser baerii♀×施氏鲟Acipenser schrenckii♂）幼鱼生长性能的影响,本文以初始体重为7.89±0.45 g/尾西伯利亚杂交鲟幼鱼为研究对象,设置了低密度组（1.16 kg/m3）、中密度组（1.74 kg/m3）和高密度组（2.32 kg/m3）三个密度组进行为期90 d的养殖生产实验,通过比较分析不同密度组西伯利亚杂交鲟生长指标、体成分含量、抗氧化酶活性和相关基因表达水平发现,低密度组幼鱼终体重、增重率及特定生长率显著高于中密度组和高密度组（P＜0.05）,各密度组实验鱼的存活率无显著性差异;水分和灰分随着养殖密度的增加而增加,且存在显著性差异,粗脂肪和粗蛋白未出现明显的差异;肝脏超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）和谷胱甘肽硫转移酶（GSH-ST）的酶活力在实验末期低、中密度组显著高于高密度组（P＜0.05）,随着养殖密度的增加,幼鱼肝脏丙二醛（MDA）含量不断增加,过氧化氢酶(CAT)活力降低,MDA和CAT在实验期间未出现明显的差异;结果还发现,高密度组与生长相关的生长激素受体（GHR）、胰岛素样生长因子-1（IGF-1）、胰岛素样生长因子-2（IGF-2）基因表达水平显著降低（P＜0.05）;高密度组与应激相关的热休克蛋白70（HSP70）基因表达水平在45d出现差异（P＜0.05）,90 d后高密度组显著高于低密度组（P＜0.05）,低密度组热休克蛋白90（HSP90）基因表达水平在30d时显著低于中、高密度组（P＜0.05）,实验末期,3个密度组间均存在显著的差异（P＜0.05）。 研究结果表明,实验条件下,中、低密度条件下西伯利亚杂交鲟幼鱼表现出良好的生长性能,因此建议,井冈山地区西伯利亚杂交鲟幼鱼养殖密度控制在1.16 kg/m3-1.74 kg/m3之间。     

投喂率对网箱养殖俄罗斯鲟生长与血液指标的影响

在水温15~20℃下,将体质量(3 381.27±132.17)g的2龄俄罗斯鲟(Acipenser gueldenstaedtii)幼鱼养殖在6 m×6 m×6 m的网箱中,研究了天邦牌鲟鱼饲料5种投喂率[0.7%(F1组)、0.8%(F2组)、0.9%(F3组)、1.0%(F4组)和1.1%(F5组)]对俄罗斯鲟幼鱼生长、体成分和主要血液指标的影响。结果显示,F5组鱼的增重率(WGR)和特定生长率(SGR)显著高于F1组(P0.05),与其余各组无显著差异(P0.05)。各组间鱼肌肉中粗脂肪和粗蛋白质含量、脾体比(SSI)、成活率(SR)和肥满度(CF)无显著性差异(P0.05)。F5组鱼的肝体比(HSI)、水分含量和成熟系数(GSI)显著高于F1组(P0.05)。各组鱼血液中红细胞数(RBC)、白细胞数(WBC)和血清中碱性磷酸酶含量(AKP)、总胆固醇含量(TC)均无显著差异(P0.05)。F4和F5组中血清甘油三酯含量(TG)显著高于F1组(P0.05),而与F3、F2组无显著差异(P0.05)。F5组俄罗斯鲟生长最好,F1组生长最差。F2、F3、F5组与F4组的生长无显著差异,投喂率从1.0%降至0.8%,可提高经济和生态效益。     

