Recruitment and effects of Discocotyle sagittata (Monogenea) infection on farmed trout

Farmed rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss and brown trout Salmo trutta were monitored over 3 years for infection with the blood-feeding gill fluke Discocotyle sagittata. Parasite transmission is seasonal: new infections take place during summer/autumn, and transmission is generally negligible during winter/spring. There are 2 sources of infection for naïve fish-of-the-year: limited invasion when fish are in the raceways by riverborne larvae originating external to the farm; and internally, within the farm, when 0+ fish are transferred to ponds previously occupied by older cohorts of infected fish. Thereafter, infection levels continue to increase in rainbow trout primarily through transmission within the farm. Prevalence rose to 100% in 1+ fish by the end of their second summer. In O. mykiss, mean abundance reached 194 worms/host for 1+ fish (up to 489 worms/host) and 160 worms/host for 2+ fish. By contrast, in S. trutta, parasite prevalence never exceeded 85% and, after the first year's invasions, infection levels decreased over time: in 1+ and 2+ brown trout, parasite mean abundance was < 4 (maximum 15) worms/host. We present evidence of the detrimental effects of D. sagittata on the host: high burdens are associated with pale gills, decreased body condition and host mortality. Parasite burdens become overdispersed during the warmer part of the year, as prevalence and mean abundance increase. However, the degree of parasite overdispersion decreases over winter; we cannot distinguish whether decreased aggregation is due to parasite losses from infected fish (including immune-mediated parasite mortality) or parasite-induced host mortality.     

Comparison of methods for estimating age composition with application to Southern Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus maccoyii)

We consider various methods for estimating age composition from length and age samples. The standard age–length key (ALK) approach does not use information from the length frequency distribution, so we develop likelihood-based methods with and without seasonality, growth curves, and cohort-specific growth effects.Asymptotic variances of the estimated age proportions are derived and converted into ‘equivalent sample size’, i.e. the sample size that would achieve the same variance if only age data were collected at random. This is used to compare and evaluate the information obtained from various models using likelihood and from ALK. The methodology is illustrated by analysing a large data set on Southern Bluefin Tuna Thunnus maccoyii. For younger fish, there are considerable gains (in equivalent sample size) over ALK from using likelihood estimation, and further gains from allowing for within-season growth. Sampling designs can improve the estimation of age composition of targeted older age ranges.     

Susceptibility by amberjack (Seriola dumerili), yellowtail (S. quinqueradiata) and Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) to Neobenedenia girellae (Monogenea) infection and their acquired protection

This study investigated: 1) susceptibility differences to infection by Neobenedenia girellae (Capsalidae) between amberjack Seriola dumerili (Carangidae), yellowtail S. quinqueradiata and Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus (Paralichthyidae); 2) growth and egg production of N. girellae on each fish species; 3) acquired protection of each fish species against this parasite. The number of N. girellae on S. dumerili was significantly higher than on S. quinqueradiata and P. olivaceus when these fishes were exposed to oncomiracidia in the same aquarium. Neobenedenia girellae growth on S. dumerili was fastest and, thus the number of eggs laid by parasites on S. dumerili was greater than on the other two species. Seriola dumerili and P. olivaceus, which were previously infected with N. girellae and treated by freshwater bath, acquired partial protection against re-infection by N. girellae. The relative re-infection of three S. dumerili individuals out of eleven individuals was markedly low compared with the initial infection, and the relative initial infection and re-infection on two P. olivaceus out of eleven individuals was markedly low. The results of this study could be useful to control N. girellae infections when cultivating S. dumerili, S. quinqueradiata and P. olivaceus.     

