饲料中维生素C对大菱鲆繁殖性能的影响

在基础饲料中分别添加0、800和4 800mg/kg的维生素C饲养大菱鲆亲鱼240d,通过比较各处理组亲鱼的生长、性腺指数、相对产卵量、上浮卵率、孵化率、卵径以及各组织中超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）活性和丙二醛（MDA）含量,研究维生素C对大菱鲆亲鱼繁殖性能的影响。实验结果表明,各处理组亲鱼生长无显著差异（P>0.05）,但随着饲料中维生素C添加量的增加,亲鱼的生长呈上升趋势。800和4 800mg/kg组亲鱼相对产卵量显著高于对照组（P<0.05）。随着饲料中维生素C添加量的增加,亲鱼性腺指数、产卵次数、上浮卵率、受精率和孵化率均显著提高（P<0.05）,亲鱼卵和组织中维生素C含量反映了饲料中的维生素C含量。虽然各处理组亲鱼的卵径和油球径差异均不显著（P>0.05）,但随着饲料中维生素C添加量的增加,亲鱼卵径和油球径呈上升的趋势。肝脏、卵巢和血清中SOD活性随饲料中维生素C添加量的增加而显著升高（P<0.05）,而MDA含量则显著下降（P<0.05）。综上所述,大菱鲆亲鱼饲料中添加维生素C,能有效改善大菱鲆的繁殖性能。     

The requirement of Cichlasoma urophthalmus (Günther) fry for pantothenic acid and the pathological signs of deficiency

Abstract. Fry of Cichlasoma urophthalmus (Günther) weighing 160-175 mg were fed for 75 days on diets containing seven different levels of calcium pantothenate. Fish fed on the three lowest inclusion levels (up to 0,10 and 20 mg/kg) exhibited a variety of external signs and high mortalities. Fish fed on the higher inclusion levels (40, 60, 80, 120 and 320 mg/kg) did not show external pathologies. At the end of the experiment there was no significant difference in these diets (P<0.01) in final weight, individual weight gain, individual food intake, food conversion ratio, and specific growth rate. Marked interlamellar lesions were observed in gills of fish fed on the lowest inclusion level diets. The lesions ranged from oedema, hyperplasia covering all the secondary lamellae to the complete fusion of adjacent filaments. These fish also developed necrosis of the pancreas, whilst fish fed diets up to 80 mg/kg showed marked glycogen deposition in the hepatic cells. For the first time it is reported that fish deficient in pantothenic acid showed ceroid deposition in the hepatic cells and spleen. Fish fed on diets containing 80-320 mg/kg did not show external or histological changes. It is thus recommended that the diet of C. urophthalmus fry must be supplemented with at least 80 mg/kg diet to give maximum growth and to avoid gross and histologicai signs of deficiency.     

Effect of Dietary Vitamin C on Weight Gain,Tissue Ascorbate Concentration,Stress Response,and Disease Resistance of Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus1

Juvenile channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus (average initial weight, 6.5 g/fish) were fed twice daily to apparent satiation with practical-type diets containing 0, 50, 150, or 250 mg supplemental vitamin C/kg from L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate for 10 wk under laboratory conditions. At the end of the feeding period, one half of the fish were stressed for 2 h by confinement and both stressed and nonstressed fish were exposed to a virulent strain of Edwardsiella ictaluri. Weight gain and feed conversion efficiency were lower for fish fed the basal diet than those fed diets containing supplemental vitamin C. No differences were observed in weight gain and feed conversion among fish fed diets containing supplemental vitamin C. There were no differences in feed consumption and survival (prior to experimental infection) among treatments. No vitamin C deficiency signs except reduced weight gain were observed in fish fed the basal diet. Serum cortisol concentrations were higher in stressed fish than in non-stressed fish. Dietary vitamin C level had no effect on serum cortisol concentration. As dietary vitamin C increased, ascorbate concentration in serum and liver increased. Confinement stress had no effect on serum and liver ascorbate concentrations. Cumulative mortality of channel catfish 21 d subsequent to experimental infection with E. ictaluri was higher for stressed fish than for nonstressed fish. Regardless of stress or nonstress, overall mortality for fish fed the basal diet was lower than the fish fed diets containing supplemental vitamin C. There were no differences in post-infection antibody levels among treatments or between stressed and nonstressed fish. Results from this study indicate that channel catfish require no more than 50 mg/kg dietary vitamin C for normal growth, stress response, and disease resistance.     

