Comparative study on the effect of dietary lipid level on growth and feed utilization for gibel carp (Carassius auratus gibelio) and Chinese longsnout catfish (Leiocassis longirostris Günther)

An 8‐week growth trial investigated the effect of dietary lipid level on growth performance of a carnivorous fish, Chinese longsnout catfish (Leiocassis longirostris Günther) and an omnivorous fish, gibel carp (Carassius auratus gibelio). For each species, seven isonitrogenous semi‐purified diets (455 g kg^?1 crude protein for Chinese longsnout catfish and 385 g kg^?1 crude protein for gibel carp) were formulated to contain 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180 or 210 g kg^?1 lipid. For Chinese longsnout catfish, feed intake (FI) decreased with increasing dietary lipid and there was no significant difference in feed intake from 90 to 210 g kg^?1 lipid. Specific growth rate (SGR) increased with dietary lipid level (P < 0.05) and the 150 and 180 g kg^?1 groups were the best. Feed conversion efficiency (FCE), protein retention efficiency (PRE) and energy retention efficiency (ERE) were higher at 180 g kg^?1 lipid. For gibel carp, FI decreased with increased dietary lipid and 180 and 210 g kg^?1 lipid groups showed lower values. SGR increased with dietary lipid level and the 150 and 180 g kg^?1 were the best. FCE was higher at 180 g kg^?1 lipid level. PRE increased with dietary lipid level and there was no significant difference in groups from 120 to 210 g kg^?1 dietary lipid. ERE increased with increasing dietary lipid level, and groups fed 120, 150 and 180 g kg^?1 lipid showed the highest values. In Chinese longsnout catfish, increase in dietary lipid level, resulted in increased carcass dry matter, crude protein, crude lipid and gross energy. In gibel carp, dry matter, crude protein, and crude lipid increased with dietary lipid level. Based on regression between SGR and dietary lipid, dietary lipid requirements for Chinese longsnout catfish and gibel carp were 142.6 and 140.5 g kg^?1, respectively.     

Dietary available phosphorus requirement for on‐growing gibel carp (Carassius auratus gibelio var. CAS III)

A nine‐week feeding experiment was conducted in flow‐through system with gibel carp (43.8 ± 0.2 g) to study the effects of dietary available phosphorus (P) on growth, phosphorous digestibility and intestinal enzyme activities. Seven semipurified diets were formulated to contain 0.8 (the basal), 2.4, 3.6, 6.1, 7.4, 10.1 and 15.8 g available phosphorus kg^?1 diet. The results showed that specific growth rate and feed efficiency increased with increasing dietary available P from 0.8 to 7.4 g P kg^?1. Fish body ash increased with increasing dietary available P, while moisture, protein content or energy content had no difference. Total phosphorus waste discharging (TPW) increased with increased dietary phosphorous. Plasma glucose was higher in the fish fed with 7.4 g kg^?1 P. Plasma triglycerides was lower in fish fed diets containing 6.1–10.1 g kg^?1 P. No significant effects were observed in plasma P and Ca (p > .05). The activities of intestinal amylase, lipase and trypsin showed no difference, while AKP and Na⁺, K⁺‐ATPase activities decreased with increasing dietary available P. In conclusion, based on the regression between specific growth rate (SGR), P retention efficiency, feed efficiency (FE) and dietary available P, the available P requirements for on‐growing gibel carp were 10.69, 8.22 and 6.72 g kg^?1, respectively.     

Effect of dietary protein levels and feeding rates on growth performance, production traits and body composition of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.) cultured in concrete tanks

