Seasonal movement,growth and survival of brook trout in sympatry with brown trout in Midwestern US streams

Seasonal patterns in growth, survival and movement of brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis were monitored in two southeastern Minnesota streams divided into study reaches based on brown trout Salmo trutta abundance. We estimated survival and movement while testing for effects of stream reach and time using a multistrata Cormack–Jolly–Seber model in Program MARK. Multistrata models were analysed for three age groups (age‐0, age‐1 and age‐2+) to estimate apparent survival, capture probability and movement. Survival varied by time period, but not brown trout abundance and was lower during flood events. Age‐0 brook trout emigrated from reaches with low brown trout abundance, whereas adult brook trout emigrated from downstream brown trout‐dominated reaches. Growth was highest in spring and summer and did not differ across streams or reaches for the youngest age classes. For age‐2+ brook trout, however, growth was lower in reaches where brown trout were abundant. Interspecific interactions can be age or size dependent; our results show evidence for adult interactions, but not for age‐0. Our results suggest that brook trout can be limited by both environmental and brown trout interactions that can vary by season and life stage.     

Changes in native bull trout and non‐native brook trout distributions in the upper Powder River basin after 20 years,relationships to water temperature and implications of climate change

Many bull trout populations have declined from non‐native brook trout introductions, habitat changes (e.g. water temperature) and other factors. We systematically sampled the distribution of bull trout and brook trout in the upper Powder River basin in Oregon in the 1990s and resampled it in 2013–2015, examined temperature differences in the habitats of the two species and analysed trends in temperatures in the light of possible increases associated with climate change. The species’ distributions are currently similar to those in the 1990s, except in one stream where bull trout declined. However, bull trout consisting of resident forms remain restricted to a few kilometres of habitat at the upper end of fish distribution. In streams where both species occur, the typical pattern was an intermediate zone of mixed bull trout, brook trout, and hybrids downstream of allopatric bull trout and allopatric brook trout extending farther downstream. Temperature differences between where bull trout and most brook trout occurred were small (0.5–1.0°C August mean). There were no statistical increases in water temperatures in nearby streams since the 1990s and no warming trends in air temperatures for the past 25–60 years. However, peak summer water temperatures are occurring about 3 weeks earlier than 25 years ago. Future effects of climate change, including possible increases in temperature, changes in timing and other factors (e.g. snowpack, flow and extreme events) remain a concern for the persistence of these populations. However, it is difficult to precisely predict where those changes will occur and what they will be.     

Effects of reduced summer flows on the brook trout population and temperatures of a groundwater‐influenced stream

Withdrawal of water from streams and groundwater is increasing in Midwestern North America and is a potential threat to coldwater fishes. We examined the effects of summer water withdrawals on brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis populations and water warming rates by diverting 50–90% of summer baseflow from a 602‐m treatment zone (TZ) in a groundwater‐influenced Michigan stream during 1991–1998. We compared density of brook trout in fall, and spring‐to‐fall growth and survival of brook trout, between the TZ and an adjacent reference zone (RZ) whose flows were not altered. Flow reductions had no significant effects on the density of brook trout in fall or spring‐to‐fall survival of brook trout. However, spring‐to‐fall growth of brook trout in the TZ declined significantly when 75% flow reductions occurred. Cold upstream temperatures and the relatively short study reach kept thermal habitat conditions excellent for brook trout in the TZ throughout the dewatering experiments. These findings suggest that brook trout can tolerate some seasonal loss of physical habitat if temperature conditions remain suitable. In summer 1999, we experimentally assessed the influence of flow reduction on the warming rate through the TZ by diverting from 0% to 90% of flow around the TZ in 3‐ or 4‐day trials on a randomised schedule. Average daily temperature increased exponentially as stream flows declined from normal summer levels. Our findings suggest the risk of trout habitat loss from dewatering is potentially large and proportional to the magnitude of withdrawal, especially as thermal conditions approach critical levels for trout.     

