Response to selection for harvest body weight of Oreochromis shiranus

Realised and predicted responses to selection were obtained for harvest body weight of Oreochromis shiranus from two generations of selection at the National Aquaculture Centre, Domasi, Malawi. The realised response was estimated from the difference in the least squares means of selected and unselected control populations, while the predicted response was obtained from the difference of the mean breeding values between generations. The realised (13.2%) and predicted (14.4%) responses for harvest body weight over the two generations of selection were not significantly different (P > 0.05). The intensity of selection from F₁ to F₂ (0.66) and from F₂ to F₃ (0.59) was low due to availability of few selection candidates per family at harvest caused by mortality, tag loss and the need to form broad heterogeneous multi-strain F₂ and F₃ populations. Within generation, the heritability estimates for the F₁ (0.31 ± 0.09), F₂ (0.31 ± 0.10) and F₃ (0.35 ± 0.11) generations were moderate. Across generation, the heritability estimate was low (0.14 ± 0.27). Within generation, the magnitude of the common full-sib effect was moderate (0.08-0.09) and not significantly different from zero (P > 0.05). However, across generations, the common full-sib effect was high (0.27 ±0.05) and significantly different from zero (P < 0.05). A substantial correlated selection response due to selection for increased harvest body weight was observed for both tagging body weight and for survival from tagging to harvest; for tagging body weight 22.8% from F₁ to F₂ and 15.9% from F₂ to F₃; for survival 7.2% from F₁ to F₂ and 13.8% from F₂ to F₃. The results are discussed in relation to the maximisation of the genetic gain in the future generations while constraining the rate of inbreeding.     

Effect of dietary cyanobacteria on growth and accumulation of microcystins in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

A 12-week growth trial was conducted in a flow-through system to investigate the chronic toxic effect of dietary intake of cyanobacteria on growth, feed utilization and microcystins accumulation in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) (initial body weight: 5.6 g). Six isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets were formulated to include different contents of cyanobacteria with the dietary microcystins increasing from 0 to 5460.06 ng/g diet. The results showed that dietary intake of cyanobacteria could increase the growth of tilapia while there are no impacts on feed conversion efficiency or mortality. Feeding rate was higher for the diets containing highest cyanobacteria. Microcystins were mostly accumulated in fish liver. The relationship between microcystins contents in muscle, liver, spleen and dietary intake could be described by quadratic equations.Microcystins content in the muscle of Nile tilapia in present study exceeded the upper limit of the tolerable daily intake (TDI) of microcystins suggested by the WHO (0.04 μg/kg body weight/d). It is suggested that Nile tilapia fed on toxic cyanobacteria is not suitable for human food.     

Growth, immune function, and disease and stress resistance of juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fed graded levels of bovine lactoferrin

Juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) were fed nutritionally complete, practical basal diets supplemented with bovine lactoferrin (Lf) at 0, 200, 400, 800, or 1600 mg/kg diet to apparent satiation twice daily for 8 weeks. After the feeding trial, the effect of dietary Lf on growth performance, immune function, and resistance to Streptococcus iniae challenge and low-water stress was determined. Dietary Lf did not affect growth performance (weight gain, feed intake, feed efficiency ratio, or survival) or haematological parameters (haemoglobin, white and red blood cell counts, or haematocrit) (P > 0.05). Crowding stress produced significant increases in plasma cortisol, glucose, lactate, and osmolality from baseline values (P ≤ 0.001), but dietary Lf did not affect plasma glucose, osmolality, or cortisol concentrations (P > 0.05). The level of Lf in diet had a significant impact on survival following S. iniae challenge with fish fed the 800 mg/kg Lf diet having significantly higher survival than control fish (P ≤ 0.05). There was not a corresponding increase in activity of non-specific or specific immune parameters (plasma lysozyme and spontaneous haemolytic complement activities or agglutination antibody titer against S. iniae) with addition of Lf to diets (P > 0.05), but plasma iron decreased and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) increased significantly with increasing concentration of Lf in diet (P ≤ 0.05). The ability of Lf to sequester iron, an essential nutrient required for the growth of bacteria, is regarded as one of its key antibacterial properties. The increased survival with increasing dietary concentration of Lf seemed to correspond with a decrease in plasma iron concentration and not enhancement of non-specific or specific immune functions.     

