Amino acid availability and protein digestibility of several protein sources for Nile tilapia,Oreochromis niloticus

Apparent amino acid availability coefficients and protein digestibility of four animal products [fish meal (FM), meat and bone meal (MBM), poultry by‐product and feather meal] and four plant protein‐rich products [soybean meal (SBM), cottonseed meal‐28, cottonseed meal‐38 and corn gluten meal (CGM)] were determined for Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Ingredients were incorporated to a practical reference diet at a 7 : 3 ratio (70% of reference diet and 30% of test ingredient). Chromic oxide was used as external digestibility marker. Among animal products poultry by‐product meal (PBM; 89.7%) and FM (88.6%) presented the highest apparent protein digestibility (APD) while MBM (78.4%) and feather meal (78.5%) presented the lowest APD. Among plant protein‐rich products CGM (91.4%) and SBM (92.4%) presented the highest APD values while cottonseed meal‐28 presented the lowest APD (78.6%). Average apparent amino acid availability of feed ingredients was similar to protein digestibility with 92.3%, 89.6%, 73.4%, 80.7%, 88.9%, 84.4%, 91.2% and 79.7% values for SBM, CGM, cottonseed meal‐28 and 38, FM, MBM, PBM and feather meal respectively. These results indicate that O. niloticus is able to utilize efficiently different feedstuffs.     

Dry whey meal as a protein source in practical diets for Nile tilapia,Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted as a trial of using dry whey meal (DWM) as a substitute for fish meal (FM) in practical diets for Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Triplicate fish groups were fed on five isonitrogenous (30.2%) and isolipidic (6.9%) diets. The control diet (D1) used FM as the sole protein source. In the other four diets (D2–D5), FM protein was substituted by 25, 50, 75, or 100% DWM. Fish (3.5 ± 0.1 g) were stocked at a rate of 20 fish per 100-L aquarium and fed one of the tested diets up to satiation twice daily for 12 weeks. Fish growth, feed utilization, protein efficiency ratio, apparent protein utilization, and energy utilization for fish fed DWM diets up to 75% FM (D2–D4) tended to be higher but were not statistically different than the control diet. No significant effect of diet was found in whole-body moisture, crude protein, and total ash contents. Whole-body lipid content in fish fed the 100% DWM (D5) diet was significantly higher than that for fish fed the control diet. The optimal replacement level of FM by DWM was estimated by second-order polynomial regression to be 62.5%.     

Thiamin Requirement of Nile Tilapia,Oreochromis niloticus

Juvenile Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, were fed to apparent satiation twice daily with purified diets containing 0, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 8.0, and 16.0 mg/kg and 0, 2.0, 4.0, 8.0, 16.0, and 32.0 mg/kg of thiamin in separate 14‐ and 8‐wk trials (Experiments 1 and 2, respectively). Fish fed the diet devoid of thiamin developed neurological disorders, anorexia, reduced growth, and feed efficiency and increased mortality (Experiment 2 only) within 4–6 and 8–10 wk for Experiments 2 and 1, respectively. Low red blood cell count (RBC) and hematocrit (Ht) were observed in fish fed the thiamin‐deficient diet. Serum pyruvate was elevated in fish fed the thiamin unsupplemented diet. Serum lactate was not affected by dietary thiamin levels. Whole body protein was unaffected by dietary levels of thiamin. Body moisture and ash increased whereas body lipid decreased in fish fed the thiamin unsupplemented diets. None of these abnormalities were observed in fish fed the thiamin‐supplemented diets. Using the response curves determined by PROC NLMIXED to estimate dietary thiamin levels required for various response variables, a dietary thiamin level of 3.5 mg/kg diet was adequate for optimum growth, feed intake and efficiency, survival, prevention of neurological symptoms, and maintaining normal levels of RBC, Ht, serum pyruvate, and proximate body composition.     