Supplementation of plant‐based diets for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) with macro‐minerals and inositol

Replacement of fish meal with plant products in aquafeeds results in the elimination of dietary compounds which may be important for optimal growth and physiology. A study was conducted to determine if supplementation with macro‐minerals and/or inositol would improve performance of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fed a plant‐based diet. Four iso‐caloric and iso‐nitrogenous diets (40 g kg^?1 protein and 15 g kg^?1 lipid) were formulated and consisted of a fish meal‐based control diet (control) and three plant‐based experimental diets. Plant‐based diets were supplemented with either macro‐minerals and inositol (+MM+I), no macro‐minerals with inositol (?MM+I), and no macro‐minerals and no inositol (?MM?I). Sodium chloride, potassium chloride and magnesium oxide were the sources used in the macro‐mineral premix. There was no effect of diet on survival, but there was an effect of diet on weight gain, FCR, feed intake, HSI and nutrient retentions. Significant liver pathology was observed in trout fed plant‐based diets without MM supplementation. Supplementation of MM and inositol significantly improved weight gain of trout fed a plant‐based diet. Supplementation of MM and/or inositol also improved PRE and ERE. This study demonstrates the importance of supplementing these nutrients to trout fed fish meal free diets.     

Enhanced growth and retarded gonadal development of farmed rainbow trout,Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum) following a long‐day photoperiod

Long‐day photoperiods are considered as an effective managerial tool in manipulating of reproduction and somatic growth in a number of fish species. In this study, the effects of three different artificial photoperiods on the gonadal development and somatic growth of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss L.) were investigated. Two years‐old immature female rainbow trout (279.94 ±2.25 g) were exposed to three artificial photoperiod regimes of 24L:0D, 18L:6D and 6L:18D and natural light (NL) regime for 5 months. The highest gonadosomatic indices were recorded in NL and 6L:18D groups while the rates were significantly lower in fish maintained under 18L:6D and 24L:0D photoperiods (P < 0.05). Mean oocyte diameters in fish exposed to 24L:0D and also to 18L:6D were significantly lower than the 6L:18D and NL groups. Photoperiods with 24L:0D and 18L:6D regimes resulted in significantly higher mean final weights and specific growth rates (SGR) than NL regime. The highest mean final weight (635.45 ± 16.19 g) and SGR (1.03 ± 0.04% day^?1) were obtained under 24L:0D photoperiod. Fish exposed to 24L:0D and 18L:6D showed the highest condition factor as 1.44 ± 0.01 and 1.44 ± 0.02 respectively, when compared with the NL (1.27 ± 0.01) and 6L:18D (1.34 ± 0.02) groups. Basically, the results suggested that continuous artificial lightning can be used as an influential factor in delaying gonadal development and enhancing somatic growth in rainbow trout during gonadal growth phase.     

The effect of total replacement of fish oil with DHA‐Gold® and plant oils on growth and fillet quality of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fed a plant‐based diet

This study investigated the effect of the replacement of fish oil (FO) with DHA‐Gold (DHA‐G)‐supplemented plant oils (PO) in rainbow trout fed plant‐protein‐based diets. Five diets (450 mg g^?1 digestible protein and 150 mg g^?1 crude lipid) were fed to rainbow trout (initial weight 37 ± 0.5 g) for 12 weeks in a 15 °C recirculating water system. The lipid inclusion types and levels were FO, PO and PO with DHA‐G supplemented at 30 mg g^?1, 60 mg g^?1 or 90 mg g^?1 of the diet replacement for corn oil. Fish fed 90 mg g^?1 DHA‐G were significantly larger and consumed more feed than fish‐fed PO or FO (218 g and 2.6% bwd^?1 versus 181 g and 2.4% and 190 g and 2.3%, respectively). Feed conversion ratio was significantly increased in fish fed 90 mg g^?1 DHA‐G (0.99) as compared to fish‐fed FO (0.90) and 30 mg g^?1 DHA‐G (0.91). Panellists found trout fillets from fish fed the 90 mg g^?1 DHA‐G diet to have significantly fishier aroma and flavour than fish fed the FO diet. Fatty acid analysis demonstrated that 60 mg g^?1 or 90 mg g^?1 DHA‐G supplementation increased PO fed fish fillet DHA to fatty acid levels equivalent or higher than those fish fed a FO diet.     

