Dietary vitamin E requirement of hybrid striped bass (Morone chrysops female × M. saxatilis male)

This study was conducted to determine the dietary vitamin E requirement of juvenile hybrid striped bass ( Morone chrysops female ×  Morone saxatilis male). Semi-purified diets supplemented with 0.2 mg Se kg⁻¹ from Na₂SeO₃ and either 0 (basal), 10, 20, 40, 60, or 80 mg vitamin E kg⁻¹ as  DL -α-tocopheryl acetate were fed to hybrid striped bass initially averaging 1.8 ± 0.1 g (mean ± SD) for 12 weeks. Fish fed the basal diet, which contained 5.8 mg α-tocopherol kg⁻¹ dry weight, were darker in colour and had reduced weight gain, as well as generally reduced haematocrit values compared with fish fed diets supplemented with vitamin E. In addition, fish fed diets containing less than 20 mg supplemental vitamin E kg⁻¹ had significantly ( P  < 0.05) reduced weight gain and feed efficiency compared with those fed diets supplemented with vitamin E at 20–80 mg kg⁻¹. Dietary supplementation of vitamin E caused incremental increases in the concentration of α-tocopherol in both plasma and liver tissues. However, hybrid striped bass fed graded levels of vitamin E did not exhibit a dose response in terms of ascorbic acid-stimulated lipid peroxidation of hepatic microsomes. Regression analysis of weight gain data using the broken-line model indicated a minimum vitamin E requirement ( ±  SE) of 28 ( ±  3) mg kg⁻¹ dry diet. Based on these data, the dietary vitamin E requirement of hybrid striped bass appears to be similar to that determined for other fish species.     

Selective breeding for the hybrid striped bass (Morone chrysops, Rafinesque ×M. saxatilis, Walbaum) industry: status and perspectives

The hybrid striped bass (HSB) farming industry has considerable potential for growth into domestic retail markets, but expansion of this industry is limited by high production costs that dictate high prices for HSB. It is widely recognized within the industry that selective breeding of an improved HSB will be required to increase production efficiency and reduce market prices. A National Program of Genetic Improvement and Selective Breeding for the HSB Industry has been initiated and some progress has been made toward domestication of the parent species of the hybrid. However, uncertainty remains as to which breeding procedures will most rapidly yield sustainable genetic gains in key production traits. This paper consolidates and reviews general information on the biology of temperate basses (genus Morone) relevant to selective breeding of improved HSB. The topics covered include control of reproduction, geographic distribution of stocks and population genetic variation. This is followed by a brief review of the current application of selective breeding techniques, including those based on molecular markers. Finally, we discuss potential avenues for genetic improvement of HSB in a selective breeding program.     

Hypoxia affects performance traits and body composition of juvenile hybrid striped bass (Morone chrysops × M. saxatilis)

Performance traits and body composition of juvenile hybrid striped bass (Morone chrysops × M. saxatilis) in response to hypoxia were evaluated in replicate tanks maintained at constant dissolved oxygen concentrations that averaged 23.0 ± 2.3%, 39.7 ± 3.0% and 105.5 ± 9.5% dissolved oxygen saturation. Fish were fed a commercially formulated feed daily to apparent satiation. Total feed intake and fish growth and yield increased linearly in response to increased dissolved oxygen concentration. Nutrient utilization was reduced significantly only at the greatest level of hypoxia. With the exception of whole body protein content, whole body compositional indices and nutrient retention efficiencies were linearly related to dissolved oxygen concentration. Results demonstrate that as hypoxia becomes more severe, juvenile hybrid striped bass feed intake is reduced, which affects growth and nutrient retention.     