饲料中蛋白质含量及养殖密度对红鳍东方鲀幼鱼生长性能、氮排泄及相关生化指标的影响

本实验以平均初始体重为15.60 g的红鳍东方鲀(Takifugu rubripes)幼鱼为研究对象,研究饲料中蛋白含量及养殖密度对红鳍东方鲀幼鱼生长性能、氮排泄及相关生理生化指标的影响。设计两因素三水平(2×3)实验,配制3种不同蛋白梯度(38.87%、45.55%和51.00%,干重)的等脂实验饲料,设置3个密度梯度为1.53 kg/m^3(0.196 m3体积的实验桶,每桶20尾鱼)、2.30 kg/m^3(每桶30尾鱼)和3.06 kg/m^3(每桶40尾鱼)。每组饲料设3个重复,养殖实验为期56 d,在室内流水系统内进行。结果显示,增重率在高、中蛋白组显著高于低蛋白组(P<0.05),但当饲料蛋白含量一定时,养殖密度对增重率没有显著性影响。饲料蛋白含量和养殖密度对鱼体常规成分没有显著性影响。当饲料蛋白一定时,高密度组的血清总蛋白和胆固醇含量显著高于中密度组(P<0.05)。血清总蛋白含量在低蛋白组显著高于中蛋白组(P<0.05)。血清碱性磷酸酶含量在低蛋白组显著高于高蛋白组(P<0.05)。饲料蛋白含量和养殖密度对红鳍东方鲀幼鱼的生长、氨氮排泄没有显著性交互作用。静水投喂3 h后,氨氮排泄率在高密度组显著高于低密度组(P<0.05)。研究表明,45.55%饲料蛋白质含量已经能够满足红鳍东方鲀幼鱼正常生长的需求。饲料蛋白含量和养殖密度对红鳍东方鲀幼鱼的生长性能和氨氮排泄没有显著性交互作用。     

养殖密度对食用褐鳟Salmo trutta生长和水质的影响

在涌泉水温度5.6~10.5℃下,将体质量(17.52±0.22)g的2龄褐鳟Salmo trutta饲养在流水圆柱形平底玻璃钢(半径45cm,高60cm)水槽中,水深40cm,密度分别为6.8kg/m~3(SD1)、10.4kg/m~3(SD2)、14.0kg/m~3(SD3)、17.5kg/m~3(SD4)、21.0kg/m~3(SD5)和24.5kg/m~3(SD6),每个密度组设3个重复,探讨养殖密度对褐鳟生长的影响。70d的饲养结果表明:本试验范围内的放养密度未显著影响2龄褐鳟的存活率(P0.05),净增重随养殖密度的增加而增大。SD5组褐鳟净增重(116.55g/(m~2·d))最大;SD4组褐鳟的日增重(0.25g/d)、增重率(102.07%)和特定生长率(1%/d)显著高于SD3组(P0.05)。随着养殖密度的增加,溶解氧含量(DO)呈极显著下降趋势(P0.01),SD1、SD2、SD3(10.14~11.84mg/L)组极显著高于SD5、SD6组(9.62~11.53mg/L)(P0.05);养殖29d和50d时SD1组NO_2~-含量(0.02~0.06mg/L)与SD3、SD5、SD6组(0.04~0.06mg/L)差异显著(P0.05),其他时间不显著;36d后SD2、SD3(0.17~0.22mg/L)组的NH4-NT显著低于SD6组(0.25~0.38mg/L)(P0.05)。比较分析认为,2龄褐鳟的最佳养殖密度应为17.5kg/m~3,不要低于10.4kg/m~3。     

网箱和流水池塘养殖俄罗斯鲟的生长特性

2017年随机从网箱(6m×6m×7.5m)采集1~7龄、流水池塘采8~10龄俄罗斯鲟Acipenser gueldenstaedtii样本500尾,测量体长和体质量,研究人工养殖俄罗斯鲟的生长特性。结果表明,养殖俄罗斯鲟的体长(L)与体质量(W)呈幂函数增长相关,其方程为:W=6×10~(-6)L~(3.1292)(R~2=0.9846,n=500),b3,呈异速生长;1~10龄期间,俄罗斯鲟生长分为快速生长期(1~4龄)、稳定生长期(5~8龄)和生长衰老期(9~10龄);拟合出Von Bertallanff的生长方程为:L_t=130.776(1-e~(-0.269(t-0.122)))(R~2=0.948,n=500),W_t=35.709(1-e~(-0.112(t-1.905)))(R~2=0.878,n=500)。生长拐点年龄为4.36龄,拐点处W=8.59kg,L=90.52cm,拐点前生长较快;拐点后,体长生长减慢,体质量生长减慢滞后,10龄后出现负生长。建议人工养殖俄罗斯鲟商品鱼以5龄前上市为宜。     