Assessing the bioavailability of L‐methionine and a methionine hydroxy analogue (MHA‐Ca) compared to DL‐methionine in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Different synthetic forms of supplemental methionine (Met) are produced commercially by various manufacturers. Limited information exists on the bioavailability of these different forms in commercially relevant fish species. The objective of this study was to compare the relative bioavailability of L‐methionine and a methionine hydroxy analogue calcium salt (MHA‐Ca) to DL‐methionine in a commercially relevant species, rainbow trout, using a linear slope‐ratio assay. In addition, the ability of the rainbow trout to effectively convert the D‐isomer of methionine into the biologically active L‐isomer was studied by comparing the relative bioavailability of L‐methionine to DL‐methionine. Nine (9) diets were created from a methionine‐deficient basal diet which was supplemented with graded equimolar levels of methionine (0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3% of diet by weight) from either DL‐methionine, L‐methionine and methionine hydroxy analogue calcium salt (MHA‐Ca). Diets were fed in triplicate (IBW = 24.0 ± 0.6 g) for 12 weeks using a pair‐feeding protocol. The basal diet was formulated to be deficient in both methionine (0.5%) and cysteine (0.3%), whereas meeting all other known nutritional requirements of rainbow trout. MHA‐Ca was found to be less available (P < 0.05) than DL‐methionine with relative bioavailability values of 69%, 60% and 73% based upon weight gain, growth rate (TGC) and retained nitrogen values respectively. No significant differences (P > 0.05) in bioavailability were found between DL‐methionine and L‐methionine. These findings lead to the conclusion that differences in bioavailability do exist between sources of synthetic methionine, additionally findings suggest that rainbow trout are able to effectively convert the D‐isomer of methionine into the L‐isomer without significantly affecting fish performance.     

Effect of dietary bovine lactoferrin on growth,haematology and non‐specific immune response in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary lactoferrin (Lf) on growth, haematology and non‐specific immune response of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum). Fish were fed an experimental diet containing 0 (as control), 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg Lf kg^?1 diet twice daily for 8 weeks and sampled at 2, 4, 6 (immune function and growth), and 8 weeks (immune function, haematology and growth). Statistical analyses revealed no significant effects of dietary Lf on growth performance (specific growth rate, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, feed intake and condition factor) or haematological parameters (red and white blood cell count, haemoglobin, haematocrit, serum iron and total iron binding capacity [TIBC]). Among the serum non‐specific immune parameters, lysozyme activity increased significantly in fish fed 100, 200, or 400 mg Lf kg^?1 feed for 8 weeks, whereas haemolytic complement activity increased in fish fed 100 and 400 mg Lf kg^?1 diet after 6 weeks. The antiprotease activity increased in groups fed 100, 200 or 400 mg Lf kg^?1 diet after 8 weeks. However, no significant effect was observed on serum peroxidase level. It can be concluded that feeding of rainbow trout on the diet supplemented with 100 mg kg^?1 or higher for 8 weeks enhances the non‐specific immune response.     

Co‐infection of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) with infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus and Flavobacterium psychrophilum