Lysine supplementation of commercial fishmeal‐free diet in hybrid striped bass Morone chrysops x M. saxatilis affects expression of growth‐related genes

Our recent results in hybrid striped bass (HSB) concluded that ideal protein theory accurately predicts first‐limiting amino acids in commercial diet formulations if accurate amino acid availability data are used and that appropriate levels of supplemental lysine are needed to improve fish performance from fishmeal‐free diets. Our goal in this study was to elucidate how dietary lysine supplementation of a commercial fishmeal‐free diet influences the expression of two genes, myostatin and myogenin, controlling myogenesis in differentially growing groups of HSB. Real‐time RT‐PCR results in HSB suggest that the levels of lysine added to the diet (17.8, 35.1, 51.0 g kg^?1 of diet) has an impact on myogenin relative to the basal unsupplemented diet, but no effect on myostatin. Moreover, our data further suggest that the amount of dietary lysine supplementation influenced the ratio of myostatin/myogenin expression in HSB and that this pattern mimicked that of most of the growth, composition of growth and nutrient retention data from our previous study and may therefore be a useful marker for selecting fish for improved growth performance.     

Confinement and Transport-Induced Stress in White Bass Morone chrysops × Striped Bass M. saxatilis Hybrids: Effect of Calcium and Salinity1

Stress induced by severe confinement in cages and by simulated transport was evaluated in reciprocal white bass × striped bass hybrids (Morone chrysops × M. saratilis) after acclimation to various calcium concentrations in freshwater (5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg/L calcium) and various salinities (1, 8, 16, and 24%o) at 25 C. Survival was monitored in both confinement and transport events. In confinement events, changes in plasma osmolality were used as an indicator of osmoreg-ulatory dysfunction. After 6 h of severe confinement in cages, survival was significantly affected by treatments in both freshwater (FW) and saltwater (SW) events. Survival was greatest in 80 mg/L calcium in FW treatments and 8%o in the SW treatments. Simultaneous analysis of both FW and SW confinement data revealed that, after compensating for fish weight, survival increased as environmental ionic content increased (up to 8%o) then decreased with increasing salinity. Plasma osmolality decreased significantly from baseline levels with respect to confinement time in all FW treatments. Significant differences in plasma osmolality were observed among SW treatments: plasma osmolality of fish confined in 1%o decreased while those confined in salinities of 16 and 24%o increased. The plasma osmolality offish confined in 8%o remained near baseline levels. Almost no mortality (<5% in all treatments) occurred during (12 h) and after (5 d) transport in both FW and SW. Fish were in good condition and acclimated to transport water quality prior to transport events which may have been a major reason for high survival. Results from this study indicate that detrimental effects due to handling and transporting hybrid striped bass are reduced in FW environments that provide sufficient calcium and in SW environments which are near isoosmotic with the plasma.     

Tank culture of larval sunshine bass, Morone chrysops (Rafinesque)×M. saxatilis (Walbaum), at three feeding levels

Sunshine bass, a hybrid of female white bass Morone chrysops (Rafinesque) and male striped bass M. saxatilis (Walbaum), fingerling production occurs almost exclusively in ponds. To increase production and maintain year‐round production in temperate climates, indoor tank culture is required. While tank production of fingerlings has been demonstrated, little is known about feeding requirements. Sunshine bass larvae, stocked at 75 L^?1 in 100 L of brackish water, were fed sequentially with rotifers Brachionus plicatilis cultured with a Nannochloropis algae paste and enriched with highly unsaturated fatty acids, decapsulated Artemia nauplii, and a microencapsulated commercial diet. The larvae in one treatment (three replicates) were initially fed rotifers at a daily rate of 20 mL^?1, then nauplii at an initial rate of 2 mL^?1, and then the commercial diet at 1 g. Larvae in two other treatments received two and three times as much food daily. The highest feeding rate resulted in a survival (52.9%) that was significantly higher than the survival rate (22.4%) of larvae fed the least. The total biomass produced was the highest in the treatment receiving the most food. The lowest feeding rate produced the least fish, but they were the heaviest. The intermediate feeding rate produced the shortest fish (11.3 mm).     

