Evaluation of Cuphea Meal as an Ingredient Replacement in Channel Catfish,Ictalurus punctatus,Diets

ABSTRACT

Cuphea meal is a new, alternative feedstuff that has potential as a sustainable, economical replacement for wheat, rice, and corn ingredients in channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, diets. Channel catfish fingerlings were fed a control diet containing wheat or two experimental diets containing 7.5% cuphea meal, or 12.5% cuphea meal for eight weeks to determine if cuphea meal could replace wheat products in catfish diets. Mean (±SE) weight gains were 317.8 ± 28.8 g, 407.0 ± 36.9 g, and 372.8 ± 29.8 g for fish fed the control diet, the 7.5% cuphea meal diet, and the 15% cuphea meal diet, respectively, and there were no significant differences (P < 0.05) among treatments. Mean (±SE) whole-body protein of fish fed the cuphea diets (13.3 ± 0.66 and 14.5 ± 0.21%) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of fish fed the wheat diet (12.7 ± 0.44%). Cuphea meal enhanced body composition of juvenile channel catfish without affecting growth or survival. Therefore, cuphea meal is a promising candidate for replacement of wheat bran at the levels tested.     

Evaluation of Corn Gluten Feed as a Dietary Ingredient for Pond-Raised Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus

Abstract.— This study was conducted to evaluate corn gluten feed as an alternative feedstuff in the diet of pond-raised channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus . Three 32%-protein diets containing 0%, 25%, or 50% corn gluten feed were tested. Channel catfish fingerlings (average weight: 57 g/fish) were stocked into 15 0.04-ha ponds at a rate of 18,530 fish/ha. Five ponds were used for each dietary treatment. Fish were fed to satiation once daily for a 147-d growing period. No differences were observed in feed consumption, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, survival, or fillet protein concentration among fish fed the test diets. Fish fed diets containing 25% and 50% corn gluten feed exhibited a lower level of visceral fat and a higher carcass yield than fish fed the control diet without corn gluten feed. The diet containing 50% corn gluten feed resulted in a lower level of fillet fat and a higher level of moisture than the control diet. There were no visible differences in the coloration of skin or fillet of channel catfish fed diets with and without corn gluten feed. Results from this study indicated that channel catfish can efficiently utilize corn gluten feed at levels up to 50%n without adverse effect on feed palatability, weight gain, or feed efficiency. Corn gluten feed may be beneficial in reducing fattiness of channel catfish and improving carcass yield by reducing the digestible energy to protein ratio of the diet.     

Substitution of Canola Meal for Soybean Meal in Diets for Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus

Abstract Canola meal was used in channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus diets at levels of 0, 15.4, 30.8, 46.2 and 61.6%, by progressively replacing (on an equal nitrogen basis) 0, 25, 50, 75, or 100% of solvent-extracted soybean meal in the control diet. The feeds were formulated to contain approximately 29% crude protein and 2,650 kcal of digestible energy/kg on an air-dry basis. Each diet was fed to juvenile channel catfish to satiation twice daily for 10 wk. Fish fed the diets containing the two lowest levels of canola meal (15.4 and 30.8%) had similar weight gains, feed intakes, feed utilization efficiencies, and percent survivals relative to the group fed the control diet. Weight gains and feed intakes declined significantly as the dietary levels of canola meal were increased to 46.2% or higher, probably because of reductions in diet palatability and some impairment of feed utilization due to the presence of increased levels of antinutritional factors, particularly glucosinolates. Whole body percentages for moisture and crude protein were unaffected by the dietary treatments. Body ash contents, however, were lowest for fish fed the control diets but were essentially the same for fish fed the other diets. Fish fed the diet containing 30.8% canola meal had lowest body fat content but this effect may not have been diet related. Values for red blood cell concentration, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration were not affected by dietary canola meal level, but hematocrit was higher (although not always significant) for fish fed the control diet. The results of this study suggest that canola meal can comprise about 31% of the diet of channel catfish by replacing half of the amount of soybean meal used in the control diet without adversely affecting growth or any other aspect of performance.     

