Partial substitution of fish oil with rapeseed, linseed and olive oils in diets for European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.): effects on flesh fatty acid composition, plasma prostaglandins E2 and F2α, immune function and effectiveness of a fish oil finishing diet

Triplicate groups of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax L.), of initial weight 90 g, were fed four practical‐type diets in which the added oil was 1000 g kg^?1 fish oil (FO) (control diet), 600 g kg^?1 rapeseed oil (RO) and 400 g kg^?1 FO, 600 g kg^?1 linseed oil (LO) and 400 g kg^?1 FO, and 600 g kg^?1 olive oil (OO) and 400 g kg^?1 FO for 34 weeks. After sampling, the remaining fish were switched to the 1000 g kg^?1 FO diet for a further 14 weeks. Fatty acid composition of flesh total lipid was influenced by dietary fatty acid input but specific fatty acids were selectively retained or utilized. There was selective deposition and retention of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6n‐3). Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5n‐3) and DHA were significantly reduced and linolenic (LNA; 18:3n‐3), linoleic (LA; 18:2n‐6) and oleic (OA; 18:1n‐9) acids significantly increased in flesh lipids following the inclusion of 600 g kg^?1 RO, LO and OO in the diets. No significant differences were found among different treatments on plasma concentrations of prostaglandin E₂ and prostaglandin F_2α. Evaluation of non‐specific immune function, showed that the number of circulating leucocytes was significantly affected (P < 0.001), as was macrophage respiratory burst activity (P < 0.006) in fish fed vegetable oil diets. Accumulation of large amounts of lipid droplets were observed within the hepatocytes in relation to decreased levels of dietary n‐3 HUFA, although no signs of cellular necrosis was evident. After feeding a FO finishing diet for 14 weeks, DHA and total n‐3 HUFA levels were restored to values in control fish although EPA remained 18% higher in control than in the other treatments. This study suggests that vegetable oils such as RO, LO and OO can potentially be used as partial substitutes for dietary FO in European sea bass culture, during the grow out phase, without compromising growth rates but may alter some immune parameters.     

Influence of dietary lipid sources on growth,reproductive performance and fatty acid compositions of muscle and egg in three‐spot gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus) (Pallas, 1770)

Five isonitrogenous (420 g kg^?1 crude protein) and isoenergetic (16.3 kJ g^?1) practical diets were formulated to contain fish oil (FO), Kilka fish oil (KFO), linseed (LO), canola (CO) and soybean (SBO) oils fed to juveniles of three‐spot gourami (Trichopodus trichopterus) (initial weight 1 ± 0.03 g) three times per day to apparent satiation for 14 weeks. Results showed the mean final weight of brooders was not significantly affected by dietary oil sources. Specific growth rate for fish fed in SBO and CO diets was statistically higher than for fish fed diet LO. Fish fed diets CO and KFO showed in significantly higher GSI value compared with other diets. Absolute fecundity was greatest in fish fed diets KFO and CO, which significantly differ with other treatments. Except for KFO diet, high fertilization percentages (87.3–93.45%) were observed in other treatments. Fatty acid composition of muscle and egg was found to be positively correlated with their respective dietary lipid sources. High levels of EPA, DHA and n‐3 HUFA in brooders fed diet FO negatively affect egg quality parameters. Therefore, the results demonstrated that vegetable oil‐based diets (CO, SBO and LO, respectively) can positively affect on growth performance of juveniles compared with fish oil‐based diets. Furthermore, CO and LO diets, respectively, showed positive effects on reproductive performance in T. trichopterus compared with fish oil diets during experimental period under controlled conditions.     