Long-term effects and interactions of dietary vitamins C and E on growth and reproduction of yellow perch, Perca flavescens

This study was conducted to examine the effects of dietary vitamin C and/or E and their interaction on growth and reproductive performance in yellow perch. Yellow perch juveniles were divided into four treatments with triplicate groups and fed with one of four semi-purified diets for 32 weeks. The experimental diets were formulated to contain no or high vitamin E levels (160 mg/kg) without or with vitamin C supplementation (250 mg/kg) designated as diets −C−E, −C+E, +C−E, or +C+E, respectively. The growth rates and survival of yellow perch fed with +C−E and +C+E diets were significantly higher than the fish fed with −C−E diet. Total- and dehydro-ascorbate concentrations in liver and testis increased in response to its dietary supplementation. The -tocopherol concentration in sperm was significantly affected by dietary supplementation of vitamin C. Gonadosomatic index of males was lower in the fish fed with −C−E diet compared to that of fish fed with other diets. Hatching rates of embryos obtained from testing sperm viability was significantly improved in fish fed with the diets sufficient in vitamin C (82±7%) compared to the fish fed with the −C−E diet (59±7). This study indicates that supplementation of dietary vitamin C and E increase growth rate, and semen quality can be improved by dietary vitamin C supplementation within one maturation cycle, and vitamin C may spare sperm vitamin E depending on vitamin E stores in tissues.     

Dietary rutin has limited synergistic effects on vitamin C nutrition of fingerling channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)

A study was conducted to determine the possible synergistic effects between dietary rutin (a bioflavonoid) and vitamin C, and to evaluate their antioxidant effects in fingerling channel catfish. Purified casein/gelatin diets containing two levels of rutin (0 and 1000 mg/kg diet) and three levels of L-ascorbic acid (0, 1500 and 3000 mg/kg diet) in a factorial arrangement were fed to fingerling channel catfish for 16 weeks. Fish fed the diets without supplemental vitamin C showed deformed spinal columns, external hemorrhages and fin erosion after 10 to 12 weeks. Also these fish had significantly (p < 0.05) depressed body weight gain, feed efficiency, hematocrit, hepatosomatic index (% liver weight), as well as reduced liver, fillet and plasma vitamin concentrations after 16 weeks. Liver, fillet and plasma vitamin C concentrations were correlated with dietary vitamin C levels. Forced oxidation of fillet samples significantly (p < 0.05) increased 2-thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values of fillets from fish fed diets without vitamin C and rutin. However, results from the present study indicated only limited synergistic effects of dietary rutin on vitamin C nutrition of channel catfish.     

Enhancement of Stress Resistance of the Guppy Poecilia reticulata through Feeding with Vitamin C Supplement

This study investigated the use of vitamin C supplement in formulated diets and live Artemia juveniles to enhance the stress resistance of the guppy Poecilia reticulata . To evaluate the stress resistance, fish were subjected to osmotic shock in pre-aerated water containing 35 ppt sodium chloride. Ascorbyl acid-polyphosphate and ascorbyl palmitate were used as vitamin C sources for formulated diets and live Artemia juveniles, respectively. Results showed that guppies fed moist formulated diets supplemented with ascorbic acid at 1,000 mg/kg or 2,000 mg/kg diet displayed significantly higher levels of stress resistance than fish fed control formulated diet for 13 d. The stress resistance of fish fed a lower dose (200 mg/kg diet), however, did not differ significantly from that of the control. On the other hand, the stress resistance of guppies fed Artemia juveniles bio-encapsulated with 10% or 20% ascorbyl palmitate did not show significant difference from that of fish fed control Artemia after 20 d. The stress resistance of these three groups of Artemia- fed fish, however, was significantly higher than that of fish fed the control formulated diet. Biochemical analyses showed that raising the ascorbic acid level in feeds resulted in a concomitant increase in the incorporated ascorbic acid level in the whole-body tissue of the guppy. The increased stress resistance of the guppy fed a vitamin C supplemented diet has also been demonstrated in four commercial farms. The potential application of the improved stress resistance in the ornamental fish industry was discussed.     