重庆山区4种鲟仔、稚、幼鱼生长特性对比研究

为有效筛选出适宜重庆山区养殖的鲟鱼品种,将卵黄囊消失的施氏鲟、西杂鲟(西伯利亚鲟♀×施氏鲟♂)、施杂鲟(施氏鲟♀×西伯利亚鲟♂)、大杂交鲟(达氏鳇♀×施氏鲟♂)仔鱼饲养在直径2 m、高0.6 m的蓝色圆形玻璃钢盆中,每盆3000尾,开始时投喂打碎的水蚯蚓,7 d后(全长约3 cm),用微粒饲料与水蚯蚓浆制成软颗粒饲料,阴干后投喂,经15～20 d转食后,投喂鲟鱼专用微粒饲料,养殖84 d后比较分析4种鲟鱼胚后发育时间,形态特征,及仔、稚、幼鱼成活率、生长特性等。试验结果显示：在水温(17.94±0.54)℃、溶解氧质量浓度(8.91±0.32) mg/L、pH(8.09±0.43)的条件下,大杂交鲟、西杂鲟胚后发育时间早于施杂鲟和施氏鲟;4种鲟幼鱼外部形态特征均有区别;西杂鲟成活率最高,为(65.33±2.12)%,显著高于施氏鲟、施杂鲟和大杂交鲟;7日龄后,4种鲟鱼特定生长率随着日龄增加而降低;从生长模型可知,西杂鲟全长生长速度最快,从(0.81±0.34) cm增长至(16.67±1.37) cm,大杂交鲟体质量生长速度较快,西杂鲟次之,但77日龄后西杂鲟体质量生长速度超过大杂交鲟...     

饲料脂肪水平对俄罗斯鲟幼鱼生长、血液生化指标及抗氧化性能的影响

以鱼油、豆油、亚麻籽油等比例混合,配成脂肪含量分别为5.45%(L1)、7.00%(L2)、10.44%(L3)、14.37%(L4)、16.34%(L5)、18.91%(L6)及20.15%(L7)的等氮饲料,饲喂俄罗斯鲟(Acipenser gueldenstaedtii)幼鱼[(6.20±0.02)g]8周。实验结果表明,L3组的终末体质量、增重率最大,但与L2组间无显著差异(P0.05),L3组的蛋白质效率显著高于其它组(P0.05),且饲料系数最低。L6和L7组终末体质量、增重率和蛋白质效率显著低于L2和L3组(P0.05)。将幼鱼的增重率与饲料脂肪水平进行回归分析,得出俄罗斯鲟幼鱼在饲料脂肪水平为10.69%时生长最佳。随着饲料脂肪水平的升高,各组鱼的肝体比和体粗脂肪有上升趋势,其中肝体比在饲料脂肪含量大于14.37%时显著增大(P0.05)。血清中的甘油三酯、胆固醇含量也随脂肪水平升高而显著提高(P0.05),提示脂肪过高会影响俄罗斯鲟幼鱼的生长,降低蛋白质效率,导致脂肪在体内的过量积蓄。L7组鱼血清中高密度脂蛋白胆固醇含量最高,而L1组鱼的低密度脂蛋白胆固醇含量最高。肝脏脂蛋白酯酶活性随饲料脂肪水平的提高而升高,脂肪酸合成酶活性则随脂肪水平升高而降低,提示饲料脂肪水平的提高会促进鱼体脂肪的分解代谢。肝脏丙二醛含量和超氧化物歧化酶活性均随着饲料脂肪水平的提高显著升高(P0.05),表明脂肪含量过高会导致脂质过氧化,引发机体抗氧化酶活性的升高。综合俄罗斯鲟幼鱼的生长、血液指标及抗氧化性能,建议生产中将幼鱼的饲料脂肪水平控制在7.00%~10.69%。     

