Comparative growth performances of diploid and triploid Chinese shrimp Fenneropenaeus chinensis (Osbeck, 1765) under different salinities

This study aimed at evaluating the ploidy effects on growth performances of Chinese shrimp ( Fenneropenaeus chinensis Osbeck, 1765) reared in different salinities under laboratory conditions. In the acute salinity experiment, there was no difference ( P >0.05) in tolerance observed in triploid and diploid shrimp due to abrupt salinity changes. The lethal salinity for 50% of the individuals in 96 h at 23–25 °C was about 2 g L⁻¹ in both triploids and diploids. While for the chronic salinity experiment, statistical analyses confirmed that the differences in growth performances including the specific growth rate (SGR), the feeding rate (FR), feed conversion efficiency (FCE) and intermoult period (IP) between triploid and diploid were related to salinity. Diploid shrimp reared in 20 g L⁻¹ exhibited highest SGR ( P <0.05), while triploids performed well in 20 and 30 g L⁻¹ salinities ( P <0.05). Based on the survival and growth data, the optimal salinity for the culture of diploid F. chinensis should be 20 g L⁻¹ and for triploids it should be between 20 and 30 g L⁻¹.     

Effect of dietary protein levels on growth of Penaeus stylirostris juveniles

The shrimp Penaeus stylirostris is currently produced on a commercial scale in Tahiti and New Caledonia. Both super-intensive (80 animals m⁻²) and semi intensive (25 m⁻²) systems are promoted. Locally produced commercial feed contains 380–400 g kg⁻¹ crude protein (CP) without special consideration for environmental impact. The need for a 'low pollution' diet implies reconsideration of the optimum dietary protein level for this species. Under experimental conditions, six isoenergetic practical diets ranging from 270 g kg⁻¹ to 440 g kg⁻¹ CP were formulated and fed to satiation for 30 days to juvenile P. stylirostris ; average growth rates were between 5.5 and 7.5 g per month with survival rates > 90%.
The lowest protein levels 270–310 g kg⁻¹, gave significantly ( P < 0.05) poorer growth (5.5 g per 30 days) than was observed with 330–430 g kg⁻¹ CP; 330 g kg⁻¹ CP may be recommended, and as it is lower than levels in diets used currently, there is a possibility of reducing nitrogenous waste. In addition to growth response, protein efficiency ratio, protein productive value and food conversion (feed/gain) all supported a recommended dietary protein level of 330 g kg⁻¹. Future prospects for practical feeds with even lower CP levels are considered.     

Brown propolis extract in feed as a growth promoter of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus, Linnaeus 1758) fingerlings

This study assessed the use of increasing levels of brown propolis extract (BPE) as a growth promoter in Nile tilapia fingerling feeds. In a complete randomized design, 75 Nile tilapia fingerlings with 60 days on average and weighing 4.1±0.1 g were assigned to 25 aquaria (60 L) and subjected to 5 treatments in 5 repetitions for 30 days. Propolis from Serra do Araripe, Cariri Region, South Ceará State – Brazil was used to produce the BPE. The treatments involved the addition of BPE to feed samples (0.91, 1.83, 2.74 and 3.65 g kg⁻¹) and feed control (without BPE). The final mean weight and the percentage of weight gain varied quadratically with the increase in BPE ( P <0.01), with a maximum of 2.22 g kg⁻¹. The other evaluated parameters were not affected by the treatments ( P >0.05). The level of best performance parameters was 2.22 g kg⁻¹, between the levels of 1.83 and 2.74 g BPE kg⁻¹ feed inclusion. These results indicate the potential to use the brown propolis extract as a growth promoter to Nile tilapia fingerlings.     