Reproductive performance and the growth of pre-stunted and normal Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) broodfish at varying feeding rates

A 119-day experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of feeding rate and reproductive performance of stunted (S) and non-stunted or normal (N) Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Both the groups were reared in tanks re-circulated with bio-filtered water and fed with floating pellets (30% crude protein) twice daily. Seed were harvested weekly from the mouths of incubating females. The study showed that early stunting with subsequent high feeding rate can improve both growth and reproductive output in female Nile tilapia. Broodfish type and feeding rate showed significant (P < 0.05) effects on both the frequency of spawning and the seed output. In general, seed output from normal broodfish increased linearly over the experimental period at all the feeding rates. However, seed output from stunted broodfish showed a linear increment for 3% feeding rate, exponential increment for 2% but quadratic for 1% showing decline after 10th week of the trial period. Results also showed that trends of seed output from stunted broodfish increased linearly with the increase in feeding rate showing that optimum rate could be higher than 3%. While from normal group the relationship was quadratic; increasing from 1%, peaked at 2% and declined at 3% feeding rate. Final GSI of the stunted females was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of normal females. The GSI of stunted fish showed a decreasing trend with the increased feeding rate. Both the broodstock groups fed at 1% biomass grew linearly whereas at 2 and 3%, they grew exponentially. As compared to the normal, stunted broodfish had significantly (P < 0.05) higher fat content in viscera although similar levels were in carcass and ovary. Carcass fat content was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in fish fed at 1% biomass but significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the ovary and viscera of fish fed at 3% biomass. This study shows that tilapia hatchery operators could manipulate the seed production according to the seasonal demand by using appropriate broodstock stunting and feeding strategies.     

Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) seed production in irrigated rice-fields in Northwest Bangladesh—an approach appropriate for poorer farmers?

Participatory research was conducted with poorer farmers in two communities, Girai (G) and Bahagili (B) in NW Bangladesh to assess the production of Nile tilapia seed in irrigated spring rice-fields. All the selected households (G = 15; B = 4) had previous experience producing common carp (Cyprinus carpio) in the rice-fields allocated a separate plot in which a deeper area had been excavated for this trial. Mature GIFT strain Nile tilapia (12 female and 6 male; 121 ± 34 g and 158 ± 54 g size, respectively) were supplied to each household irrespective of the size of their trial plot (mean < 0.15 ha). The trial started in the spring rice season (boro) in February and ended at the end of main season (amon) in December 1999. Management practices, production and sales of fish were monitored weekly.The majority of farmers succeeded in producing fingerlings in their plots; 11% failed totally but around 70% produced more than 2000 fingerlings from a single plot. Production during boro and fallow period was much higher (> 90% total) than during the subsequent amon crop (< 10% total). Total production was highly variable among households but not different between the two study areas (G = 4092 ± 3277; B = 3730 ± 4232 fingerlings household^− 1). Daily production of fingerlings per unit area was relatively low (< 1 fish m^− 2 day^− 1) but efficiency of production was high, averaging 17.3 fingerlings. kg^− 1 female day^− 1. Mean individual harvest weight was 21 g.Most fingerlings were sold (43%) and/or stocked for further culture in their own grow-out system (39%), but some were used directly for household consumption (17%).     

Digesta characteristics in relation to nutrient digestibility and mineral absorption in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) fed cereal grains of increasing viscosity