Evaluation of three seaweeds Gracilaria bursa-pastoris, Ulva rigida and Gracilaria cornea as dietary ingredients in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) juveniles

The aim of this study was to evaluate the inclusion of three seaweeds Gracilaria bursa-pastoris (GP), Ulva rigida (UR) and Gracilaria cornea (GC) as dietary ingredients on the performance, nutrient utilisation and body composition of European sea bass juveniles. Six experimental diets were formulated to replace 5% (GP-5, UR-5, and GC-5 Diets) and 10% (GP-10, UR-10 and GC-10 Diets) fish protein hydrolysate (CPSP) by each of the three seaweeds. A control diet was used, without inclusion of any seaweed. Diets were fed to duplicate groups of 25 European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) juveniles (IBW = 4.7 g) for 10 weeks. Growth performance was only significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in fish fed the GC-10 diet, whereas the feed conversion ratio increased significantly in those fish. The apparent digestibility coefficients of dry matter and lipid were significantly lower in fish fed diet GC-10 relative to those fed the control diet. Carcass composition was similar among treatments, although fish fed GC-10 exhibited significantly higher ash content.The results obtained in this study suggest that the inclusion of G. bursa-pastoris (GP) and U. rigida (UR), up to 10%, can be considered as very interesting ingredients in diets for sea bass juveniles, as no negative consequences on growth performance, nutrient utilization or body composition were observed. On the other hand, the inclusion of G. cornea (GC) should be limited to 5% of the diet.     

Effects of dietary carotenoid on the gut and the gonad of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus

Gonad colour, determined by accumulated carotenoids, is an important marketability factor in sea urchin products. In this study, dietary carotenoids were fed to Paracentrotus lividus in prepared diets to test their effects on the sea urchin's gonad colour. All diets had the same basic content of protein, lipid, carbohydrate, ash and energy. Four diets were enriched with: (I) all-trans β-carotene; (II) astaxanthin; (III) zeaxanthin/lutein/β-carotene; and (IV) capsanthin/zeaxanthin/lutein/cryptoxanthin/β-carotene. A fifth diet had Dunaliella bardawil algal powder containing all-trans and 9-cis β-carotene added, and a sixth one was a control diet with no added carotenoids. Sea urchins were fed the control diet (no pigments) for 4 weeks, then the six experimental diets for 8 weeks. Carotenoid concentration in the gut and gonad was determined by tri-dimensional photo-diode array high performance liquid chromatography. Four qualitative colour categories were established: brown, pale yellow, medium-orange, and mango-orange.Gonad development and test diameter increased equally in all diet treatments. Carotenoid profile and concentration in the gut were higher than in the gonad or in the feed. Total carotenoid concentration was four- to ten-fold greater in the gut than in the gonad, and carotenoid profile in the gut was different from that of the diet. Gut and gonad total carotenoids, β-carotene, and echinenone concentration were not dependent on total dietary carotenoid concentration. Total carotenoid and β-carotene concentration in the gut, and total carotenoid and echinenone concentration in the gonad were significantly dependent on dietary β-carotene concentration. The percentage of gonads with acceptable colour was positively correlated with dietary and gut β-carotene concentration. Carotenoids not normally contained in the diet of P. lividus (astaxanthin, capsanthin and capsorbin), did not accumulate in the gonad. Echinenone was found in all gut and gonad samples. Over 90% of the gonads from P. lividus fed Dunaliella algal powder diet developed the optimal mango-orange colour and this diet led to the greatest echinenone concentration.     

Loss of genetic diversity due to hatchery culture practices in barramundi (Lates calcarifer)

Many aquaculture hatchery practices are detrimental to the long-term viability of restocking and selective improvement programs. Small effective broodstock population sizes, differential broodstock contribution, differential larval/juvenile survival during metamorphosis and size-based grading, all have the potential to drastically reduce the level of genetic variation remaining in hatchery populations. Monitoring levels of genetic variation and maintaining detailed pedigrees on progeny is the key to circumventing these problems. In this study we used microsatellites, coupled with DNA parentage analyses, to track the loss of genetic diversity in two independent commercial barramundi (Lates calcarifer) hatcheries over three mass spawning events, where up to two females and seven males had the opportunity to participate. Initial broodstock contributions were observed to be highly skewed, with significant differences observed in both the level of contribution by females to each mass spawning, as well as in the number of males participating and subsequently contributing to the genetic composition of cohorts. Effective population sizes were around half that of census sizes. We then examined whether differential family survival through metamorphosis (27 days post-hatch) and/or first size grading further influenced the retention of genetic diversity levels initially sampled during spawning. Parentage analyses indicated that some families that had been initially represented in cohorts had been lost, or that the contribution by particular broodstock had changed. In one cohort, as many as 55% of progeny were found to be sired by a single male individual. Size grading was also found to potentially impact on genetic diversity, with data suggesting that family representation in each of the grades was non-uniform and that some families were on average faster or slower growing than others. These results illustrate that hatchery management practices have the potential to significantly impact on the retention of genetic diversity in this species.     