The effects of vitamin E on non-specific immune response of the juvenile soft-shelled turtle <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pelodiscus sinensis</Emphasis>

ABSTRACT:   This study was conducted to determine the effect of dietary vitamin E supplements on non-specific immune responses in juvenile soft-shelled turtles. Turtles were fed diets supplemented with vitamin E at 0 (control), 50, 250, 500, 1000 and 5000 mg/kg, respectively, for 4 weeks. Results showed that blood cell phagocytosis and serum bactericidal activity were significantly improved in turtles from two diets (250 and 500 mg/kg vitamin E supplementation), while had no significant improvement in turtles from the three remaining diets (50, 1000 and 5000 mg/kg vitamin E supplementation) when compared to turtles from the control group. Serum bacteriolytic activity in turtles from diets with 50, 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg vitamin E supplementation were higher than activity levels quantified for the control group, but no significant difference was observed between the 5000 mg/kg vitamin E supplementation diet and the control diet. The results suggest that vitamin E has an upper and lower threshold for improving non-specific immune function in soft-shelled turtles, and the optimal supplementation may be between 250 and 500 mg/kg.     

Effects of dietary vitamin C on growth,antioxidant activity,and immunity in ricefield eel (Monopterus albus)

A 10-week feeding trial aimed to investigate the effects of dietary vitamin C (l -ascorbic acid) on growth, antioxidant activity, and immunity in ricefield eel, Monopterus albus. Six diets were formulated with different levels of vitamin C supplementation (0.1, 17.5, 34.8, 68.6, 139.7, and 278.5 mg/kg). The results indicated that the weight gain (WG) of the M. albus fed the diets with vitamin C was remarkably higher than that of the M. albus fed the control diet (p < .05), and the quadratic analysis showed an optimal vitamin C level of 80.66 mg/kg. Compared with the control group, serum lysozyme activities, the complement pathway, red blood cell counts, white blood cell counts, immunoglobulin M, and phagocytosis percentage were significantly increased (p < .05) in the treatment groups, and superoxide dismutase activity, serum glucose, and malondialdehyde content were significantly decreased (p < .05) in the treatment groups. The challenge trial with Aeromonas hydrophila showed that the M. albus fed the diets with vitamin C had remarkably reduced cumulative mortality compared with those fed the control diet (p < .05), and mortality in the 68.60 mg/kg diet group was the lowest. Based on WG, the optimal vitamin C supplementation level for M. albus was estimated to be 80.66 mg/kg.     

Effects of dietary vitamin C and vitamin E on the growth,antioxidant defence and digestive enzyme activities of juvenile discus fish (Symphysodon haraldi)

A 56‐day experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of dietary vitamin C and vitamin E on the growth, antioxidant status and digestive enzyme activities of discus fish (Symphysodon haraldi; initial body weight: 7.96 ± 0.61 g and body length: 5.45 ± 0.65 cm). Animals were fed with 13 different diets including one control diet and 12 treatment diets containing four levels of vitamin C (magnesium‐L‐ascorbyl‐2‐phosphate; 40, 80, 120 and 160 mg/kg) crossed with three levels of vitamin E (DL‐α‐tocopheryl acetate; 40, 80 and 120 mg/kg). The results showed that the fish fed diets containing additional vitamin C (40 mg/kg) and vitamin E (80 mg/kg) showed higher specific growth rate, length growth rate, total antioxidant capacity and protease activity but had lower feed conversion ratio and total superoxide dismutase activity than those fed the control diet. Collectively, these findings suggest that the inclusion of additional 40 mg/kg of vitamin C and 80 mg/kg of vitamin E in the basal diet could have beneficial effect on the growth, antioxidant defence and digestion of S. haraldi.     