A 28‐week feeding trial was conducted in concrete tanks with Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.) with an average initial weight and length of 61.9±6.03 (g fish^?1) and 17.6±0.45 (cm fish^?1), respectively, to examine the effect of two protein levels and three feeding levels (% body weight (BW) day^?1) on growth performance, production traits and body composition. Twelve 4‐m³ concrete tanks (2 × 2 × 1.25 m, long, width and height) were each stocked with 100 fish and fed diets containing either 25% or 30% crude protein at rates of 1%, 2% and 3% BW daily (2 × 3 factorial experiment). The results revealed that there was no significant increase in growth rate with increasing dietary protein levels, whereas there was significant increase in growth rate with increasing feeding levels (P≤0.05). The same trend was also observed for mean BW (g), mean body length (cm), production rate (kg m^?3), specific growth rate (SGR % day^?1), feed conversion ratio (FCR), condition factor (K) and survival rate (%). The best final mean BW (g), final mean body length (cm), SGR (% day^?1), FCR, K, production rate (kg m^?3) and survival rate (%) were recorded in groups of fish fed with 25% dietary protein at the 2% feeding level. Whole fish fat and energy contents were not significantly influenced (P>0.05) by protein levels and feeding levels. Protein and ash contents were significantly (P≤0.05) influenced by feeding level, but not by dietary protein level. Economic evaluation indicated that dietary protein 25% (diet A) at the 2% BW day^?1 feeding level was the most cost‐effective and affordable feed strategy for farmers. We conclude that a 25% protein diet fed at 2% BW day^?1 is recommended for adult Nile tilapia reared in concrete tanks.     

Effects of DL‐methionine supplementation on the success of fish meal replacement by plant proteins in practical diets for juvenile gibel carp (Carassius auratus gibelio)

A ten‐week feeding trail was conducted to investigate the effects of increasing DL‐methionine (Met) supplementation on the success of fish meal (FM) replacement with plant proteins in practical diets for juvenile gibel carp, Carassius auratus gibelio. Twelve isoenergetic diets were formulated including two 150 g kg^?1 FM diets (Diet 1—positive control 1 reflecting a commercial diet and Diet 2—positive control 2 reflecting a commercial diet but with balanced essential amino acid (EAA) profile) and ten 50 g kg^?1 FM diets (negative controls) supplemented with graded levels (0–3.0 g kg^?1) of DL‐Met (Diets 3–12). Each diet was fed to triplicate groups of gibel carp, near satiation four times daily for 10 weeks. Diet 2 with balanced EAA profile produced better final weight, specific growth rate (SGR) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) than the negative control diet containing no supplemental Met (Diet 3), but did not significantly differ from Diet 1. However, DL‐Met supplementation (0.5–3.0 g kg^?1) in the negative control diets (Diets 4–12) produced growth performances similar to those fed the positive control diets (Diets 1 and 2). Based on quadratic regression analysis, the optimal dietary Met level with 5.2 g kg^?1 of dietary cysteine (Cys) was found to be 7.1 g kg^?1 dry diet for SGR and FCR. The corresponding total sulphur amino acid requirements (Met + Cys) of this species were calculated to be 12.3 g kg^?1 dry diet for SGR and FCR. DL‐Met supplementation in 50 g kg^?1 FM diets showed a decreasing trend in plasma cholesterol contents (p < .05). No significant differences were observed in whole‐body composition, plasma protein, triglyceride and free EAA contents among dietary treatments, while plasma aspartate transaminase, albumin and ammonia contents were significantly influenced by dietary Met levels. Juvenile gibel carp grew equally well on 150 g kg^?1 FM diet or 50 g kg^?1 FM diets balanced for EAA profile with supplemental amino acids. The results of this study overall indicate that balancing dietary amino acid levels with DL‐Met supplementation is a key strategy in successfully reducing FM levels in the diets of gibel carp.     

Carbohydrate utilization by herbivorous and omnivorous freshwater fish species: a comparative study on gibel carp (Carassius auratus gibelio. var CAS III) and grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus)

Two 8‐week feeding trials were conducted to evaluate dietary carbohydrate utilization by omnivorous gibel carp (Carassius auratus gibelio) (2.4 ± 0.1 g) and herbivorous grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) (6.5 ± 0.1 g). Five isonitrogenous (370 g kg^?1) and isolipid (70 g kg^?1) diets were formulated with increasing corn starch levels (60, 140, 220, 300 and 380 g kg^?1). Results showed that specific growth rate (SGR), feed efficiency (FE) and protein retention efficiency (PRE) of gibel carp significantly increased from dietary starch of 60 to 300 g kg^?1 and then decreased from 300 to 380 g kg^?1, but those of grass carp showed no significant differences between treatments. Independent of dietary starch levels, grass carp gained significantly higher FE and PRE than gibel carp. Feeding rate (FR) of gibel carp was significantly higher than that of grass carp. In two fish species, high dietary starch (300 and 380 g kg^?1) tended to obtain higher hepatosomatic index (HSI), serum triglyceride, hepatic lipid and body lipid contents. Serum glucose concentration of grass carp was not affected, while that of gibel carp fed the starch of 300 g kg^?1 diet was significantly lower than those of the fish fed other four diets (60, 140, 220 and 380 g kg^?1). Grass carp showed high tolerance to dietary starch while dietary corn starch should be no more than 300 g kg^?1 for gibel carp. High starch contents may cause lipid accumulation in the liver and body.     