Inter-individual variation in total fatty acid compositions of flesh of Atlantic salmon smolts-fed diets containing fish oil or vegetable oil

Fish such as Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) are a natural source of n‐3 highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA) eicosapentaenate (EPA; 20:5n‐3) and docosahexaenoate (DHA; 22:6n‐3), which are essential for protecting humans against cardiovascular diseases. Thus, flesh n‐3 HUFA level is a trait of considerable importance in farmed fish, particularly now that the fishmeal and fish oil (FO) components of traditional aquaculture diets have to be replaced by more sustainable alternatives including plant meals and vegetable oils (VO). The present study aimed to characterize the inter‐individual variation in this trait in a single strain of Atlantic salmon. Fish were grown for 12 weeks on either an FO diet, or a diet with 100% of the FO replaced by a VO blend containing rapeseed, linseed and palm oils, flesh n‐3 HUFA content and composition determined, and the variation between individuals characterized. The results showed that, irrespective of diet, variation exists in the content of n‐3 HUFA in the flesh of individual salmon, showing that individual animals can display an enhanced ability to maintain high levels of n‐3 HUFA in their flesh. The pros and cons of defining the trait on a qualitative or quantitative basis are discussed.     

Dietary lipid sources for seabream and seabass: growth performance, tissue composition and flesh quality

Due to its traditionally good availability, digestibility and high content of n ? 3 HUFA, fish oil is the main lipid source in fish feeds. However, world demand for this product has grown significantly in recent years, whereas its production, based on fisheries landings, is static. The purpose of the present study was to assess the effect of partial replacement of fish oil in compound diets for gilthead seabream and seabass, by several vegetable oil sources, on growth, dietary fatty acid utilization and flesh quality. Five iso‐energetic and isoproteic experimental diets were formulated (25% lipid content). Fish oil was the only added lipid source in the control (FO) diet, and it was included in the other experimental diets at a level high enough (40% of FO diet) to keep the n ? 3 HUFA levels well over 3% in order to cover the essential fatty acid requirements of these species. Fish oil was replaced by soyabean oil (SO), rapeseed oil (RO) and linseed oil (LO) or a mixture (Mix) of them. Feed intake in all dietary groups was in the range of results obtained for commercial diets in both species, and growth and feed utilization were very good. The results show that, providing a minimum content of essential fatty acids in the diet, it is possible to replace up to 60% of the fish oil by SO, LO and RO or a mixture of them in diets for seabream and seabass, without compromising fish growth. Fatty acid composition of liver and muscle reflected that of the diet, but utilization of dietary lipids differed between these two tissues and was also different for the different fatty acids. Despite reduction in dietary saturated fatty acids by the inclusion of vegetable oils, their levels in fish liver were as high as in fish fed the fish oil diet, whereas, in muscle, levels were reduced according to that in the diet. Linoleic and linolenic acids were accumulated in the liver proportionally to their levels in the diet, suggesting a lower oxidation of these fatty acids in comparison to other 18C fatty acids. Regarding eicosapentaenoic acid (20 : 5n ? 3; EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (22 : 6n ? 3; DHA) and arachidonic acid (20 : 4n ? 6; ARA), these essential fatty acids were reduced in the liver at a similar rate, whereas DHA was preferentially retained in the muscle in comparison with the other fatty acids, denoting a higher oxidation particularly of EPA, in the muscle. Some other PUFA increased despite their low dietary levels in seabream fed LO diets and in seabass fed SO diet, suggesting the stimulation of delta‐6 and delta‐5 desaturase activity in marine fish. Despite differences in fatty acid composition, fillet of fish fed vegetable oils was very well accepted by trained judges when assessed cooked.     

Effects of varying dietary fatty acid profile on growth performance, fatty acid, body and tissue composition of juvenile pike perch (Sander lucioperca)

