Effects of dietary supplementation of a commercial prebiotic Previda® on survival,growth, immune responses and gut microbiota of Pacific white shrimp,Litopenaeus vannamei

A 35‐day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate growth, bacterial populations of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and immune responses of Litopenaeus vannamei fed diets containing the commercial prebiotic Previda^®. Diets were formulated to contain Previda^® at 0, 0.2, 0.5, 1.0 or 1.6 g kg^?1 by weight. At the end of the study, differences in weight gain and survival among treatments were not significant (P > 0.05), but denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis revealed that the microbial communities in the GIT changed significantly with the inclusion of dietary Previda^® at different levels. Previda^® was therefore able to selectively modify the microbial communities in the shrimp's GIT. Although individual bacterial species were not identified, enteric populations in shrimp fed the prebiotic at similar levels of inclusion were genetically similar. In addition, shrimp fed Previda^® at 1.6 g kg^?1 responded significantly (P < 0.05) better immunologically with respect to hemocyte phagocytic capacity, haemolymph protein, hyaline cell counts and haemolymph glucose compared with shrimp fed the basal diet. Although shrimp were not exposed to virulent pathogens in this study, the observed upregulation of some of imm‐une responses upon prebiotic supplementation indicates that an improved outcome of such challenges may be anticipated in Previda^®‐fed shrimp under commercial conditions.     

Comparative efficacy of Pyceze® (bronopol) in controlling mortality of brown trout Salmo trutta eggs

The efficacy of Pyceze^® (Novartis Animal Vaccines) and Proxitane^® 0510 (Solvay Interox) in controlling the mortality of eggs was studied in brown trout Salmo trutta eggs under the usual incubation conditions in a hatchery affected by saprolegniosis. Eggs from eight spawnings and from two lines of brown trout were used. The cumulative mortality of eggs at the start of the eyed stage (M₁) and at hatching (M₂) was measured, as was the percentage of eggs with fungal infection at weekly intervals during the green stage. Mortality at M₂ with Pyceze^® ranged between 2.38% and 12.61% depending on the batch, with a mean of 6.10%. Mortality at M₂ with Proxitane^® varied between 5.83% and 43.86%, with a mean of 22.36%. Fungal colonization at the start of the eyed stage ranged between 0% and 0.15% when Pyceze^® was used and between 0.82% and 12.50% with Proxitane^®. Mortality rates were higher among those eggs left untreated. The results indicate that Pyceze^® (bronopol) is efficacious in controlling mortality caused by Saprolegnia spp. and other biological factors in fertilized brown trout eggs, as has been demonstrated previously in other salmonid species.     

Effects of dietary mannan oligosaccharide on the survival,growth, immunity and digestive enzyme activity of freshwater crayfish,Cherax destructor Clark (1936)

The aim of this experiment was to determine the effects of dietary supplementation of Bio‐Mos^® as a source of mannan oligosaccharide (MOS) on the growth, survival, immunity and digestive enzyme activity of freshwater crayfish, Cherax destructor (yabby). A basal diet and another diet with 0.4% of Bio‐Mos^® supplemented to the basal diet were formulated. Each diet was provided to eight yabbies (35.14 ± 0.48 g, initial weight) replicated 3 times in individual 250‐L plastic cylindrical tanks for a duration of 56 days. Each tank was provided with an independent recirculating water system filtered with a biological filtration. Growth parameters such as weight, specific growth rate and average weekly gain of Bio‐Mos^®‐fed yabbies were higher (P < 0.05) than yabbies fed the control diet. Total haemocyte count, granular cells and semi‐granular cells were also higher in the yabbies fed Bio‐Mos^® diet. Protease activity was higher in hepatopancreas, and amylase activity was higher in the guts of yabbies fed Bio‐Mos^® diet. The results implies that supplementation of MOS through Bio‐Mos^® can effectively improve growth and immunological condition of yabbies.     