Suspension of annual gametogenesis in North American green sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis) experiencing invariant photoperiod—Applications for land-based aquaculture

Sea urchin fisheries are valuable commercial resources in the United States with processed gonads sold in Japanese and American markets and maximum US sales of $150M US dollars in 1996. Wild populations of sea urchins on all coasts of the US have been dramatically over-fished. Aquaculture of sea urchins in land-based facilities can help restore commercial populations and preserve this ecologically important herbivore. In this study, we used invariant summer photoperiod to prevent gametogenesis in the North American green sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis) maintained in a land-based aquaculture system and provided a commercially available formulated feed that promotes maximum growth of intra-gonadal somatic nutrient storage cells called nutritive phagocytes. Results were compared with individuals fed the same formulated feed under ambient photoperiod in cages in the ocean. Monthly samples of gonads from both treatments were evaluated for gonad index, volume fractions of cellular constituents of the germinal epithelium, oocyte diameters and taste. Over the 5 months of this study, gonad indices increased significantly (p < 0.001) in both treatments from 4.8% ± 0.9 (all values ± SE) initially to 20.5% ± 2.1 under invariant and 23.2% ± 1.4 under ambient photoperiod with no significant difference between treatments (p = 0.55). Volume fractions of nutritive phagocytes increased to 80.3% ± 5.9 (initial 37.9% ± 7.1) in males and 71.0% ± 6.7 (initial 10.3% ± 4.0) in females (p < 0.001) only under invariant photoperiod. Nutritive phagocyte lengths increased under both photoperiod treatments, but the volume fraction containing nutrients was higher under invariant photoperiod. Volume fractions of gonial/gametogenic cells increased significantly (p < 0.001) only under ambient photoperiod from 20.4% ± 5.5 to 37.8% ± 1.8 in males and 0% to 22.6% ± 3.6 in females. The volume fraction of residual oocytes from last year's oogenesis increased under invariant photoperiod while that of both residual and new oocytes increased under ambient photoperiod. Residual oocyte diameters increased from 56.2 μm ± 2.2 initially to 93.5 μm ± 3.7 under invariant and those of residual and new oocytes to 126.0 μm ± 7.3 under ambient photoperiod. Invariant photoperiod yields gonads in both sexes of S. droebachiensis that do not initiate fall gametogenesis but attain large size as their nutritive phagocytes grow substantially in size. A Canadian study of wild-collected S. droebachiensis indicated that gonads taste best when they contain pre-dominantly nutritive phagocytes and not copious gametes, however gonad taste in our study was unsatisfactory suggesting that the only commercially available sea urchin diet requires modification to support commercial development of land-based aquaculture.     

AFLP-based genetic linkage map of marine shrimp Penaeus (Fenneropenaeus) chinensis

This paper presents the genetic linkage map of the Chinese shrimp Penaeus (Fenneropenaeus) chinensis constructed with 472 AFLP markers. A hundred F₁ progeny from an intercross between a female from the new variety “Yellow Sea No. 1” and wild caught male used for the mapping study. Two separate maps were constructed for each parent. The female linkage map consisted of 197 marker loci forming 35 linkage groups and spanned a total length of 2191.1 cM, with an average marker space of 13.5 cM. The male map consisted of 194 marker loci mapped to 36 linkage groups and spanned a total length of 1737.3 cM, with an average marker spacing of 11.0 cM. The level of segregation distortion observed in this study was 12.2%. The estimated genome length of P. chinensis was 3150.3 cM for the female and 2549.3 cM for the male, respectively. The observed genome coverage was 69.6% for the female and 68.1% for the male map. The linkage maps constructed in this study provide basic information for further linkage studies on Chinese shrimp, and more importantly, the construction of the maps are part of the work of the genetic breeding programs which will be used for growth discovered in the QTL analysis of P. chinensis.     