Effect of partial replacement of dietary monocalcium phosphate with neutral phytase on growth performance and phosphorus digestibility in gibel carp,Carassius auratus gibelio (Bloch)

A feeding trial was conducted to study the effect of partial replacement of dietary monocalcium phosphate (MCP) with neutral phytase on growth performance and phosphorus digestibility in gibel carp, Carassius auratus gibelio (Bloch). Control diet was prepared with 2% MCP but without phytase (P0). Other three experimental diets were prepared by replacement of MCP by 25%, 50% and 75% respectively in comparison with control with supplementation of neutral phytase at 500 U kg^?1 diet in each and designated as P25, P50 and P75 respectively. Gibel carp (initial body weight of 30.22 ± 1.98 g) were reared in twelve 300‐L cylindrical fibreglass tanks provided with filtered flow‐through tap water at 26–28°C. After 8‐week experiment, gibel carp fed with P50 had no obvious differences from the control group on weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency rate (PER) and survival rate. Phytase supplementation did not affect body compositions or muscle compositions. Crude protein and phosphorus (P) contents in the faeces of fish fed with the phytase‐supplemented diets were significantly lower than those of the control group. The apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) of crude protein and P in gibel carp were increased when fish fed with the diets in which MCP was replaced by neutral phytase. This study suggested that partial replacement of dietary MCP at 50% with neutral phytase was considered as a recommended dietary supplemental level and increased dietary P and protein availability.     

Effects of feeding rate and frequency on growth performance,digestion and nutrients balances of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS)

A 10‐week study was conducted to investigate the effects of feeding rate and frequency on growth performance, digestion and nutrients balances of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in replicated recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). Replicated groups of juvenile salmon weighing 90 ± 2.5 g (mean ± SD) were fed a commercial feed (21.63 MJ kg^?1 gross energy) to designed feeding rate (1.4%, 1.6% and 1.8% body weight day^?1, BW day^?1) and feeding frequency (2 and 4 meals day^?1) combinations. Specific growth ratio varied between 1.15 ± 0.02 and 1.37 ± 0.16% day^?1, and feed conversion ratio ranged from 0.96 ± 0.03 to 1.16 ± 0.02. The nitrogen and phosphorus retention rates were from 36.50 ± 1.94 to 47.08 ± 5.23% and from 20.42 ± 1.05 to 38.59 ± 2.80%. Apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC) in dry matter, protein, lipid and energy showed no significant differences for all groups. However, fish fed at 1.6% BW day^?1 and 4 meal day^?1 groups had relatively better growth and nutrient retention efficiency compared to other groups. In addition, concentrations of nitrogenous and phosphorous compounds were also detected in this study. These results suggested that salmon of 100–200 g in RAS could in practice be fed at 1.6% BW day^?1 and 4 meals day^?1, taking environmental impacts into account.     

Relationship Between Dietary Protein Source and Feeding Frequency During Feeding Nile Tilapia,Oreochromis niloticus (L.) Cultured in Concrete Tanks

ABSTRACT

A 24-week feeding trial was conducted in concrete tanks with Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.) with an average initial weight and length of 50.87 ± 6.03 g and 14.4 ± 0.45 cm, respectively, to examine the effect of two protein sources and two feeding frequencies on growth performance, production traits, and body composition. Twelve 4 m³ concrete tanks (2 × 2 × 1.25 m, long, width, and height) were each stocked with 100 fish and fed diets containing either fish meal protein or soybean meal protein at two feeding frequency of two times daily or four times daily (2 × 2 × 3 factorial experiment). The results revealed that there was no significant effect of dietary protein sources on growth rate, whereas there was a significant increase in growth rate with increasing feeding frequency (P < 0.05). The same trend was also observed for mean body weight (g), production rate (kg/m3), specific growth rate (SGR % day^?1). The best final mean body weight (g), specific growth rate (SGR % day^?1), and production rate (kg/m3) were recorded in groups of fish fed with feeding frequency four times daily. Whole fish moisture, protein, fat, and ash contents were significantly influenced (P ≤ 0.05) by protein sources and feeding frequency, except protein not influenced with feeding frequency. Energy was significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by feeding frequency, but not by dietary protein sources. Economic evaluation indicated that soybean meal (Diet B) at four times feeding daily was the most cost-effective and affordable feed strategy for farmers. We conclude that a soybean diet fed four times daily is recommended for adult Nile tilapia reared in concrete tanks.     