Co‐infection of rainbow trout with infections haematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) and Flavobacterium psychrophilum is known to occur, and it has been speculated that a combined infection can result in dramatic losses. Both pathogens can persist in fish in an asymptomatic carrier state, but the impact of co‐infection has not been well characterized or documented. In this study, it was hypothesized that fish co‐infected with F. psychrophilum and IHNV would exhibit greater mortality than fish infected with either pathogen alone. To test this, juvenile rainbow trout were co‐infected with low doses of either IHNV or F. psychrophilum, and at 2 days post‐initial challenge, they were given a low dose of the reciprocal pathogen. This combined infection caused high mortality (76.2%–100%), while mortality from a single pathogen infection with the same respective dose was low (5%–20%). The onset of mortality was earlier in the co‐infected group (3–4 days) when compared with fish infected with F. psychrophilum alone (6 days) or IHNV (5 days), confirming the synergistic interaction between both pathogens. Co‐infection led to a significant increase in the number of F. psychrophilum colony‐forming units and IHNV plaque‐forming units within tissues. This finding confirms that when present together in co‐infected fish, both pathogens are more efficiently recovered from tissues. Furthermore, pathogen genes were significantly increased in co‐infected groups, which parallel the findings of increased systemic pathogen load. Extensive tissue necrosis and abundant pathogen present intracellularly and extracellularly in haematopoietic tissue. This was pronounced in co‐infected fish and likely contributed to the exacerbated clinical signs and higher mortality. This study provides novel insight into host–pathogen interactions related to co‐infection by aquatic bacterial and viral pathogens and supports our hypothesis. Such findings confirm that mortality in fish exposed to both pathogens is greatly elevated compared to a single pathogen infection.     

Spatial arrangement and physical characteristics of structural woody habitat in a lowland river in south‐eastern Australia

• 1. The importance of structural woody habitat (SWH) as instream fish habitat in eastern Australia has been well documented. In response, many native fish restoration programmes are returning SWH to rivers where it had previously been removed. However, there is little information to direct the placement of this SWH within a river landscape.
• 2. Low‐level, high‐resolution aerial photographs were used to investigate the spatial pattern of SWH in the Murray River between Lake Mulwala and Tocumwal. It was found that SWH occurred in aggregations that were closely associated with eroding banks on meanders.
• 3. The physical characteristics of the SWH in these aggregations varied (basal diameter range 0.44–2.45 m, length range 1–44 m); however, small‐ to medium‐sized trees (basal diameter range 0.7–1.4 m, length range 5–20 m) were most common.
• 4. The association between eroding banks and SWH suggests that bank erosion may be an important determinant in the formation of SWH aggregations.

Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effects of organic acids on growth and phosphorus utilization in rainbow trout <Emphasis Type="Italic">Oncorhynchus mykiss</Emphasis>

ABSTRACT:   An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of various organic acid (OA) supplementation on phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) retention by rainbow trout fed low fishmeal-based diets. Six experimental diets were formulated, and diet 0.5P was arranged as a positive control diet with 0.5% calcium phosphate and 0P as a negative control without additional P. Diets CA and LA were supplemented with 1% citric (CA), and lactic (LA) acids, respectively, and diets MHA and LTE were supplemented with 1% methionine hydroxy analog (MHA) and 1% liquid trace elements (LTE), respectively. Fish fed CA and LTE showed similar growth to that of the positive control diet. P retention was lowest in the 0.5P group and was elevated with CA and LTE diets. Therefore, in this study it is suggested that it might not be necessary to supplement the low fishmeal-based diet of rainbow trout with P if certain organic acids such as CA are added.     

Effects of dietary humic acid on growth performance,haemato‐immunological and physiological responses and resistance of Rainbow trout,Oncorhynchus mykiss to Yersinia ruckeri

This study investigated the effects of dietary humic acid sodium salt on growth performance, haemato‐immunological and physiological responses, and resistance of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss to Yersinia ruckeri. The experimental fish were divided into four groups; three of them were fed with humic acid incorporated diets (0.3% H3, 0.6% H6, 1.2% H12) and an additive free basal diet served as the control. Growth performance and haematological parameters of rainbow trout were not affected by humic acid supplemented diets (p > 0.05). However, dietary humic acid especially with 0.6% incorporation significantly increased stomach pepsin, intestinal trypsin and lipase activities p < 0.05. Following 60 days of feeding trial, fish were challenged with Yersinia ruckeri for 20 days. At the end of the challenge period, significantly higher (p < 0.05) survival rates were found in the 6% humic acid group compared to all other experimental treatment. Thus humic acid might replace antibiotics in diets for rainbow trout to control yersiniosis.     