脊尾白虾的性腺发育及组织结构观察

为系统研究脊尾白虾的性腺发育及组织学特征,采用常规的石蜡切片及H.E染色方法对脊尾白虾的性腺发育及其组织结构进行观察。结果表明,脊尾白虾的雌性生殖系统由卵巢、输卵管及排卵孔组成。卵子发生经历了卵原细胞、卵黄合成前期卵母细胞、内源性卵黄合成期卵母细胞、外源性卵黄合成期卵母细胞,最后发育为成熟的卵母细胞。卵巢发育可分为增殖期、小生长期、大生长期、成熟期及产后恢复期。脊尾白虾雄性生殖系统由精巢、输精管及排精孔组成。精巢由生精小管构成,不同生精小管内精子发育可不同步。精子发生经历了精原细胞、初级精母细胞、次级精母细胞、精细胞,最后发育为精子。输精管可分为前、中、后输精管及末端壶腹,精荚在输精管中形成。     

Controlling the growth of a cyanobacterial contaminant, Synechoccus sp., in a culture of Tetraselmis chui (PLY429) by varying pH: Implications for outdoor aquaculture production

In aquaculture, large volumes of phytoplankton are often grown outdoors to reduce costs. However, growing microalgae in an environment not as well-controlled as in the laboratory can lead to unwanted phytoplankton, including cyanobacteria, contaminating a culture. A cyanobacterial contaminant was isolated from an outdoor culture of Tetraselmis chui (PLY429) at the Milford Laboratory. This study investigated the growth of PLY429 and the cyanobacterium in pure cultures and a mixed culture in a pH range of 6.5-9.5. The division of PLY429 was greater at a pH range of 7.0-8.0; whereas, for the cyanobacterium, higher growth was obtained at pH 8.0-9.0. Results from combined cultures of PLY429 and the cyanobacterium grown at various pHs indicated that maintaining pH near 7.1 yields higher growth of PLY429 than those of the cyanobacterium. These findings suggest that controlling pH may reduce the population of a cyanobacterial contaminant in an aquaculture feed culture.     

Chilled storage of white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) spermatophores

Chilled storage of spermatophores from white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) is needed to generate a consistent and reliable supply of spermatozoa for domestication purposes. The objective of this study was to develop a protocol for the chilled storage of white shrimp spermatophores and to evaluate bacterial propagation during such storage. In the first experiment, spermatophores were immersed in four extenders, mineral oil, Ringer's solution, phosphate buffer and 0.85% NaCl, and stored at low temperature (2-4 °C) for 35 days. Characteristics of preserved spermatophores changed the least and viable sperm was highest when spermatophores were stored in mineral oil. Spermatophores preserved with mineral oil appeared morphologically normal. Bacillus circulans, Staphylococcus hominis and S. lugdunensis, S. sciuri, S. xylosus and Micrococcus spp. were identified as the predominant bacteria during chilled storage, and total bacterial counts gradually increased during the experiment. A second experiment investigated the effect of antibiotic on chilled storage. Spermatophores were preserved in only mineral oil or mineral oil with 0.1% penicillin-streptomycin. These were evaluated for changes in external morphology of spermatophores, sperm viability and total bacteria count every week during a 35-day experimental period. Percentages of viable sperm (69.5 ± 3.9%) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) among spermatophores preserved in mineral oil with 0.1% antibiotic compared with those preserved only in mineral oil (57.7 ± 3.4%) over 35 days. The number of total bacteria in the treatment with mineral oil ranged between 28.3 ± 4.8 and 2416.7 ± 299.4 CFU/g, but in mineral oil containing antibiotic bacteria were undetectable. This study suggests that chilled storage of spermatophores is a feasible approach for the management and spawning of white shrimp broodstock.     