The optimum dietary essential: nonessential amino acid ratio for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), which maximizes nitrogen retention and minimizes nitrogen excretion

Although the ratio of essential to nonessential amino acids (EAA:NEAA ratio) in dietary protein has important effects on protein utilization by fish, there has thus far been little research aimed at quantifying these effects. In this study, we investigated the effect of dietary EAA:NEAA ratio on nitrogen (N) utilization and excretion of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). A 6-week dose-response experiment was conducted, with 6 levels of dietary EAA:NEAA ratio, ranging from 23:77 to 66:34. Protein content of all diets was 350 g kg^?1. Each experimental diet was fed to four replicate tanks of fish (35 fish per tank). Fish were fed a limited ration on the first two feedings of each day, and were fed to apparent satiation on the third feeding of each day. Response variables included feed intake, weight gain, lipid deposition, thermal-unit growth coefficient (TGC), feed efficiency ratio (FER), N retention, and N excretion (g kg^?1 gain). Mean feed intake, weight gain, TGC, FER and N retention all increased as EAA:NEAA ratio increased up to 57:43, and then decreased slightly as EAA:NEAA ratio increased further to 66:34. Maximum mean N retention of 46% and minimum mean N excretion of 29 g N kg^?1 gain was achieved by fish fed the diet containing an EAA:NEAA ratio of 57:43. Non-linear regression using a 2^nd order polynomial equation showed that 95% of the maximum N retention could be achieved with an EAA:NEAA ratio of 46:54, and 98% with an EAA:NEAA ratio ranging from 49:51 to 62:38.     

Effects of dietary protein and lipid levels on growth,feed utilization and body composition in Pseudobagrus ussuriensis fingerlings

An 8‐week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the optimum dietary protein and lipid levels for growth, feed utilization and body composition of Pseudobagrus ussuriensis fingerlings (initial weight: 3.40 ± 0.01 g). Twelve diets containing four protein levels (350, 400, 450 and 500 g kg^?1 crude protein) and three lipid levels (50, 100 and 150 g kg^?1 crude lipid) were formulated. Fish were randomly allotted to 36 aquaria (1.0 × 0.5 × 0.8 m) with 25 fish to each glass aquarium. Fish were fed twice daily (08:00 and 16:00) to apparent satiation. The results showed that weight gain and specific growth rate (SGR) decreased with increasing dietary lipid level from 50 to 150 g kg^?1 at the same dietary protein level. Fish fed the diets containing 150 g kg^?1 lipid exhibited higher feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05), lower protein efficiency ratio (PER) and nitrogen retention efficiency (NRE) relative to fish fed the diet containing 50 and 100 g kg^?1 lipid. Weight gain and SGR significantly increased with increasing dietary protein from 350 to 450 g kg^?1 at the same dietary lipid level, and even a little decline in growth with the further increase in dietary protein to 500 g kg^?1. Daily feed intake, NRE and PER were significantly affected by both dietary protein and lipid levels (P < 0.05) and tended to decrease with increasing dietary protein and lipid levels. Whole‐body protein content increased as protein levels increased and lipid levels decreased. Whole‐body lipid and muscle lipid content increased with increasing dietary lipid level, and decreased with increasing dietary protein at each lipid level. There was no significant difference in condition factor and viscerosomatic index among fish fed the diets. Hepatosomatic index was affected by dietary lipid level (P < 0.05), and increased with increasing dietary lipid level at the same protein level. These results suggest that the diet containing 450 g kg^?1 protein and 50 g kg^?1 lipid with a P/E ratio of 29.1 mg protein kJ^?1 is optimal for growth and feed utilization of P. ussuriensis fingerlings under the experimental conditions used in the study.     