拥挤胁迫对银鲳幼鱼生长及消化酶活性的影响

为探究不同养殖密度对银鲳(Pampus argenteus)幼鱼生长及消化酶活性的影响,将平均初始体质量为3.88±0.72 g的银鲳幼鱼分别在30、60 ind/m³和90 ind/m³的密度条件下饲养40 d,测定幼鱼四种消化酶的时空变化,并比较了40 d后幼鱼的生长特性。结果表明：(1)中密度组幼鱼的增重率与特定生长率分别为(235.19±10.23)%和(4.03±0.10)%,显著高于低密度组(P<0.05),而与高密度组无显著差异(P>0.05)。饲养20 d后低、高密度组增重幅度均低于中密度组。(2)40 d后,低密度组幼鱼胰蛋白酶活性下降到了116.32 U/mg,仅为初始水平的36.7%。但胃蛋白酶的活性显著升高,达到18.65 U/mg,是初始水平的2.5倍,显著高于其他两组;中密度组的胃蛋白酶、胰蛋白酶、淀粉酶活性在40 d后均出现一定程度的下降;高密度组银鲳消化酶活性受到了明显的胁迫影响,养殖过程中出现了明显的波动变化。综上所述,过高的养殖密度会对银鲳产生胁迫作用,影响银鲳消化酶活性;过低的养殖密度也会对银...     

不同配比南极磷虾粉饲料对网箱养殖俄罗斯鲟生长及氟累积的影响

配制南极磷虾粉替代饲料中鱼粉比例分别为0%、10%、20%、30%的4组饲料饲喂俄罗斯鲟(Acipenser gueldenstaedtii)200 d后,分析南极磷虾粉替代部分鱼粉对网箱养殖俄罗斯鲟生长和鱼体组织氟残留的影响。结果表明:(1)随着南极磷虾粉替代比例的升高,俄罗斯鲟的末重、增重、特定生长率、蛋白质效率先上升后下降,饲料系数先降低后升高,10%组显著高于对照组和其它试验组(P0.05);(2)实验结束时,俄罗斯鲟肌肉、肝脏和鱼鳔的氟浓度低于检测限,但鳃、皮、脊骨和背骨呈现剂量浓度效应,各试验组较对照组显著升高(P0.05)。综上所述,在本实验条件下,在俄罗斯鲟饲料中加入10%比例的南极磷虾粉时获得最佳生长效果和较低的组织氟累积。     

Effect of stocking density on growth and serum concentrations of thyroid hormones and cortisol in Amur sturgeon, Acipenser schrenckii

This study investigated the effects of different stocking densities on growth and serum concentrations of thyroid hormones and cortisol in Amur sturgeon, Acipenser schrenckii. Fish were reared at low, medium, and high stocking densities (initial experimental densities were 0.30, 0.75, and 1.78 kg m⁻², respectively) for 70 days. The results showed that high stocking density had negative effects on growth and feeding efficiency, and altered serum levels of thyroid hormones and cortisol in Amur sturgeon. A significant decrease in specific growth rate was observed as stocking density was increased. The feeding rate decreased significantly in the medium and high density groups, indicating that high stocking density reduced the food consumption of sturgeon. Food conversion ratio increased with increasing stocking density, suggesting that high stocking density might inhibit fish growth through decreasing food conversion efficiency. Serum concentrations of total triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, and free triiodothyronine were inversely related to stocking densities, whereas serum total thyroxine level of sturgeon stocked at different densities remained stable. Also, higher stocking density resulted in an elevation of serum cortisol level, indicating that the sturgeon stocked at the higher density experienced density-dependent physiological stress. These results suggest growth suppression caused by high stocking density might be related to both crowding stress and the declines in peripheral circulating levels of thyroid hormones, as well as associated with the reductions in both food consumption and food conversion efficiency.     

