Growth and digestibility by three sizes of Penaeus vannamei Boone: Effects of dietary protein level and protein source

Growth, survival and digestibility of Penaeus vannamei were studied in three experiments. P. vannamei averaging 4.0, 9.8 and 20.8 g were monocultured in circular fiberglass tanks (2650 l) for 30 days. Six diets having protein contents of 22, 29 and 36% and an animal: plant protein source ratio of 2:1 or 1:1 were fed ad libitum. Survival ranges for small, medium and large shrimp were 81.7–93.3, 65.6–90.0 and 65.0–80.0%, respectively, and were unrelated to diet.Growth (g/day) decreased significantly with increased size of shrimp, whereas digestibility varied independently of size. Growth by all three sizes of shrimp fed the 2:1 diet series was not significantly (α = 0.05) higher than that of the 1:1 diet series.Digestibility ranges for protein, lipid and total diet were 78.6–85.8, 45.1–64.8 and 43.9–53.8%, respectively, for small shrimp; 80.7–84.5, 52.8–63.8 and 46.9–53.0%, respectively, for medium shrimp; and 78.7–85.4, 49.2–63.2 and 41.8–58.4%, respectively, for large shrimp. Protein digestibility by small shrimp was strongly correlated with dietary protein level. Only small shrimp showed a strong correlation between protein digestibility and growth. No size exhibited a relationship between growth and either lipid or total diet digestibility.Growth of small P. vannamei appeared to be more influenced by protein level where-as growth of medium and large P. vannamei appeared to be more influenced by protein source.     

副溶血弧菌对斑节对虾非特异性免疫酶活性的影响

为了研究副溶血弧菌对斑节对虾非特异性免疫酶活性的影响,分别对斑节对虾注射生理盐水和副溶血弧菌,于不同时间点测定肝胰腺和鳃中的总抗氧化能力(T-AOC)、酸性磷酸酶(ACP)、碱性磷酸酶(ALP)和溶菌酶(LSZ)的活性变化。结果显示,与对照组相比,感染副溶血弧菌后,肝胰腺和鳃中T-AOC活性分别于12和6 h达到最大值(P0.05),随后逐渐降低;肝胰腺中ACP活性于3 h显著升高,随后逐渐降低,并于24 h达到最小值(P0.05),而鳃中ACP活性于12 h达到最大值,随后逐渐降低,并于48 h显著低于对照组(P0.05);肝胰腺和鳃中ALP活性整体均呈现出先升高后下降的趋势,但未出现显著低于对照组的现象;肝胰腺和鳃中LSZ活性均于3 h显著升高至最大值(P0.05),随后逐渐恢复至初始水平。研究表明,副溶血弧菌感染对斑节对虾非特异性免疫酶活有显著影响,对其机体免疫防御系统有明显的破坏作用。     

Breeding of Penaeus monodon Fabricius in laboratory recirculation systems

From March to May 1978 over 2 million nauplii were hatched from 34 batches of eggs obtained from five Penaeus monodon females. Females of 50–63 mm carapace length, with one eyestalk removed, spawned viable eggs repeatedly within intermoult periods of 20–30 days indicating that one impregnation was sufficient to fertilize several batches of eggs spawned within one intermoult period. A fresh impregnation was necessary after each moult. The number of eggs per batch varied from 19 000 to 460 000 (mean 217 635) and did not decrease with successive batches. The mean hatch-rate was 30.5% and the mean number of nauplii per brood was 66 000. There was a tendency to a lower hatchrate for batches of eggs produced towards the end of an intermoult period. Samples of larvae from 15 broods were cultured to the post-larval stage at densities of 40–250 larvae/l. Mean survival in 3-1 cultures was 79% but was <13% in larger-scale trials.     

Nutritional studies on penaeid prawns: Protein requirements in compounded diets for juvenile Penaeus indicus (Milne Edwards)

The use of dried prawn meal as a high quality reference protein in the nutrition of juvenile Penaeus indicus was investigated through short term growth and feed efficiency trials. Complete substitution at the same level of crude protein gave significantly improved growth rates relative to a control fish meal ration. Live-weight gain at levels ranging from 21–53% crude protein was greatest with a 43% protein diet, although efficiencies of protein utilisation (recorded as P.E.R. values) declined with successive increases in dietary protein. A second experiment to assess the effect of partially replacing prawn meal with fish meal showed that isonitrogenous substitution could be effected to an apparent optimal ratio of 60% fish meal: 40% prawn meal protein. In terms of short term growth and feed efficiency results, this particular meal combination was superior to either prawn or fish meal alone.     