Artificial breeding and embryonic development of Synodontis zambezensis (Peters, 1852)

Synodontis sp. are an important source of food in many African countries including, Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt and Ghana. This is likely due to the genus being an excellent source of fat in fish‐based diets. However, there is also increased accumulation of lipophilic pollutants which can be transferred to the human population. In South Africa, Synodontis zambezensis is an important food source in rural communities, particularly along the Phongolo River system. The aim of this study was to breed Synodontis zambezensis in captivity, adapting a variety of protocols previously used in artificial breeding of Clarias gariepinus, Synodontis petricola and Synodontis nigromaculatus. A synthetic gonadotropin‐releasing hormone compound (Aquaspawn®) was used to induce reproductive development followed by manual fertilization of stripped eggs using sperm from dissected testis of sacrificed males. The embryonic development was consistent with other fish species and followed the same embryonic developmental stages. Initial hatching occurred within 26 hrs after fertilization, and survival rates of fry and subsequent fingerlings were as high as 80%. S. zambezensis has previously been used as a bio‐indicator species in field studies. Successful artificial breeding and rearing of this species improves the ability to use this indigenous species as a test organism in laboratory‐based assessments of chemicals and bioaccumulation of harmful chemicals such as Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT).     

Effects of fish hydrolysate (CPSP®) on growth and digestive gland lipid composition of Octopus vulgaris (Cuvier, 1797) juveniles

Effects of artificial diets were tested on growth and digestive gland (DG) lipid composition of juvenile Octopus vulgaris. For Experiment I, three diets were used: (i) SQUID (Loligo gahi) as a control diet; (ii) Squid paste and fish hydrolysate CPSP^®, agglutinated with gelatine (GEL20); and (iii) Squid paste, fish hydrolysate CPSP^® and gelatine (GEL40). For Experiment II, three diets were used: (i) SQUID, control diet; (ii) Squid paste, CPSP^® and alginate (ALG10); and (iii) Squid paste, CPSP^® and alginate (ALG20). For both experiments, growth rates for octopuses fed control were higher (P < 0.05), while artificial diets were not different (P > 0.05) between them. All diets promoted similar growth, regardless of the different CPSP^® concentrations and binders. Growth rates obtained were among the highest obtained for O. vulgaris with artificial diets until now. The lower growth obtained with the artificial diets was greatly reflected in the DG fatty acid composition. The most important fatty acid groups, such as n‐3 highly unsaturated fatty acids, decreased in the DG of animals fed artificial diets. Lipid content, particularly neutral lipids, was higher in the DG of octopuses fed squid, indicating higher nutritional condition of these animals compared to those fed the artificial diets.     

Notes on hatchery spawning methods for bigmouth sleeper Gobiomorus dormitor

The bigmouth sleeper Gobiomorus dormitor, a popular sport fish within its native range, offers a management alternative to exotic species currently managed for recreational fishing. Hatchery production and stocking are needed to create reservoir sport fisheries because this species usually requires access to marine environments for recruitment. Bigmouth sleepers have not been spawned previously in a hatchery, and hence we used natural, artificial and semi‐natural spawning techniques. No egg deposition or propagation resulted from natural pond spawning. Artificial spawning techniques using Ovaprim^® and Chorulon^® injections followed by hand stripping were more successful. Semi‐natural (hormone injections plus volitional spawning) spawning trials using Ovaprim^® and Chorulon^® displayed the greatest potential, and three consecutive evening injections (1.0 mL kg^?1) of Chorulon^® appeared most conducive. High‐fecundity spawning was achieved by injecting bigmouth sleeper pairs and allowing volitional spawning in aquaria with spawning cavities. Initial success in 2007–2008 was isolated to wild‐caught fish, but captive broodstock were spawned using these techniques in 2009. Eggs hatched in <20 h at 23–24 °C. The resulting larvae, 1.0–1.5 mm in length, displayed large yolk sacs, unpigmented eyes and no apparent mouth. These hatchery propagation efforts suggest that hormone‐induced semi‐natural spawning has the greatest potential for bigmouth sleeper propagation.     