Effect of stocking density on the growth performance and yield of Nile tilapia [Oreochromis niloticus (L., 1758)] in a cage culture system in Lake Kuriftu,Ethiopia

This research was conducted to investigate the effect of stocking density on the growth performance and yield of Oreochromis niloticus in cage culture in Lake Kuriftu. The treatments had stocking densities of 50 (50F), 100 (100F), 150 (150F), and 200 (200F) fish per m^?3. All treatments were in duplicate. Juveniles with an average weight of 45. 76±0.25 g were stocked in the treatments. The fish were fed a composite mixture of mill sweeping, cotton seed, and Bora food complex at 2% of their body weight twice per day using feeding trays for 150 days in powdered form. The growth performance of O. niloticus was density dependent. The final mean weight of O. niloticus ranged 147.76±0.28–219.71±1.42 g and the mean daily weight gain was 0.69±0.01–1.15±0.02 g day^?1. Fish held in cages with lower density were heavier than the ones held at higher densities, and showed higher weight gain and daily weight gain. The most effective stocking density, in terms of growth parameters, was 50 fish m^?3. The gross yield (4.5–20.55 kg cage^?1) showed a significant difference with increasing stocking density (P<0.05). Moreover, the apparent food conversion ratio (2.48–7.22) was significantly affected by stocking density (P<0.05). However, survival rate was not affected by stocking density (P>0.05). It can be concluded that the most effective stocking densities were at 50 fish m^?3 cage for larger size fish demand in a short period and 200 fish m^?3 for higher gross production with supplementary feed.     

Effects of stocking density on lipid deposition and expression of lipid-related genes in Amur sturgeon (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Acipenser schrenckii</Emphasis>)

To investigate the correlation between lipid deposition variation and stocking density in Amur sturgeon (Acipenser schrenckii) and the possible physiological mechanism, fish were conducted in different stocking densities (LSD 5.5 kg/m³, MSD 8.0 kg/m³, and HSD 11.0 kg/m³) for 70 days and then the growth index, lipid content, lipase activities, and the mRNA expressions of lipid-related genes were examined. Results showed that fish subjected to higher stocking density presented lower final body weights (FBW), specific growth ratio (SGR), and gonad adipose tissue index (GAI) (P < 0.05). Lower lipid content was observed in the liver, gonad adipose tissue and muscle in sturgeons held in HSD group (P < 0.05). The serum concentrations of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) decreased significantly with increasing stocking density, while no significant change was observed for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Furthermore, the cDNAs encoding lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and hepatic lipase (HL) were isolated in Amur sturgeon, respectively. The full-length LPL cDNA was composed of 1757 bp with an open reading frame of 501 amino acids, while the complete nucleotide sequences of HL covered 1747 bp encoding 499 amino acids. In the liver, the activities and mRNA levels of LPL were markedly lower in HSD group, which were consistent with the variation tendency of HL. Fish reared in HSD group also presented lower levels of activities and mRNA expression of LPL in the muscle and gonad. Moreover, the expressions of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) in both the liver and skeletal muscle were significantly upregulated in HSD group. Overall, the results indicated that high stocking density negatively affects growth performance and lipid deposition of Amur sturgeon to a certain extent. The downregulation of LPL and HL and the upregulation of PPARα may be responsible for the lower lipid distribution of Amur sturgeon in higher stocking density.     