Predation and energetics of Penaeus indicus (Decapoda: Penaeidae) larvae feeding on Brachionus plicatilis and Artemia nauplii

Brachionus plicatilis and Artemia nauplii were fed to a number of larval stages of the penaeid prawn Penaeus indicus to determine ingestion rates, larval energy requirements and to establish at which stage larval predation commenced. The raptorial feeding rates were then contrasted on an energy basis with filter feeding rates for P. indicus larvae to compare the relative efficiency of these two feeding mechanisms. Brachionus was first eaten as early as protozoea 1 to protozoea 2, while the maximum ingestion rate of 300 rotifers larva^?1 d^?1 (1.06 J larva^?1 d^?1) was obtained during protozoea 3 to mysis 1. Artemia were effectively ingested by P. indicus protozoea 3 (4.1 J larva^?1 d^?1) to post-larva (8.2 J larva^?1 d^?1). Daily energy intake rate from filter feeding increased from 1.1 J larva^?1 d^?1 during protozoea 1 to reach a peak of 5.32 J larva^?1 d^?1 during mysis 3 after which it declined to 2.66 J larva^?1 d^?1 during the post-larval stage. This decline in energy intake from filter feeding with a concomitant increase in energy intake from Artemia predation demonstrates a predominant feeding mode changeover point during mysis 3. Energy intake was consistently low with Brachionus, indicating that it may be unnecessary for commercial culture purposes.     

Successful spawning of cultured Penaeus monodon Fabricius after eyestalk ablation

Preliminary experiments resulted in successful spawning of captive stock of the prawn Penaeus monodon, or “sugpo”, to complete the life cycle and produce a viable F₁ generation of larvae. Gonadal development was induced using eyestalk ablation techniques on sexually mature females. Removal of one eyestalk was found to be sufficient to induce gonadal development, whereas bilateral ablation indirectly resulted in high mortality of the treated females. By comparison, successful spawning had not occurred in unablated animals after 9 months.Fry hatched from wild adult stock and reared to 25-day postlarvae were further impounded in brackishwater experimental ponds and reared for 4 months. A transfer of 1 500 animals were then made to marine pens. After a further 10 months, 600 animals were selected for the experiment; healthy females were ablated unilaterally and placed with 100 males for a further 9 months. Of the remaining 400 specimens, 200 were used as controls and the remainder ablated bilaterally, Seven of the 23-month old females with one eyestalk removed had spawned successfully by January 27, 1976.Egg numbers, hatching rate and larval survival compared favorably with data obtained from females of oceanic origin. It is not known if the success of the experiment was entirely due to the effect of ablation or to the choice of a suitable environment. Work is continuing to induce gonadal development under more closely controlled conditions to overcome the inadequate and unreliable supply of spawners.     

Grow-out of sandfish Holothuria scabra in ponds shows that co-culture with shrimp Litopenaeus stylirostris is not viable

We examined the potential for producing the large numbers of sandfish (Holothuria scabra) needed for restocking programmes by co-culturing juveniles with the shrimp Litopenaeus stylirostris in earthen ponds. Our experiments in hapas within shrimp ponds were designed to detect any deleterious effects of sandfish on shrimp, and vice versa. These experiments showed that a high stocking density of juvenile sandfish had no significant effects on growth and survival of shrimp. However, survival and growth of sandfish reared with shrimp for 3 weeks were significantly lower than for sandfish reared alone. Increased stocking density of shrimp also had a significant negative effect on survival and/or growth of sandfish. A grow-out trial of juvenile sandfish in 0.2-ha earthen ponds stocked with 20 shrimp post-larvae m^− 2, and densities of sandfish between 0.8 and 1.6 individuals m^− 2, confirmed that co-culture is not viable. All sandfish reared in co-culture were dead or moribund after a month. However, sandfish stocked alone into 0.2-ha earthen ponds survived well and grew to mean weights of ∼ 400 g within 12 months without addition of food. The grow-out trial demonstrated that there is potential for profitable pond farming of sandfish in monoculture. Further research is now needed to identify the optimal size of juveniles, stocking densities and pond management regimes.     

Quantitative requirement of Penaeus kerathurus for a natural unprocessed diet

Juvenile Penaeus kerathurus (average weight = 0.64 g) were fed three different daily amounts (40%, 60% and 100% of biomass) of an unprocessed and unsupplemented diet composed of 43% anchovy, 33% shrimp head and 24% squid, whose suitability for P. kerathurus had been previously assessed. The experiment was performed with an animal density of 30/m² at 23° C for a period of 180 days. From the results obtained, it is concluded that, of the three feeding rates employed, 100% of biomass was suitable for animals weighing 0.64–1.8 g. For animals 1.8–4.3 g a feeding rate of 60% was appropriate, while a reduction to 40% seemed satisfactory for animals over 4.3 g in this experiment.     