Evaluation of a Barrier Confinement System for Channel Catfish,Ictalurus punctatus,Production

An in‐pond confinement system to separate channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, by size within a single pond provides an opportunity for improved growth of understocked fish in ponds with larger market‐sized fish. A barrier of polyvinyl chloride–coated galvanized wire mesh was constructed in five 0.10‐ha earthen ponds to partition the pond into one‐third and two‐third sections, while five other 0.10‐ha ponds were left as traditional open ponds for a control. To evaluate catfish performance in this confinement system, fingerlings (25 g) were stocked at 14,820/ha into the smaller one‐third section of the barrier and carryover fish (408 g) at 2580 kg/ha into the larger two‐third section of the barrier. The control ponds were stocked with the same sizes and numbers of fish in a traditional earthen pond without a barrier. Yield, survival, feed conversion ratio (FCR), growth, and economics were compared between treatments. Fingerling yields were greater in the barrier system that allowed fingerlings to be separated physically from larger carryover fish. There were no differences in yield of carryover fish, survival, FCR, or growth between the control and the barrier ponds. Partial budget analysis revealed a positive net change of $367/ha or $38,125 for a 104‐ha catfish farm (at a market price of $1.54/kg of additional stockers produced). The value of the greater weight of understocked fish produced in the barrier system was greater than the annualized cost of installing the barrier, for farmers raising fish in multiple batch. Thus, on an experimental basis, the confinement system was economically profitable; however, trials on commercial farms are needed to evaluate performance on a larger scale.     

Evaluation of a Confinement System for Growout of Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus

Rising costs of inputs have created a need to improve catfish production efficiencies. An inexpensive confinement system was evaluated for channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus foodfish production. Barriers were constructed in five 0.1-ha earthen ponds to partition ponds into 1/3 and 2/3 sections. Large fingerling (136 g) catfish were stocked at 11,115 fish/ha in the smaller 1/3 section (shallow end) of the confinement ponds or in open ponds (control). Seining efficiency was significantly greater for the confinement system. Yield and daily growth of food fish were significantly lower and feed conversion ratio higher in the confinement system compared to open ponds. Partial budget analysis showed a net loss of –$313/ha. Additional work is needed to develop inexpensive production systems to capture efficiencies of confinement without decreasing production.     

Low-Quality Diets for Growout of Channel Catfish,Ictalurus punctatus

Abstract

A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate low-quality diets for growout of pond-raised channel catfish. Five practical diets containing various levels of protein (10-28%) of varying quality (with or without animal protein and/or soybean meal), and with or without certain nutrient supplements (vitamin, minerals, lysine, or fat) were fed to channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatusstocked in 0.04-ha earthen ponds at a rate of 17,290 fish/ha. The diets were as follows: (1) 28% protein, nutritionally complete control; (2) 28% protein without supplemental vitamins, minerals, or fat; (3) 18% protein + supplemental lysine, vitamins, and minerals, but without animal protein; (4) 10% protein without animal protein, soybean meal, or supplemental vitamins and minerals; and (5) 10% protein + supplemental lysine, vitamins, and minerals, but without animal protein or soybean meal. Each diet was fed once daily to apparent satiation to fish in five replicate ponds for a single growing season. Fish fed diets containing 18% or 28% protein without supplements had similar diet consumption rates and weight gain as those fed the 28% control diet, but the fish fed the control diet converted diet more efficiently. Fish fed the 10% protein diet without supplements consumed less diet, converted diet less efficiently, and gained less weight than fish fed diets containing higher levels of protein. The addition of supplements to the 10% protein diet increased weight gain and processing yield as compared to fish fed the 10% protein diet without supplements. Body fattiness increased, fillet protein decreased, and carcass, fillet and nugget yields decreased as dietary protein decreased. The data show that pond-raised channel catfish can be grown effectively on a diet containing 18% protein that is of relatively low quality, but fattiness is increased and processing yield is decreased. However, because of the negative aspects of this diet, we would not recommend it for general use in commercial catfish culture. It could be used where fattiness and processing yield are not of consequence, such as recreational ponds. For that matter, the 10% diet without supplements could be used as well in these situations if maximum growth is not desired.     