Apparent digestibility of crude protein and apparent availability of individual amino acids in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fed phytase pretreated soybean meal diets

Soybeans contain phytates, the anionic forms of 1,2,3,5/4,6-hexakis (dihydrogen phosphate) myoinositol, with the potential to reduce amino acid (AA) availability. Tilapia lack the intestinal enzyme phytase to hydrolyze phytates. Oreochromis niloticus (approximately 68 g) were fed diets containing either phytase pretreated or untreated soybean meal (SBM) incorporated at 0, 25, 50, 75, or 100% of the crude protein (CP) in a 33% CP diet to determine whether phytates reduce CP digestibility and AA availability. There were no differences in apparent CP digestibility. Dietary and available methionine (Met), and available lysine (Lys), decreased with increasing incorporation of phytase pretreated SBM. Reduced availability of Met and Lys from the phytase pretreated diets was likely due to removal of phytates. Phytates may reduce the effect of other antinutritional factors, protect amino acids from degradation, or decrease leaching of water soluble components. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Apparent digestibility coefficient of protein and amino acids of acid, biological and enzymatic silage for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Using the fish silage to partially replace proteic feedstuff in aquafeeds is an alternative to mitigate sanitary and environmental problems caused by the lack of adequate destination for fisheries residues. It would also lower feed costs, consequently improving fish culture profitability. However, using fish silages in aquafeeds depends on determination of its apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC). This work aimed to determining the ADC of crude protein and amino acids of acid silage (AS), biological silage (BS) and enzymatic silage (ES) for juvenile Nile tilapia (94.5 ± 12.7 g). The ADC_CP was: 92.0%, 89.1% and 93.7% for AS, BS and SE respectively. The average ADC of amino acids was: 91.8%, 90.8% and 94.6% for AS, BS and ES respectively. Results encourage the use of AS, BS and ES to partially replace protein sources in balanced diets for neotropical fish.     

Ultrasound Enhanced Immersion Protocols for Masculinization of Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus

Androgen immersion protocols have been unsuccessful in consistently producing all-male tilapia at a high enough ratio for them to be commercially viable. This study explored the use of ultrasound to improve on the results of previous immersion studies. Variables tested include two hormones (trenbolone acetate-TBA and 17α-methyldihydrotestoterone-MDHT) at two concentrations (100 and 250 μg/L) and with or without ultrasound (cavitation level). All hormone treatments with ultrasound and non-ultrasound resulted in significantly higher masculinization than the appropriate controls ( P < 0.05). Among pairs of treatments of the same hormone at the same dose, all ultrasound treatments resulted in significantly higher number of males compared with non-ultrasound treatments with the exception of MDHT 250 μg/L ( P 0.05). Comparing across all ultrasound treatments, TBA 250 μg/L with ultrasound had higher masculinization than all the other ultrasound treatments ( P 0.05). Comparing across all non-ultrasound treatments, TBA 250 μg/L had higher ( P 0.05) masculinization than MDHT 100 μg/L and TBA 100 μg/L with non-ultrasound. Two of the three replicates of TBA 250 μg/L ultrasound treatment resulted in 100% males and the highest mean percentage (98%) of males. This study thus demonstrated the potential of a short-term immersion protocol using ultrasound to more predictably produce all-male, commercially viable tilapia seed.     

Methionine Requirement in Practical Diets of Juvenile Nile Tilapia,Oreochromis niloticus