Pike perch (Sander lucioperca) has been identified as specie destined to diverse European inland aquaculture, but knowledge on the nutritional requirements is weak. Therefore, we investigated the effect of varying dietary fatty acid (FA) profile by partial replacement of fish oil (FO) with vegetable oils on growth, FA and body composition of juvenile pike perch. An extruded basal diet containing 59 g kg^?1 crude lipids (FO) was added with 60 g kg^?1 FO, 60 g kg^?1 linseed oil (LO) or 60 g kg^?1 soybean oil (SO). The resulting dietary FA composition differed mainly in the triglyceride fraction and was characterized by highest amounts of linolenic acid (18:3 n‐3) in the LO diet and linoleic acid in the SO diet. Diet enriched with FO contained highest contents of highly unsaturated FA 20:5 n‐3 (eicosapentaenic acid) and 22:6 n‐3 (docosahexaenic acid). Pike perch were held in a recirculation system and each feeding group (in triplicate) was fed with experimental diets at a daily rate of 35 g kg^?1 of biomass for 57 days by automatic feeders. Weight gain and specific growth rate of experimental feeding groups ranged between 18.47 and 19.58 g and 1.37–1.45% day^?1 and was not affected by the dietary composition indicating that FO can be replaced by vegetable oils without negative impact on growth performance. In contrast to the whole body and muscle composition, liver tissue was affected by the varying diets. Liver tissues of fish fed diets enriched with vegetable oils showed significantly increased lipid contents of 162 (LO) and 147 (SO) g kg^?1 and indicate decreased lipid utilization compared with fish fed FO diet (liver lipid content 112 g kg^?1). Nevertheless, hepatosomatic index of pike perch was not influenced by dietary lipid composition. The FA profile of pike perch was generally determined by the dietary FAs.     

Effect of dietary lipid source and vitamin E on growth,non‐specific immune response and resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila challenge of Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis

Six purified diets were formulated to contain three lipid sources, fish oil (FO), linseed oil (LO) and soybean oil (SO), at 6% diet lipid crossing two levels of vitamin E (100 and 300 mg α‐tocopheryl acetate/kg diet) for each lipid source (FO100, FO300, LO100, LO300, SO100, SO300). The juvenile Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis, respectively, fed on these diets with four replicates for 6 weeks. The crab weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) were significantly affected by dietary lipid sources. No difference was found between the crabs fed two levels of vitamin E, but the WG and SGR were numerically higher in crab fed 300 mg/kg vitamin E than those fed the other level of vitamin E. The lipid source and vitamin E level could affect fatty acid composition in the hepatopancreas. The contents of saturated fatty acids (SAFA) and n‐3HUFA were significantly higher in the crab‐fed fish oil. The highest contents of n‐6PUFA and n‐3PUFA were found in the crab‐fed soybean oil and linseed oil respectively. The contents of SAFA, n‐3HUFA and n‐3PUFA were higher in the 300 mg/kg vitamin E treatment. A lower malondialdehyde (MDA) content and higher phenoloxidase (PO) activity were observed in the crab fed 300 mg/kg vitamin E. The results of this study indicate that the Chinese mitten crab fed the diet with 6% fish oil and 300 mg/kg vitamin E showed better growth, antioxidant capacity and resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila.     

Influence of Dietary Oil Sources on Muscle Composition and Plasma Lipoprotein Concentrations in Nile Tilapia,Oreochromis niloticus

To investigate the impact of different dietary lipid sources on fillet composition and lipid transport, we conducted a feeding trial and evaluated the proximate composition of muscle tissue, fatty acid profiles, total cholesterol (in muscle and plasma), triglycerides, and lipoprotein concentrations in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Five semi‐purified diets, containing different oils (soybean – SO, corn – CO, linseed – LO, fish – FO, and olive – OO), were supplied to tilapia for 160 d. Fish fed with LO and FO diets had a lower percentage of total lipids in muscle compared with the others (P < 0.05). The highest percentage of protein was found in fish fed with FO diet (P < 0.05). The muscle fatty acid profile was influenced differently by diets (P < 0.05). The group supplemented with SO and CO had a higher concentration of 18:2n‐6, whereas the fish fed with LO diet had a higher level of 18:3n‐3 and those that received the FO diet had more 22:6n‐3 in comparison with those supplemented with vegetable oils. Plasma lipid transport was also affected by the diets: the fish fed with FO diet had higher total cholesterol and high‐density lipoprotein and lower very‐low‐density lipoprotein concentrations (P < 0.05).     