Use of Corn Germ Meal in Diets for Pond‐Raised Channel Catfish,Ictalurus punctatus

Corn germ meal (CGM) is a by‐product of corn milling. On the basis of its nutrient composition and digestibility values, it appears to be a suitable ingredient for use in channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, diets. A study was conducted to examine the use of various levels of CGM in diets for pond‐raised channel catfish. Four 28% protein diets containing 0, 15, 25, and 35% CGM were evaluated. Fingerling channel catfish (mean initial weight: 71 g/fish) were stocked into 24, 0.04‐ha ponds at a rate of 14,826 fish/ha. Fish were fed once daily to apparent satiation for a 167‐d growing season. No significant differences were observed in total amount of diet fed, diet consumption per fish, net yield, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, survival, fillet yield, and fillet protein, fat, and moisture concentrations among fish fed diets containing various levels of CGM. Carcass yield decreased linearly as dietary CGM levels increased. Depending on prices, CGM can be used interchangeably with corn gluten feed in channel catfish diets as replacements for corn, wheat middlings, and soybean meal to reduce feed cost.     

Behavioral Interactions in Juvenile Channel Catfish,Ictalurus punctatus

Behavioral interactions among juvenile channel catfish, "Ictalurus punctatus," were observed, and fixed action patterns were described and anlyzed. Dominant fish engaged regularly in aggressive activities and never in submissive activities, whereas subordinate fish were observed in submissive activities on a regular basis and rarely in those that were aggressive. Activity levels were significantly higher in dominant fish; however, there was no difference in activity levels between pairs of equal and unequal size fish. A factor analysis indicated that there were three general categoris of behavior in juvenile channel catfish. In addition, two behaviors (which appeared to be displacement activities) were functioning in agnostic encounters. Plasma cortisol concentrations measured in sigle fish and pairs of fish in aquaria and individuals from a holding tank indicated that the least amount of stress occurred in fish that were not interacting with any other individuals. Cortisol levels, however, were lower that those associated with stress levels in fish from other studies.     

Multi-Locus DNA Fingerprinting of Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus

Abstract.— Similarities among multi-locus DNA fingerprints of five channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus strains and the ability to identify the strain of a fish based on its fingerprint pattern were investigated. Five restriction enzymes and 13 multi-locus DNA probes were screened to identify enzyme-probe combination useful for DNA fingerprinting channel catfish. Restriction enzymes Hinf I and Dpn II, in combination with probes (CAC)n, (CGC)n, (CTC)n, (ATCC)n, and (GATA)n, produced useful fingerprints (20–30 resolvable bands for each enzyme-probe combination). Thirty individuals (3 pools of 10 individuals each) from each of five channel catfish strains (albino, Mississippi normal, USDA-102, USDA-102 select, and USDA-103) were fingerprinted with all useful enzyme-probe combinations. Band sharing among samples was higher within strains than among strains and band sharing among strains was higher for strains whose breeding history indicated a high degree of relatedness. Individual fingerprints of 18 fish from each of the USDA-102 select and USDA-103 strains revealed no strain-specific bands, but several diagnostic bands (present at high frequencies in either USDA-102 select or USDA-103 strains and at a low frequencies in other strains) were identified. Band sharing at diagnostic bands was used to correctly identify fish as USDA-102 select or USDA-103 strains with 82% accuracy from fingerprints of 17 USDA-102 select strain fish, 18 USDA-103 strain fish, and 38 fish collected from three commercial farms.     