凡纳滨对虾中发光坎氏弧菌的分离、鉴定及致病性

为研究凡纳滨对虾死亡的致病机理,实验采用TCBS培养基从濒死凡纳滨对虾肝胰腺分离到浅绿色、直径3～7 mm的发荧光菌落;革兰氏染色为阴性短杆菌;经API 20E鉴定,分离株PvL-1与坎氏弧菌参考菌株CAIM249相似度为90％;fitZ序列与坎氏弧菌CP020076相似度为99.31％;gapA序列与坎氏弧菌EF59...     

“Summer syndrome” in Litopenaeus stylirostris grow out ponds in New Caledonia: Zootechnical and environmental factors

The “Summer Syndrome”, a septicemic vibriosis caused by Vibrio nigripulchritudo, is responsible for one of the two main seasonal mortalities which affect shrimp aquaculture in New Caledonia. It was identified for the first time in December 1997 in an intensive shrimp farm (called farm DF) and has been enzootic ever since. The “Summer syndrome” affects shrimp during warm-season growout. Although the geographic area concerned is limited, it is a potential threat for the industry in that the disease could spread. Analysis of grow out data from 1991 to 2002 in this farm was carried out in order to characterize the disease and the environmental conditions in relation to mortality. Results of farm DF were compared to data from farms not affected by the disease (called farms HC). The “Summer syndrome” occurs during the warm season which is characterized by an increase in water temperature and sunny duration. This disease is characterized by simultaneously highest densities and weakest drying duration between crops in the farms studied. Between 1991 and 2002, the increase of feed input and nitrogen rate in feed has led to a significant increase of the growth rate over the years in farm DF. At the same time, water management has not changed and has induced an increase in environmental waste production. In consequence, an early eutrophication of water is observed, which is concomitant with the beginning of the mortality outbreaks. This could play a role by inducing directly or indirectly a stress for shrimp and/or a growth and/or virulence factors of the pathogen.     

Bacterial flora in the digestive tract of prawns, Penaeus japonicus Bate

Bacterial flora in the gut of wild cultured prawns, Penaeus japonicus Bate, were investigated and the isolated strains were classified to genera. The flora in the water and mud environment which the prawn inhabits were also investigated. In the water of the prawn culture tank, the highest bacterial number was counted in the zoea stages (1.8 × 10⁵ /ml) and the numbers decreased from the end of the mysis stage to the postlarval stage.Few differences in composition were observed between the two populations. In the digestive tract of the zoea, Vibrio spp. were the dominant genera. In the adult stage, Pseudomonas spp. were the most abundant in the flora of the digestive tract of prawns cultured for 126 days. One prawn that grew poorly had large numbers of the Aeromonas and Vibrio groups in the digestive tract. In the digestive tract of wild prawns, the Pseudomonas group was the dominant bacterial population.     

Serotonin stimulates ovarian maturation and spawning in the black tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5HT) has been reported to induce ovarian maturation and spawning in the crayfish Procambarus clarkii and white Pacific shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei. The aim of this study was to explore the role of exogenous 5HT on the reproductive performance of the black tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon. 5HT solution was injected into domesticated P. monodon broodstock at 50 μg/g body weight and ovarian maturation and spawning were recorded. The presence of 5HT in the ovary and oviduct of P. monodon was also studied by immunohistochemistry and its levels in the ovary by enzyme link immunoabsorbance assay (ELISA). The 5HT-injected P. monodon developed ovarian maturation and spawning rate at the level comparable to that of unilateral eyestalk-ablated shrimp. Hatching rate and the amount of nauplii produced per spawner were also significantly higher in the 5HT-injected shrimp, compared to the eyestalk-ablated shrimp. 5HT-positive reactions were found in the follicular cells of pre-vitellogenic oocytes, in the cytoplasm of early vitellogenic oocytes and on the cell membrane and cytoplasm of late vitellogenic oocytes. 5HT in the ovary was present at 3.53 ± 0.26 ng/mg protein level in previtellogenic stage and increased to 17.03 ± 0.57 ng/mg protein level in the mature stage of the ovary. The results suggest a significant role of 5HT, possibly directly on the ovary and oviduct, on the reproductive function of female P. monodon.     