Seasonal effects of macrophyte growth on rainbow trout habitat availability and selection in a low‐gradient,groundwater‐dominated river

Rainbow trout habitat use is often described in high‐gradient, runoff‐driven, heterotrophic streams where geomorphic features and overhanging riparian vegetation provide channel complexity and cover. However, many rainbow trout populations thrive in rivers with contrasting aquatic habitat. We describe rainbow trout habitat use in a low‐gradient, groundwater‐dominated tailwater river where river flow management and macrophyte growth and senescence largely govern available trout habitat. In the summers of 2013 and 2014, available aquatic habitat (depth, velocity, macrophyte cover, substrate size) was quantified, while individual trout location was determined by radio telemetry and linked to environmental variables. Detailed habitat surveys indicate that macrophyte cover increases throughout the summer and is a strong determinant of in‐stream habitat characteristics. Paired logistic regression shows that adult rainbow trout prefer greater depths. Water depth increases with macrophyte abundance at both reach and local scales as plants restrict flow, and available trout habitat is linked to this seasonal pattern. When macrophyte abundance is high, adult trout show secondary preference for localised areas of lower macrophyte cover but otherwise show no selectivity for macrophyte cover, velocity or substrate size. Results suggest that submerged aquatic plants increased the quantity and quality of rainbow trout habitat as a source of channel complexity and cover. Macrophytes may play a similar role in other low‐gradient streams and should not be overlooked by fisheries managers considering habitat suitability.     

Effects of largely different feeding intensities on serum insulin‐like growth factor‐1 concentrations,quantified by enzyme immunoassay,leptin and growth hormone receptor 1 mRNA in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1), somatolactin and leptin are involved in growth regulation and energy metabolism in fish. We herein focused on serum IGF‐1 concentration analysed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in restrictively fed rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). The animals were fed a high‐fat/low‐protein diet at daily feed increases (DFI) ranging from 0.5% to 2% of initial body weight (IBW), starting either at 62 or 176 g IBW. In selected groups, growth hormone receptor 1 (GHR1) and leptin mRNA were quantified in liver, and GHR1 mRNA also in visceral adipose tissue. Serum IGF‐1 concentrations in both IBW groups were highest at 2% and 1% DFI and were nonlinearly decreasing with reduced DFI. The low‐IBW groups had mostly lower IGF‐1 concentrations than the high‐IBW groups. Leptin and GHR1 mRNA decreased with feeding intensity in liver, but GHR1 mRNA increased in adipose tissue. IGF‐1 is related to growth and may help to mitigate oxidative stress in consequence of lipid mobilization during restrictive feeding. IGF‐1 secretion associated with stress response in addition to its function in growth and energy metabolism seemed to reach a point of inflection at DFI 1%. Leptin and GHR1 might be linked to lipid metabolism and free fatty acid partitioning towards liver.     

Partial replacement of soybean meal with Methylobacterium extorquens single‐cell protein in feeds for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum)

A feeding trial was conducted with juvenile rainbow trout (15–16 g initial weight) to assess the effects of including single‐cell protein (SCP) produced from Methylobacterium extorquens in trout feeds. Three isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were produced: a control diet and two experimental diets containing 5% or 10% bacterial protein meal replacing soybean meal. Triplicate tanks, each containing 35 fish, were fed each diet to apparent satiation in a constant‐temperature (15°C), flow‐through tank system for 12 weeks. No statistically significant differences in final fish weight or other fish growth parameters were observed. Similarly, feed efficiency parameters showed no significant differences among groups. Nutrient retention indices (protein, fat, energy) were relatively high and similar among fish in each dietary treatment group, as were whole body proximate compositions. Fish survival was high, with a small but statistically significant increase for the 10% SCP diet. Overall, results demonstrate that SCP from M. extorquens is a safe and effective alternative protein for rainbow trout diets at the low inclusion levels tested. Slightly lower weight gain in fish fed the 10% SCP diet was largely due to lower feed intake, suggesting that adding palatability‐enhancing ingredients to feeds may allow higher levels of M. extorquens SCP to be used without compromising fish growth.     