Effects of different dietary lipid sources in the diet for Pangasius nasutus (Bleeker, 1863) juveniles on growth performance,feed efficiency,body indices and muscle and liver fatty acid compositions

Four isonitrogenous (300 g kg^?1 crude protein), isoenergetic (21 kJ g^?1) experimental diets were formulated to contain fish oil (FO), soybean oil (SBO), crude palm oil (CPO) and linseed oil (LO), respectively, as the lipid sources, added at 120 g kg^?1 of crude lipid each. The diets were fed by hand to triplicate groups of Pangasius nasutus (Bleeker, 1863) juveniles (mean weight 10.66 ± 0.04 g), to apparent satiation twice daily for 12 weeks. Fish survival rate was 100% among all the treatments. Growth performance (DGR) was similar among fish fed the SBO, CPO and LO diets, but was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the CPO compared to fish fed the control (FO) diet. Fish fed SBO and CPO diets also recorded significantly (P < 0.05) higher intraperitoneal fat compared to fish fed the control, whereas fish fed the LO diet did not significantly differ from the other treatments. Muscle and liver fatty acid profile of fish from all the treatments generally mirrored the composition of the diets fed and the major fatty acids recorded were 18:3n‐3 and 18:2n‐6 in the tissues of fish fed the LO and SBO treatments, respectively. Results of this study suggests that P. nasutus fed diets containing vegetable oils (especially CPO and SBO) produce better growth performance, without compromising fish survival and feed efficiency compared with those fed a diet containing only FO.     

Effect of dietary n‐3 HUFA on growth performance and tissue fatty acid composition of gibel carp Carassius auratus gibelio

A 12‐week growth trial was conducted with gibel carp Carassius auratus gibelio (initial weight: 2.69 g) to evaluate the effects of dietary n‐3 highly unsaturated fatty acids (n‐3 HUFA) on growth performance and tissue fatty acid composition. Five diets of different n‐3 HUFA levels from 0 to 17 g kg^?1 diet were supplemented at 80 g kg^?1 dietary lipid by including fish oil (FO) at 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% of supplemental lipid. The remainder was coconut oil. The results showed that fish fed FO₂₅ and FO₅₀ obtained highest specific growth rate and lowest with FO₀. Feed efficiency was highest at FO₁₀₀ and lowest at FO₀. Apparent digestibility coefficient of lipid increased with increasing dietary n‐3 HUFA. The fish fed FO₀ diet had the lowest thiobarbituric acid reactive substance in serum and muscle and highest moisture and lowest lipid content in viscera. Fatty acid compositions of muscle and liver were correlated with dietary fatty acids. Fish muscle concentration of 20:5n‐3 increased with increasing dietary n‐3 HUFA while the concentration of 22:6n‐3 was distinctly reduced in FO₀ group. It suggested that 4 g kg^?1 n‐3 HUFA in diet could permit gibel carp normal growth performance and provide considerable n‐3 HUFA in fish muscle. Excessive n‐3 HUFA showed impact on growth performance of gibel carp.     

Effects of dietary lipid level and vegetable oil on fatty acid metabolism in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) over the whole production cycle

Changes in fatty acid metabolism in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) induced by vegetable oil (VO) replacement of fish oil (FO) and high dietary oil in aquaculture diets can have negative impacts on the nutritional quality of the product for the human consumer, including altered flesh fatty acid composition and lipid content. A dietary trial was designed to investigate the twin problems of FO replacement and high energy diets in salmon throughout the entire production cycle. Salmon were grown from first feeding to around 2 kg on diets in which FO was completely replaced by a 1:1 blend of linseed and rapeseed oils at low (14–17%) and high (25–35%) dietary oil levels. This paper reports specifically on the influence of diet on various aspects of fatty acid metabolism. Fatty acid compositions of liver, intestinal tissue and gill were altered by the diets with increased proportions of C₁₈ polyunsaturated fatty acids and decreased proportions of n-3 highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA) in fish fed VO compared to fish fed FO. HUFA synthesis in hepatocytes and enterocytes was significantly higher in fish fed VO, whereas β-oxidation was unaltered by either dietary oil content or type. Over the entire production cycle, HUFA synthesis in hepatocytes showed a decreasing trend with age interrupted by a large peak in activity at seawater transfer. Gill cell prostaglandin (PG) production showed a possible seasonal trend, with peak activities in winter and low activities in summer and at seawater transfer. PG production in seawater was lower in fish fed the high oil diets with the lowest PG production generally observed in fish fed high VO. The changes in fatty acid metabolism induced by high dietary oil and VO replacement contribute to altered flesh lipid content and fatty acid compositions, and so merit continued investigation to minimize any negative impacts that sustainable, environmentally-friendly and cost-effective aquaculture diets could have in the future. Abbreviations: FO - fish oil; HUFA - highly unsaturated fatty acids acids (carbon chain length ≥C ₂₀ with ≥3 double bonds); LO - linseed oil; RO - rapeseed oil; VO - vegetable oil. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Effect of high dietary intakes of vitamin E and n-3 HUFA on immune responses and resistance to Edwardsiella tarda challenge in Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus, Temminck and Schlegel)