The breeding and growth of Penaeus merguiensis de Man in laboratory recirculation systems

Penaeus merguiensis was cultured through three generations in laboratory recirculation systems. Populations of 24–76 prawns produced, on average, 2–15 batches of 44 000 eggs per month throughout a 16-month period. Survival to metamorphosis was over 50% and post-larvae reached a size (0.15 g live weight) suitable for stocking in “grow-out” tanks 50–60 days after being spawned. In the subsequent 16 weeks prawns reached 5–7 g live weight with 24–58% survival.     

Lipid content and composition of cultured Penaeus merguiensis fed with animal food

The lipid content and composition of cultured Penaeus merguiensis were examined by lipid extraction, thin-layer chromatography and capillary gas chromatography. The lipid content, 1.99% fresh weight, was higher than in other penaeids, but not especially so. The major lipid classes were phospholipid (47% total lipid), free sterol (27%) and triacylglycerol (17%), with smaller amounts of alkyldiacylglycerol, partial glycerides and free fatty acid. The fatty acid composition was moderately unsaturated and there were no signs of the accumulation of plant fatty acids typical of prawns fed diets supplemented with seed soils. In the light of these results, and of previous feeding studies on penaeids, it is concluded that animal lipid is probably an essential component in the diet of P. merguiensis, enabling it to maintain a normal lipid class and fatty acid composition.     

Exposure to probiotics and β-1,3/1,6-glucans in larviculture modifies the immune response of Penaeus vannamei juveniles and both the survival to White Spot Syndrome Virus challenge and pond culture

The effect of the inclusion of probiotics (Vibrio alginolyticus) and β-1,3/1,6-glucans in Penaeus vannamei larviculture was evaluated by measuring the immune response and survival of shrimp juveniles subjected to white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) challenge tests (per os) and pond culture. Treatments were designed to contrast the probiotic factor (inclusion vs non-inclusion) and β-1,3/1,6-glucans supplementation in various larvae stages; starting from early stage (Zoea II), to middle stage (PL 12), late stage (15 days pre-challenge) or non-supplemented. In larviculture, the highest survival was obtained in animals treated with β-1,3/1,6-glucans from Zoea II. The use of probiotics enhanced survival during the first 0-52 h post-WSSV challenge period. During 56-156 h post-WSSV challenge period, interactions were observed between β-1,3/1,6-glucans × time and β-1,3/1,6-glucans × time × probiotics. Significant differences in final survival rates between treatments were not observed. In the second WSSV challenge, immune parameters were analysed. Significant interaction between probiotics and β-1,3/1,6-glucans was observed for plasmatic protein (PP) concentration, super oxide anion (O₂⁻) generation, antibacterial activity (AA), and total haemocyte count (THC). The use of probiotics in larviculture had a negative effect on the PP, but increased the AA and THC, while β-1,3/1,6-glucans had a negative effect on the O₂⁻ generation. The most relevant results were obtained from treatments T2 (probiotics in larviculture, β-1,3/1,6-glucans from Z II) and T4 (probiotics in larviculture, β-1,3/1,6-glucans 15 days before challenge). Treatment T2 presented the highest survival rate in larviculture. After WSSV infection, the animals of this treatment displayed resistance to the virus, a strong AA and increase of THC. Treatment T4 increased the amount of PP, increased the O₂⁻ generation and THC. Histological analysis showed that the animals of treatment T2 and T4 were able to limit the spread of the virus during the first hour after challenge with WSSV. The survivors from treatments T2 and T4 had a high THC, accompanied by a lack of white spot disease (WSD) injuries. A bioassay was carried out under farm conditions during the warm-rainy season using larvae from treatments T2 and T4. The animals were stocked at 18 animals/m² in earth ponds of 0.20 ha (three ponds/larvae kind). WSD outbreak was not detected, and the survival was significantly higher in ponds stocked with larvae from treatment T4 (70 ± 3%) than in ponds stocked with larvae from treatment T2 (49 ± 9%).     

Bionomics of Penaeus kerathurus transplanted into Lake Quarun (Egypt)

The total catch of prawns from the Egyptian Mediterranean waters decreased substantially from 7.23 thousand t in 1962 to 1.06 thousand t in 1976. To compensate for this loss, Lake Quarun, an inland closed saline basin in Middle Egypt, was selected for seeding and culture of prawn fry.The bionomics of Penaeus kerathurus, such as composition and distribution of the catch, growth, length-weight relationship, maturity stages of the females, and food, were investigated to confirm the suitability of Lake Quarun for marine prawns. The study showed that P. kerathurus have an approximate monthly growth rate of 10.0 mm for females and 5.0 mm for males (condition factor 0.62 and 0.58, respectively). The growth rates and condition factors in Lake Quarun did not vary much from those observed for stocks in the Mediterranean Sea. P. kerathurus became abundant in the southwest section of Lake Quarun. Futther studies are recommended to increase prawn propagation in the lake, but the preliminary results indicate that an inland lake fishery for marine prawns can be established.     