The heat increment of feeding and heat loss relate to growth in Chinese shrimp, Fenneropenaeus chinensis (Osbeck 1765)

Three experiments were designed to investigate the heat increment of feeding (HiE) in Chinese shrimp, Fenneropenaeus chinensis . (1) Four groups of shrimp with different weight were fed at four rations to measure oxygen consumption in the following 24 h. (2) Four groups of shrimp with different weight were fed with four rations for 28 days. (3) Fish flesh, shrimp flesh, clam foot, polychaette worm, formulated diet and mixed diet were provided to six groups of shrimp for 30 days. The coefficient of heat increment of feeding ( C _HiE) values within 24 h after ingesting 1 g digestible protein (DP) and 1 kJ digestible energy (DE) were 18.57 kJ and 0.45. C _HiE values of 1 g DP and 1 kJ DE achieved in the second experiment were 25.06 kJ and 0.57. The energy cost of 1 g wet weight gain, 1 g protein gain and 1 kJ recovered energy were 13.94, 32.16 and 1.07 kJ. They accounted for 69.28%, 26.71% or 40.23% of HiE of the meals needed for these growths. The present results indicated that HiE was a fundamental property of the feed and the energy cost of growth accounted for different fraction when different feeds were ingested.     

投喂不同饵料对长薄鳅生长的影响

在水温18.6～21.6℃条件下,将初始体质量为(3.91±0.22) g的长薄鳅幼鱼随机分为5组,每组3个重复,每个重复10尾鱼,饲养在圆形玻纤缸(直径1 m、高0.8 m)中,分别投喂刀额新对虾、鳙鱼、配合饲料(粗蛋白≥46.0%)、虾+饲料、鱼+饲料5种饵料,以筛选适宜于长薄鳅幼鱼的适宜饵料投喂模式。75 d的饲养结果表明,不同投喂模式对长薄鳅的存活率无显著性影响(P>0.05),而对长薄鳅的生长影响显著(P<0.05)。试验结果表明,虾组、鱼组、饲料组、鱼+饲料组的长薄鳅最终体质量无显著性差异(P>0.05),但虾+饲料组最终体质量和体质量特定生长率显著高于其他4组(P<0.05),依次为虾+饲料组>饲料组>虾组>鱼组、鱼+饲料组。5个试验组鱼的体长特定生长率无显著性差异(P>0.05),依次为虾+饲料组>虾组>饲料组、鱼+饲料组>鱼组。试验结束时,各试验组鱼的生长离散均有所升高,生长离散变化依次为鱼组>鱼+饲料组>饲料组>虾组>虾+饲料组。各试验组长薄鳅的的摄食率差异显著(P<0.05),摄食率依次为鱼组>虾组>鱼+饲料组>虾+饲料组>饲料组;虾组和鱼组的饵料系数无显著性差异(P>0.05),但显著高于其他3组(P<0.05),其他3组间无显著性差异(P>0.05)。不同投喂模式下长薄鳅幼鱼的生长系数b值均小于3,呈负异速生长,但虾+饲料组的长薄鳅幼鱼生长系数b值最大。试验过程中各组鱼的肥满度均下降。研究结果显示,在本试验的不同饵料投喂模式中,投喂虾+饲料更利于长薄鳅的摄食和生长。     

Efficacy of silicone-coated ascorbic acid and ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate to fast-growing tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon)

Growth, survival, tissue ascorbate concentration and collagen content were studied in fast-growing Penaeus monodon fed two ascorbic acid (AA) derivatives. Prior to the experimental trial, shrimp (initial body weight: 0.9 ± 0.4 g) were fed on a diet lacking vitamin C for 5 weeks. During the following 13-week experiment, the shrimp (initial body weight: 8.2 ± 0.7 g) were given one of five squid-meal-based diets. The dietary treatments consisted of a diet lacking vitamin C, two diets supplemented with either 500 or 1000 mg AA kg⁻¹ in the form of silicone-coated AA, and two diets supplemented with either 500 or 1000 mg AA kg⁻¹ in the form of ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate. Shrimp gained 18.3 g in 13 weeks. The AA-free diet group exhibited the lowest growth rate, feed intake and survival (26.8%) after 4 weeks. Hepatopancreatic ascorbate and muscle collagen content were significantly ( P < 0.05) lower in AA-deprived shrimp. At the end of the feeding trial, growth rate and survival were not significantly ( P > 0.05) different among groups fed AA-supplemented diets. Hepatopancreatic and haemolymphatic ascorbate concentrations were significantly ( P < 0.05) higher in groups given ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate than in groups given silicone-coated AA. A supplement of 500 mg AA kg⁻¹ diet in the form of either silicone-coated AA or ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate was adequate for optimal growth. But ascorbate concentrations in tissues remained much below saturation levels with a supplement of 1000 mg AA kg⁻¹ diet. It is questionable whether the established vitamin C requirements for P. monodon are adequate to maintain tissue ascorbate in fast-growing juveniles.     