Optimum dietary ratio of digestible protein and energy for juvenile American eel, Anguilla rostrata, fed practical diets

Triplicate groups of juvenile American eel, Anguilla rostrata, initial weight 8.2 ± 0.24 g, were fed to satiation herring meal based diets formulated with digestible protein/digestible energy (DP/DE) ratios of 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23 g DP MJ DE^?1 (as‐fed basis) for 84 days. Data were collected to determine the effect of dietary DP/DE ratio on feed intake (FI), mean weight (MW), specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), apparent digestibility (AD) of major nutrients, rate of phosphate excretion (RPE) and nutrient retention efficiency (RE). Highest MW, SGR and lowest FCR (P < 0.05) were achieved by feeding 22 g DP MJ DE^?1 with values (mean ± SE) of 22.9 ± 0.07 g fish^?1, 1.23 ± 0.033% day^?1 and 0.91 ± 0.075 g feed g gain^?1, respectively. With exception of lipid, digestibility of all nutrients were the same (P > 0.05) with mean AD coefficients for organic matter, protein, energy and phosphorous of 86.3, 94.1, 89.2 and 34.7%, respectively. Lipid AD was significantly higher (P < 0.05) when DP/DE ratio was 21, 22 or 23 g DP MJ DE^?1 at 92.3% as opposed to when DP/DE ratio was 19 or 20 g DP MJ DE^?1 at 90.3%. The DP/DE ratio had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on RPE and it averaged 0.05 ± 0.002 g phosphate kg fish^?1 day^?1. Nitrogen retention efficiency (NRE) significantly (P < 0.05) increased as DP/DE ratio increased to 21 g DP MJ DE^?1 and was similar thereafter (P > 0.05) at an average of 31.6 ± 0.67%. Energy retention efficiency (ERE) significantly (P < 0.05) increased to 42.9 ± 1.24% as DP/DE ratio increased to 22 g DP MJ DE^?1 and thereafter significantly (P < 0.05) decreased. Lipid retention efficiency (LRE) increased significantly (P < 0.05) to 75.7 ± 0.85% as dietary DP/DE ratio increased to 23 g DP MJ DE^?1. Non‐linear quadratic regression of ERE against dietary DP/DE ratio yielded an estimated optimum DP/DE ratio for juvenile American eel of 22.1 g DP MJ DE^?1.     

Growth,feed utilization and body composition of juvenile golden pompano Trachinotus ovatus fed at different dietary protein and lipid levels

A feeding trial was conducted to determine the suitable dietary protein and lipid levels for juvenile golden pompano Trachinotus ovatus reared in net pens. Ten test diets were formulated at five levels of crude protein (330, 370, 410, 450 or 490 g kg^?1) and two levels of crude lipid (65 or 125 g kg^?1). Golden pompano fingerlings (initial body weight 4.7 g ind^?1) were fed the test diets for 8 weeks. Weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), nitrogen retention efficiency (NRE), energy retention efficiency (ERE), condition factor (CF), hepatosomatic index (HSI), body protein content and total nitrogen waste (TNW) were dependent on both dietary protein and lipid levels. Feed intake (FI) and viscersomatic index (VSI) were dependent on dietary protein level, while body lipid content was dependent on dietary lipid level. Weight gain increased with increasing the dietary protein level (at the same lipid level) but was lower at the dietary lipid level of 65 g kg^?1 than at 125 g kg^?1 (at the same protein level). Fish fed at the dietary protein levels of 460–490 g kg^?1 had higher WG and lower FCR than at 330–410 g kg^?1. Energy retention efficiency tended to increase with increasing the dietary protein level from 330 to 410 g kg^?1, while no significant difference was found in nitrogen retention efficiency between the dietary protein levels (at the same lipid level). Results of this study suggest increasing the dietary lipid level from 65 to 125 g kg^?1 could not induce protein‐sparing action in golden pompano, and the suitable dietary protein and lipid levels for juvenile golden pompano reared in net pens should be 450–490 and 65 g kg^?1.     