Amino acid profiles of Diplodus sargus (L., 1758) larvae: Implications for feed formulation

The indispensable AA profile of fish carcass has been commonly used as a good indicator of fish amino acids requirements. Amino acid composition of the whole body tissue of Diplodus sargus was determined for the larval ages of 0, 2, 5, 8, 12, 17, 25, 35 and 45 days after hatching (DAH). No significant differences were found during this species ontogeny, except for phenylalanine. A comparative analysis of amino acid profiles from larvae and respective diet was performed. Low correlation was found to rotifers (R² approximately 0.5), while higher correlations were found for Artemia nauplli, metanauplii (R² approximately 0.8) as well as for the dry feed. These results suggest that D. sargus are subjected to higher nutritional imbalances during the first 10 days of feeding when larvae are fed on rotifers alone. Arginine, threonine, lysine, cysteine and histidine appeared to be limiting amino acids at 2, 12, 25 and 45 DAH, respectively. Similar results were reported in literature for Sparus aurata and Solea senegalensis, although D. sargus diets seem to have more amino acids in deficiency as well as more severe differences between larval and diet amino acid profiles. To solve these apparent nutritional imbalances, amino acid supplementation should be considered. The use of inert diets in early larvae ages seems to be most adequate as live feed supplementation appears to be more difficult.     

The effects of light and temperature on the photosynthesis of the Asparagopsis armata tetrasporophyte (Falkenbergia rufolanosa), cultivated in tanks

The integrated aquaculture of the tetrasporophyte of Asparagopsis armata Harvey (Falkenbergia rufolanosa) using fish farm effluents may be viable due to the species high capacity of removing nutrients and its content of halogenated organic compounds with applications on the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. In order to optimize the integrated aquaculture of F. rufolanosa, we followed the daily variation of the potential quantum yield (F_v/F_m) of PSII on plants cultivated at different biomass densities and different total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) fluxes to check if they are photoinhibited at any time of the day. Moreover, the photoinhibition under continuous exposure to highly saturating irradiance and its potential for subsequent recovery in the shade was assessed. The potential for year round cultivation was evaluated by measuring rates of O₂ evolution of plants acclimated at temperatures ranging from 15 to 29 °C, the temperature range of a fish farm effluent in southern Portugal where an integrated aquaculture system of F. rufolanosa was constructed.Photoinhibition does not seem to be a major constrain for the integrated aquaculture of F. rufolanosa. Only when cultivated at a very low density of 1.5 g fresh weight (FW) l^− 1 that there was a midday decrease in maximal quantum yield (F_v/F_m). At densities higher than 4 g FW l^− 1, no photoinhibition was observed. When exposed to full solar irradiance for 1 h, F. rufolanosa showed a 33% decrease in F_v/F_m, recovering to 86% of the initial value after 2 h in the shade. A midday decline of the F. rufolanosa F_v/F_m was also observed under the lowest TAN flux tested (∼6 μM h^− 1), suggesting that this fast and easy measurement of fluorescence may be used as a convenient diagnostic tool to detect nutrient-starved unbalance conditions of the cultures. Maximum net photosynthesis peaked at 15 °C with 9.7 mg O₂ g dry weight (DW)^− 1 h^− 1 and remained high until 24 °C. At 29 °C, the net oxygen production was significantly reduced due to a dramatic increase of respiration, suggesting this to be the species' lethal temperature threshold.Results indicate that F. rufolanosa has a considerable photosynthetic plasticity and confirm it as a good candidate for integrated aquaculture at temperatures up to 24° C and cultivation densities of at least 5 g FW l^− 1. When cultivated at these densities, light does not penetrate below the first few centimetres of the surface zone. Plants circulate within the tanks, spending around 10% of the time in the first few centimetres where they are able to use efficiently the saturating light levels without damaging their photosynthetic apparatus.     

Chicken-derived IgY recognizes developing and mature stages of Loma salmonae (Microsporidia) in Pacific salmon, Oncorhynchus spp.