Soluble non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) present in cereal grains may affect performance of Nile tilapia through changes in digesta characteristics. The objective of this study was to investigate whether dietary cereal grains of increasing viscosity induce changes in digesta viscosity, dry matter and volatile fatty acids (VFA) and if these changes explain differences in nutrient digestibility and mineral absorption. Four experimental diets were formulated by adding 40% grains to a basal diet to obtain a range of dietary viscosities, increasing in the order of maize, barley, wheat and rye. The diets were assigned to 16 tanks with 40 fish (mean weight 70 g) each. Digesta viscosity increased with increasing grain viscosity (P < 0.001), whereas digesta dry matter decreased with increasing grain viscosity (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found among diets in total concentration and type of VFA. Nutrient digestibility was not significantly correlated with digesta viscosity. Of all nutrients, only starch digestibility was significantly negatively correlated with digesta dry matter in the middle intestine (r = − 0.57; P = 0.03). Absorption of sodium was significantly negatively correlated with digesta viscosity in all intestinal segments (r = − 0.76 to − 0.82; P < 0.001) and positively correlated with digesta dry matter in all intestinal segments (r = + 0.60 to + 0.67; P < 0.05), except for the proximal intestine (P = 0.18). Of the other minerals, potassium and magnesium absorption were positively correlated with digesta dry matter in the distal (r = + 0.56; P = 0.03) and proximal (r = + 0.54; P = 0.04) intestine, respectively. Phosphorus absorption was significantly negatively correlated with dry matter in the stomach (r = − 0.55; P = 0.03), middle (r = − 0.58; P = 0.02) and distal (r = − 0.54; P = 0.04) intestine. In conclusion, viscous cereal grains induce increases in digesta viscosity and decreases in digesta dry matter in Nile tilapia. These changes do not explain differences in nutrient digestibility among diets, but seem more related to differences in mineral absorption. The strong negative correlations between digesta viscosity and sodium absorption suggest negative effects of dietary viscous grains on intestinal water balance.     

Exponential growth model of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) strains considering heteroscedastic variance

The objective of this research was to evaluate the initial growth of Nile tilapia of Thai and commercial strains, being the latter derived from GIFT program (Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia). A set of weight/time data to an exponential model had been fitted. The fish were cultivated in cages of 2.7 m³, arranged on a dam of Parque Ecológico Cidade da Criança in Presidente Prudente — SP, Brazil. Each cage received 250 fingerlings of a single strain. With the fish growth, five random samples of 20 fish from each strain were taken, weighed and the model to the adjustment was weighted by inverse weight variances in each sample. The values of the initial weights were overestimated in the unweighted model in relation to the initial means values observed. Although the Thai strain had presented higher estimate of the initial weight than the Commercial strain, it obtained lower growth rate. In the weighted model, this difference in the growth rate was 32.27%, 10.85% bigger than in the unweighted model. In this experiment, this model described adequately the growth of the Thai and Commercial strains. However, it should be applied only with the intention of comparing the species or strains and not as a generalized growth model. The weighted model by the inverse weight variances had the best adjustment, estimates and confidence parameters. In this cultivation form, the Commercial strain can be the most indicated to farmers and resellers that deal with fish up to 200 g.     

Performance of plastic biofilter media with different configuration in a water recirculation system for the culture of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Three kinds of locally available plastic biofilter media with different configurations (plastic rolls, PVC pipes and scrub pads) were evaluated for their efficiency in organic waste removal from the effluents of an intensive recirculating tilapia culture system. A set of three types of solid-removing filters consisting of screened sedimentation; upflow sand as well as plastic bead filtration accomplished the mechanical filtration. Values of critical metabolic wastes like total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) (0.92 ppm) and nitrite-nitrogen (NO₂-N) (0.22 ppm) were found to be well within the acceptable limits, while other water quality parameters in the culture water were also maintained within the normal range by the filtration system. Removal rates of 3.46 g TAN/m³ per day and 0.77 g NO₂-N/m³ per day, as well as TAN and NO₂-N removal efficiencies of 29.37 and 27.3% respectively, were established to be the best for the plastic-roll biofilter medium as compared to PVC-pipe and scrub-pad media. Percent removal of TAN and NO₂-N per pass of the biofilter (25.49 and 26.3% respectively) and the specific TAN and NO₂-N removal rates (43 and 9.6 mg/m² per day) of plastic rolls were also found to be superior to the other two biofilter media. Pieces of PVC pipes as biofilter medium is recommended to be used in the biofilters in view of their cheaper cost.     

The use of leucaena leaf meal in feeding Nile tilapia

A 14 week experiment was carried out to study the effects of replacing three different levels (33%, 66%; and 100%;) of berseem leaf meal (BLM) by leucaena leaf meal (LLM) treated in four different ways (drying for 48 h at 60 C, autoclaved for 15 min, sprayed with 1% sodium hydroxide and incubated with rumen liquor for 24 h). Groups of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.), fingerlings (5.07 g mean weight) were fed one of 13 isonitrogenous (30% crude protein) and isocaloric (19.67 kJ per g dry matter) diets, with two replicates (10 fish per aquarium) for each treatment. The results indicated that weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio and protein utilization parameters were significantly (p < 0.05) increased by the higher percentage of dried or cooked LLM in tilapia diets. On the other hand, the lowest growth performance and feed utilization parameters were observed in the groups fed LLM diets treated with sodium hydroxide or incubated with rumen liquor. Carcass protein and fat increased significantly (p < 0.05) with increasing levels of LLM and simultaneously decreasing ash content.     