Influence of Stocking Density on Growth and Physiological Responses of Beluga,Huso huso (Brandt, 1869), and Ship Sturgeon,Acipenser nudiventris (Lovetsky, 1828), Juveniles in a Flow‐through System

The influence of three different initial stocking densities (low stocking density [LSD] = 1.5 kg/m²; medium stocking density [MSD] = 3 kg/m²; and high stocking density [HSD] = 6 kg/m²) in flow‐through systems was evaluated on growth and welfare in beluga, Huso huso, and ship sturgeon, Acipenser nudiventris, juveniles for 2 mo. Fish were kept in 18 concrete square tanks (2.0 × 1.0 × 1.2 m³) at 22.3 ± 0.4 C and under a natural photoperiod. In both species, the growth performance in terms of final body weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, and feed intake significantly decreased with increasing stocking density (P < 0.05). In both species, the percent of neutrophils increased after 60 d of trial (P < 0.05). Moreover, hematocrit and white blood cell counts increased after 60 d of trial in ship sturgeon (P < 0.05). Plasma immunoglobulin significantly decreased with increasing stocking density in both species. Plasma insulin‐like growth factor I decreased with increasing stocking density in beluga; however, it was not affected in ship sturgeon. Overall, these results showed that the LSD group in both species demonstrated more homogeneous and higher growth rate than the MSD and HSD groups.     

Effect of stocking density on growth performance,serum biochemical parameters,and muscle texture properties of genetically improved farm tilapia, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Oreochromis niloticus</Emphasis>

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of stocking density on growth performance, serum biochemical parameters, and muscle texture properties of genetically improved farmed tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus, GIFT). Juvenile GIFT with an average initial weight of 12.54?±?0.45 g (mean?±?SD) were randomly stocked in 16 tanks (80 L) in a recirculation aquaculture system at four densities of 10 (D1), 20 (D2), 30 (D3), and 40 (D4) fish per tank for 56 days, with quadruplicate for each density. There were no significant differences in water temperature among the four treatments (P?>?0.05). D4 had the significantly lowest dissolved oxygen content (5.52 vs 5.69–6.09 mg L^?1) (P?>?0.05) and pH (6.63 vs 6.87–7.20) (P?<?0.05). NO₂-N and NH₄-N concentrations significantly increased with increasing stocking density (P?<?0.05). Weight gain (WG) and specific growth rates (SGR) decreased with increasing stocking density. The lowest WG (617.20 vs 660.45–747.06%), SGR (3.52 vs 3.62–3.81% day^?1), and highest feed conversion ratio (1.68 vs 1.53–1.58) were observed in D4. Fish at D4 had significantly lower condition factor (3.11 vs 3.29–3.37%) and survival rate (91.25 vs 97.50%) than those from D1 and D2 (P?<?0.05). With increasing stocking density, serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, and total protein concentrations decreased (P <?0.05) and aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activities increased (P <?0.05). D4 fish had higher moisture content (78.80 vs 76.97%) and lower crude protein content (18.14 vs 19.39%) in muscle than D1 fish (P?<?0.05). Compared to D1 and D2, D3 and D4 had lower muscle hardness (1271.54–1294.07 vs 1465.12–1485.65 g), springiness (0.62–0.65 vs 0.70–0.72), gumminess (857.33–885.32 vs 1058.82–1079.28 g), and chewiness (533.04–577.09 vs 757.53–775.69 g) (P <?0.05). High stocking density resulted in growth inhibition, declines in flesh quality, and disturbance to several serum biochemical parameters.     

Effects of stocking density on haematological parameters,growth and fin erosion of great sturgeon (Huso huso) juveniles