Two feeding experiments were conducted to confirm methionine requirement in practical diets of juvenile Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Test diets used in both experiments contained 414 kcal gross energy, 28 g protein, and 5 g lipid per 100 g diet. In the first experiment, seven diets were made using cottonseed meal (CSM), dehulled solvent‐extracted soybean meal (DSESM), and gelatin as intact protein sources. Methionine was added to five of these diets at 0.03 or 0.06% increments to produce methionine levels ranging from 0.33 to 0.57% of the diet. Each diet was fed to four replicate groups of male juvenile Nile tilapia (5.62 ± 0.13 g) in a recirculation system for 8 wk. Broken‐line regression analysis of weight gain indicated that methionine requirement of juvenile Nile tilapia was 0.49% of the diet or 1.75% of dietary protein at cystine level of 0.45% of the diet. The second experiment was designed based on methionine requirement determined in the first experiment and also contained seven test diets. The first six diets contained CSM and DSESM as protein sources. Methionine was added to five of these diets at an increasing rate of 0.06% to produce methionine levels ranging from 0.49 to 0.79% of the diet. In the last diet (Diet 7), a portion of DSESM was replaced by gelatin to reduce methionine level to 0.33% of the diet in order to test whether methionine is limited. Each diet was also fed to four replicate groups of male juvenile Nile tilapia (2.32 ± 0.06 g) in a recirculation system for 9 wk. At the termination of the second experiment, there were no significant differences in terms of weight gain, survival, and feed efficiency ratio (FER) among the fish fed the first six diets. However, weight gain and FER of the fish fed these diets were significantly better than those fed Diet 7, confirming the methionine requirement value as has been determined in the first experiment.     

Geosmin and Off-Flavor in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Abstract

The concentration of geosmin (1,10-trans-dimethyl-trans-9-decaol) in fresh tilapia were analyzed by applying high-vacuum distillation, extraction and gas chromatography techniques. The distribution of geosmin in the fish was determined by examining tissues from various parts of tilapia, along with the rates of geosmin absorption and purging. Analysis showed that when geosmin was added to fish flesh at concentrations ranging from 2.8 to 390 μg per kg of flesh, the rate of recovery was 51 to 89%. Sensory evaluation detected muddy flavor in freshwater tilapia with geosmin content ranging from 7.55 to 9.85 μg/kg of fish flesh. However, panelists failed to detect muddy flavor in brackish water tilapia that contained geosmin only in the range of 1.5 to 2.6 μg/kg. Among various tissues of the fish, the intestines contained the highest geosmin concentration, and appeared in descending order in the abdominal, skin and muscle tissues. After holding for 2 h in water with 5 and 50 μg/l geosmin, tilapia absorbed 17.6 and 42.2 μg/kg geosmin in the flesh, respectively. Holding the fish over longer periods in water with higher geosmin content resulted in a greater amount of absorption. In contrast, transferring muddy-flavored fish to static clean water purged geosmin from the fish but it required at least 16 days to eliminate the muddy flavor.     

The use of tuna industry waste in the practical diets of juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus,L.): effect on growth performance,nutrient digestibility and oxidative status

A 45‐day feeding trial was conducted to study the effect of replacing dietary fish meal (FM) with a tuna by‐product meal (TBM) on the growth, feed efficiency, carcass composition and stress oxidative status of juvenile Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus L.). Triplicate groups of fish (2.21 ± 0.01 g) were fed on four iso‐nitrogenous and iso‐energetic diets. The control diet (A₀) used FM as the sole source of animal protein. In the other three diets (A₁₀–A₃₀), 33%–100% of FM was substituted by TBM at 10% increments. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in growth performance among fish fed on diets A₀, A₁₀ and A₂₀. Fish fed these experimental diets (i.e., A₀, A₁₀ and A₂₀) showed significantly (P<0.05) better daily mass gain, specific growth rate and protein efficiency ratio than those fed on diet A₃₀. Feed conversion ratio increased with increasing TBM content, but only the value found in fish fed on diet A₃₀ differed significantly (P<0.05) from the other treatments. The fish accumulated increasing quantities of lipids and decreasing levels of ash in their carcasses with increasing levels of dietary TBM. At the end of the experimental period, a significant increase (P<0.001) in catalase and glutathione S‐transferase activities was seen only in groups fed on diet A₃₀. Similarly, a significant enhancement in glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activities was observed in groups fed on diets A₂₀ and A₃₀ compared with the other groups. The results show that this product can be included up to 20% in practical Nile tilapia diets without any detrimental effects.     