Direct and indirect responses to selection on individual body weight in the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas)

Three experiments were performed to examine the heritability of body weight among adult Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) evaluated in Yaquina Bay, Oregon, USA, and to determine if selection on individual body weight could result in changes in offspring survival and yield. The first two experiments utilized midparent-offspring regressions to estimate the heritability (h²) of adult oyster body weight and the coheritability (h_x,y) between adult midparent body weight and offspring performance, including juvenile average body weight, survival and yield as well as adult survival and yield. In Experiment 1 both parents and offspring were evaluated in an “upriver” environment in Yaquina Bay. In Experiment 2 parents were evaluated in a “downriver” environment, while offspring were evaluated in an “upriver” environment. Experiment 3 contrasted average body weight, survival, and yield of offspring (evaluated upriver) derived from three large sires and three small sires mated to the same five females that were chosen at random (all parents evaluated downriver). In Spring 2002, 12 full-sib families from Experiment 1, 19 families from Experiment 2, and 26 families from Experiment 3 were stocked into lantern nets and suspended in Yaquina Bay. Measurements of yield (kg tier^− 1), average body weight (g), and survival (%) were recorded after one and two growing seasons in the field. Heritability estimates for adult body weight at harvest ranged from 0.313 (± 0.083) in Experiment 1 to 0.003 (± 0.073) in Experiment 2. In Experiment 3, average body weight did not differ between offspring derived from large sires and offspring derived from small sires (P = 0.47). Significant negative coheritability estimates were observed between adult midparent body weight and offspring survival in both Experiment 1 and Experiment 2. Significant negative coheritability estimates between adult midparent body weight and offspring yield were observed in Experiment 2 but not in Experiment 1. In Experiment 3, offspring derived from large sires had significantly lower survival and yield than offspring derived from small sires. These results show adult oyster body weight to be heritable but also subject to site-specific adaptation such that selection in the downriver Yaquina Bay environment was ineffective at changing average body weight in the upriver environment. Negative coheritability estimates between performance traits indicate that adult oyster body weight may be a poor indirect measure of oyster yield potential, and that selection solely for increased body weight could lead to a decrease in offspring yield.     

Effects of pretreatment with microbial phytase on phosphorous utilization and growth performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

This study was to assess effects of the pretreatment in all‐plant based diets with microbial phytase on phosphorous utilization and growth performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Pretreatment trials were conducted using phytase at graded doses to determine the optimal dose of phytase. Available phosphorus (P) levels increased significantly with the increased doses of phytase and the dose of 1000 U kg^?1 was most efficient. Based on the pretreatment trials, plant based diets for Nile tilapia were formulated by pretreating with phytase at 1000 U kg^?1. Experimental diets were supplemented with graded levels of mono calcium phosphate (MCP) at 25, 18.75, 12.5, 6.25 and 0 g kg ^?1 diet. In addition, there were three controls: one phytase control, one inorganic P control and one pretreatment control. The results showed that diets pretreated with phytase gave better growth performance, feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio of Nile tilapia compared with the phytase control diet and pretreatment control diet (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in growth performance of Nile tilapia between the inorganic control diet and phytase pretreated diets supplemented with MCP at 25, 18.75 and 12.5 g kg^?1 (P > 0.05), which resulted in significantly better performance than those at 6.25 and 0 g kg^?1 (P < 0.05). Dietary interaction effects of phytase were observed for phosphorus retention efficiency and phosphorus load. Apparent digestibility coefficient of P (ADCp) was improved significantly by phytase pretreatment (P < 0.05). No significant difference was detected on ADC of crude protein among all experimental diets (P > 0.05).     