The effect of vitamin C on stress withstanding capability in the juvenile soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis)

The study was conducted to determine the effect of dietary supplementation of vitamin C on anti‐acid stress ability in juvenile soft‐shelled turtle. The soft‐shelled turtles were fed vitamin C supplemented diets at levels of 0, 250, 500, 2500, 5000 and 10 000 mg kg^?1 for 4 weeks. The results showed that the phagocytic rate of blood cell in the group fed vitamin C deficient diets, the serum bacteriolytic activity in the two groups fed vitamin C supplemented diet at 0 and 250 mg kg^?1 and the serum bactericidal activity in all groups after acid stress significantly decreased compared with those of before stress (P < 0.1). The phagocytic rate of blood cells in the two groups fed vitamin C supplemented diet at 2500 and 5000 mg kg^?1 were significantly higher than those of the four groups fed at 0, 250, 500 and 10 000 mg kg^?1 (P < 0.01). The serum bacteriolytic activity in the groups fed vitamin C supplemented diet at 500, 2500, 5000 and 10 000 mg kg^?1 were significantly higher than that of the group fed vitamin C deficient diets (P < 0.05), and the two groups fed vitamin C at 2500 and 5000 mg kg^?1 were significantly higher than those of the groups fed at 250 and 10 000 mg kg^?1 (P < 0.05). The serum bactericidal activities in the four groups fed vitamin C supplemented diet at 500, 2500, 5000 and 10 000 mg kg^?1 were significantly higher than those of the two groups fed at 0 and 250 mg kg^?1 diet (P < 0.01), and the two groups fed vitamin C at 2500 and 5000 mg kg^?1 were significantly higher than those of the two groups fed at 500 and 10 000 mg kg^?1 (P < 0.1). These results suggest that supplementation of vitamin C higher than 250 mg kg^?1 is necessary to reduce the adverse effects of acid stress.     

Dietary vitamin C requirement of red drum Sciaenops ocellatus

A feeding trial was conducted to determine the minimum dietary vitamin C requirement of juvenile red drum and characterize signs of vitamin C deficiency. Semipurified diets containing 400 g crude protein kg^–1 from lyophilized red drum muscle and crystalline amino acids were used in the feeding trial. The basal diet without supplemental vitamin C contained ≈ 6 mg vitamin C kg^–1 and was fed for a 1-week conditioning period. Red drum, initially averaging ≈ 3.6 g each, were fed diets supplemented with 0, 10, 20, 30, 45, 60, 75, or 150 mg vitamin C kg^–1 as ascorbate polyphosphate for a period of 10 weeks. Fish fed the basal diet began to exhibit overt signs of vitamin C deficiency, including reduced weight gain, lordosis, scoliosis and loss of equilibrium after 8 weeks. Total ascorbate was undetectable in liver of fish fed the basal diet while liver ascorbate levels in fish fed the other diets generally reflected dietary supplementation. Regression analysis of weight gain data using the broken-line model resulted in a minimum vitamin C requirement ( ± SE) of 15 ± 3 mg kg^–1 diet.     