Comparison of dot blot and PCR diagnostic techniques for detection of white spot syndrome virus in different tissues of Penaeus monodon

Comparison of PCR and dot blot diagnostic techniques for detection of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) was made on different tissues of infected Penaeus monodon including eye stalk, eye stalk with eye, gills, cuticle, pleopod, periopods, uropods and telson. Dot blots of crude DNA extracted from infected tissue samples showed positive reactions with all the samples; however, the sensitivity of the dot blot was reduced with the purification of DNA samples extracted from pleopod, telson and uropod. PCR was found to be more sensitive when compared to dot blot. Both crude DNA and purified DNA samples extracted from all the tissues except for eye stalk with eye showed single step nested PCR positive reaction. The amplification of all or either of the three bands of 941 bp, 525 bp and 204 bp size varied with the tissues analysed. The severity of infection assessed by PCR amplification was found to be maximum in cuticle and telson followed by gill. Other tissues such as eye stalk, pleopod, periopods and uropod were observed to have mild infection. The maximum intensity of the PCR product was for the smallest amplified product of 204 bp followed by 525 bp and the weakest intensity was observed for the 941 bp size. The limitation of PCR due to inhibiting factors present in tissues could be overcome with the use of dot blot which gave positive reaction from the DNA extracted from eye stalk including the eye but yielded no amplification by PCR.     

长毛对虾海水养殖环境以及虾肠道微生物群落结构研究

为了研究长毛对虾养殖环境以及对虾肠道微生物种群结构的特征,实验分别采集养殖区进水口水体、养殖池底泥、养殖池水体以及长毛对虾肠道样品,采用构建16S rRNA基因克隆文库的方法对不同样品间的微生物群落组成进行了研究。结果表明,4组样品中共获得621条序列,操作分类单元(OTU)总数达212个,表明养殖环境微生物群落结构具有高度的多样性。从遗传进化树分析发现,进水口水体中细菌优势种群为蓝细菌(53.97%)、α-变形杆菌(13.76%)和γ-变形杆菌(10.58%);养殖池水体细菌优势种群为蓝细菌(33.55%)、γ-变形杆菌(14.84%)、厚壁菌(14.19%)、拟杆菌(12.26%)和α-变形杆菌(9.68%);养殖池底泥细菌优势种群大部分属于厚壁细菌(79.12%);对虾肠道细菌优势种群为厚壁细菌(75.79%)、梭杆菌(13.68%)和γ-变形杆菌(10.53%)。在目分类水平上,养殖池底泥、养殖池水体和对虾肠道中芽孢杆菌占有较高的比例,分别占克隆数的69.78%、13.55%和72.63%;进水口水体和养殖池水体中红细菌的比例较高,分别占克隆数的10.05%和9.68%。本研究分析了养殖环境以及对虾肠道微生物的群落结构,揭示微生物从水源到对虾肠道内的演替规律。总体上,本养殖系统微生物群落结构良好,但在养殖池水体和对虾肠道中也检测到黄杆菌类群和少量的弧菌。本研究有助于了解养殖环境对于对虾肠道微生物组成的影响,并为长毛对虾病害的预防提供参考。     

Intensive production of juvenile tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon: An evaluation of stocking density and artificial substrates

Tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon were intensively grown from PL₁₅ for 56 d in tank systems at stocking densities of 1000 and 2000 shrimp m^− 3, with and without the addition of artificial substrates (AquaMat® (buoyant and non-buoyant) and polyethylene mesh) at each density. Shrimp growth was significantly greater at the lower density and when substrates were added. Mean shrimp weight at harvest ranged from 0.64 ± 0.06 g (2000 shrimp m^− 3, no added substrate) to 1.17 ± 0.01 g (1000 shrimp m^− 3, added substrate). Survival was high and averaged 79.5 ± 2.7% across all treatments. The addition of substrates significantly increased survival at both stocking densities; however, survival was not significantly affected by stocking density. A maximum harvest density of 1645 shrimp m^− 3 and biomass of 1.27 kg m^− 3 were produced at a stocking density of 2000 m^− 3 with added substrates. Both harvest density and biomass significantly increased with stocking density and addition of substrates. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) of formulated feed was significantly lower when substrates were added. The results show that growth of P. monodon juveniles was inversely related to stocking density during intensive production. However, production output was significantly increased by addition of artificial substrates, which enhanced both growth and survival.