The influence of stocking density (1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 kg m^?2) was investigated on haematological parameters, growth and fin erosion of great sturgeon (Huso huso) juveniles for a period of 8 weeks. The mean weight of fish at the start of trial was 93.13±1.04 g. After 8 weeks of rearing, the mean weight was 362.4, 319.7, 267, 242.1 and 211.1 in densities 1–8 kg m^?2 respectively. The results of this study showed that growth parameters, including condition factor, weight, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, specific growth rate and body weight increase, had a statistically significant difference among treatments (P<0.05). A significant difference (P<0.05) was observed in haematocrit, but the other haematological parameters, including red blood cells, white blood cells (WBC), haemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration and differential WBC count, showed no significant effect with stocking density (P>0.05). At the end of the experiment, stocking density had no significant effect on plasma cortisol and glucose concentration. The fin length (dorsal, anal, ventral, pectoral and caudal) of fish was measured to calculate the fin index. According to this index, dorsal, anal, ventral and pectoral fins showed no significant difference among treatments (P>0.05), but the erosion of the caudal fin was significantly different between fish held on 6 and 8 kg m^?2 (P<0.05). These results showed that rearing density has a major effect on the growth indices of H. huso. Unlike many other fish, great sturgeon exhibited lower stress responses to high stocking density. This indicates that they are more tolerable to rearing conditions in high stocking densities. With respect to the various effects that density causes on growth, fin erosion and physiological and haematological parameters, better understanding of these phenomena considering different levels of density could have a beneficial impact on many rearing steps of this species.     

Growout production of camouflage grouper, Epinephelus polyphekadion (Bleeker), in a tank culture system

Growout production of the camouflage grouper, Epinephelus polyphekadion (Bleeker), in a 10-m³-capacity fibreglass tank culture system was evaluated, using hatchery-produced fingerlings (56-59 g initial weight) at stocking densities of five, 15 and 45 fish m^?3. During the first 9 months of a 12-month growout period, the fish were fed twice a day with a moist pellet feed containing 40.9% protein. From month 10 onwards until harvest, the fish were fed moist pellets in the morning and trash fish in the evening at a 1:1 ratio. The final weight of fish at harvest was up to 900 g, with mean weights of 544.6 ± 170.72 g at five fish m^?3, 540.2 ± 150.82 g at 15 fish m-^?3 and 513.3 ± 134.52 g at 45 fish m^?3. The results showed no significant differences (P > 0.05) in growth rate and fish size between the different stocking densities tested. The average daily growth rate ranged from 0.62 to 3.38 g fish^?1 day^?1, with mean weights of 1.49 ± 0.74 g fish^?1 day^?1 at five fish m^?3 through 0.53 to 2.38 g fish^?1 day^?1, 1.32 ± 0.57 g fish^?1 day^?1 at 15 fish m^?3 to 0.48-3.32 g fish^?1 day^?1 and 1.31 g fish^?1 day^?1 at 45 fish m^?3 stocking density. Although up to 100% survival was observed at the lowest stocking density, the survival rate significantly decreased (P < 0.05) with increasing stocking density. The food conversion ratio (FCR) significantly decreased (P <0.05) with increasing stocking densities, showing efficient feed utilization with increasing stocking densities of E. polyphekadion. The FCR averaged 2.1 at a stocking density of 45 fish m^?3. The yield in terms of kg fish produced m^?3 of water used in the culture system significantly increased (P < 0.001) from five to 45 fish m^?3. The yield averaged 17.3 ±0.53 kg m^?3 at a stocking density of 45 fish m^?3. The present results show that the present tank culture system could sustain more biomass in terms of increasing fish stocking densities. The growth performance of E. polyphekadion observed during this investigation has been reviewed with other grouper species.     

Effects of stocking density on mortality,growth and physiology of juvenile Amur sturgeon (Acipenser schrenckii)

To evaluate effects of stocking density on welfare of Amur sturgeon (Acipenser schrenckii), an experiment was designed using three initial stocking densities in flow‐through tanks (LSD = 3.7 kg m^?3, MSD = 6.9 kg m^?3, and HSD = 9.3 kg m^?3, respectively) for 60 days. Growth, body composition, and haematological and biochemical parameters were monitored. The mortality and feed conversion rate (FCR) were not affected by stocking density. However, the specific growth rate (SGR), final weight and weight gain in the HSD group were significantly lower than in the LSD and MSD groups. The hepatosomatic (HSI) and viscerosomatic indices (VSI) varied inversely with regard to stocking density. Stocking density did not affect crude protein levels in fish. In contrast, the total lipid level was significantly higher in the LSD group compared to the MSD and HSD groups. The levels of erythrocytes and haemoglobin were positively correlated with stocking density. Serum total bilirubin and urea in HSD group were significantly higher than in the LSD group while serum triglycerides showed opposite tendencies. Differences between treatments were not registered for glucose, total protein and albumin. In conclusion, higher stocking density resulted in increased immunosuppression and enhanced energy mobilization. The latter was necessary to enable Amur sturgeon to cope with crowding.     