Effects of Cu-exchanged montmorillonite on growth performance, microbial ecology and intestinal morphology of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

A total of 360 Nile tilapia at an average initial body weight of 3.9 g were randomly allocated to 4 treatments, each of which had three replicates of 30 fish/tank and used to investigate the effects of Cu²⁺-exchanged montmorillonite (Cu-MMT) on growth performance, microbial ecology of the skin, gill and intestine, and intestinal morphology. The dietary treatments were: 1) basal diet, 2) basal diet + 1.5 g/kg MMT, 3) basal diet + 30 mg/kg copper as CuSO₄ (equivalent to the copper in the Cu-MMT treatment group), or 4) basal diet + 1.5 g/kg Cu-MMT. The results showed that supplementation with Cu-MMT significantly improved growth performance as compared to control and fish fed with Cu-MMT had higher growth performance than those fed with MMT or CuSO₄. Supplementation with Cu-MMT reduced (P < 0.05) the total intestinal aerobic bacterial counts and affected the composition of intestinal microflora with a tendency of Aeromonas, Vibrio, Pseudomonas, Flavobacterium, Acinetobacter, Alcaligence, Enterobacteriaceae decreasing as compared with control. Measurements of villus and microvillus heights at different sites of the intestinal mucosa indicated that dietary addition of MMT or Cu-MMT improved intestinal mucosal morphology. However, the microbial ecology of the skin and gill was not affected by the addition of CuSO₄, MMT or Cu-MMT. Supplementation with CuSO₄ had no (P > 0.05) effect on the growth performance, microbial ecology and intestinal morphology. The results showed that Cu-MMT exhibited antibacterial activity in vivo and protected intestinal mucosa from invasion of pathogenic bacterium and toxins, resulting in a positive effect on the growth performance.     

Evaluation of commercial live bakers’ yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a growth and immunity promoter for Fry Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.) challenged in situ with Aeromonas hydrophila

This study was carried out to evaluate the use of commercial live bakers’ yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a growth and immunity promoter for Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.). Fish (0.33 g) were randomly distributed at 25 fish per 140-L aquarium and fed a diet containing 0.0, 0.25, 0.50, 1.0, 2.0, or 5.0 g yeast/kg diet for 12 weeks. After the 12-week experimental period, fish of each treatment were challenged by pathogenic Aeromonas hydrophila, which was given by interperitoneal (IP) injection and kept under observation for 10 days to record clinical signs and the daily mortality rate. The growth-promoting influences of bakers’ yeast were observed with fish and the optimum growth, feed utilization, and protein turn-over were obtained with 1.0–5.0 g yeast/kg diet. Also, yeast supplementation increased protein deposition in fish body. Biochemical parameters were improved in fish fed yeast up to 1.0 g/kg diet. Total fish mortality 10-days after IP injection with A. hydrophila and its count after incubation with fish serum decreased with the increase of yeast level in fish diets. However, the lowest fish mortality and bacterial counts were obtained in fish fed 5.0 g yeast/kg. These results indicate that bakers’ yeast supplement is promising as an alternative method to antibiotics for disease prevention in tilapia aquaculture, and the optimum level of live bakers’ yeast is about 1.0 g per kg diet.     

Effects of dietary protein and energy levels on spawning performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) broodstock in a recycling system

The effects of dietary protein and energy level on spawning performance of Nile tilapia broodstock and hatchability of their eggs were studied. Nine diets containing three protein (30, 35 and 40%) and three energy (14.6, 16.7 and 18.8 MJ GE/kg) levels were prepared. The diets were fed to duplicate groups of broodfish (average weight of 60.5 ± 4.6 g for males and 39.4 ± 3.1 g for females) at 2–3% of their body weight, twice a day, for 150 days. At low protein level (30%), time to first spawning was significantly longer than at 35 and 40% protein levels, and increased with increasing dietary energy (decreasing protein-to-energy (P/E) ratio). At 35 and 40% protein levels, time to first spawning was not affected by dietary energy. Inter-spawning intervals (ISI) showed irregular patterns in relation to dietary protein and energy, however, at 40% protein the females tended to spawn at shorter intervals, regardless of dietary energy. Spawning performances, including total number of spawnings per tank, number of spawnings per female, absolute fecundity and average number of eggs per spawn, were all significantly lower (P < 0.05) at 30% CP than at higher protein levels. At all protein levels, increasing dietary energy from 14.6 to 18.8 MJ GE/kg (and decreasing P:E ratio) resulted in a significant decrease in fish fecundity. Egg size was not significantly affected by dietary protein and energy. At all energy levels, egg hatchability increased with increasing dietary protein levels (P < 0.05). Eggs produced from broodstock fed 30 and 35% CP, exhibited significantly lower hatchability (P < 0.05) and needed less time for hatching and yolk-sac absorption, and resulted in lower larval length than those fed a 40% protein diet. However, increasing energy level at each dietary protein level did not significantly affect these parameters. These results revealed that the best spawning performance of Nile tilapia broodstock reared in a recycling system was achieved at 40% dietary protein and 16.7 MJ GE/kg, with a P/E ratio of 23.6 g/MJ.     