Immune Responses and Resistance against Vibrio parahaemolyticus Induced by Probiotic Bacterium Arthrobacter XE-7 in Pacific White Shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei

A 63-d feeding experiment was conducted to determine the effects of dietary supplementation of probiotic bacterium Arthrobacter XE-7 on immune responses and resistance against Vibrio parahaemolyticus in the Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei . The probiotic bacteria were administered orally at four different doses of 0, 10⁶, 10⁸, and 10¹⁰ colony-forming unit (CFU)/g feed for shrimp. On Day 50, the shrimp were challenged with Vibrio parahaemolyticus by bath. On Days 7, 21, 49, and 63, six shrimp per tank were sampled to take intestine and hemolymph. With increasing dietary supplementation of probiotic bacteria, shrimp mortality decreased from 63.16% (the control) to 55.9% (10⁶ CFU/g feed), 51.75% (10⁸ CFU/g feed), and 51.78% (10¹⁰ CFU/g feed), respectively. Vibrio counts in intestine of shrimp fed probiotic bacterium Arthrobacter XE-7 was generally lower than that in the control shrimp ( P  < 0.05). The probiotic bacteria generally increased the immune parameters in shrimp, that is, total hemocyte counts, percentage phagocytosis, respiratory burst activity, and serum phenoloxidase activity. The results showed that probiotic bacterium Arthrobacter XE-7 can be used as probiotic in shrimp feed.     

Optimum dietary soybean meal level for maximizing growth and nutrient utilization of on-growing gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata)

Six isonitrogenous [450 g kg⁻¹ crude protein (CP)] and isoenergetic diets (23 kJ g⁻¹) with six levels of defatted soybean meal inclusion (0, 132, 263, 395, 526 and 658 g kg⁻¹) in substitution of fish meal were evaluated in gilthead sea bream of 242 g initial weight for 134 days. Fish fed diets S0, S13, S26 and S39 had a similar live weight (422, 422, 438 and 422 g, respectively) but fish fed diets S53 and S66 obtained the lowest final weight (385 and 333g, respectively), and similar results were presented in specific growth rate (SGR). Fish fed diets S53 and S66 also obtained the highest feed conversion ratio (FCR). Quadratic multiple regression equations were developed for SGR and FCR which were closely related to dietary soybean level. The optimum dietary soybean levels were 205 g kg⁻¹ for maximum SGR and 10 g kg⁻¹ for minimum FCR. Sensorial differences were appreciated by judges between fish fed S0 and S39 soybean level, but after a re-feeding period of 28 days with diet S0, these differences disappeared.     

饥饿不同时间后投喂对许氏平鮋生长及体成分的影响

在室内水温21.8~25℃条件下,将初始体质量为(8.87±0.16)g的许氏平鮋Sebastes schlegeli放养在50cm×50cm×100cm网箱中,饥饿0(S0)、3(S3)、6(S6)、9(S9)和12d(S12)后分别投喂30d、27d、24d、21d和18d,每组3个重复,测定其体质量、肥满度、脏体指数、肝体指数、摄食率、食物转化率及全鱼和肝脏主要生化组成的变化。结果表明:随着饥饿时间的延长,幼鱼体质量逐渐降低,各饥饿组鱼体质量显著低于同期对照组(P0.05)。恢复投喂后,S3组体质量、增重率(WGR)和特定生长率(SGR)显著高于对照组S0(P0.05),S6与S0组无显著差异(P0.05),而S9与S12组未能达到S0水平(P0.05)。S3组食物转化率(FCE)显著高于其余各组(P0.05),S9、S12组则显著低于对照组(P0.05)。饥饿状态下,各饥饿组鱼肝体指数与脏体指数显著小于S0组(P0.05));恢复投喂后各组肝体指数、脏体指数与对照组无显著差异。随着饥饿时间的延长,鱼体粗灰分含量显著升高(P0.05),水分与粗蛋白含量呈上升趋势(P0.05)。饥饿6d后,鱼体粗脂肪含量显著低于对照组,饥饿12d时粗脂肪含量比饥饿前降低了19.33%(P0.05)。恢复投喂后,各试验组间鱼体水分、粗蛋白、粗脂肪和粗灰分含量差异不显著(P0.05)。S9和S12组中肝脏粗脂肪含量显著低于S0组(P0.05)。     