Phytase and sodium diformate supplementation in a plant‐based diet improves protein and mineral utilization in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

A basal isonitrogenous and isoenergetic plant‐based diet (Control) was supplemented with either 10 g kg^?1 sodium diformate (NaDF), 4000 FTU kg^?1 phytase (Phy) or a combination of both additives (NaDF + Phy). Three hundred juvenile rainbow trout with an average weight of 120 g were randomly distributed into 12 fibreglass tanks (300 L). After 65 days of trial, fish fed diets containing phytase, NaDF or the combination of both additives showed a higher growth rate (P < 0.05) compared to fish fed Control diet. NaDF increased feed intake (P = 0.032), while phytase inclusion resulted in a better feed conversion ratio (P < 0.0001) and a higher N retention efficiency (P = 0.02) compared with the Control. Apparent digestibility of P, Ca, Mg and Zn was improved by the use of phytase (P < 0.005) as well as P, Ca and Mg retention efficiency in fish (P < 0.0001). Using 4000 FTU kg^?1 phytase in plant‐based diets resulted in a 13% and 50% reduction in N and P loadings, respectively. The use of NaDF in combination with phytase in a plant‐based diet for rainbow trout resulted in a higher weight gain than that when NaDF was used alone.     

The effect of plant‐based diet and suboptimal environmental conditions on digestive function and diet‐induced enteropathy in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

This experiment investigated intestinal enteropathy and digestive function of rainbow trout challenged with soybean meal‐based diet (SBM) at optimal or suboptimal environments created by normal or reduced water flow, respectively. Oxygen level remained above 7 mg L^‐1 for optimal environment and between 4 and 5 mg L^‐1 for suboptimal environment. Triplicate groups of fish (mean body weight 74 g) were fed fishmeal‐based diet (FM) or SBM at optimal environment in period 1 (28 days). In period 2 (42 days), fish were subjected to a change from FM to SBM or remained on the same diet as used in period 1. The fish were also exposed to change from optimal to suboptimal environment or remained under optimal conditions. The fish subjected to change from FM to SBM, regardless of their environment, showed similar degree of enteropathy from day 14. Lipid and starch digestibility was lower in SBM‐fed fish at suboptimal environment compared to fish fed the same diet at optimal environment. Crude protein digestibility, however, was highest in SBM‐fed fish at suboptimal environment throughout period 2. In conclusion, in SBM‐fed rainbow trout, exposure to suboptimal environment did not change the degree of enteropathy; however, lipid and starch digestibility were further reduced.     

Impacts of chloramine‐T treatment on antioxidant enzyme activities and genotoxicity in rainbow trout,Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum)

Juvenile rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum) were exposed to therapeutic, and higher concentrations of chloramine‐T (Cl‐T) to assess the effects of this chemical on the antioxidant enzyme system and genetic structure. Red blood cells acetylcholinesterase, ?‐aminolevulinic acid dehydratase, paraoxonase and liver glutathione S‐transferase activity were increased at 10 and 20 mg L^?1 Cl‐T‐exposed fish, while they were decreased at 30 mg L^?1 Cl‐T‐exposed fish. On the other hand, liver catalase activity and liver protein levels increased at 10 mg L^?1 and decreased at 20 and 30 mg L^?1 concentrations of Cl‐T. Liver super‐oxide dismutase activity decreased at 10 mg L^?1 and 20 mg L^?1 Cl‐T and increased at 30 mg L^?1 of Cl‐T. Compared to control, comet assay indicated that Cl‐T did not cause significant DNA damage to red blood cells of the fish. Results indicate that 10 or 20 mg L^?1 Cl‐T can be safely used to prevent or treat external parasitic and bacterial infection of rainbow trout.