Soybean meal as a protein source in gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata L.) diets: effects on growth and nutrient utilization

The value of defatted soybean meal as a protein source for sea bream fingerlings (15.2±4.4 g on average) growing to market size (300–350 g) was evaluated by feeding extruded isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets (46% protein and 22 MJ kg⁻¹) containing 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% soybean meal considering two phases. On day 87, the fish weight ranged between 66 and 81 g. The specific growth rate (SGR) of sea bream fed 50% soybean was lower (1.73% day⁻¹) than that of fish fed 20% (1.87% day⁻¹) and 30% (1.93% day⁻¹), but the food conversion ratio (FCR) was not significantly affected, and a quadratic significant trend was observed for the feed intake (FI) in relation to the dietary soybean level. At the end of the second phase on day 309, fish weight was between 303 and 349 g, but SGR and FCR were similar for all diets, and ranged between 0.64 and 0.69% day⁻¹, and 1.95 and 2.10% day⁻¹ respectively. The final biometric parameters were not affected by the diets, although the levels of some free amino acids in the muscle were affected. Sensory differences were detected by panellists in fish fed diet 20% as compared those fed diet 50%, which had a less marine flavour and was less juicy. The global growth results suggest the possibility of feeding sea bream weighing less than 80 g with 30% soybean meal, and for fish weighing more than 80 g, a 50% dietary soybean meal can be used until the fish reach commercial weight, with no negative effects on growth or feed efficiency. Nevertheless, when sensory analysis and economic aspects are considered, the maximum inclusion level of soybean was 20–22%.     

Meat and bone meal replacement in diets for juvenile gibel carp (Carassius auratus gibelio): effects on growth performance, phosphorus and nitrogen loading

A 11‐week growth trial was conducted in a flow‐through system with juvenile gibel carp Carassius auratus gibelio to evaluate the effects of gradual replacement of fish meal (FM) by meat and bone meal (MBM) on growth performance, phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) loading. Six isonitrogenous (crude protein: 410 g kg^?1) and isoenergetic (gross energy: 18 kJ g^?1) diets were formulated. FM was used as the control protein. In the other five diets, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% FM protein was substituted with MBM₂₀, MBM₄₀, MBM₆₀, MBM₈₀, MBM₁₀₀, respectively. Total P content in the diets ranged from 16.0 to 28.3 g kg^?1 and the available P was 5.0–6.6 g kg^?1. The results showed that the best growth was achieved with fish fed on the control diet and MBM₂₀. Final body weight, weight gain, feed efficiency, protein retention efficiency and energy retention efficiency decreased with increased dietary MBM. No significant differences were found in the feeding rate and hepatosomatic index between the groups. Apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) of dry matter, protein and P decreased with increase in dietary MBM, while there were no significant differences in the ADC of energy. P and N retention decreased linearly while P and N loading increased linearly with the increased dietary MBM levels. No significant differences were observed in the activity of alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, as well as pyruvate kinase in liver or in serum. Total superoxide dismutase activity in MBM₂₀ was significantly higher than that of MBM₁₀₀.     

The effects of feeding frequency on growth of juvenile Atlantic halibut, Hippoglossus hippoglossus L.

Four experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of feeding frequency on growth of juvenile Atlantic halibut, Hippoglossus hippoglossus L. Fish (22–75 g) fed three (3 ×) or five times per day (5 × day^?1) under constant light and temperature (13±1°C) consumed significantly more feed than fish fed 1 × day^?1 but by the end of the experiment only fish fed 5 × day^?1 were heavier and had greater specific growth rates (SGR). Under simulated winter conditions (9L:15D, 5±1°C), halibut (～300 g) fed every other day consumed more feed, had a greater SGR and final weight compared with fish fed every third day. Feed conversion ratios were not different among treatment groups in any of the experiments. These results suggest that growth rates may be improved by feeding juvenile halibut more than 1 × day^?1.     

