Use of mixed feeding schedules in fish culture: field trials on catla, Catla catla (Hamilton-Buchanan), rohu, Labeo rohita (Hamilton), and common carp, Cyprinus carpio L.

Abstract. The applicability of mixed feeding schedules using low-and high-protein diets was evaluated by three on-farm field trials conducted in fertilized earthen ponds. Rohu, Labeo rohita (Hamilton), and common carp, Cyprinus carpio L., were used in the first two trials, and catla. Catla catla (Hamilton-Buchanan), was also included in the third trial. The concept of a mixed feeding schedule was tested using a 1:1 rice bran-groundnut meal cake mixture, a commonly used feed in Indian carp culture.
In a mixed feeding schedule, two feeds are used alternately, each for a predetermined number of days. In the present study, one of three such mixed feeding schedules was used in conjunction with one of two control diets. The control diets were rice bran (diet A) or a mixture of rice bran-groundnut meal cake (diet B). The mixed feeding schedules tested were: 1A/1B, 1A/2B and 1A/3B (numerals indicate number of days diet A or B was offered continuously). Diet A (rice bran only) induced significantly poor growth in all treatments. Interestingly, growth in the mixed feeding schedules was generally equal or superior to that when fish were fed with diet B. Growth efficiency indicators such as SGR. FCR and PER were found to be good for fish maintained on certain mixed schedules. Savings of 15–31% protein and 10–20% of the feed cost were achieved with the various schedules, the highest saving being achieved with the 1A/1B schedule. Nitrogen retention was higher in fish treated with mixed schedules. The results demonstrated the usefulness of mixed schedules in reducing nitrogen input, output and feed costs.     

Further studies on the use of mixed feeding schedules with plant- and animal-based diets for common carp Cyprinus carpio (Linnaeus)

A growth trial was conducted on common carp Cyprinus carpio (L.) fry in cement tanks for 100 days in order to test the efficacy of mixed feeding schedules. The diets tested were a fishmeal‐based diet (diet D with 30.9% protein) and three Colocasia esculenta‐based diets (diet A with 16.7% protein, diet B with 19.7% protein and diet C with 25.8% protein) separately and in three mixed feeding combinations of diet A, B and C with D on alternate 2 days (2A/2D, 2B/2D and 2C/2D, where the numeral indicates the number of days that the particular diet was offered continuously). The results revealed no difference in growth of common carp fed the plant protein‐based diets A and B (P > 0.05). Although the fish fed on diets C and D and mixed feeding combinations 2A/2D and 2B/2D performed comparably and higher than those on diets A and B, the schedule 2C/2D resulted in the highest final weight. Specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio and RNA/DNA ratios were the highest in the 2C/2D schedule. Among the mixed feeding schedules, the highest saving in protein and cost was recorded with the 2A/2D schedule, followed by 2B/2D and 2C/2D. An increase in dietary protein led to decreased protein and increased fat deposition in the carcass. An increasing trend in the protease and amylase activities was recorded with increased dietary protein level. The study highlighted the efficient utilization of plant proteins by common carp under mixed feeding schedules.     

Storage of common carp, Cyprinus carpio L., eggs for short durations

In this study, a short-term storage of pre-activated eggs of the Japanese ornamental (koi) carp, Cyprinus carpio L., at three different temperature regimes is reported. Koi eggs were stored at low temperatures (6-9^oC), at variable or high temperatures (12-31C) and at moderate-stable temperatures (20-24.5^oC). Survival of the developing embryos was examined at the first and the second day post-activation, and in hatch-out larvae. Survival was calculated for each treatment by linear regression Y = a-bX (P± 0.01), except for eggs incubated at temperature of about 20 C(P > 0.1).The specific mortality index (b/a 100), as a ratio between the mortality rate (b) and the fertilization rate (a), indicated that the highest mortality is associated with the high and unstable storage temperatures, while the lowest mortality is with the moderate and stable storage temperatures. Eggs can be stored at moderate and stable temperatures for a maximal duration of 6h, yielding survival of hatch-out larvae higher than 50%. In two trials, fertilization potency of sperm stored in a domestic refrigerator (5-9^oC) for 5h, was compared with freshly stripped sperm and no differences in fertilization rates were found between the two treatments.     