A polyclonal IgY preparation, purified from yolk of immunized hens, is shown to be useful for the detection of Loma salmonae in Pacific salmon. Purity of the IgY was confirmed by SDS-PAGE and western blots of yolk protein extracts. Reactivity of the IgY preparation to L. salmonae was determined through indirect-fluorescent antibody tests on purified spores and by immunohistochemistry. Developing xenomas in histological sections of heart and gill tissue of infected chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) were visualized as early as 4 weeks post-exposure (PE). Non-lethal detection of L. salmonae was obtained by indirect-fluorescent microscopy of acetone-fixed gill smears. The IgY preparation was shown to react with another Loma sp., L. branchialis. In contrast, no reactivity was observed with other microsporidian parasites of fish such as Pseudoloma neurophilia and Glugea anomala. Yolk derived IgY may be useful in the detection of other fish pathogens.     

Identification and characterization of a green-type mutant of Porphyra tenera Kjellman var. tamatsuensis Miura (Bangiales, Rhodophyta)

We identified two green-colored conchocelis strains of cultivated Porphyra, ‘Oba-green’ and HGT-6 (F₁ strain of ‘Oba-green’), based on PCR-RFLP and sequence analyses of the nuclear ITS region and the plastid RuBisCO spacer region. These molecular analyses confirmed that the two strains were green-type mutants of the endangered species Porphyra tenera, although their blade color was not green. Under the same culture conditions, blade length increase was significantly higher in HGT-6 than in a wild strain HGT-1 of P. tenera, and the blade shape of HGT-6 was extremely elongate compared with that of HGT-1. From the growth characteristics and ITS-1 sequence data, HGT-6 was confirmed to be a green-type mutant of P. tenera var. tamatsuensis, a vigorously growing cultivar. Although photosynthetic pigment contents were lower in HGT-6 than in HGT-1, total content of four major free amino acids was higher and the blade thickness was almost the same in HGT-6 and HGT-1. These results suggest that the green-type mutant HGT-6 has potential as breeding material for further development of Porphyra breeding.     

Early development of the shortfin silverside Chirostoma humboldtianum (Valenciennes, 1835) (Atheriniformes: Atherinopsidae)

The shortfin silverside Chirostoma humboldtianum has been considered for culture in Mexico, but success has been limited by a poor knowledge of its early development. First synthesis of the early development of the shortfin silverside is presented to determine conditions suitable for rearing. Brooder maturation was induced through photothermal cycles. C. humboldtianum ova were fertilized in vitro. The eggs were incubated in reconstituted water (160-180 mg/L CaCO₃) at 18 °C and 5 gm of NaCl per litre. During the hatching day, 300 shortfin silversides were stocked and followed up until metamorphosis in order to establish the timing of exogenous feeding, changes in food type, growth and development during critical periods for survival, according to the theory of saltatory ontogeny. Free embryos hatched 12 days after fertilization at 18 °C. First critical point for survival is the beginning of exogenous feeding. Free embryos started mixed feeding on day four of post-hatching (dph), point of no-return was presented towards the end of mixed feeding on 6 dph, larval period began at six (dph) when the anus is opened, and metamorphosis to juvenile was presented at 65 dph with a SL of 19.34 ± 2.28 mm, when scales and fins were well developed. Differences in growth between periods were detected: free embryos growth slower than larvae but mouth size depicted a larger growth rate in the former. Cephalic length and mouth size were negatively related to standard length in embryos and larvae. Mouth size was positively related to cephalic length in free embryos but negative in larvae. Results suggest that during the free embryo phase, growth priorities are directed to the development of apparatuses and systems; whereas, during the larval period, energy is directed to growth in length, mouth size and development of fins, which allows them to increase their swimming velocity, grants them a greater capacity to obtain exogenous food and, in consequence, increases fitness for survival.     