Vc-2-多聚磷酸酯对中国对虾幼体生长和存活的影响

用添加了不同含量Vc-2-多聚磷酸酯(600 mg/kg,3000 mg/kg、6000 mg/kg,对照)的饲料分别投喂中国对虾幼体(Z1-P5),测定其对幼体生长、变态、非特异性免疫以及体内Vc积累量的影响。结果显示:6000 mg/kg处理组显著促进了幼体的生长和变态(P<0.05);超氧化物岐化酶和抗菌活力较对照组和600 mg/kg处理组均达到了显著水平(P<0.05)。第20 d用副溶血弧菌攻毒,3000、6000mg/kg处理组均显著提高了幼体存活率;高效液相色谱法检测幼体体内的Vc含量发现,其体内Vc含量随着饲料中Vc-2-多聚磷酸酯含量的增加而增加。以生长、变态、超氧化物岐化酶、抗菌活力为评价指标,建议中国对虾幼体饲料中Vc-2-多聚磷酸酯的添加量为6000 mg/kg。     

Atlantic salmon fed a nutrient package of surplus methionine,vitamin B12, folic acid and vitamin B6 improved growth and reduced the relative liver size,but when in excess growth reduced

Feeding plant‐based diet through smoltification of Atlantic salmon requires verification of the optimal level of 1C nutrients. Here, we fed Atlantic salmon plant‐based diets containing three different surplus amounts of the 1C nutrients; methionine, cobalamin (vitamin B12), pyridoxine (vitamin B6) and folic acid during 6 weeks in fresh water, through smoltification, followed by 3 months on‐growing period in salt water. The three diets were fed to fish dispersed in triplicate tanks throughout the experiment. Mean start body weight was 32 g. Dietary methionine levels in the diets were 6.7, 9.2 and 11.7 g/kg. Dietary B6 was 6.75, 8.45 and 11 mg/kg. Cobalamin was 0.16, 0.18 and 0.20 mg/kg. While dietary folic acid was 2.9, 4.8 and 6.3 mg/kg, diets are referred to as low, medium and high 1C diet. All other amino acids were similar between diets. The results showed no differences in growth or feed utilization in the fresh water period, but following the on‐growing salt water period, differences between diets occurred. The fish fed the medium 1C diet showed better growth, as compared to fish fed the low or high 1C diet (p = .009). The medium 1C fed fish showed a relative lower liver weight compared with fish fed low or high 1C diet (p = .025). Condition factor was better in fish fed the medium and high 1C diet as compared to those fed the low 1C diet (p = .0006). As expected, free methionine in liver, plasma and muscle increased by dietary methionine inclusion. Surplus vitamins only had minor effect on tissue concentrations. Based on these findings, we conclude that the micronutrient and methionine level presented in the medium 1C diet improved the growth, liver size and condition factor; however, more research is needed to evaluate the optimal requirement level for each of the 1C nutrients.     

Growth and survival of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., fed different dietary levels of astaxanthin. First-feeding fry

Atlantic salmon fry hatched from pigment-free eggs and from eggs containing the pigment astaxanthin were fed eleven casein/gelatine-based purified diets with varying levels of astaxanthin, ranging from 0 to 317 mg kg^?1, to determine the optimum dietary astaxanthin level for satisfactory growth and survival during the start-feeding period. The fish were fed the experimental diets for a period of 11 weeks. No difference in performance was found between the two types of fry originating from the pigment-free eggs and those containing pigment. However, the dietary astaxanthin concentration was found to have a significant effect on both the growth and the survival of fry. Fish fed diets with astaxanthin concentrations below 5.3 mg kg^?1 were found to have marginal growth. In addition, mortality was high in the groups fed diets with astaxanthin concentrations below 1.0 mg kg^?1. The specific growth rate (SGR) was also affected by the dietary treatment. The lipid content was higher and the moisture content was lower in the fish fed the diets containing astaxanthin concentrations above 5.3 mg kg^?1. The vitamin A and astaxanthin concentrations in whole-body samples of the fry were significantly affected by the dietary level of astaxanthin. A plateau level in whole-body vitamin A concentration was observed at dietary levels of approximately 80 mg astaxanthin kg^?1 and higher, while no maximum astaxanthin concentration in whole-body samples was observed within the dietary levels used. The results suggest the need for a minimum dietary astaxanthin concentration of 5.1 mg kg^?1 to achieve maximum growth and survival during the start-feeding period. The results indicate a low bioavailability of vitamin A palmitate and acetate and the results also suggest a provitamin A function for astaxanthin during the same period.     