Streptococcus agalactiae Vaccination and Infection Stress in Nile Tilapia,Oreochromis niloticus

Abstract

The stress response following intraperitoneal (IP) injection of a non-adjuvant Streptococcus agalactiae vaccine in cultured warmwater Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, has not been investigated. Further, little or no information is available on stress following S. agalactiae infection and what effect, if any, vaccination has on susceptibility to infection. The objective of this study was to develop preliminary information on the associations between vaccination, stress, and infection. Blood glucose levels were used to evaluate stress in the fish at different time intervals following vaccination and challenge with S. agalactiae. Blood glucose levels were measured in vaccinates and controls at 0, 2, 6, 24 hours, and 28 days post-immunization (0 hours pre-challenge), and at 2,6, 24,48,72, and 312 hours following challenge with 1.5 × 10⁴ colony forming units (CFU) of S. agalactiae/fish. Significant increases in blood glucose levels were observed only in association with the injection of the vaccine and at 2 hours after injection. After S. agalactiae challenge, both controls and vaccinates had significantly (P < 0.05) higher blood glucose values at 2, 24,48, and 72 hours than at 0 hours. However, blood glucose levels in vaccinates were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than the controls at 24, 48, and 312 hours. Blood glucose levels and mortality of the infected controls were significantly correlated (r² = 0.9236, P = 0.0134). The cumulative mortality of the vaccinates and controls was 10% and 60% after 13 days post-challenge, respectively. The relative percent survival (RPS) was 83.4. Our results indicate that the vaccine was efficacious against S. agalactiae and induced short-term stress in tilapia. These preliminary results also suggested, for the first time, that vaccination may significantly reduce the infection stress associated with S. agalactiae infection in tilapia.     

Complete replacement of fish meal by porcine and poultry by-product meals in practical diets for fingerling Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus: digestibility and growth performance

The apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC) of poultry by-product meal-pet food grade (PBM) and porcine meal (PM) were determined for fingerling male Nile tilapia. ADC for protein were 98.1% and 92.3% in PBM and PM, and 87.1% and 79.4% for energy. PBM and PM were then used as complete replacements for fish meal (FM) in practical diets for Nile tilapia formulated to contain equal digestible protein (300 g kg⁻¹) and energy (16.74 MJ per 100 g) on an as-fed basis. Fingerlings (mean initial weight ±SD, 9.5 ± 0.015 g) were fed for 8 weeks on one of the four diets: FM-, PBM- or PM-based and a commercial feed. The ADC for protein in control and PBM diets (89.7% and 87.9%) were significantly higher than those for the control diet (81.96%). Growth performance and feed utilization were statistically similar between fish fed control and PBM diets, whereas the PM diet exhibited significantly lower performance compared with the control. However, the PM diet showed similar results to the commercial reference diet. Survival and feed conversion ratio were not significantly influenced by replacement of FM with either PBM or PM. The results indicated that PBM and PM can effectively replace FM in practical diets for fingerling Nile tilapia.     

Comprehensive Investigation of Streptococcosis Outbreaks in Cultured Nile Tilapia,Oreochromis niloticus,and Red Tilapia,Oreochromis sp., of Thailand

Streptococcosis causes economic losses due to mass mortality at all culturing stages in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, and red tilapia, Oreochromis sp., farming throughout Thailand. Diseased tilapia collected from outbreak areas during 2003–2012 were examined using histopathological, biochemical, and molecular tools. Infected fish showed clinical signs of septicemia, and bacteria were found in visceral organs. All gram‐positive cocci isolates were negative to catalase and oxidase, and exhibited β‐hemolysis; however, they possessed various biochemical profiles. PCR amplification of the 16S rRNA gene was used for 165 samples, and resulted in identification of 143 (86.67%) with Streptococcus agalactiae and 14 (8.48%) with Streptococcus iniae, and 8 (4.85%) with mixed infection. High similarity (≥98%) of 16S rRNA gene sequences to the reference strain S. agalactiae (accession no. EF092913) and S. iniae ATCC29178 type strain was observed in the typing of S. agalactiae and S. iniae from Thai farmed tilapia. This investigation documented that at least two species of streptococcal bacteria, S. agalactiae and S. iniae, were involved in tilapia streptococcal infection in Thailand. The molecular recognition of the etiologic agents showed that S. agalactiae was the dominant species that cause disease in all culture areas, whereas S. iniae were discovered only in cases from the northeastern and central regions.     