Channel Catfish,Ictalurus punctatus,Immunity to Saprolegnia sp.

ABSTRACT

The Japanese flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus, is one of the most common finfish cultured in Japan and Korea. Despite the relatively high production of fingerlings, some problems remain, mainly related to the larval feeding and cost of maintaining microalgae and rotifers. In order to determine the effects of different diets on the Japanese flounder larval growth and survival, a series of experiments was carried out related to the size and nutritional value of different live feeds. The larvae culture conditions were at 10 or 20 larvae/L in 50 to 2,000 L tanks, with aeration and with or without “green water,” and a temperature range of 18.5 to 22.5°C. The live foods used were microalgae (Chlorella ellipsoidea and Nannochloris oculata), baker's yeast, experimental n-yeasts, oyster trochophore larvae, three strains of rotifer Brachionus plicatilis (L-type, S-type and U-type) and Artemia nauplii. Variations were detected in size, dry weight, and chemical composition of the three strains of rotifers used. The maximum number of rotifers ingested by flounder larvae increased steadily from 7 individuals, at first feeding (3.13 mm), to 42 individuals at 5.25 mm of total length (6 days after first feeding). There was a relationship between larval total length and size of the rotifers ingested. The effect of rotifer size on larval growth and survival appeared to be limited to the first two days of feeding. Of the diets tested in the growth and survival of larval flounder during 14 days after hatching, rotifers fed on C. ellipsoidea and raised in green-water gave the best results. Rotifers cultured on enriched N. oculata and n-yeasts did not support larval growth and caused higher mortalities. The n-yeasts used as rotifer enrichment appeared to satisfy, partially, the nutritional requirement of 7-day-old flounder larvae, as did n-yeast squid wintering oil the requirements of 14-day-old larvae. From 7-9-days after hatching and throughout the second 14-day period, rotifers and Artemia cultured on N. oculata improved the survival of flounder compared with those fed on rotifers cultured on C. ellipsoidea. Moreover, the larval growth did not vary significantly between both microalgae-rotifer feedings. No clear relation was found between total protein, lipid, amino acids and fatty acids of live feeds with the growth and survival of flounder larvae, although the total lipid was higher in C. ellipsoidea than in N. oculata. The Artemia nauplii San Francisco strain appeared to be more suitable for the growth and survival of flounder larvae, than the Utah strain. The nutritional value of Artemia nauplii (Utah strain) for flounder larvae remained unchanged despite the use of either microalgae as nauplii enrichment.     

Replacement of Soybean Meal in Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, Diets with Cottonseed Meal and Distiller's Dried Grains with Solubles

Two pond experiments were conducted to evaluate cottonseed meal (CSM), distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS), and supplemental lysine as replacements for soybean meal (SBM) in channel catfish diets. In Experiment 1, fish fed diets in which SBM was totally replaced with CSM gained similar weight as fish fed control diet, but fish fed CSM diet in Experiment 2 had 9.5% lower weight gain than fish fed control diet. In both experiments, feed conversion increased significantly for fish fed CSM diet. There were no consistent trends in body composition of fish fed CSM diet versus control diet. Fish fed the DDGS + SMB diet had higher (Experiment 1) or similar (Experiment 2) weight gain than fish fed control diet. Feed conversion ratio was significantly lower in both experiments for fish fed SBM + DDGS diet than that of fish fed control diet. Body fat tended to be higher in fish fed SBM + DDGS diet compared to fish fed control diet. It appears that about 50% of SBM can be replaced with CSM + lysine in catfish diets without negatively affecting fish performance. Further, DDGS can be used up to at least 30% when the diet is supplemented with lysine.     