A feeding experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of high dietary intake of vitamin E (supplied as dl ‐α‐tocopheryl acetate) and n‐3 highly unsaturated fatty acid (n‐3 HUFA) on the non‐specific immune response and disease resistance in Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus. Nine practical diets were formulated to contain one of three levels of vitamin E namely, 0, 80 or 200 mg kg^?1 (the total α‐tocopherol contents in the diets were 21, 97 and 213 mg kg^?1 based on analysis), and at each vitamin E level with one of three n‐3 HUFA levels i.e. 0.5%, 1.5% or 2.0%. Each diet was randomly assigned to triplicate groups of Japanese flounder (initial body weight: 40.5±1.0 g, mean±SD) in a re‐circulation rearing system. Fish were fed twice daily to apparent satiation at 07:00 and 18:00 hours for 12 weeks. During the experimental period, water temperature was maintained at 18±1°C, salinity 31–35 g L^?1, and pH 7.8–8.2. Dissolved oxygen was not less than 6 mg L^?1, and there were negligible levels of free ammonia and nitrite. The results showed that the increase in dietary n‐3 HUFA from 0.5% to 1.0% significantly decreased muscle α‐tocopherol contents in fish‐fed diets with 21 and 97 mg α‐tocopherol kg^?1 diet (P<0.05). In 1.0% HUFA groups, alternative complement pathway activity (ACH₅₀) of fish fed the diet containing the 213 mg α‐tocopherol kg^?1 diet was significantly higher than noted for fish fed the diet containing 97 mg α‐tocopherol kg^?1 diet (P<0.05). Fish fed the diet with 213 mg α‐tocopherol kg^?1 and 2.0% n‐3 HUFA had the highest lysozyme activity (131.7 U mL^?1) among all the dietary treatments. Fish fed the diets containing 97 and 213 mg α‐tocopherol kg^?1 with 1.0% n‐3 HUFA had significantly higher respiratory burst activity than those fed the diets containing 21 mg α‐tocopherol kg^?1 with 0.5 and 1.0% n‐3 HUFA (P<0.05). In the disease resistance experiment, high intake of dietary vitamin E with 213 mg α‐tocopherol kg^?1 significantly decreased cumulative mortality and delayed the days to first mortality after a 7‐day Edwardsiella tarda challenge (P<0.05). In addition, under the experimental conditions, dietary vitamin E and n‐3 HUFA had a synergistic effect on the non‐specific immune responses and disease resistance in Japanese flounder (P<0.05).     

Short‐term food deprivation before a fish oil finishing strategy improves the deposition of n‐3 LC‐PUFA,but not the washing‐out of C18 PUFA in rainbow trout

This study aimed to test the hypothesis that the efficiency of a finishing period can be improved by reducing the initial fat content of fish fillets, by means of a period of food deprivation. Two groups of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were fed for an 18‐week grow‐out period on a vegetable oil‐based diet (VO) or a fish oil‐based diet (FO). VO fed fish were then split into two sub groups: one (VO/FO) was shifted to the FO diet for 8 weeks, whilst the other (UF/FO) was deprived of food (unfed) for 2 weeks and then fed the FO diet for the remaining 6 weeks. The control treatment (FO/FO) was represented by fish continuously fed FO. The subsequent reduction of total fat in the UF/FO treatment was then responsible for a much faster recovery towards a FO‐like fatty acid profile, validating the proposed hypothesis. However, the modification of the fatty acid composition of fish fillets during the feed withholding period, coupled with the postponement of the finishing diet, resulted in only minor beneficial effects of this strategy, and the loss of potential weight gain. However, the n‐3 LC‐PUFA content in UF/VO fish fillets was significantly higher than fish subjected to the VO/FO treatment.     