Dietary choline requirement in slight methionine‐deficient diet for juvenile gibel carp (Carassius auratus gibelio)

A 10‐week feeding trial was conducted in a flow‐through system to determine dietary choline requirement for juvenile gibel carp (Carassius auratus gibelio) (5.5 ± 0.1 g). Purified basal diet was formulated using vitamin‐free casein as protein source. Choline chloride was supplemented to the basal diet to formulate seven diets containing 76.1, 163, 356, 969, 1457, 2024 and 4400 mg kg^?1 choline. Dietary methionine was 0.58%, less than the requirement (0.69%). The results indicated that specific growth rate (SGR) was higher in the fish fed 2024 mg kg^?1 diet than the control group. Feeding rate and feed efficiency were not significantly affected. Protein productive value increased as dietary choline increased from 76.1 to 2024 mg kg^?1 diet and was lower in the fish fed the diet containing 4400 mg choline kg^?1 diet. Serum high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) and total cholesterol significantly increased with increasing dietary choline up to 1457 mg kg^?1, and no differences were found with further increase. Fish carcass fat contents decreased significantly with increased dietary choline. Hepatic lipid contents increased with dietary choline up to 1457 mg kg^?1 and then decreased. Quadric regression of SGR and plasma HDL‐C indicted dietary choline requirement was 2500 and 2667 mg kg^?1 diet, respectively.     

Growth,feed utilization and body composition of Asian catfish (Pangasius hypophthalmus) fed at different dietary protein and lipid levels

This study examined the effect of dietary protein and lipid levels on growth, feed utilization and body composition of Asian catfish Pangasius hypophthalmus reared in cages. Eight test diets were formulated at four protein (340, 380, 420 and 460 g kg⁻¹ crude protein) and two lipid (50 and 90 g kg⁻¹ crude lipid) levels. Fish (initial weight 4.7 g fish⁻¹) were fed the test diets for 8 weeks. Final body weight, weight gain (WG), feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), contents of crude protein, lipid and energy in whole body were dependent on both dietary protein and lipid levels, while specific growth rate (SGR), hepatosomatic index and body moisture content were dependent on dietary lipid level. The WG and SGR increased with the increase in either dietary protein level (at the same lipid level) or lipid level (at the same protein level). The FI and FCR decreased with the increase in dietary protein level (at the same lipid level) or lipid level (at the same protein level). Protein sparing action occurred in case dietary lipid level increased. Fish fed the diet containing 453 g kg⁻¹ crude protein and 86 g kg⁻¹ lipid had the highest WG and SGR, but the lowest FI and FCR, among the diet treatments. There were no significant differences in the protein retention efficiency (PRE) and energy retention efficiency (ERE) among the diet treatments, although PRE and ERE were relatively high in fish fed the diet containing 453 g kg⁻¹ crude protein and 86 g kg⁻¹ lipid. At the end of the feeding trial, body protein content increased, while body lipid content decreased, with the increase in dietary protein content at the same lipid level. Our results suggest that dietary levels of 450 g kg⁻¹ crude protein and 90 g kg⁻¹ lipid are adequate to support fast growth of P. hypophthalmus reared in cages.     

Effect of dietary l‐lysine levels on growth,feed conversion,lysine retention efficiency and haematological indices of Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch) fry

Effect of varying dietary lysine levels on growth, feed conversion, nutrient retention, lysine retention efficiency and haematological indices of Heteropneustes fossilis fry (2.97 ± 0.11 cm; 4.78 ± 0.31 g) was studied by conducting a 12‐week feeding trial. Isonitrogenous (450 g kg^?1 CP) and isocaloric (17.97 kJ g^?1 GE) amino acid test diets with graded concentrations of l ‐lysine (18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 g kg^?1 dry diet) were fed to triplicate groups of fish to apparent satiation twice daily at 17 and 17:30 h. Maximum thermal growth coefficient (TGC, 0.82), best feed conversion ratio (FCR, 1.28) highest protein retention efficiency (PRE, 36%), energy retention efficiency (ERE, 79%) and lysine retention efficiency (LRE, 75%) were noted at 24 g kg^?1 lysine of dry diet. Body protein was also found to be in line with growth data and peaked at 24 g kg^?1 lysine of dry diet. Similarly, superior somatic and haematological indices were exhibited by the groups fed dietary lysine at 24 g kg^?1 of the dry diet. However, exponential analysis of dietary lysine intake against TGC, lysine retention and protein retention indicated that inclusion of dietary lysine in the range of 13.24–14.14 g kg^?1 dry diet, corresponding to 29.42–31.42 g kg^?1 dietary protein, is essential for faster growth of this fish.     