Effects of stocking density on growth, yield and profitability of farming Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus L., fed Azolla diet, in earthen ponds

Two consecutive experiments were conducted to study the effects of stocking density on growth, food utilization, production and farming profitability of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings (initial mean weight: 16.2 ± 0.2 g) fed Azolla, as a main component in diet. In experiment 1, fish were hand‐fed twice daily with three isonitrogenous (28.5% crude protein) and isocaloric (14.5 kJ g⁻¹) diets A30, A35 and A40 containing 30%, 35% and 40%Azolla, respectively, for 90 days. Diets were formulated by mixing Azolla with locally available by‐products. No significant differences were found in growth parameters and production (P>0.05). Total investment cost was significantly higher with A30 (P<0.05), but same profitability values were obtained with all diets (P>0.05). In experiment 2, three stocking densities, 1, 3 and 5 m⁻², were assigned to three treatments T₁, T₂ and T₃ respectively. Fish were hand‐fed twice daily with diet A40. The final mean weight (89.53–115.12 g), the mean weight gain (0.81–1.10 g day⁻¹), the specific growth rate (1.90–2.20% day⁻¹) and the apparent food conversion ratio (1.29–1.58) were affected by stocking density, with significant difference (P<0.05) at 5 m⁻², compared with the other densities. Stocking density did not affect survival rate (P>0.05). Yield and annual production increased with increasing stocking density, ranging from 7.10 ± 0.90 to 25.01 ± 1.84 kg are⁻¹ and 28.79 ± 3.66 to 101.42 ± 7.48 kg are⁻¹ year⁻¹, respectively, with significant differences between all densities (P<0.05). Higher stocking density resulted in higher gross return and lower cost of fish production, with significant variations (P<0.05). The net return increased with increasing stocking density (P<0.05). However, both densities of 3 and 5 m⁻² produced the same profitability values. On the basis of growth values and economic return, it was concluded that Nile tilapia could be raised at a density of 3 fish m⁻² with A40 to improve production and generate profit for nutritional security and poverty alleviation in rural areas.     

Effects of stocking density on the growth performance,digestive enzyme activities,antioxidant resistance,and intestinal microflora of blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala) juveniles

In this study, effects of stocking density on the growth performance and physiological responses of blunt snout bream, Megalobrama amblycephala juveniles were evaluated. The fish (average body weight, 25.76 ± 2.25 g) were randomly stocked at densities of 30F (30 fish/m³), 60F, 90F and 120F in 12 cages (1 m × 1 m × 1 m) in a concrete pond, with three cages for each density, for a period of 6 weeks. The higher stocking densities had a negative effect on individual growth performance. The results indicated that serum cortisol, triglyceride, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase and malondialdehyde activities; and Acinetobacter, Aeromonas, Pseudomonas and Vibrio numbers in the intestinal microflora increased significantly as the stocking density increased. In contrast, the viscerosomatic index, hepatosomatic index survival rate; serum glucose, total cholesterol, lipase, protease, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities; and Clostridium, Bacteroides, Lactococcus, Lactobacillus and Bacillus numbers in the intestinal microflora decreased significantly. The 90F and 120F groups showed obvious enlargement of the lamina propria and goblet cell damage, indicating that the gut showed inflammatory responses. The specific growth rate and weight gain rate increased significantly as the stocking density increased from 30 to 60 fish/m³, but decreased significantly when the stocking density was over 60 fish/m³.