Effects of different dietary lipid sources on growth performance,body composition and lipid metabolism‐related enzymes and genes of juvenile golden pompano,Trachinotus ovatus

Three groups of juvenile golden pompano, Trachinotus ovatus (54.75 ± 0.25 g), were each fed one of three diets containing different lipid sources: fish oil (FO), soybean oil (SO) and lard oil (LO). Fish were reared in sea cages for 8 weeks, and the fish fed the FO diet had significantly higher specific growth rate (SGR) but lower condition factor (CF) than the other treatments. The fatty acid (FA) composition of whole‐body lipids was closely correlated with those in the diets. Although no differences can be found in hepatic fatty acid synthase (fasn) activity, the carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1 (cpt1) activity in fish fed the FO diet was significantly higher compared with other treatments. In addition, the relative gene expression of lipid metabolism‐related enzymes, such as cpt1, fas, apolipoprotein B100 (apoB100), delta‐6 fatty acyl desaturase (fadsd6) and fatty acid‐binding protein 1 (fabp1), was also influenced by the different dietary lipid sources. Serum triglyceride (TG) and glucose content in fish fed the LO and FO diets were significantly higher than those in the SO group. Accordingly, it can be concluded that FO could not be completely replaced by SO or LO in golden pompano diets. The lipid sources of a diet could impose significant influence on body condition factor and hepatic lipid metabolism of golden pompano.     

Dietary lipid level and source affect metabolic responses in hybrid catfish (Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum × Leiarius marmoratus)

This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of dietary lipid source [linseed oil (LO, rich in 18:3 n?3); corn oil (CO, rich in 18:2 n?6); olive oil (OO, rich in 18:1n?9); and fish oil (FO, rich in LC‐PUFA)] and level (9% L and 18% L) on growth, body composition and selected plasma biochemistry parameters in hybrid catfish (Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum × Leiarius marmoratus) juveniles. Moreover, liver histology (lipids, glycogen, cell vacuolization) and key metabolic enzyme activities were also evaluated. After 8 weeks of feeding, there were no differences in growth performance and whole‐body composition between groups. Plasma lipoprotein, muscle and liver composition, and G6PD and ME activity were affected by lipid level and source. No differences were observed between groups in hepatic ALT activity; however, AST activity was lower in fish fed the 9% L diets. Overall, liver and muscle fatty acid composition reflected that of diet FA composition, with increased n3/n6 ratio, high HUFA and low MUFA in fish fed FO compared with the VO diets. Higher liver glycogen content was observed in fish fed the 18% L than the 9% L diets, except for fish fed FO diet. Considering the experimental diets used, these results indicate that hybrid catfish can efficiently utilize VO supplementation as an energy source, without affecting growth performance and fillet composition.     

Effects of dietary fish oil substitution with linseed oil on growth,muscle fatty acid and metabolism of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of linseed oil (LO) replacing different levels of fish oil (FO) on growth, muscle fatty acid composition and metabolism of gift tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) (mean initial weight 22 ± 0.5 g) in indoor recycle aquarium tanks for 8 weeks. Fish fed the diet with 50% of the oil as LO had higher final body weight (FWG), specific growth rate (SGR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) than the other groups (P < 0.05). Hepatopancreas lipid content of fish fed 50% LO was lower than the other groups. Total n‐3 and n‐6 PUFA contents in the dorsal muscle and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in serum increased with increasing dietary LO level. Fish fed 50% LO had higher alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activities in hepatopancreas and total antioxidant capacity (T‐AOC) and alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activities in serum than the other groups (P < 0.05). However, malate dehydrogenase (MDH) activities and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in hepatopancreas were lower than other groups (P < 0.05) with a 50% substitution level. Results of this study indicated that LO could substitute <50% FO without influencing the growth of tilapia. The higher substitution levels of LO induced negative influences on growth, feed utilization and antioxidant ability of tilapia, but could promote DHA synthesis in tilapia muscle.     