Effect of gelatinization degree and inclusion level of dietary starch on the characteristics of digesta and faeces in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus (L.))

Higher faeces removal efficiency can help and reduce the negative impact of faecal waste on water quality and on the environment. Physicochemical properties of feed ingredients/nutrients may change the faeces characteristics and the ratio of removed to non-removed solids. The aim of this study was to assess what physicochemical properties of the diet (viscosity, fermentation and dry matter) influence faeces characteristics and faeces removal using Oreochromis niloticus (L.) as the test animal. Four experimental diets were formulated by the addition of two types of starch differing in gelatinization degree (gelatinized and native) and two levels (high and low) of starch to a basal diet according to a 2 × 2 factorial design. The diets were assigned to 16 tanks with 40 fish each, with four replicates for each diet. Replacement of native starch by gelatinized starch improved faeces removal rate, growth and digestibility (P < 0.01), but reduced fermentation (P < 0.05) at the end of the intestine. Addition of gelatinized starch did not change viscosity and dry matter of the digesta at the end of the intestine. A high level of starch in the diet also increased digestibility, growth and faeces removal percentage (P < 0.05). Fermentation and dry matter content at the end of the intestine were not influenced by a high starch diet, but viscosity was higher at the high level of starch inclusion. Volatile fatty acid levels in the stomach of Nile tilapia were high in the treatments with gelatinized starch. In conclusion, intestinal fermentation induced by native starch had a negative impact on faeces removal efficiency. A higher inclusion level of starch resulted in a higher viscosity of the digesta, leading to higher faeces removal efficiency.     

Re-evaluation of total sulphur amino acid requirement and determination of replacement value of cystine for methionine in semi-purified diets of juvenile Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus

Two feeding experiments were conducted to re-evaluate the total sulphur amino acid (TSAA; methionine and cystine) requirement and determine the replacement value of cystine for methionine of juvenile Nile tilapia ( Oreochromis niloticus ). Semi-purified diets used in both experiments contained 3510 kcal gross energy and 280 g of protein per kilogram diet from casein, gelatin and crystalline amino acids. The basal diet of the first experiment contained 3.1 g methionine and 0.4 g cystine per kilogram. l -methionine was added to the seven remaining diets at 1.0 g kg⁻¹ increment to produce methionine levels ranging from 3.1 to 10.1 g kg⁻¹ diet. Each diet was fed to four replicate groups of juvenile Nile tilapia (1.28 g mean weight) in a recirculation system for 8 weeks. Broken-line regression analysis of weight gain data indicated that the TSAA requirement of juvenile Nile tilapia was 8.5 g kg⁻¹ of the diet or 30.4 g kg⁻¹ of dietary protein. In the second experiment, TSAA level was set at 95% of the requirement value determined in the first experiment. Seven diets were made with different ratios of l -methionine and l -cystine (20 : 80, 30 : 70, 40 : 60, 50 : 50, 60 : 40, 70 : 30 and 80 : 20, based on an equimolar sulphur basis). Each diet was also fed to four replicate groups of juvenile Nile tilapia (4.14 g mean weight) in a recirculation system for 8 weeks. Regression analysis of weight gain data using broken-line model indicated that cystine (on a molar sulphur basis) could replace up to 49% of methionine requirement in semi-purified diets for juvenile Nile tilapia.     