Detecting the brook floater,a freshwater mussel species at risk,using environmental DNA

1. The use of environmental DNA (eDNA) is a promising approach for the detection of aquatic species, including species at risk. One freshwater mussel species of interest in Atlantic Canada, the brook floater (Alasmidonta varicosa), is listed as being of Special Concern under the Species at Risk Act in Canada and as Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List. Further scientific data regarding species distribution and critical habitat is needed for the protection and conservation of this species.
2. The aim of this study was to design, optimize, and apply a species-specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay for the detection of brook floater from eDNA samples, and to assess temporal variability in brook floater eDNA quantities.
3. Through an eDNA survey performed in New Brunswick rivers in 2017 and 2018, brook floater DNA was found at a total of 16 out of 56 sites sampled. The amount of brook floater DNA detected at all 16 sites was always below the theoretical limit of detection of the assay, and, as such, results were classified as either ‘inconclusive’ or ‘suspected’.
4. The co-detection of eastern pearlshell (Margaritifera margaritifera), a more abundant freshwater mussel species in Atlantic Canada, was successfully used as a natural positive control.
5. Temporal variability in the amount of eDNA found in the water was also assessed at a site with a known brook floater population and minimal variability in eDNA quantities was observed from May to September.
6. These results provide researchers and managers with a new tool for the detection of the brook floater in support of conservation and monitoring efforts.

     

Enhancement of Hsp70 synthesis protects common carp, Cyprinus carpio L., against lethal ammonia toxicity

Exposure to TEX‐OE^®, a patented extract of the prickly pear cactus (Opuntia ficus indica) containing chaperone‐stimulating factor, was shown to protect common carp, Cyprinus carpio L., fingerlings against acute ammonia stress. Survival was enhanced twofold from 50% to 95% after exposure to 5.92 mg L^?1 NH₃, a level determined in the ammonia challenge bioassay as the 1‐h LD50 concentration for this species. Survival of TEX‐OE^®‐pre‐exposed fish was enhanced by 20% over non‐exposed controls during lethal ammonia challenge (14.21 mg L^?1 NH₃). Increase in the levels of gill and muscle Hsp70 was evident in TEX‐OE^®‐pre‐exposed fish but not in the unexposed controls, indicating that application of TEX‐OE^® accelerated carp endogenous Hsp70 synthesis during ammonia perturbation. Protection against ammonia was correlated with Hsp70 accretion.     

Survival and behavioural responses of cool and warm water fish sedated with AQUI‐S®20E (10% eugenol) at high loading densities

This study evaluated the effects of AQUI‐S^®20E (10% eugenol) sedation on the survival and behaviour of yellow perch Perca flavescens (Mitchill) and Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus L. held in high loading densities. Fish were held in 0–300 mg L^?1 AQUI‐S^®20E (0–30 mg L^?1 eugenol) for up to 10 h in static tanks. At 17°C, yellow perch held in 200 and 300 mg L^?1 AQUI‐S^®20E were lightly sedated for up to 7 h. Yellow perch at 200 and 300 mg L^?1 AQUI‐S^®20E also had >95% mean survival 7‐days post exposure using loading densities up to 360 g L^?1. Nile tilapia were only sedated for ≤3 h in concentrations up to 300 mg L^?1 at 22°C and had >90% mean survival at loading densities ≤480 g L^?1. Ammonia in tanks increased significantly as loading density increased, but treatment with AQUI–S^®20E did not reduce ammonia accumulation. Results suggest that AQUI–S^®20E was effective to sedate yellow perch and Nile tilapia at high loading densities, but sedation varied with loading density and species.     

The effect of exogenous enzyme supplementation on growth performance and digestive enzyme activities in Oreochromis mossambicus fed kikuyu‐based diets

The utilization of plant‐based diets in fish is limited by the presence of anti‐nutrients, which bind to dietary nutrients and reduce their bioavailability. Exogenous enzyme supplementation may alleviate the effects of anti‐nutrients and improve feed utilization. In this study, a commercial multi‐enzyme Natuzyme50^® was added to a kikuyu‐based diet at a rate of 0 (control), 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1.00 g kg^?1 DM. Each diet was fed to triplicate groups of Oreochromis mossambicus for 60 days. All fish fed diets containing Natuzyme50^® had higher (P < 0.05) growth performance compared with those fed the control diet. Fish fed the diet containing 0.50 g kg^?1 had the best growth performance, highest protein digestibility and the highest levels of digestive enzyme activities. When Natuzyme50^® was supplemented above 0.50 g kg^?1 in the diet, growth performance and enzyme activities decreased. The improved growth performance observed with Natuzyme50^® supplementation was attributed to the presence of enzymes such as cellulase, xylanase and phytase in the cocktail that are not naturally produced by fish. The presence of these enzymes released bound nutrients that would have not been available to the fish. Natuzyme50^® supplementation also increased (P < 0.05) the activities of endogenous enzymes, improving the efficacy of the digestive process. The optimal dietary level of Natuzyme50^® for optimal growth performance in O. mossambicus was 0.62 g kg^?1 DM feed. Cost benefit analysis indicate that adding up to 0.5 g Natuzyme50^® kg^?1 in the diet results in higher profits as the increased growth attained offset the additional cost of Natuzyme50^®.     