The effects of starvation and re-feeding on growth and swimming performance of juvenile black carp (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Mylopharyngodon piceus</Emphasis>)

We investigated the effects of starvation and re-feeding on growth and swimming performance and their relationship in juvenile black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus). We measured the specific growth rate (SGR), resting metabolic rate (RMR) and constant acceleration test speed (U _CAT, the maximum swimming speed at exhaustion by constant acceleration test with 0.1667 cm s^?2 rate) in a treatment group (21 days of starvation then 21 days of re-feeding) and control group (routine feeding) (n = 20). Starvation resulted in a 17 % decrease in body mass of black carp (P < 0.05). After 21 days of re-feeding, body mass was greater than that of pre-starvation but still less than that of the control group at 42 days. During the re-feeding phase, the SGR of the treatment group was higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05). Starvation resulted in a significant decrease in the RMR and U _CAT. After 21 days of re-feeding, both the RMR and U _CAT recovered to the pre-starvation levels. In the control group, individual juvenile black carp displayed strong repeatability of the RMR and U _CAT across the measurement periods (P ≤ 0.002). In the treatment group, RMR showed significant repeatability between pre-starvation and re-feeding (P = 0.007), but not between pre-starvation and starvation or between starvation and re-feeding. U _CAT showed significant repeatability between pre-starvation and starvation (P = 0.006) and between pre-starvation and re-feeding (P = 0.001), but not between starvation and re-feeding. No correlation or only a weak correlation was found between any two variables of RMR, U _CAT and SGR, whereas the increment of the U _CAT (ΔU _CAT) was negatively correlated with that of SGR during the starvation phase (r = ?0.581, n = 20, P = 0.007) and re-feeding phase (r = ?0.568, n = 20, P = 0.009). This suggested that within individual black carp, there is a trade-off between growth and maintenance (or development) of swimming performance under food-limited conditions.     

The effectiveness of commercial probiotics in northern white shrimp <Emphasis Type="Italic">Penaeus vannamei</Emphasis> ponds

ABSTRACT:   The effectiveness on water quality, population density of bacteria, and shrimp production in ponds treated with commercial probiotics was tested in Penaeus vannamei ponds in Hai-yan, China. Six ponds with replicates for treatment and control were used. Results showed that the probiotics could improve the population density of beneficial bacterial flora, reduce concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus, and increase yields of shrimp. The average counts of Bacillus sp., ammonifying bacteria, and protein mineralizing bacteria were found to be significantly higher in treated ponds compared to control ponds ( P  < 0.05). In control ponds, an increase in presumptive vibrios was observed and the average density was up to 2.09 × 10³ cfu/mL, whereas that was only 4.37 × 10² cfu/mL in treated ponds ( P  < 0.05). The use of probiotics also significantly increased dissolved oxygen ( P  < 0.05) and reduced dissolved reactive-phosphorus, total inorganic nitrogen and chemical oxygen demand ( P  < 0.05). An average of 8215 ± 265 kg shrimp/ha was obtained in treated ponds with a feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 1.13 ± 0.05 and survival rate of 81.00 ± 6.25% compared with 4985 ± 503 kg shrimp/ha, 1.35 ± 0.12 and 48.67 ± 3.51%, respectively, in control ponds. This indicates that the addition of the commercial probiotics had a noticeable influence on water quality of shrimp ponds and shrimp production.     