Earthworm powder as an alternative protein source in diets for common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)

The increasing need for aquafeed resources and the finite availability of conventional feed resources are making it necessary to search for alternative high‐protein resources that are not used as human food. The earthworm Perionyx excavatus was tested as a feed ingredient in diets for common carp. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the potential of earthworm powder as a replacement for fishmeal. In a recirculation aquarium system, triplicate groups of five common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) were fed a control feed (fishmeal based protein), or experimental diets in which 30% (EW30), 70% (EW70), or 100% (EW100) of fishmeal protein was replaced by earthworm protein. Fish growth, feed digestibility and feed utilization were monitored. Growth rate, protein efficiency and energy retention in fish were similar (EW30, EW100) or higher (EW70) for diets containing earthworm meal compared to the control diet. Protein digestibility in EW30, EW70 and EW100 was higher than in the control diet, but in (EW100), lipid conversion was lower. We conclude that earthworm is a suitable partial replacement for fishmeal in feeds for common carp.     

Cryopreservation of sperm of common carp, Cyprinus carpio L.

Milt of common carp, Cyprinus carpio L. was cryopreserved in pellet form with the use of 12 extenders. Most efficient were: BE2 original extender (containing 85 mM NaCl, 50 mM KCl, 3 mm CaCl₂, 1 mm MgCl₂ with 10% dimethyl-acetamide (DMA) and 10% addition of hen's egg yolk) and Kurokura et al.'s extender with 15% DMA and 10% yolk (about 73% and 69% of eyed eggs, about 61% and 52% of swim-up larvae, respectively). Within the most effective treatments, survival from the eyed-egg stage to the swim-up stage was similar to that observed in the control group. Survival from the eyed-egg stage to the swim-up stage (percentage of eyed eggs was considered as 100%) was highly significantly and positively correlated with the actual rate of swim-up larvae.     

Detection of koi herpesvirus in common carp, Cyprinus carpio L., by loop-mediated isothermal amplification

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a novel method that amplifies DNA with high specificity and rapidity under isothermal conditions. In this study, using the LAMP method, a protocol for koi herpes virus (KHV) detection in common carp was designed. A set of four primers, two inner and two outer, were designed based on the sequence of the thymidine kinase (tk) gene of KHV. Time and temperature conditions for detection of KHV were optimized for 60 min at 65 degrees C. The detection limit using LAMP was found to be similar to that by polymerase chain reaction. In this study, we have developed a highly sensitive and rapid diagnostic procedure for detection of KHV infection in common carp.     

The use of fenugreek seed meal in fish diets: growth performance,haematological and biochemical parameters,survival and stress resistance of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of fenugreek seed meal (FKSM) on growth performance, blood haematological and biochemical factors, survival and stress resistance of the common carp (2.46 ± 0.06 g) fingerlings. Four practical diets containing 0 (control), 0.5%, 1% and 1.5% FKSM were used to feed fish. Fish were fed on the tested diets at a rate of 3% of body weight for 8 weeks. Results indicated that fish fed the control diet had a significantly lower weight gain, specific growth rate and condition factor compared to the other treatments (P < 0.05). Feed conversion ratio decreased significantly in fish fed diets containing FKSM. There were no significant differences in glucose levels, red blood cell count, haematocrit and haemoglobin between treatment groups and the control group (P > 0.05). Significantly lower white blood cells count was observed in fish treatment with FKSM when compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The cholesterol level in group fed supplemented diet by 1% fenugreek significantly lower than other groups (P < 0.05). Total protein levels were significantly higher in all treatments compared to the control (P < 0.05). No mortality was recorded during the feeding trial. In salinity stress experiment, highest survival rate belong to fish fed supplemented diet by 1% fenugreek. These results indicate that FKSM can be considered as a beneficial dietary supplement for improving the growth performance and blood indices of common carp fingerling.     