Dietary Oil Sources on the Innate Immunity and Resistance of Nile Tilapia,Oreochromis niloticus,to Streptococcus agalactiae Challenge

The effect of different dietary oil sources on the innate immunity and resistance of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, to Streptococcus agalactiae infection were evaluated. Fish were fed with diets containing different lipid sources (soybean oil [SO], corn oil, linseed oil [LO], fish oil [FO], and olive oil [OO]). Fish fed SO presented the highest (P < 0.05) hematocrit and serum protein. LO and FO diets increased (P < 0.05) the erythrocyte resistance to osmotic lysis in comparison with other treatments. Fish fed OO showed the highest (P < 0.05) iron‐binding capacity and the lowest serum lysozyme and bactericidal activities (P < 0.05). No difference (P > 0.05) was found between diets in alternative complement activity. Fish fed the SO diet had the highest (P < 0.05) survival rate against S. agalactiae challenge. In conclusion, diets with LO oil and FO, rich in ω‐3 fatty acids, and OO, rich in ω‐9 fatty acids, have an immunomodulatory effect in Nile tilapia juveniles. The use of SO in the Nile tilapia diet improved immune function and resistance against S. agalactiae.     

Influences of dietary fatty acid profile on growth, body composition and blood chemistry in juvenile fat cod (Hexagrammos otakii Jordan et Starks)

This study was conducted to investigate the influence of dietary lipid source and n‐3 highly unsaturated fatty acids (n‐3 HUFA) level on growth, body composition and blood chemistry of juvenile fat cod. Triplicate groups of fish (13.2 ± 0.54 g) were fed the diets containing different n‐3 HUFA levels (0–30 g kg^?1) adjusted by either lauric acid or different proportions of corn oil, linseed oil and squid liver oil at 100 g kg^?1 of total lipid level. Survival was not affected by dietary fatty acids composition. Weight gain, feed efficiency and protein efficiency ratio (PER) of fish fed the diets containing squid liver oil were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those fed the diets containing lauric acid, corn oil or linseed oil as the sole lipid source. Weight gain, feed efficiency and PER of fish increased with increasing dietary n‐3 HUFA level up to 12–16 g kg^?1, but the values decreased in fish fed the diet containing 30 g kg^?1 n‐3 HUFA. The result of second‐order polynomial regression showed that the maximum weight gain and feed efficiency could be attained at 17 g kg^?1 n‐3 HUFA. Plasma protein, glucose and cholesterol contents were not affected by dietary fatty acids composition. However, plasma triglyceride content in fish fed the diet containing lauric acid as the sole lipid source was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than that of fish fed the other diets. Lipid content of fish fed the diets containing each of lauric acid or corn oil was lower than that of fish fed the diets containing linseed oil or squid liver oil only. Fatty acid composition of polar and neutral lipid fractions in the whole body of fat cod fed the diets containing various levels of n‐3 HUFA were reflected by dietary fatty acids compositions. The contents of n‐3 HUFA in polar and neutral lipids of fish increased with an increase in dietary n‐3 HUFA level. These results indicate that dietary n‐3 HUFA are essential and the diet containing 12–17 g kg^?1 n‐3 HUFA is optimal for growth and efficient feed utilization of juvenile fat cod, however, excessive n‐3 HUFA supplement may impair the growth of fish.     