Replacement of fish meal in juvenile channel catfish,Ictalurus punctatus,diets using a yeast‐derived protein source: the effects on weight gain,food conversion ratio,body composition and survival of catfish challenged with Edwardsiella ictaluri

We examined the effects of a yeast‐derived protein source (NuPro^®) as a replacement for menhaden fish meal on weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), food conversion ratio (FCR), whole‐body composition and disease resistance in juvenile channel catfish (9.9 ± 0.2 g fish^?1). NuPro^® replaced fish meal at six levels (0, 25, 50, 75, 100 and 125 g kg^?1 diet). Catfish were sampled for whole‐body composition and then challenged with the bacterium Edwardsiella ictaluri. Growth performance was negatively affected (P < 0.01) when NuPro^® was added at 125 g kg^?1 diet. The amount of whole‐body fat decreased (P < 0.05) when NuPro^® was added at 75 g kg^?1 or more of the diet. Regardless of the amount of NuPro^® added, survival after challenge with E. ictaluri was similar among treatments. Results indicate that up to 100 g kg^?1 of NuPro^® can be added without negatively affecting growth performance. The yeast‐derived protein source used in this study is a sustainable protein alternative that could be used as a partial replacement for fish meal in juvenile channel catfish diets.     

Predation on native fish eggs by invasive round goby revealed by species‐specific gut content DNA analyses

1. Conservation of riverine fish often aims to improve access to spawning grounds and restore longitudinal connectivity by removing migration barriers, and involves substantial investments. However, these investments also enable non‐native predators to invade upstream into spawning areas and potentially adversely affect the recruitment of threatened freshwater fish through egg or fry predation.
2. Detecting egg predation is often challenging. Visual inspections of fish gut contents may underestimate predation of soft materials such as eggs and fry, which limits the discovery of predators preying upon these life‐stages. DNA‐based detection assays may offer a more sensitive tool to assess predation of soft materials.
3. A conservation issue was confirmed by developing and applying a species‐specific DNA‐based detection assay: invasive round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) prey on the eggs or fry of the threatened common nase (Chondrostoma nasus) in Switzerland.
4. DNA‐based detection assays were also developed for five other valuable native fish species, including endangered salmonid and cyprinid river spawners. The applicability of the assays was confirmed in a series of laboratory and field feeding experiments involving eggs and fish tissue. In addition, this work provides a guiding framework for conservation managers regarding the use and applicability of different DNA‐based detection approaches for gut content analysis.
5. The results of this study could inform local conservation measures – such as temporary reductions in the density of round goby at spawning sites prior to spawning – and demonstrate how targeted application of species‐specific molecular markers may advance freshwater fish management.

     

Comparison of traditional and environmental DNA survey methods for detecting rare and abundant freshwater fish

1. Detecting rare species is often a necessity for conservation and management, yet challenging for many field survey methods. Environmental DNA (eDNA) is a highly promising solution that has been shown to outperform many established survey methods.
2. Macquarie perch (Macquaria australasica) is an endangered native species that has declined significantly in range and abundance. Detection of M. australasica was compared with an abundant alien fish species (Oncorhynchus mykiss) using eDNA and three conventional survey methods: gill nets, electrofishing and fyke nets.
3. eDNA occupancy estimates for both fish species were compared using four different models to investigate what effect these differences have on false positives and false negatives for the rare and common fish species. These models used unadjusted eDNA detections in water samples, eDNA detections that have been screened using a limit of detection method to remove potential false positives, eDNA data supplemented with a second survey method, or eDNA data augmented with sequencing of positive polymerase chain reaction replicates.
4. eDNA surveying as a single detection method was found to be more efficient and sensitive compared with each capture method separately and combined. Occupancy estimates for the common and rare species did not vary significantly between the four site occupancy-detection models, suggesting that supplementary data may not have as much effect on occupancy estimates compared with other approaches such as temporal or spatial sampling.
5. We conclude that eDNA outperforms the three established survey methods for both a rare and common freshwater fish species. Although there was no significant effect of augmenting eDNA survey methods with other survey data, additional data may improve confidence in detection, and provide confirmatory evidence for unexpected or new detections of a species.