In situ studies on the bioaccumulation of microcystins in the phytoplanktivorous silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) stocked in Lake Taihu with dense toxic Microcystis blooms

The phytoplanktivorous silver carp is an important biomanipulation fish to control cyanobacterial blooms and is also a food fish with the greatest production in China. The accumulation of the hepatotoxic microcystins (MCs) determined by LC-MS in various organs of silver carp was studied monthly in Lake Taihu dominated by toxic Microcystis aeruginosa. Average recoveries of spiked fish samples were 78% for MC-RR and 81% for MC-LR. The highest content of MCs was found in the intestine (97.48 μg g^− 1 DW), followed by liver (6.84 μg g^− 1 DW), kidney (4.88 μg g^− 1 DW) and blood (1.54 μg g^− 1 DW), and the annual mean MC content was in the order of intestine > liver > kidney > blood > muscle > spleen > gallbladder > gill. Silver carp could effectively ingest toxic Microcystis cells (up to 84.4% of total phytoplankton in gut contents), but showed fast growth (from 141 g to 1759 g in 1 year in mean weight). Silver carp accumulated less microcystins in liver than other animals in the same site or other fish from different water bodies at similar level of toxin ingestion. There was possible inhibition of the transportation of the most toxic MC-LR across the gutwall. Muscle of silver carp in Lake Taihu should not be consumed during period of dense Microcystis blooms while viscera were risky for consumption in more months.     

饲料中不同维生素A含量对花鲈生长和血清生化指标的影响

以酪蛋白和明胶为蛋白源,鱼油和豆油为脂肪源,糊精为糖源并添加氨基酸混合物配制精制基础饲料,通过向基础饲料中添加维生素A醋酸酯使饲料中的维生素A含量达到0、1 000、2 000、4 000、8 000和16 000 IU/kg(实测含量为245、1 005、1 835、3 781、7 583和15 273 IU/kg),配制出6种等氮等能的实验饲料(饲料1～6).以花鲈为实验对象,在室内流水系统中进行为期9周的生长实验,探讨精制饲料中不同维生素A含量对花鲈生长和血清学生化指标的影响.结果表明:摄食不添加维生素A组(饲料1)饲料的花鲈在养殖后期表现出较高的死亡率,并出现眼球浮肿、膨胀、鳍基充血以及鳃盖扭曲等维生素A缺乏症,而在其他维生素A添加组(饲料2～6)并未出现类似症状.体成分分析表明:饲料中不同维生素A含量会显著增加花鲈体脂肪含量,但对蛋白质和水分的含量没有显著影响.对花鲈血清指标分析表明:饲料添加维生素A含量会显著增加花鲈血清碱性磷酸酶(AKP)、甘油三酯(TG)和胆固醇(TC)含量,但显著降低丙氨酸氨基转移酶(ALT)和天冬氨酸氨基转移酶(AST)活力.采用折线模型,当以增重率为评价指标时,花鲈对饲料中维生素A的需求量为1 934.8 IU/kg;当以肝脏维生素A含量为评价指标时,花鲈对饲料中维生素A的需求量为3 546.6 IU/kg.     

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.     

Microbiological and histological studies of farmed-bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) tissues displaying red-leg syndrome

Rana catesbeiana is one of the delicacies of international gastronomy. Farming operations often lead to an increased risk of diseases and mortality. The present work addresses microbiological and histological studies in R. catesbeiana with red-leg syndrome (RLS), infection that causes significant economic losses in hatcheries. Partial phenotypical identification demonstrated that the microbial populations isolated from the skin of fattening phase animals and freshwater samples during the autumn (June) are grouped into the following taxa: Lactobacillus spp, Pediococcus spp, Micrococcus spp, Enterococcus faecalis, Ent. faecium and Enterobacteriaceae (Enterobacter spp and Proteus vulgaris). Microbial infection on target organs (liver/spleen) and blood showed the presence of Pr. vulgaris, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus strains. Histological studies of skin ulcerations showed epithelial necrosis, diskeratosis, apoptosis and espongiosis. No sporangia associated with chitridiomycosis were observed. The dermis presented oedema, dilated vascular light, fibrin-leucocytic exudates and distortion of serous and granular glands. The liver showed centrolobullar necrosis and a decrease in melanin containing cells. The spleen presented wide areas of septic infarct.This paper reports the presence of lactic acid bacteria and other genera in the skin and freshwater from farmed R. catesbeiana during the autumn and a correlation between microbial infection and structural changes in tissues of bullfrogs with RLS. The severity of the structural changes is related to the level of microbial infection in the target organs and could be sustained by the isolation of Pr. vulgaris and other pathogens.