Cell-mediated protection in carp, Cyprinus carpio L., against Aeromonas hydrophila

Abstract. The mechanism of protection against Aeromonas hydrophila infection in carp was studied. Recipient fish, into which pronephric cells from carp previously immunized by dipping in bacterial crude lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at 25°C for 2h were transferred, demonstrated almost the same level of protective ability as an immunized control group. The protective ability was transmitted by non-adherent (to nylon fibre) immune pronephric cells. These non-adherent cells were damaged by anti-carp thymocyte serum and were, thus, considered to be T-like cells. The protective ability was depressed in immunized carp treated with anti-carp thymocyte serum in vivo and was also remarkably reduced in immunized carp whose macrophage function was impaired by Dextran sulphate-500 treatment. These results indicate that the protection shown by carp immunized by dipping in crude LPS is dependent on cellular immunity regulated by a T-like cell-macrophage system.     

Urine properties in carp, Cyprinus carpio L., with sekoke disease

Abstract. Changes in the properties of urine and blood of carp with sekoke disease were studied. With the progress of this disease, the parameters of blood and particularly urine changed significantly. After 120 days, urine flow, osmolarity and concentrations of inorganic ions (K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Cl⁻) and organic compounds (ammonium, creatine and creatinine, protein, glucose) in the experimental group showed higher values than those of the controls. Even after 60 days, when clinical signs of sekoke disease were not evident, abnormally high concentrations of ammonium, protein and glucose in the urine were found in the experimental group.     

A calcified fibroma in the common carp, Cyprinus carpio L.

Abstract. A large tegumental tumour was observed in a common carp from the pool of the Jardin des Plantes, Montpellier. The tumour was a fibroma characterized by centripetal fibrogenesis and intense calcification of the central region.     

Performance of common carp,Cyprinus carpio L. and Nile tilapia,Oreochromis niloticus (L.) in integrated rice–fish culture in Bangladesh

Irrigated rice fields have enormous potential for expanding the aquaculture production in rice producing countries. Two field experiments were carried out at the Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, to optimize the productivity of integrated rice–fish systems using Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.), and common carp, Cyprinus carpio L. Both experiments were laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replicates per treatment and regular rice monoculture as control. In the first trial, carp and tilapia were tested in single culture and in mixed culture with supplementary feeding at 2× maintenance level. The highest fish yield was obtained in the carp/tilapia mixed culture (586 ± 125 kg ha^− 1), followed by tilapia alone (540 ± 65 kg ha^− 1), and carp alone (257 ± 95 kg ha^− 1). Carp had significantly lower yield than the other two fish groups (p < 0.05) due to high mortality and inefficient feed utilization. As the carp/tilapia combination performed the best in the first experiment, it was tested with different inputs in the second trial, i.e. regular urea fertilization and two different feeding levels. The feeding levels were: continuous feeding at 2× maintenance level (feed level I) and a declining feeding schedule from 4× to 2× maintenance level (feed level II). The highest fish yield was obtained in feed level II (935 ± 29 kg ha^− 1), followed by feed level I (776 ± 22 kg ha^− 1), and the non-fed group (515 ± 85 kg ha^− 1). Yield differences between the treatments were significant at p < 0.05. Rice yields showed controversial effects between the rice–fish treatments and were dependent on the inputs provided. The highest rice production (4.2 t ha^− 1) was obtained from rice–fish plots with regular urea fertilization. Various significant effects of fish on water quality parameters were observed. Fish decreased the dissolved oxygen (DO) and pH value compared to rice only, especially when supplementary feed was provided. Moreover, fish stimulated the growth of phytoplankton and increased chlorophyll-a concentration. In conclusion, carp/tilapia mixed culture with supplementary feeding was found to be optimal for maximizing the output from rice–fish culture.     