     

Haemato‐immunological and serum biochemical parameters,intestinal histomorphology and growth performance of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fed dietary fermentable fibre (Vitacel®)

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary fermentable fibre (Vitacel^®) on haemato‐immunological and serum biochemical parameters, intestinal histomorphology, growth performance and proximate body composition of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). One hundred and twenty fish (81.65 ± 1.49 g) were fed diets containing 0 and 10 g kg^?1 fermentable fibre (Vitacel^®) for 50 days. At the end of feeding trial, growth performance parameters were significantly improved in fermentable fibre (Vitacel^®)‐fed fish. Although feeding on fermentable fibre (Vitacel^®)‐supplemented diet had no remarkable effect on haematological parameters (RBC, Htc and Hb) (P > 0.05), white blood cell (WBC) count and monocyte level were significantly affected (P = 0.040 and P = 0.020, respectively). In case of serum biochemical parameters, a significant increase and decrease were observed in serum total protein (P = 0.040) and cholesterol level (P = 0.000), respectively. Also, lysozyme level was significantly increased following administration of Vitacel^® in diet (P = 0.006). Histomorphological evaluations revealed that villus length (P = 0.004) and tunica muscularis thickness (P = 0.000) were significantly higher in fermentable fibre (Vitacel^®)‐fed fish. These results indicate that fermentable fibre can be considered as a dietary supplement for improving the health status and performance of rainbow trout.     

利用环境DNA技术探测南海西沙鲸类物种多样性

本研究通过提取南海西沙海域水体样本的环境DNA,利用鲸类线粒体12S r RNA和16S r RNA通用引物进行扩增和高通量测序,并结合目视观测的结果探讨环境DNA技术在鲸类物种多样性研究中的应用前景。结果显示,4种通用引物在鲸类鉴定方面具有一定的有效性,利用4种通用引物在西沙海域19个站点的样品中检测到5种鲸类,分别为热带斑海豚(Stenella attenuata)、长吻飞旋海豚(Stenella longirostris)、弗氏海豚(Lagenodelphis hosei)、小布氏鲸(Balaenoptera edeni edeni)和短鳍领航鲸(Globicephala macrorhynchus),采样过程中观测到的3种鲸类分别为:热带斑海豚、长吻飞旋海豚和瑞氏海豚(Grampus griseus)。两种方法检获的优势物种一致,利用环境DNA技术检测到了未被观测到的物种。结合引物Cet-12S和Marver3的检测结果可以涵盖所有站点(n=17)和所有鲸类物种(n=5),表明针对不同基因片段的引物结合使用有利于检测效果的提高。对于检出的鲸类序列和物种数,4种引物之间不存在显著...     

Protein Hydrolysate Fractions from Sea Cucumber (Isostichopus badionotus) Inhibit Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory capacity was evaluated in hydrolysates from sea cucumber Isostichopus badionotus. The pepsin-pancreatin and Alcalase®-Flavorzyme® sequential systems were used. Hydrolysates were characterized in terms of degree of hydrolysis (DH), electrophoretic profile, and inhibitory activity. The Alcalase®-Flavorzyme® system produced hydrolysates with the highest DH, with that produced at 90 min exhibiting the highest ACE inhibitory action (86%). This hydrolysate was chosen for purification by ultrafiltration with five molecular weight cut-offs (< 1, 1–3, 3–5, 5–10, and > 10). The > 10-kDa fraction exhibited the highest ACE inhibitory action (80.7%) and was fractionated by gel fractionation chromatography. Of the 11 resulting fractions, IX had the highest ACE inhibitory action (73.4%) and lowest IC₅₀ value (2-μg prot/mL). Hydrolysis of sea cucumber I. badionotus with the Alcalase®-Flavorzyme® system produced hydrolysates with ACE inhibitory action. These contained a peptide with an IC₅₀ value comparable to those of synthetic ACE inhibitors.     