Amino acid availability from animal, blended, and plant feedstuffs for hybrid striped bass (Morone chrysops × M. saxatilis)

The refinement of hybrid striped bass feed formulations has been progressing rapidly. There is still, however, limited information available regarding nutrient digestibility and amino acid availability from common feedstuffs. A pair of experiments was conducted to determine the protein digestibility and amino acid availability to sunshine bass from an assortment of commercially available animal protein feedstuffs, blended animal products and plant protein feedstuffs in extruded diets. The feedstuffs tested were blood meal, poultry by‐product meal, fish solubles, Pro‐Pak 60, Pro‐Pak 65, ProCon 65RDB, and 60FMC for the animal protein feedstuffs and brewer's yeast, canola meal, peanut meal, and sunflower meal for the plant protein feedstuffs. Test diets consisted of a mixture of nutritionally complete reference diet and test ingredient. Triplicate tanks of fish were fed their respective diets for 7 days prior to collection of faeces by stripping. Apparent digestibility coefficients of protein (ADC‐CP) in the animal products ranged from 47% for 60FMC to a high of 70% for fish solubles. ADC‐CPs for animal products were not different across products. Blood meal, poultry by‐product meal, Pro‐Pak 60, Pro‐Pak 65, and ProCon had intermediate ADC‐CPs of 63, 55, 63, 57 and 52%, respectively. ADC‐CP in plant feedstuffs ranged from 43% for canola meal to 80% for peanut meal. Brewer's yeast, canola meal, and sunflower meal had intermediate ADC‐CPs at 54, 43 and 69%, respectively. Apparent amino acid availability coefficients were variable across animal products and did not necessarily correlate to the ADC‐CPs for a given feedstuff. Isoleucine availability was low in blood meal at 38% compared with 59% or better for the remaining amino acids. Lysine, tyrosine and phenylalanine availability from fish solubles was low at 31, 35 and 44%, respectively. Amino acid availability from Pro‐Pak 60 was consistently higher across all amino acids for the animal products and blends tested. Of the plant products tested, peanut meal was the best performing feedstuff relative to amino acid availability.     

Immunomodulatory effects of β‐glucans derived from Euglena gracilis or Saccharomyces cerevisiae for hybrid striped bass (Morone chrysops × M. saxatilis)

Beta‐glucans (BGs) can activate the animal's innate immune system, enhancing the primary defence lines against pathogenic insults. The objective of this study was to assess the immune responses of hybrid striped bass (HSB) when exposed to paramylon, derived from Euglena gracilis, or zymosan, derived from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Two separate trials were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of these immunostimulants as a feed additive or injected intraperitoneally. Five diets were formulated to contain either paramylon or zymosan at two different levels (50 or 100 mg/kg), and no supplementation serving as the control. Blood and head kidney were sampled, and an elevated production of anion superoxide from isolated phagocytes was observed for all supplemented groups when compared to the control. Dietary paramylon at 50 mg/kg increased immunoglobulin levels in the plasma. The second trial was conducted by injecting a BG solution (10 mg of β‐glucan kg^‐1 of body weight) and phosphate buffer solution serving as the control. Seven days after injection, blood samples were collected and immunological profiles from whole blood and plasma were significantly (p < .05) affected by the treatments. The results from this study indicate that both dietary and injected paramylon and zymosan modulated the immunological responses of HSB.     

Development of an ELISA to measure the humoral immune response of hybrid striped bass Morone chrysops×M. saxatilis to Streptococcus iniae

A previously developed monoclonal antibody (mAb) specific for the heavy chain of hybrid striped bass (HSB) Morone chrysops×M. saxatilis immunoglobulin was used in an assay to detect the humoral response to antigens of Streptococcus iniae. In order to validate this assay, an anti‐S. iniae antibody was produced in HSB by immunization with formalin‐killed cells of S. iniae mixed with Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA). After boosting with cells mixed with Freund's incomplete adjuvant (FIA), fish were challenged with live S. iniae by i.p. injection. This resulted in mortalities of 100%, 13% and 7% for non‐immunized, immunized and non‐challenged fish respectively. Live S. iniae were recovered only from moribund non‐immunized challenged fish, indicating that the immunization conferred protection against S. iniae. Sera were taken at 28 and 42 days post challenge and anti‐S. iniae antibody was measured by both agglutination and indirect ELISA. Titres of anti‐S. iniae antibody increased only in the immunized group as measured by agglutination and ELISA. Serum complement measured in the final bleeding was significantly higher in the immunized group. Western blotting using immune HSB serum indicated that the predominant antigen in this case was the high molecular weight polysaccharide of S. iniae.     