Effects of the probiotic Bacillus subtilis (BP11 and BS11) on the growth and survival of Pacific white shrimp,Litopenaeus vannamei

The effect of Bacillus S11 (BS11)‐ and/or Bacillus P11 (BP11)‐supplemented feeds on the growth performance, survival, immunoenhancement and disease resistance of cultured Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, was evaluated. Four feeding treatments of (i) regular feed (control), (ii) BS11‐supplemented feed, (iii) BP11‐supplemented feed and (iv) BS11‐and BP11‐supplemented feed were prepared and used for shrimp cultivation in closed recirculating cement tanks (~400 L) in two trials, one for juvenile and PL‐30 shrimp at 60 and 90 days, respectively. The results showed that BS11 gave a higher probiotic potential than BP11 for both age groups of L. vannamei in cultivation, because the average weight and survival of shrimp fed BS11‐supplemented feed were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those of the control and the other two groups. The survival of shrimp fed either BS11‐or both BS11‐and BP11‐supplemented feed was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of the control group. In addition, the highest total haemocyte and granular haemocyte counts and phenoloxidase activity were found in shrimp fed with the BS11‐supplemented feed. After challenge with Vibrio harveyi 639 (~10⁷ CFU mL^?1) by immersion, the lowest cumulative death (%) and disease resistance were clearly found in shrimp fed with the BS11‐supplemented feed.     

Influence of dietary phosphorus levels on growth,body composition,metabolic response and antioxidant capacity of juvenile snakehead (Channa argus × Channa maculata)

A study was conducted to estimate the optimum requirement of dietary phosphorus (P) for Channa argus × Channa maculata. Effects of dietary P levels on the tissue composition, serum biochemical parameters and antioxidant status were also examined. Five practical diets were formulated to contain graded levels (4.8 g kg^?1, 6.4 g kg^?1, 7.9 g kg^?1, 9.4 g kg^?1 and 11.0 g kg^?1) of available P from dietary ingredients and monocalcium phosphate (MCP). Each diet was randomly assigned to triplicate groups of 30 juvenile fish (initial body weight, 20.50 ± 0.53 g) for 8 weeks. The results showed that the specific growth rate (SGR) and weight gain (WG) were all significantly improved by dietary P up to 9.4 g kg^?1 (P < 0.05) and then levelled off beyond this level. Broken‐line analysis showed maximum weight gain (WG) was obtained at dietary available P concentrations of 9.6 g kg^?1. With the increase in dietary P level, protein efficiency rate (PER) increased significantly and reached a plateau, while the feed conversion ratio (FCR), the mesenteric lipid somatic index (MSI) and the whole‐body lipid content significantly reduced (P < 0.05). Dietary P levels also affected the mineralization (ash and P) of whole body, vertebrae and scale (P < 0.05). Quadratic analysis based on P contents in whole body, vertebrae, scale and ash content in vertebra indicated that the available P requirements were 10.4, 9.8, 10.0 and 10.3 g kg^?1, respectively. However, no differences were found in the whole‐body moisture, crude protein, serum calcium (Ca) contents or Ca/P value, as well as the viscerosomatic index (VSI) and hepatosomatic index (HSI) among all the treatments (P > 0.05). Triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) decreased significantly, while serum P content, HDL‐C/TC and HDL‐C/LDL‐C value increased significantly with dietary available P levels (P < 0.05). No significant changes in superoxide dismutase activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were observed (P > 0.05), but serum catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities and the ratio of CAT/SOD and GPx/SOD increased significantly with increasing dietary P levels (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the optimal P requirement of juvenile snakehead in practical feed was 9.6 g kg^?1. Signs of P deficiency were characterized by poor growth, slightly reduced mineralization and the antioxidant capacity and an increase in body lipid content.     

Effects of temperature, density and early weaning on the survival and growth of Atlantic ditch shrimp Palaemonetes varians larvae

This investigation examined the effects of temperature, density and early weaning on the survival and growth of Palaemonetes varians larvae. Survival of larvae raised at 17.5 °C was not significantly different (average + standard deviation) (94 ± 5%) from the survival of those raised at 19.5 °C (95 ± 5%) and at 21.5 °C (94 ± 4%). However, the duration of the larval stage was significantly longer for shrimp reared at 17.5 °C (17.3 ± 0.8 days) compared with shrimp reared at 19.5 °C (14.3 ± 0.7 days) and at 21.5 °C (11.3 ± 0.6 days). No significant differences ( P >0.05) were found in the survival rate, final weight and length of larvae reared at the densities of 5, 10, 20 and 50 larvae L⁻¹. The survival of P. varians larvae fed solely on Artemia was significantly higher ( P <0.05) than larvae weaned with an artificial practical diet from Zoea II stage (94 ± 4% and 82 ± 1%, respectively, for Artemia and artificial diet-fed larvae), but no significant differences ( P >0.05) were observed in the final larval weight or length between these two treatments. The survival and growth of the larvae fed with the practical diet tested is a promising step ahead in the development of the culture of this species as it eliminates both the need for Artemia throughout all larval stages, and the need for more expensive artificial diets.     