Effects of dietary protein to energy ratios on growth and body composition of juvenile Chinese sucker,Myxocyprinus asiaticus

A growth experiment was conducted to investigate effect of dietary protein to energy ratios on growth and body composition of juvenile Myxocyprinus asiaticus (initial mean weight: 10.04 ± 0.53 g, mean ± SD). Nine practical diets were formulated to contain three protein levels (340, 390 and 440 g kg^?1), each with three lipid levels (60, 100 and 140 g kg^?1), in order to produce a range of P/E ratios (from 22.4 to 32.8 mg protein kJ^?1). Each diet was randomly assigned to triplicate groups of 20 fish in 400‐L indoors flow‐through circular fibre glass tanks provided with sand‐filtered aerated freshwater. The results showed that the growth was significantly affected by dietary P/E ratio (P < 0.05). Fish fed the diets with 440 g kg^?1 protein (100 and 140 g kg^?1 lipid, P/E ratio of 31.43 and 29.22 mg protein kJ^?1) had the highest specific growth rates (SGR) (2.16 and 2.27% day^?1, respectively). However, fish fed the diet with 390 g kg^?1 protein and 140 g kg^?1 lipid showed comparable growth (2.01% day^?1), and had higher protein efficiency ratio (PER), protein productive value (PPV) and energy retention (ER) than other groups (P < 0.05). No significant differences in survival were found among dietary treatments. Carcass lipid content was positively correlated with dietary lipid level, but irrespective of protein level and inversely correlated with carcass moisture content. Carcass protein contents increased with increasing dietary lipid at each protein level. The white muscle and liver composition showed that lipid increased with increasing dietary lipid level (P < 0.05). Dietary protein concentrations had significant effect on condition factor (CF), hepatosomatic index (HSI) and viscerosomatic index (VSI) (P < 0.05). However, dietary lipid concentrations had no significant effect on CF, HSI (P > 0.05). Based on these observations, 440 g kg^?1 protein with lipid from 100 to 140 g kg^?1 (P/E ratio of 29.22 to 31.43 mg protein kJ^?1) seemed to meet minimum requirement for optimal growth and feed utilization, and lipid could cause protein‐sparing effect in diets for juvenile Chinese sucker.     

Effects of feeding levels on growth performance,feed utilization,body composition and apparent digestibility coefficients of nutrients for juvenile Chinese sucker,Myxocyprinus asiaticus

An experiment was conducted to determine effects of feeding levels on growth performance, feed utilization, nutrient deposition, body composition and apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) of nutrients for juvenile Chinese sucker (initial weight, 11.77±0.22 g). Chinese sucker were fed a practical diet from 0% (starvation) to 4.0% (at 0.5% increments) body weight (bw) day^?1 for 8 weeks. The results showed that growth performance, feed utilization, nutrient deposition, body composition and ADCs of dry matter, protein and energy were significantly (P<0.05) affected by feeding levels. Survival was the lowest for the starvation group. Final mean body weight, growth rate, thermal‐unit growth coefficient (TGC) increased with feeding rate from 0% to 3.0% bw day^?1 (P<0.05) and showed no significant differences above the level (P>0.05). Feed conversion rate was significantly lower at a feeding level of 2.5% bw day^?1 than above and below the level (P<0.05). Protein efficiency ratio was markedly highest at the 2.5% bw day^?1 ration level (P<0.05). Fish fed at the feeding level (1.0% bw day^?1), which represented a maintenance ration (energy gain was less than 2.27 kJ fish^?1 day^?1), showed positive protein deposition but negative lipid deposition. This indicates that fish fed a maintenance ration mobilize body lipid reserve to support protein deposition. Lipid contents of whole body, muscle and liver increased with increasing feeding rates from 0.5% to 3.0% bw day^?1 and showed no significant differences above the level (P>0.05). Protein contents of whole‐body composition increased with feeding rate from 0.5 to 3.0% bw day^?1 (P<0.05) and showed no significant differences above the level (P>0.05), whereas muscle and liver remained relatively stable with the different ration amount with the exception of fish fed a ration of 0.5% bw day^?1, at which Chinese sucker possessed significantly lower body protein concentration (P<0.05). The ADCs of dry matter, protein and energy decreased with increasing feeding levels from 0.5% to 3.0% bw day^?1 and then remained relatively constant over the level. Based on the broken‐line regression analysis using WG data, the optimum and maintenance feeding levels for Chinese sucker were 3.10% bw day^?1 and 0.45% bw day^?1 respectively.