Apparent Protein and Energy Digestibility and Amino Acid Availability of Commercial Meat and Bone Meal for Nile Tilapia,Oreochromis niloticus

Meat and bone meal (MBM) is an excellent source of amino acids (AAs) for fish but its proximate composition varies according to its origin and processing. Apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC) of dry matter, crude protein, and gross energy, and apparent availability coefficients (AAC) of essential and nonessential AAs (EAA and NEAA, respectively) in MBM containing various levels of crude protein (MBM‐340, 370, 400, 430, and 460 g/kg) were determined for juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus, 32.7 ± 4.5 g). A reference diet containing 351.9 g/kg crude protein and 4541.1 kcal/kg of gross energy and test diets containing a 70:30 mixture of the reference diet and MBM were used with 5 g/kg Cr₂O₃ as an external indicator. ADC of dry matter, gross energy, and crude protein in MBM samples were 42.9–76.2%, 71.6–89.1%, and 49.4–86.9%, respectively. MBM‐400, 430, and 460 showed higher dry matter, gross energy, and crude protein ADC than that by MBM‐340 and 370. All AAs in MBM‐460 showed AAC of EAA > 90%, while the value for MBM‐430 was >85%, except arginine (82.1%) and lysine (84.8%). High ADC of energy, crude protein, and AAC in MBM‐430 and 460 indicate good potential as quantitative AA sources. Besides the low AA quality of MBM‐340, 370, and 400, their utilization is limited by low digestible energy and high ash, which should be considered in the production of least‐cost, well‐balanced, and sustainable diets for tilapia.     

Comparison of Stunning Methods on the Physicochemical Properties of Frozen Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Fillets

This study compares how CO₂ narcosis and thermal shock affect the physicochemical aspects of Nile tilapia fillets held frozen (?18°C) for up to 6 months. The characteristics of tilapia fillets subjected to CO₂ narcosis were those of higher lightness and whiteness and lower redness. The hardness values of fillets of tilapia subjected to thermal shock were lower than those subjected to CO₂ narcosis. During frozen storage to both treatments, the drip loss, denaturation of myosin, and lipid oxidation increased, while fillet water holding capacity and hardness decreased. The physicochemical properties of frozen fillets of tilapia stunned by CO₂ narcosis were considered more desirable; therefore, the method can be a potential replacement to thermal shock.     

Protein: energy ratio in practical diets for Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus

The present study was conducted to evaluate the interaction of protein and energy ratio in low protein (20, 25 and 30 %) diets for juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) (initial weight 7.44 ± 0.03 g). Dietary protein to energy (P/E) ratio of nine practical diets ranged from 66.84 to 115.14 mg protein/kcal energy. Each diet was randomly assigned to four replicate groups of fifteen fish. After 10 weeks, Fish fed the lowest dietary protein (20 %) and lowest energy (2,600 kcal/kg) diets were significantly smaller than fish maintained on D5 (25/2800) and D6 (30/2800), However, there were no significant differences among all the treatments except D1. The whole body moisture and protein levels were significantly influenced by dietary protein and energy content. Whole body energy content and digestible energy retention were significantly influenced by energy content of the diet. Conversely, dietary protein level significantly influenced protein retention but it did not influence digestible energy retention. Under the reported conditions, the response of tilapia to dietary energy or protein was seen only at the lower levels of inclusion and tilapia demonstrated limited protein sparing as dietary energy was increased. However, this did modify the carcass composition through higher dietary energy.     