Effects of prey nutritional quality on the growth and survival of juvenile cuttlefish, Sepia officinalis (Linnaeus, 1758)

This investigation examined the effect of prey condition on the growth and survival of juvenile cuttlefish ( Sepia officinalis ). In the first group, cuttlefish were fed with daily captured live Palaeomonetes varians from the wild [daily prey (DP)], the second group was fed 5 days stocked and starved P. varians [starved prey (SP)], while in the third group, cuttlefish were fed 8 days stocked P. varians fed with an artificial diet [fed prey (FP)]. Mean instantaneous growth rate (IGR) was 2.8±1% body weight day⁻¹ (bw day⁻¹), 3.3±1.1% bw day⁻¹ and 4.9±0.5% bw day⁻¹ for SP, DP and FP respectively. At the end of the experiment, final weight gain ( W _g) was 121±21.6%, 153.8±17.3% and 295±29.8% for SP, DP and FP respectively. No significant differences were found ( P >0.05) between growth curves for every group tested, or for the food conversions between those same groups ( P >0.05), but statistical differences ( P <0.05) were found in IGR between DP vs. FP and SP vs. FP. Mortality was 2 and 1 for SP and DP respectively. Results indicate that prey starvation should not be considered when feeding juvenile cuttlefish, as prey can only be stocked if proper artificial diets are provided, to obtain optimal growth.     

Comparison of Ulva clathrata and the kelps Macrocystis pyrifera and Ascophyllum nodosum as ingredients in shrimp feeds

Three experimental diets were formulated to contain 33 g kg⁻¹ seaweed meals, made of wild brown algae (kelps) Macrocystis pyrifera (MAC) and Ascophyllum nodosum (ASC) or of a cultivated green alga Ulva clathrata (ULVA). The diets were fed to juvenile white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei (1.6 g) for 28 days. Loss of dry matter (LDM) and loss of protein (LP) after 1 hour immersion in seawater, and distilled water absorption (WA) were analyzed in the pelleted diets, as well as shrimp weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio (FCR), survival, protein efficiency ratio (PER) and body pigmentation. Feed intake, FCR and PER were corrected for nutrients preprandial losses in seawater. ULVA diet resulted in lower LDM, but a higher LP and also higher WA, indicating a modification of the pellet physical quality (better hydro stability). No significant differences in feed consumption and survival were found, but ULVA diet resulted in a slightly higher final weight (4.8 for ULVA versus 4.6 and 4.3 g for ASC and MAC), and better FCR (1.7 versus 1.9 and 2.1) and PER (2.0 versus 1.7 and 1.5), the differences with MAC diet being significant (Duncan, α = 0.05). Red color after cooking was markedly darker in the ULVA fed shrimp.     

延迟首次投喂对乌江中华倒刺鲃仔鱼的补偿生长、消化酶活性及饵料日转化率的影响

为探究延迟首次投喂对乌江中华倒刺鲃(Spinibarbus sinensis)仔鱼补偿生长、消化酶活性及饵料日转化率的影响,对肠道贯通后的仔鱼进行了不同饥饿天数(H₀、H₁、H₃、H₅、H₇、H₉、H₁₁)后补偿投喂17 d的实验。结果显示,全长和体重的损失率随饥饿时间的延长而增加。补偿投喂后,全长补偿率在H₉组以后明显下降,体重补偿率在各实验组间无明显差异。各组全长和体重的特定生长率都呈波动性变化趋势,且实验后期各实验组都大于正常组都存在显著性差异。全长、体重及特定生长率的变化表明该饥饿仔鱼补偿投喂后能完成部分补偿生长。饥饿处理中,淀粉酶、碱性磷酸酶和胰蛋白酶随饥饿时间都呈下降趋势,脂肪酶呈先上升后下降趋势,补偿投喂后,除了淀粉酶呈先上升后下降外,其余三种酶都呈上升趋势。各组在饥饿处理下消化酶活性在实验后期与正常组存在显著差异,再投喂后与正常组差异不显著。各组在再投喂后的饵料日转化率随补偿时间呈不规则上升,但都...     