A partial economic analysis for Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus L. and sharptoothed catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell 1822) polyculture in central Kenya

Aquaculture development in Kenya has been hampered by lack of targeted feeds. Chemical fertilizers can enhance natural food production and thus indirectly provide protein to complement energy-rich cereal brans used as feed. Consequently, an experiment was conducted at Sagana Fish Farm in central Kenya to realize least-cost combinations of rice bran and fertilizer. Twelve 800 m² (0.08 ha) ponds were stocked with juvenile (32 g) Oreochromis niloticus L. at 2 m⁻² and Clarias gariepinus (Burchell 1822) (fingerlings of 4.6 g) at 0.2 m⁻². Four treatments, calculated to approximate isonitrogenous conditions, were applied in triplicate as follows: (1) urea and diammonium phosphate (DAP) to provide 16 kg of N ha⁻¹ week⁻¹ and 4 kg of P ha⁻¹ week⁻¹; (2) urea and DAP applied to give 8 kg of N ha⁻¹ week⁻¹ and 2 kg of P ha⁻¹ week⁻¹, plus rice bran fed at 60 kg ha⁻¹ day⁻¹; (3) rice bran fed at 120 kg ha⁻¹ day⁻¹; (4) rice bran as in treatment 3 and fertilizer as in treatment 2. Ponds were sampled monthly to measure fish growth, and drained completely after 20 weeks. A partial economic analysis indicated minimal net profits of K.Sh. 18 851 (US$ 251), K.Sh. 9895 (US$ 132), K.Sh. 3299 (US$ 44) and K.Sh. 7015 (US$ 94) for treatments 1–4, respectively, because of high feed and seed costs.     

Effect of probiotics, Enteroccus faecium, on tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) growth performance and immune response

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of a probiotic bacterium, Enterococcus faecium ZJ4 on growth performances and immune responses of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The tilapias were treated with E. faecium ZJ4 at a final concentration of 1 × 10⁷ cfu ml^− 1 in aquaria water every 4 days. Six aquaria with three replicates for treated and controls were used. After 40 days, the tilapias supplemented with the probiotic showed significantly better final weight and daily weight gain (DWG) than those fed the basal diet (Control) (P < 0.05). There was no remarkable difference (P > 0.05) in the total serum protein, albumin content, globulin concentration and A/G ratio between the treated and control tilapias. The result of lysozyme activity assay was similar to these biochemical indexes. However, the complement component 3 content, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and the respiratory burst activity of blood phagocytes were higher (P < 0.05) in E. faecium treated tilapias (trial 1) than the controls.     

Summer mortality of hatchery-produced Pacific oyster spat (Crassostrea gigas). I. Estimation of genetic parameters for survival and growth

The multidisciplinary project “MOREST” aims to improve our understanding of causes of summer mortality in Crassostrea gigas juveniles in France and to reduce its impact on oyster production. As part of the MOREST project, 43 full-sib families nested within 17 half-sib families were produced, planted out and tested in 3 sites during summer 2001 to assess to what extent genetic variability exists for this trait. A strong genetic basis was found for survival as narrow-sense heritability estimates ranged from 0.47 to 1.08, with higher values in sites where summer mortality was higher. Genetic correlations across sites were positive and very high for survival, indicating no genotype by environment interaction. In contrast, lower genetic variation was observed for growth in all sites. Finally, genetic correlations between growth and survival were low, in all sites. Selective breeding in a single site should therefore be an efficient means of improving survival in oysters less than one year old along the French Atlantic and Channel coastlines with only very limited effects on growth. As yield mostly depends on survival and growth, this approach should significantly improve harvestable yield. Possible reasons why a high genetic variance for survival appears to be maintained in wild populations are discussed.     

Feed intake,growth and metabolism of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in relation to dissolved oxygen concentration

The objectives of the present study were to determine, for Nile tilapia of different body weights and fed to satiation, (1) the incipient dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration at which feed intake starts to level off and (2) the effect of DO on nitrogen and energy balances. Two successive experiments were conducted with two weight classes of male Nile tilapia (>200 g, Experiment 1, and <100 g, Experiment 2). Twelve aquaria were assigned to four DO levels in each experiment. Fish were fed to apparent satiation for 16 and 20 days in Experiments 1 and 2 respectively. The DO‐feed intake curve of fish<100 g appeared to level off at a DO of 3 mg L^?1, while that of fish>200 g continued to increase as DO increased from 2.6 to 6.0 mg L^?1. The latter curve suggests that the incipient DO for fish>200 g is about 5.5 mg L^?1. Fish tended to reduce the energy requirement for maintenance as DO declined. A DO reduction caused an increase in the apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC), but further declines in DO to levels below a critical level decreased ADC. The DO did not have a considerable effect on the metabolizable energy: digestible energy ratio of the diet.