Economic Analysis of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Production in Tanzania

In Tanzania, Nile tilapia culture is a promising aquaculture enterprise. Information on production costs could assist fish farmers in economic and financial planning. Economic profitability of small‐scale Nile tilapia production in Tanzania is analyzed using a model that simulates individual fish growth and takes into account fish population dynamics in the pond. The results suggest that the current practiced mixed‐sex tilapia culture without predation is not economically sustainable. Extension efforts should be geared toward developing a Nile tilapia production system that is based on a hand‐sexed all‐male tilapia. Meanwhile catfish can be introduced in ponds to control overcrowding in mixed‐sex tilapia culture without predation. Studies to determine optimal pond sizes, availability of feed, and a quality fingerling supply chain are also fundamental for developing a sustainable Nile tilapia production system in Tanzania. Under improved Nile tilapia production systems, returns are high enough to justify investment through borrowed capital from formal institutions.     

Induction of Triploidy and Tetraploidy in Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.)

Abstract.— Induction of triploidy and tetraploidy in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus , was investigated by heat shock, cold shock, hydrostatic pressure, and/or chemicals (cytochalasin A, B, and D). Additionally, efficacy of combined protocols was determined. Heat shock 10 min after fertilization induced triploidy when incubation temperature was 24 C but not when incubation temperature was 31 C. Heat shock of 40–41 C at 4–6 min after fertilization was effective in inducing up to 100% triploidy with hatchability similar to controls. Cold shock at 13 C for 45 min five min after fertilization induced 85–100% triploids. Heat shock and multiple heat shocking were the most effective treatments for the induction of tetraploidy. Two heat treatments of 41 C applied at 65 and 80 min after fertilization for 5 min each produced approximately 80% tetraploidy in hatched fry. Immersion of fertilized eggs in cytochalasin A, B, or D at concentrations up to 10 μg/L applied at various times and durations was ineffective in inducing triploidy or tetraploidy.     

盐度、碱度对尼罗罗非鱼生长和肌肉品质的影响

在水温(24±1)℃下,将初始体质量(50.00±4.12)g的尼罗罗非鱼放入150 cm×60 cm×40 cm循环可控水族缸内,每箱15尾,每组设置3个平行。将尼罗罗非鱼在盐度(12 g/L)、碱度(23.8 mmol/L NaHCO3)、盐碱(12 g/L和23.8 mmol/L NaHCO3)以及淡水(对照组)水体中分别饲养56 d,比较和测量各组鱼体生长性能指标、肌肉常规营养成分、结合氨基酸和游离氨基酸含量,研究盐度、碱度对罗非鱼生长性能和肌肉品质的影响。试验结果显示,与淡水组相比,改变水体盐度、碱度对鱼体质量增加率、特定生长率和饲料系数均无显著影响(P>0.05)。盐碱组鱼肌肉灰分含量升高,粗蛋白含量下降;粗蛋白含量显著低于其他组(P<0.05);各组水分和粗脂肪含量差异不显著(P>0.05)。各组必需氨基酸量与氨基酸总量比值和必需氨基酸与非必需氨基酸比值分别为40%~41%和66%~69%,各组间差异不显著(P>0.05);处理组中必需氨基酸指数为47.06~59.66,盐碱组>碱度组>盐度组,盐碱组显著高于盐度组和碱度组(P<0.05)。碱度组、盐碱组和盐度组鲜味氨基酸总量分别为淡水组的1.78倍、1.74倍和1.63倍,且碱度组和盐碱组显著高于盐度组(P<0.05);盐碱组甜味氨基酸和游离氨基酸总量显著高于盐度和碱度组(P<0.05)。水体盐度、碱度均可有效改善罗非鱼肌肉营养价值和呈味特征,而碱度对肌肉呈味的影响效果更加明显。