Evaluation of l-ascorbyl-2-glucose as the source of vitamin C for juvenile Korean rockfish Sebastes schlegeli (Hilgendorf)

This study was conducted to compare l ‐ascorbyl‐2‐glucose (AA2G) with l ‐ascorbyl‐2‐monophosphate‐Na/Ca (AMP‐Na/Ca) for supplying the dietary vitamin C for juvenile Korean rockfish Sebastes schlegeli (Hilgendorf). Fish were fed one of seven semi‐purified diets containing equivalents of 0, 50, 100 and 200 mg ascorbic acid (AA) kg^?1 diet in the form of AA2G or AMP‐Na/Ca for 12 weeks. After 12 weeks of feeding, weight gain, feed efficiency ratio and survival of fish fed the vitamin C‐free diet were significantly lower than those of fish fed the vitamin C‐supplemented diets in either form. The hepatosomatic index, condition factor and survival of fish fed AMP‐Na/Ca₁₀₀, AMP‐Na/Ca₂₀₀, AA2G₁₀₀ and AA2G₂₀₀ diets were significantly higher than fish fed the vitamin C‐free diet. After 9 weeks of feeding, fish fed the vitamin C‐free diet began to show vitamin C deficiency signs such as anorexia and lethargy. At the end of the 12‐week feeding trial, fish fed the vitamin C‐free diet exhibited vitamin C deficiency signs, e.g., anorexia, scoliosis, exophthalmia and fin haemorrhage. Vitamin C retention in the muscle and liver was similar to those of fish fed AA2G‐ or AMP‐Na/Ca‐supplemented diets. In general, there was no significant difference in the muscle and liver vitamin C concen‐tration in fish fed the AA2G and AMP‐Na/Ca diets at the same supplementation levels.     

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.     

Effect of dietary vitamin C on growth performance,body composition and biochemical parameters of juvenile Chu's croaker (Nibea coibor)

Vitamin C is an essential micronutrient for normal physiological and immune functions of fish. However, its requirements and effects in Chu's croaker (Nibea coibor) are currently unknown. A 56‐day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the optimal dietary vitamin C requirements based on its effects on growth performance, body composition and biochemical parameters in juvenile Chu's croaker (14.17 ± 0.1 g). Six isoproteic (450 g/kg crude protein) and isolipidic (100 g/kg crude lipid) diets were formulated to contain 2.24 (basal diet), 39.03, 85.01, 171.16, 356.49 and 715.46 mg/kg of vitamin C. The results showed that fish fed on 171.16 mg/kg vitamin C diet had the highest growth performance and feed utilization. Fish fed on the basal diet had higher malondialdehyde (MDA) content and lower activities of antioxidant enzymes in the serum and liver as compared with those fed on vitamin C diets. Polynomial analysis indicated that the optimal dietary vitamin C requirements of juvenile Chu's croaker were 102.28, 98.21, 150.26, 165.38, 71.46, 176.19, 84.84 and 103.78 mg/kg based on weight gain, specific growth rate, liver storage, muscle storage, liver MDA content, liver alanine aminotransferase activity, liver alkaline phosphatase activity and liver superoxide dismutase activity, respectively. We recommend an inclusion level in the range of 71.46–150.26 mg/kg vitamin C in the diets of juvenile Chu's croaker for optimum growth performance, liver function, antioxidant capacity and innate immunity functions.     