Pond and tank feeding trials with carp, Cyprinus carpio L.: gross nutrition, conversion efficiency and cost-effective diets

Abstract. Carp feeding trials were conducted to assess dietary effectiveness in relation to growth rate, cost, conversion ratio, logistics and the contribution of natural pond foods. Overall, trout pellets containing 40% protein were found to be the most effective. In laboratory trials this diet fed at 5% bwd^?1 produced a food conversion ratio (FCR) of 1·99. Another trout food containing 47% protein, fed at the same ration, had a superior FCR and specific growth rate (SGR) but proved more costly because of a poorer protein efficiency ratio (PER). Optimum ration size declined with increasing body size. The mammalian herbivore diets, with higher carbohydrate but low lipid levels, were cheaper to purchase but had poorer SGRs and FCRs. Some evidence of protein sparing occurred with low levels of activated sludge substitution but condition and growth rate declined above the 20% substitution level probably due to increasing heavy metal concentrations. In the pond trials extensive production levels of 300–350 kg ha^?1year^?1 arose from zooplankton consumption. The associated SGR was around 1·70 and the FCR was calculated at 1·64 (dw) assuming 47% utilization of the zooplankton. Higher levels of production (1400–2200 kg ha^?1year^?1) occurred with supplementary feeding with SGRs at 1·78–2·35. The contribution of natural food was slight in intensive rearing. An FCR of 2·01 was found with trout pellets and an estimated 6·3 with barley.     

Polysaccharide-induced protection of carp, Cyprinus carpio L., against bacterial infection

Abstract. The efficacy of 10 polysaccharides (curdlan, inulin, krestin, laminaran, lentinan, levan, schizophylian, selerogiucan, yeast glucan and zymosan) to enhance protection of carp, Cyprinus carpio L., against bacterial infection was investigated. Carp were intraperitoneally injected with the polysaceharides (2–l0 mgkg^-1) on days 1 and 4, and challenged with Edwardsiella tarda on day 7. Among the polysaccharides tested, lentinan, schizophyllan and scleroglucan, which are l,6-branchcd-β-l,3-glucans, significantly increased the survival rate. They also induced a protective effect against Aeromonas hydrophila at a dose of 5 mg kg^-1. The ability of the polysaccharides to activate the alternative complement pathway (ACP) was examined by incubating the polysaccharides with carp serum and measuring the residual ACP activity. At a final concentration of 0.l mgml^-1, l,6-branched-β-1,3-glucans greatly reduced (76–77%) the ACP activity. Therefore, it is suggested that the protective effect of the l,6-branched-β-1,3-glucans may be associated with the activation of ACP.     

不同投喂方法及投饲率对育成期鲤鱼生长性能的影响

试验设计自主(ZZ)投喂和自动(ZD)投喂两种方法,每种方法对应饱食投喂(ZZ100和ZD100)、85%饱食投喂(ZZ85和ZD85)和70%饱食投喂(ZZ70和ZD70)三种投饲率,研究不同投喂方法及投饲率对育成期鲤鱼生长性能、形体指标、脏器指数及均匀度的影响。试验周期45 d。结果表明:①两种投喂方法下,鲤鱼相对增重率和特定生长率随投饲率的升高而升高,ZZ100和ZD100之间无统计学意义差异(P0.05),但ZZ100组显著高于ZZ70组,ZD100组显著高于其余4组(P0.05)。②饲料系数ZZ70组显著低于ZD100组,ZD70组显著低于其余4组(P0.05),但ZZ70与ZD70之间差异不具有统计学意义(P0.05):即自主投喂下,三种投饵率之间饲料系数差异不具有统计学意义;而自动投喂下,饱食投喂组饲料系数显著高于70%饱食投喂组。③各处理间鲤鱼肥满度、内脏指数、肝胰脏指数、肠体指数和肠长指数均无统计学意义差异(P0.05)。④与自动投喂方法相比,自主投喂方法鲤鱼体质量变异性更低,鱼体均匀度更好。     