Evaluation of a Mechanical Grader to Separate Fingerling Channel Catfish,Ictalurus punctatus,into Length Groups

A Fischtechnik fingerling grader and bioscanner counter were evaluated for speed and accuracy in grading and counting channel catfish, "Ictalurus punctatus," fingerlings. Channel catfish fingerlings ranging in total length from 90 to 280 mm were graded into 110- to 140-mm, 140- to 170-mm, 170- to 200-mm and >200-mm length groups and counted. A sample of the fingerlings was manually separated through grader boxes with 109 mm (7/16 inch), 141 mm (9/16 inch) and 172 mm (11/16 inch) bar spaces to compare length variation within size groups with the mechanical grader. The accuracy of the bioscanner counter was tested by comparison with hand countintg. Fingerlings weighing 679 kg were mechanically graded and counted in 56 minutes, a rate of 12.1 kg/minute. Standard deviation for length within size groups was 10.9, 13.5, and 24.0 mm for the 109-mm, 141-mm, and 172-mm grader boxes, respectively; and 13.4, 12.6, 13.0, and 16.4 mm for the 110- to 140-mm, 140- to 170-mm, 170- to 200-mm and >200-mm mechanical grader length categories, respectively. Length variance within size groups was statistically lower for the mechanical grader compared with the box graders (P < 0.05). The bioscanner counter averaged a 5% overcount of channel catfish fingerlings compared with the manual count (P < 0.05).     

Response of Male Blue Catfish,Ictalurus furcatus,and Male Channel Catfish,Ictalurus punctatus,to Female Channel Catfish Given Pheromonal Steroids or Prostaglandin

The effects of the putative hormonal pheromones 17α, 20β‐dihydroxy‐4‐pregnene‐3‐one (17,20β‐P), 17,20β‐P‐20‐glucosiduronate, and prostaglandin F‐2α (PGF‐2α) injected into female channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, were investigated to determine whether male channel catfish and blue catfish, Ictalurus furcatus, could be attracted to the injected females. Females were distributed into traps placed in ponds containing either male channel catfish or blue catfish. Traps were checked six times in a 96‐h period. Males were 17.9 times more likely to be captured with a PGF‐2α‐injected female than with an ethanol‐only injected female, or a 17,20β‐P‐injected female, and 3.5 times more likely to be captured with a PGF‐2α‐injected female than with a 17,20β‐P‐glucosiduronate‐injected female. Males were 6.0 times more likely to be caught between 48 and 96 h post‐injection than between 12 and 24 h post‐injection. These results suggest that the overall best pheromone to attract blue catfish and channel catfish males is PGF‐2α at 48–96 h post‐injection.     

Wildlife-Caused Losses for Producers of Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus in 1996

The National Agricultural Statistics Service surveyed by telephone and mail in January and February 1997 all known producers of channel catfish letalurus punctatus to acquire current information about wildlife-caused losses in calendar year 1996. Many producers tried to prevent wildlife-caused losses of their catfish by shooting (57%), vehicle patrol (55%), or frightening (36%), at an estimated cost of >$5 million. Yet, 69% of catfish producers cited some wildlife-caused losses. Birds were most frequently cited as a cause of losses, and double-crested cormorants Phalacrocorax auritus was the species cited most frequently (53%). The next most frequently cited birds were herons Ardea spp. (48%), egrets Egretta spp . (16%), and pelicans Pelecanus spp. (8%). Muskrats Ondatra zibethicus were cited by 10% of producers, primarily for damaging dikes and roads. The main problems caused by wildlife were feeding on catfish (67%), injuring catfish (40%) or disturbing feeding patterns of the catfish (23%). The total estimated cost of losses was $12 million. Overall, wildlife damage and damage prevention may have cost catfish producers > $17 million, about 4% of the total $425 million of catfish sales in 1996. Of the 44% of all catfish producers who were familiar with Wildlife Services (WS), 51% had ever contacted WS for assistance, 55% used methods suggested by WS to reduce their losses, and 40% received direct assistance from WS in 1996. Mississippi producers, who most frequently received direct assistance from WS, had proportionately lower wildlife-caused losses.     