Evaluation of the Ability of GroBiotic®‐A to Enhance Growth,Muscle Composition,Immune Responses,and Resistance Against Aeromonas hydrophila in Nile tilapia,Oreochromis niloticus

This study was conducted to evaluate the potential of graded levels of GroBiotic^®‐A to improve performance of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, fed a 29% crude protein (CP) diet. A 29% CP diet was formulated and supplemented with 0, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.2% GroBiotic^®‐A and compared to performance of fish fed a 33% CP diet. Enhanced weight gain and feed efficiency were generally observed in fish fed the diets supplemented with GroBiotic^®‐A compared to the 29% CP diet. No significant differences in these responses were observed between fish fed diets supplemented with GroBiotic^®‐A compared to those fed the 33% CP diet. Supplementation of 0.8 and 1.2% GroBiotic^®‐A induced significantly lower condition factor and hepatosomatic index compared to fish fed the 29% CP diet, but those values were similar to that of fish fed the 33% CP diet. GroBiotic^®‐A supplementation and protein reduction had no effect on the viscerosomatic index of fish or moisture, lipid, and protein content of muscle samples. However, muscle ash increased significantly with protein reduction (29% CP diet), but GroBiotic^®‐A supplementation (0.8 and 1.2%) reduced muscle ash content. Activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase were markedly reduced in fish fed GroBiotic^®‐A (0.8 and 1.2%) compared to those fed the control diet. GroBiotic^®‐A supplementation also induced significantly higher neutrophil oxidative radical production compared to fish fed the 29% CP diet, but no significant difference was observed in comparison with the 33% CP diet. After 8 wk of feeding, exposure to Aeromonas hydrophila for 3 wk resulted in 40% (0.4, 0.8% GroBiotic^®‐A) and 27% (1.2% GroBiotic^®‐A) mortality and reduced signs of disease, while 47% mortality was observed in fish fed the 29% CP diet. Based on the result of this study, it is concluded that 0.8 and 1.2% GroBiotic^®‐A positively influenced growth performance and feed efficiency of tilapia fed diets containing 29% crude protein to levels comparable to fish fed the 33% CP diet. GroBiotic^®‐A supplementation also significantly increased neutrophil oxidative radical production as well as resistance to Ae. hydrophila infection.     

Carbohydrate utilization by juvenile silver perch,Bidyanus bidyanus (Mitchell). IV. Can dietary enzymes increase digestible energy from wheat starch,wheat and dehulled lupin?

The effects of exogenous digestive enzyme supplements on the digestibility of wheat starch or diets containing either wheat or dehulled lupin (Lupinus angustifolius var. gungurra) by silver perch (Bidyanus bidyanus) were investigated. In the first experiment, Natustarch^® (α‐amylase supplement specific to starch) was added at three nominal concentrations (0, 50, 100 or 150 mg kg^?1 diet) to diets containing either raw or 100% gelatinized wheat starch (30% dietary inclusion content) and fed to silver perch. The apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) for dry matter, starch and energy were calculated. The action of Natustarch^® on the diet and in the digestive tract was also investigated. The addition of Natustarch^® to diets containing raw and gelatinized wheat starch led to an average increase in reducing sugar content of diets of 67% and 340% respectively, indicating that the α‐amylase was more efficient at hydrolysing wheat starch in the gelatinized form. Gelatinized wheat starch was digested more efficiently than raw wheat starch. However, although the addition of Natustarch^® at ≥ 50 mg kg^?1 led to a significant increase in digestibility of raw wheat starch; the digestibility of gelatinized wheat starch, which was already high, was not further improved. Leaching due to immersion in water caused a minor loss of α‐amylase activity from diet pellets treated with Natustarch^® (～ 13% after 5 min). The α‐amylase activity in the anterior section of the intestinal tract of silver perch fed diets containing Natustarch^® was not affected, indicating that the α‐amylase had been denatured by the acidic conditions in the stomach of silver perch. In the second experiment, diets containing wheat or lupin (at the 30% inclusion content) were treated with Natugrain‐blend^®[an enzyme supplement containing β‐glucanase and β‐xylanase, specific to non‐starch polysaccharides (NSPs)] at three nominal concentrations (0, 75, 150 or 300 μL kg^?1) and fed to silver perch. ADCs for energy and protein were calculated. The addition of Natugrain‐blend^® had no effect on dry matter, energy or protein digestibility of the diets or ingredients.