Selenium nutrition of hybrid striped bass (Morone chrysops × M. saxatilis) bioavailability, toxicity and interaction with vitamin E

Two concurrent 12-week feeding trials were conducted to evaluate the bioavailability of inorganic sodium selenite and organic seleno-DL-methionine and to investigate the potential interaction between selenium and vitamin E in juvenile hybrid striped bass. In experiment 1, purified diets utilizing casein, gelatin and an amino acid premix as protein sources with a basal selenium concentration of 0.11 mg Se   kg⁻¹ were supplemented with either Na₂SeO₃ to provide selenium concentrations of 1.19, 2.00, 5.17 and 21.23 mg Se kg⁻¹ or with seleno-DL-methionine to provide 0.90, 1.26 and 2.55 mg Se kg⁻¹ and fed to juvenile hybrid striped bass in aquaria. A second experiment evaluated potential interactions by feeding these purified diets with or without supplemental vitamin E or sodium selenite, singularly or in combination. No overt selenium deficiency signs were exhibited by fish in either of the experiments; however, signs of selenium toxicity including retarded weight gain (WG), reduced feed intake and feed efficiency ratio (FER) as well as increased mortality, were observed in fish fed the diet containing more than 20 mg Se kg⁻¹. Whole-body selenium and whole-body selenium retention were linearly influenced by sodium selenite and selenomethionine. However, there was no significant effect of dietary selenium, vitamin E or their interaction on WG, FER and survival. Slope-ratio analysis showed that bioavailability of seleno-DL-methionine as a selenium source for juvenile hybrid striped bass was significantly ( P  < 0.01) higher (3.3-fold) than sodium selenite.     

Dietary tryptophan requirement of hybrid striped bass (Morone chrysops × M. saxatilis)

Requirements for six of the 10 indispensable amino acids (IAA) have not been quantified for hybrid striped bass. In this study, we estimate the requirement for l ‐tryptophan by nonlinear regression analysis of several growth indicators. Fifteen isocaloric, isonitrogenous diets were formulated to contain 1.0, 1.3, 1.6, 1.9, 2.2, 2.5, 2.8, 3.1, 3.4, 3.7, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, 10.0 or 14 g l ‐tryptophan kg^?1 diet and fed to reciprocal cross hybrid striped bass for 7 weeks. After 5 weeks, survival of fish receiving the basal diet was 40% while surviving fish fed this diet were in poor health. Survival of fish receiving 1.3 g Trp kg^?1 diet declined to 70% by termination of the trial. Survival in other treatments was 100%. Fish weight gain was 100% or greater for fish receiving 1.6 g Trp kg^?1 diet or more. Hepatosomatic index, muscle ratio and intraperitoneal fat (IPF) ratio also responded to dietary tryptophan concentration. IPF was inversely related to dietary tryptophan concentration. The dietary tryptophan requirement was estimated to be between 2.1 and 2.5 g kg^?1 diet (6–7 g kg^?1 protein), depending on response variable, using four‐ and five‐parameter saturation kinetics models. These findings will increase the precision of diets formulated for hybrid striped bass.     

Apparent digestibility of Asian carp‐ and common carp‐derived fish meals in feeds for hybrid striped bass Morone saxatilis ♀ × M. chrysops ♂ and rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss

Apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) of nutrients (crude protein, amino acids, crude lipid, fatty acids, and minerals) were determined for fish meals derived from menhaden, Asian carp (combination of silver and bighead carps), and common carp in feeds for hybrid striped bass and rainbow trout. Extruded test diets were formulated to contain a 70 : 30 mixture of reference diet and test ingredient with yttrium oxide (1 g kg^?1) serving as the inert marker. Diets were randomly assigned to triplicate tanks and fish were fed once per day at 2% body weight. Fecal samples were collected by manual stripping. The ADCs were calculated according to standard procedures. The composition and digestibility of Asian carp and common carp meals was broadly similar to menhaden meal. Protein digestibility ranged from 86.5% (Asian carp meal) to 93.1% (common carp meal). Lipid was highly digestible with ADCs >100% for all ingredients. Although the Asian carp meal was less digestible than the other two fish meals, it was still a highly digestible ingredient. Our data suggest that fish meals derived from Asian or common carp would be valuable feedstuffs in diets for hybrid striped bass, rainbow trout, and possibly other cultured fishes.     