Evaluation of Coastal Bermuda Grass Protein Isolate as a Substitute for Fishmeal in Practical Diets for Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus

In response to concerns over availability and cost of fishmeal for aquaculture feeds, a study was conducted to evaluate the suitability of a protein isolate from coastal Bermuda grass Cynodon dactylon for channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus . The coastal Bermuda grass was treated by soaking in liquid anhydrous ammonia under high pressure at 70 C, a process known as Ammonia Fiber Explosion (AFEX), followed by pressure release, extraction and isoelectric precipitation for isolation of the protein. Amino acid analysis of the isolate (32% crude protein) indicated a generally balanced profile that was first limiting in methionine. A feeding trial was conducted in which four isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets containing incremental levels of the extracted, isolated protein were evaluated. The control diet contained 10% menhaden fishmeal and experimental diets were formulated so that the isolate replaced 33, 66 and 100% of the fishmeal on an equal-protein basis. Each diet was fed for 9 wk to triplicate groups of channel catfish fingerlings initially weighing approximately 14 g/fish. Apparent protein and organic matter digestibility of the isolate also was determined utilizing chromic oxide as an inert marker. Results of the feeding trial indicated that substitution of the isolate at all levels did not significantly ( P > 0.05) affect weight gain, feed efficiency, protein efficiency ratio or protein retention of channel catfish. Apparent protein and organic matter digestibility coeflicients of the isolate were 85 and 89%, respectively. These data indicate that the isolate was readily digested by channel catfish and was able to replace menhaden fishmeal (at 10% of diet) without adversely affecting fish performance. Additional research to evaluate substitution of other ingredients with the protein isolate appear warranted. Further research to optimize protein isolation procedures also is required.     

斑点叉尾鮰de生殖特性及人工繁殖技术

斑点叉尾鮰是近20年来从国外引进的淡水养殖鱼类。由于其初始性成熟年龄较大，繁殖力偏低，制约了苗种的规模化生产，造成苗种供应紧张。笔者自1997年以来观察了该鱼的生殖特性，并进行了人工繁殖试验，累计催产亲鱼1050组，共获苗500多万尾。     

美国红鮰鱼人工繁殖试验

从人工饲养的成鱼中挑选体色单纯、红色较深的个体作后备亲鱼进行强化培育，待其性腺发育成熟后，注射LHRH—A2催熟催产。催熟剂量为每千克鱼体重2～3μg(雄鱼不催熟)，催产剂量为8μg(雄鱼剂量减半)。试验结果，雌鱼的催产率达70．6％；共获受精卵大约18万粒；孵化出鱼苗约16万尾，平均孵化率88．9％；经培育，共获体长3．5cm的鱼种14．82万尾，鱼种的平均培育成活率达92．6％。试验结果表明，亲鱼培育是美国红鮰鱼人工繁殖取得成功的关键，而要获得遗传性状稳定的红鮰鱼鱼种，亲鱼的筛选至关重要；美国红鮰鱼生长快，抗病力强，产量高，肉质鲜嫩，是优良的养殖品种，可以在国内推广养殖。     

Environmental Assessment of Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus Farming in Alabama