Carbohydrate level in the diet of silver barb, Puntius gonionotus (Bleeker) fingerlings: effect on growth, nutrient utilization and whole body composition

Five iso-nitrogenous (300 g crude protein kg⁻¹ diet) semi-purified diets with graded levels of carbohydrate at 220 (D-1), 260 (D-2), 300 (D-3), 340 (D-4) and 380 (D-5) g kg⁻¹ diet were fed ad libitum to Puntius gonionotus fingerlings (average weight 0.59±0.01 g) in triplicate groups (20 fish replicate⁻¹) for a period of 90 days to determine the effect of the dietary carbohydrate level on the growth, nutrient utilization, digestibility, gut enzyme activity and whole-body composition of fish. Fifteen flow-through cement tanks of 100 L capacity with a flow rate of 0.5 L min⁻¹ were used for rearing the fish. The maximum weight gain, specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio, RNA:DNA ratio, whole-body protein content, protease activity, protein and energy digestibility and minimum feed conversion ratio (FCR) were found in the D-2 group fed with 260 g carbohydrate kg⁻¹ diet. The highest protein and energy retention was also recorded in the same group. However, from the second-order polynomial regression analysis, the maximum growth and nutrient utilization of P. gonionotus fingerlings was 291.3–298.3 g carbohydrate kg⁻¹ diet at a dietary protein level of 300 g kg⁻¹ with a protein/energy (P/E) ratio of 20.58 −20.75 g protein MJ⁻¹.     

Effects of dietary phosphorus and lipid levels on utilization and excretion of phosphorus and nitrogen by rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). 2. Production-scale study

In a 8-week production-scale experiment at a commercial trout farm, the effects of dietary lipid level and phosphorus level on phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) utilization of rainbow trout (initial mean weight 99 g) were assessed. A low-phosphorus, high-lipid experimental diet (457 g protein, 315 g lipid, 9.1 g P  kg^–1 dry diet) was compared with a commonly used commercial diet (484 g protein, 173 g lipid, 13.6 g P  kg^–1 dry diet). P and N budgets were constructed using data from the production-scale experiment and digestibility data for the two diets. In addition, orthophosphate and ammonia-N waste were measured in effluent over one 24-h period. Relative to the commercial diet, the experimental diet resulted in significantly increased feed efficiency ratio, N retention and P retention, and substantially reduced dissolved, solid and total P waste (g kg^–1 dry feed). Although N retention resulting from the experimental diet was higher, this was attributable to higher N (protein) digestibility of the experimental diet. Solid N waste (g kg^–1 dry feed) resulting from the experimental diet was substantially lower, but dissolved N waste (g kg^–1 dry feed) was not significantly different relative to the commercial diet. Mean effluent orthophosphate production (mg day^–1 kg^–1 fish) of fish fed the experimental diet was substantially lower than that of fish fed the commercial diet ( P  < 0.05), but effluent ammonia-N production (mg day^–1 kg^–1 fish) was not significantly affected by dietary treatment.     

Acceptability and digestibility by tilapia Oreochromis niloticus of feeds containing cocoa husk

The acceptability, digestibility and nutrient utilization of feeds containing cocoa husk were determined for tilapia Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings reared in a recirculation system. Three semipurified isonitrogenous diets formulated to contain 0, 100 and 200 g kg⁻¹ of cocoa husk were fed to satiation three times daily. Although the feeds containing cocoa husk were acceptable to the fish, as indicated by their voracious consumption and positive weight gains, there were significant ( P  < 0.05) reductions in gross feed conversion efficiency with the cocoa husk feeds. Both apparent protein and dry matter digestibility were significantly ( P  < 0.05) reduced when 100 and 200 g kg⁻¹ cocoa husk was fed. Specific growth rates of 3.51 and 3.34% per day, resulting from the two cocoa husk feeds, respectively, were significantly ( P  < 0.05) lower than growth rates of control fish. Apparent net protein utilization was not significantly affected ( P  > 0.05) by the 100 g kg⁻¹ cocoa husk feed treatment. The consumption of the cocoa husk feeds could compensate for their low digestibility under acceptable fish yields and returns.