Feeding Frequency Affects Growth, Not Fillet Composition, of Juvenile Sunshine Bass Morone chrysops×M. saxatilis Grown in Cages

Abstract.— In an effort to feed sunshine bass Morone chrysops × M. saxatilis efficiently, promote optimal growth, and reduce labor costs associated with feeding, sunshine bass were grown in cages and fed one of four feeding frequencies: once/d, twice/d, once every other day (I X/EOD), and twice every other day (2X/EOD) for 21 wk. Juvenile sunshine bass were fed a commercial floating diet containing 40% protein and 11.5% lipid. One hundred fish were hand-counted and stocked into each of 12 3.5-m³ cages with three replications per treatment. At the conclusion of the study, percentage weight gain of sunshine bass fed twice/d was significantly (P < 0.05) higher (1,850%) compared to fish fed all other feeding frequencies. Specific growth rate (SGR) of fish fed twice/d was significantly higher (2.1%/d) compared to fish fed all other feeding regimes, while fish fed once/d had a higher SGR (2.0%/d) compared to fish fed I X/EOD (1.6%/d) and 2X/EOD (1.8%/d). Percentage survival was not significantly different (P > 0.05) among all treatments and averaged 70.4%r. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) of fish fed twice/d was significantly higher (2.40) compared to fish fed all other feeding regimes. Percentage fillet weight of fish fed twice/d was significantly higher (27.8%) compared to all other treatments. Percentage moisture, protein, lipid, and ash in fillet were not significantly different among all treatments and averaged 75.7%, 19.4%, 3.5%, and 1.2%n, respectively (wet-weight basis). Based upon data from the present study, it appears that producers growing juvenile sunshine bass in cages may want to feed fish twice daily. This feeding regimen allows for higher growth rates, without adverse effects on body or fillet compositions. However, economic analysis needs to be conducted to determine if feeding twice/d is profitable.     

Effects of Amylopectin/Amylose Starch Ratio on Growth, Body Composition and Glycemic Response of Sunshine Bass Morone chrysops × M. saxatilis

Manipulation of the ratio of amylopectin (α‐[1,4] and α‐[1,6] linked glucose) to amylose (α‐[1,41 linked glucose) starches in the carbohydrate fraction of the diet has been used to improve carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in mammalian models. A 10‐wk feeding trial was conducted to determine the effect of dietary amylopectin/amylose ratio on growth and composition of growth of advanced sunshine bass (Morone chrysops × M. saxatilis) fingerlings (60 g, initial weight). Fish were fed cold‐pelleted, semipurified, isonitrogenous (35% crude protein), isocaloric (3.6 kcaVg protein), isolipidic (5%) diets containing 25% carbohydrate. The carbohydrate fraction of the diets was composed of either glucose, dextrin, 100% amylopectin/0% amylose, 70% amylopectin/30% amylose, or 30% amylopectin/70% amylose. Diets differing in ratios of amylopectin/amylose were achieved by adjusting the proportion of high‐amylopectin (100% amylopectin) to high‐amylose (70% amylose) corn starch. Diets were fed to fish in quadruplicate 76‐L tanks (seven fish/tank) connected to a brackish water (5‐7%v) recirculating culture system with biofiltration. Weight gain ranged from 195 to 236% of initial weight (60 g) and was significantly greater (P < 0.1) for fish fed diets containing 25% carbohydrate as dextrin or as 70% amylose and significantly lower in fish fed diets in which carbohydrate was composed of 30% amylose, 100% amylopectin, or glucose. Feed efficiency ranged from 0.52 to 0.61 and was higher in fish fed the diet containing the highest concentration of amylose and lower in fish fed the diet containing glucose. Hepatosomatic index was highest (2.71) in fish fed the diet containing glucose and lowest (1.401.45) in fish fed diets containing high‐amylose cornstarch. Intraperitoneal fat ratio was distinctly lower in fish fed diets containing some amylose as compared to those fed diets without amylose. Liver lipid was significantly lower (4.8%) in fish fed the diet containing glucose and almost twice as high (7.3‐8.9%) in fish fed the diets containing any starch. Glycogen content of the liver decreased from approximately 12% in fish fed the diet containing glucose to 5% in fish fed the diets containing amylose. Muscle proximate composition and ratio were unaffected by the dietary treatments. Fasting levels (15 h) of blood glucose in fish reared for 10 wk on the diet containing glucose were significantly elevated (5.5 mmol/L) when compared to fasting levels of those that had been reared on diets containing starch (3.4‐1.1 mmol/L). Fish fed the diet containing glucose exhibited maximum blood concentrations (14.6 mmoVL) 4 h postprandial then rapidly declined to nearly fasting levels within 8 h postprandial. In contrast, maximum plasma glucose concentrations in fish fed diets containing starch were roughly half (6.8‐8.1 mmol/L) those of fish fed the diet containing glucose. Blood glucose in fish fed diets containing dextrin or predominantly amylopectin starch remained elevated longer than that of fish fed diets containing glucose or predominantly amylose starch. Glycemic response appeared to decrease with increasing dietary amylose content. These data suggest that feeding diets in which a greater portion of the starch is amylose may be a useful strategy for improving carbohydrate use in sunshine bass.     