An environmental assessment was made of Alabama channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus farming which is concentrated in the west‐central region of the state. There are about 10,000 ha of production ponds with 10.7% of the area for fry and fingerlings and 89.3% for food fish. Food fish production was about 40,800 tons in 1997. Watershed ponds filled by rainfall and runoff make up 76% of total pond area. Water levels in many of these ponds are maintained in dry weather with well water. The other ponds are embankment ponds supplied by well water. Harvest is primarily by seine‐through procedures and ponds are not drained frequently. The main points related to Alabama catfish farming and environment issues are as follows: 1) catfish farming in Alabama is conservative of water, and excluding storm overflow, about two pond volumes are intentionally discharged from each pond in 15 yr; 2) overflow from ponds following rains occurs mostly in winter and early spring when pond water quality is good and stream discharge volume is high; 3) total suspended solids concentrations in pond effluents were high, and the main sources of total suspended solids were erosion of embankments, pond bottoms, and discharge ditches; 4) concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus in effluents were not high, but annual effluent loads of these two nutrients were greater than for typical row crops in Alabama; 5) ground water use by the industry is about 86,000 m³/d, but seepage from ponds returns water to aquifers; 6) there is little use of medicated feeds; 7) copper sulfate is used to control blue‐green algae and off‐flavor in ponds, but copper is rapidly lost from pond water; 8) although sodium chloride is applied to ponds to control nitrite toxicity, stream or ground water salinization has not resulted from this practice; 9) fertilizers are applied two or three times annually to fry and fingerling ponds and occasionally to grow‐out ponds; 10) hydrated lime is applied occasionally at 50 to 100 kg/ha but this does not cause high pH in pond waters or effluents; 11) accumulated sediment removed from pond bottoms is used to repair embankments and not discarded outside ponds; 12) sampling above and below catfish pond outfalls on eight streams revealed few differences in stream water quality; 13) electricity used for pumping water and mechanical aeration is only 0.90 kW h/kg of production; 14) each metric ton of fish meal used in feeds yields about 10 tons of dressed catfish. Reduction in effluent volume through water reuse and effluent treatment in settling basins or wetlands does not appear feasible on most farms. However, some management practices are recommended for reducing the volume and improving the quality of channel catfish pond effluents.     

Histopathology of Hematopoietic Tissue in Channel Catfish,Ictalurus punctatus,with Anemia

Outbreaks of anemia (CCA) in channel catfish, Ictalurirs punctatus, in Mississippi occur predominantly during spring and fall. Between October, 1990 and May, 1991, twenty-seven cases of CCA were submitted to the Mississippi Cooperative Extension Service-College of Veterinary Medicine Fish Diagnostic Laboratories. Histologic lesions were identified in the head and trunk kidneys of all affected fish. The head kidney contained less than 25% immature hematopoietic tissue in 3 of 22 cases (14%). 25-50% immature hematopoietic tissue in 7 of 22 cases (32%), and greater than 50% immature hematopoietic tissue in 12 of 22 cases (54%). The trunk kidney contained less than 25% immature hematopoietic tissue in 5 of 27 cases (18%), 25-50% immature hematopoietic tissue in 15 of 27 cases (56%), and greater than 50% immature hematopoietic tissue in 7 of 27 cases (26%). The histopathologic findings noted in cases of CCA from Mississippi affect primarily the hematopietic tissues of the head and trunk kidneys.     

Iron Methionine and Iron Sulfate as Sources of Dietary Iron for Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus

The dietary iron requirement for normal growth and optimum hematological values and bioavailability was determined for channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus fingerlings using egg-white based diets supplemented with 0,5,10,20,60, and 180-mg iron/kg from iron methionine or 20, 60, and 180-mg iron/kg from iron sulfate. The basal diet which contained 9.2-mg iron/kg, 34% crude protein and 3.1 kcal of digestible energy/g was fed to channel catfish fingerlings (8.5 g) in triplicate flow-through aquariums to satiation twice daily for 8 wk. Fish fed the basal diet without iron supplementation exhibited poor growth throughout the 8-wk period. Fish fed iron-supplemented diets did not differ with regard to final weight gain. Survival, feed conversion, total blood cell count, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, serum iron, total iron binding capacity, and transferrin saturation were not significantly affected by dietary iron level. Hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular volume were significantly lower in fish fed the basal diet. These values were also consistently lower for fish fed diets with 5 and 10-mg iron/kg from iron methionine. However, differences were not always significant. Results of this study indicate that supplementation of 5-mg iron from iron methionine was sufficient for growth. However, a supplemental iron level of 20-mg/kg diet or a total iron level of 30-mg/kg of diet appeared to be needed for optimum hematological values. Iron methionine and iron sulfate were equally effective in preventing anemia in channel catfish.