Effect of Dietary Vitamin C on Tissue Vitamin C Concentration in Channel Catfish,Ictalurus punctatus,and Clearance Rate at Two Temperatures-A Preliminary Investigation

Four trials were conducted with channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, under controlled laboratory conditions or in earthen ponds, to evaluate effects of dietary vitamin C concentration and feeding period on liver and anterior kidney vitamin C concentration. Clearance rate of vitamin C in liver and anterior kidney was also evaluated in unfed fish or fish fed a vitamin C-free diet. Results indicated that tissue vitamin C concentration is generally proportional to deitary vitamin C concentration, and that it may reach a maximum concentration within 2 weeks in fish fed diets containing vitamin C. Tissue vitamin C may be reduced to a minimum concentration within 2 weeks when fish were not fed or fed with a vitamin C-free diet at a high temprerature (31°). As temperature was reduced from 31 to 10°C there was a 44% and 13.6% drop in liver and anterior kidney vitamin C concentrations, respectively. At 10°C tissue vitamin C remained relatively constant (100 to 120 mg/g for liver, and 200 to 250 mg/g for anterior kidney) for at least 12 weeks if tissue vitamin C was saturated prior to reducing water temperature. Liver vitamin C appeared to be affected more dramatically by dietary vitamin C concentration and cleared more rapidly than anterior kidney during times of vitamin C deficiency.     

Dietary vitamin C requirement of juvenile Chinese sucker (Myxocyprinus asiaticus)

An 8‐week growth experiment was conducted to quantify the appropriate dietary vitamin C requirement of juvenile Chinese sucker (Myxocyprinus asiaticus). Triplicate groups of 30 experimental fish [initial body weight: (7.1 ± 0.3) g] were cultured in 500 L aquaria and fed with semi‐purified diets containing six levels [10.1 (unsupplemented diet), 37.4, 64.9, 125.2, 244.2 and 482.0 mg kg^?1 diet, respectively] of vitamin C (supplied as L‐ascorbyl‐2‐polyphosphate). Results showed that weight gain of Chinese sucker was significantly increased with increasing dietary vitamin C levels, but there was no significant difference of weight gain among fish fed the diets containing more than 125.2 mg kg^?1 vitamin C. As dietary vitamin C increased, the liver vitamin C content of fish showed the increasing trend firstly and then stabled, while the muscle vitamin C content significantly increased without reaching a constant level. Lower liver malondialdehyde content was observed in 125.2, 244.2 and 482.0 mg kg^?1 vitamin C groups, and higher antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase activities were observed in supplemented groups when compared to the unsupplemented group. Liver aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities were also significant affected by dietary vitamin C. Ash content of fish fed the diet with 244.2 or 482.0 mg kg^?1 vitamin C was significantly higher than that of fish fed the other diets. However, dietary vitamin C had no significant effects on whole‐body crude protein, lipid and moisture contents. The vitamin C requirement of juvenile Chinese sucker was estimated to be 84.6 and 126.1 mg kg^?1 based on weight gain and liver vitamin C concentration respectively.     

Immunomodulatory Effects of Dietary β‐glucan and Vitamin C in Nile Tilapia,Oreochromis niloticus L., Subjected to Cold‐induced Stress or Bacterial Challenge

To determine the dietary β‐glucan and vitamin C levels that would enable the fish to cope with different stress, 252 tilapia (16.86 ± 0.24 g) were distributed in thirty six 250‐L aquaria and fed experimental diets for 60 d. Diets were supplemented with β‐glucan (0.1, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.8%) and vitamin C (400 and 600 mg/kg diet) and distributed in a factorial design that included a control diet (0 β‐glucan/125 mg vitamin C/kg). After growth performance analyses, a group of 108 fish were subjected to cold‐induced stress and another to Aeromonas hydrophila infection. Hematological and immunological parameters were determined before and after the stress. Growth performance was not affected. Red blood cells, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, total plasma protein, albumin : globulin ratio and leukocytes, lymphocytes, neutrophils, and monocytes were affected (P < 0.05) by stress and/or diets. The control diet resulted in higher post‐infection cortisol (P < 0.05). Liver vitamin C was directly proportional to dietary vitamin C (P < 0.05). The production of hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide was also affected by diets and/or bacterial challenge (P < 0.05). In total, 0.1–0.2% β‐glucan and 600 mg/kg vitamin C increased fish resistance to stress and 0.8% β‐glucan resulted in reduced immune responses regardless of the vitamin C supplementation level.