Ichthyophthiriasis in carp, Cyprinus carpio L.: fate of parasites in immunized fish

Abstract. The host-parasite relationship between O-group carp and the ciliatc Ichthyophthirius multifiliis Fouquet was investigated, with the specific aim of characterizing the fate of parasites encountering immunized fish. Carp were immunized by repeated controlled infections; immunized fish and control fish naive to I. multifiliis were then infected in the caudal fin epidermis by a single controlled exposure to theronts, which were applied in a droplet suspension to the tail surface. The number of parasites present within the caudal fin was monitored over a subsequent 5-day period by means of in situ parasite mapping. Results indicated that, contrary to previous reports, theronts penetrated the skin of immunized fish in numbers comparable to those of fish receiving a primary infection. However, the majority of parasites which penetrated immune skin did not complete normal development; 79% of the parasites which had initially penetrated the immune skin were not relocated within 2h of exposure, and since no parasite material was detected at penetration sites, it was concluded that these parasites had prematurely exited the skin rather than been killed in situ. Subsequently, these sites became populated by leucocytes, predominantly macrophages, and the infiltrations continued for up to 5 days after the initial exposure. In contrast, at sites where mature trophonts had exited the skin of fish following a primary infection, more diffuse leucocytic infiltrations were recorded, and these were predominated by neutrophils. Differences in the response to parasite exit from immunized and previously unexposed control fish skin are discussed, with particular reference to the mode of protection and the fate of parasites encountering immune fish.     

Magnesium status in freshwater fish,common carp (Cyprinus carpio,L.) and the dietary protein-magnesium interaction

Common carp juveniles were fed for 9 weeks one of the eight semipurified diets containing graded levels of magnesium, 0.08, 0.6, 1.1, 3, 2 g Mg kg^–1 and 25 or 44% protein.Fish growth and feed utilization were significantly affected by both Mg and protein levels in the diets. Significant interaction between these two studied variables existed in relation to the fish performance as well as to mean deposition rate of several minerals in common carp body. The fish fed diets containing 0.08 g Mg kg^–1 had reduced growth and developed deficiency signs such as muscle flaccidity and skin hemorrhages.Results indicated that a minimum Mg level of 0.6 g Mg kg^–1 was required to elevate plasma and bone magnesium content and to reduce the whole body Ca concentration (hypercalcinosis symptom). Further increase of dietary Mg up to 3.2 g Mg kg^–1 improved growth rate of fish insignificantly, but the deposition rate of dietary Mg fell to as low as 7.4 and 10.7 percent in low- and high-protein diet fed fish, respectively. In Mg-deficient fish, considerable amount of magnesium was absorbed via extra-oral routes, however, this way of the covering magnesium need becomes insufficient in fast growing fish.     

Antibody response of two populations of common carp, Cyprinus carpio L., exposed to koi herpesvirus

Common carp, Cyprinus carpio L., exposed to koi herpesvirus (KHV) may become persistently infected and populations containing such virus-infected individuals may transmit the virus to other fish when co-habited. Detection of virus-infected fish in a population is thus critical to surveillance and control programmes for KHV. A study was therefore designed to detect anti-KHV serum antibodies, with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, in common carp following experimental exposures to KHV under varying environmental conditions. The study determined that a proportion of fish within a population experimentally exposed to KHV (at least 10–25%) develop high antibody titres (1/1600 or greater) to the virus, and this immunological response was detectable for several months (observed at the termination of the experiments at 65, 46 and 27 weeks post-exposure). Furthermore, this response was detected in one population of fish that did not succumb to a high level of mortality when maintained at water temperatures that were non-permissive for KHV. Elevating the water temperatures to permissive conditions for KHV resulted in recurrence of disease despite the presence of anti-virus antibodies, suggesting that serum antibodies alone are not protective under the conditions of our trials.