Effects of different dietary lipid sources in the diet for Pangasius hypophthalmus (Sauvage, 1878) juvenile on growth performance,nutrient utilization,body indices and muscle and liver fatty acid composition

Four isonitrogenous (300 g kg^?1 crude protein), isoenergetic (21 kJ g^?1) experimental diets were formulated to contain fish oil (FO), soybean oil (SBO), crude palm oil (CPO) and linseed oil (LO), respectively, as lipid sources each at inclusion level of 120 g kg^?1 and fed to triplicate groups of 15 juvenile iridescent shark, Pangasius hypophthalmus (Sauvage, 1878) (mean weight 10.00 ± 0.70 g) to apparent satiation twice daily for 12 weeks. The results showed that survival of fish was consistently over 95% for all treatments whereas growth performance in the SBO and CPO treatments was similar and significantly (P < 0.05) higher than for fish fed the LO diet. However, fish fed all vegetable oil‐based diets performed better than those fed the FO diet. Muscle and liver fatty acid composition for all treatments generally reflected the composition in the diet and the ratio of n‐3/n‐6 was found to play an important role in P. hypophthalmus, suggesting that excessive amounts of n‐3 fatty acids reduce the overall growth performance. Results of this study thus suggests that P. hypophthalmus fed diets containing vegetable oils (especially CPO and SBO) produce better growth than those fed FO diet without showing any signs of nutrient deficiency.     

Influence of dietary palm oil on growth, tissue fatty acid compositions, and fatty acid metabolism in liver and intestine in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary crude palm oil (CPO) on fatty acid metabolism in liver and intestine of rainbow trout. Triplicate groups of rainbow trout for 10 weeks at 13 °C were fed on diets in which CPO replaced fish oil (FO) in a graded manner (0–100%). At the end of the trial, fatty acid compositions of flesh, liver and pyloric caeca were determined and highly unsaturated fatty acid (HUFA) synthesis and fatty acid oxidation were estimated in isolated hepatocytes and caecal enterocytes using [1‐¹⁴C]18:3n‐3 as substrate. Growth performance and feed efficiency were unaffected by dietary CPO. Fatty acid compositions of selected tissues reflected the dietary fatty acid composition with increasing CPO resulting in increased proportions of 18:1n‐9 and 18:2n‐6 and decreased proportions of n‐3HUFA, 20:5n‐3 and 22:6n‐3. Palmitic acid, 16:0, was also increased in flesh and pyloric caeca, but not in liver. The capacity of HUFA synthesis from 18:3n‐3 increased by up to threefold in both hepatocytes and enterocytes in response to graded increases in dietary CPO. In contrast, oxidation of 18:3n‐3 was unaffected by dietary CPO in hepatocytes and reduced by high levels of dietary CPO in enterocytes. The results of this study suggest that CPO can be used at least to partially replace FO in diets for rainbow trout in terms of permitting similar growth and feed conversion, and having no major detrimental effects on lipid and fatty acid metabolism, although flesh fatty acid compositions are significantly affected at an inclusion level above 50%, with n‐3HUFA reduced by up to 40%.     

Effects of dietary lipid sources on growth performance,lipid metabolism and antioxidant status of juvenile Russian sturgeon Acipenser gueldenstaedtii

Six isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were used to test the influence of lipid source on growth performance, antioxidant status and lipid metabolism of juvenile Russian sturgeon, Acipenser gueldenstaedtii. Each diet was supplemented with 90 g kg^?1 of lipid from each of six sources including fish oil (FO), beef tallow (BT), sunflower oil (SO), linseed oil (LO) and equal combinations of FO + SO + BT (FSB) or LO + SO + BT (LSB). After 56 days, fish fed LSB demonstrated highest weight gain, specific growth rate and lowest hepatosomatic index among all groups. The n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the whole fish were highest in the SO group, and n‐3 PUFAs were highest in fish fed LO. The fish fed FO contained highest n‐3 highly unsaturated fatty acids. Triglyceride in the serum of fish fed LSB was lowest, but was not significantly different from that in the SO group. Triglyceride in the serum of fish fed FO and BT was highest among all groups. Lipase, malate dehydrogenase and lipoprotein lipase activities were highest in fish fed LSB. Serum malondialdehyde in fish fed LSB was significantly lower than in fish fed FO or SO, but no significant differences were found among fish fed LSB, BT, LO or FSB. Fish fed LSB showed higher catalase activity and total antioxidant capacity than fish fed FO or FSB. This study indicates that linseed, sunflower oil and BT mixed oil are a suitable lipid source and can benefit growth performance and antioxidation in juvenile sturgeon.