Dietary threonine requirement of juvenile hybrid striped bass (Morone chrysops♀×M. saxatilis♂)

Two growth studies were conducted to determine the dietary threonine requirement of reciprocal cross hybrid striped (sunshine) bass. Semipurified diets were prepared with crystalline amino acids and lyophilized fish muscle to supply 350 g crude protein kg⁻¹ diet. The basal diet contained 4.9 g threonine kg⁻¹ from fish muscle, and test diets were supplemented with graded levels of L-threonine. In the first experiment, fish initially averaging ≊ 9.8 g each were fed diets containing threonine levels of 4.9, 7.5, 10.0, 12.5, 15.0 and 17.5 g kg⁻¹ dry diet for 7 weeks. Weight gain, feed efficiency and protein efficiency ratio (PER) were significantly ( P < 0.01) influenced by dietary threonine level. Based on weight-gain responses, a threonine requirement (± SE) of 8.4 (± 0.8) g kg⁻¹ dry diet was determined, and dietary threonine levels of 10.0 g kg⁻¹ diet or greater resulted in the highest levels of free threonine in plasma.
Based on the results of the first experiment, a second feeding trial was conducted with diets containing threonine levels of 4.9, 6.5, 8.0, 9.5, 11.0 and 12.5 g kg⁻¹ dry diet. Fish initially averaging ≊ 3.0 g each were fed each diet for 8 weeks. Weight gain, feed efficiency and PER values of fish were markedly improved, with increases in dietary threonine up to 8.0 g kg⁻¹ dry diet. Regression analysis of weight gain, feed efficiency and PER data using the broken-line model resulted in threonine requirement estimates of 9.7, 8.5 and 8.6 g kg⁻¹ dry diet, respectively. Based on these data, the threonine requirement of juvenile sunshine bass was determined to be ≊ 9.0 g kg⁻¹ dry diet or 26 g kg⁻¹ of dietary protein.     

Refined understanding of sulphur amino acid nutrition in hybrid striped bass, Morone chrysops♀×M. saxatilis♂

Previous studies have indicated that the level of total sulphur amino acids (TSAA) (methionine+cystine) is most limiting in practical diet formulations for hybrid striped bass (HSB), especially if animal feedstuffs are replaced with plant feedstuffs. Reduction in costly animal feedstuffs such as fish meal, while maintaining adequate dietary levels of TSAA, may enhance the cost effectiveness of production. Therefore, this study investigated three different aspects of sulphur amino acid nutrition of HSB including: (1) the efficacy of crystalline methionine hydroxy analogue (MHA) and liquid MHA (Alimet?) relative to l‐ methionine in meeting the requirement for TSAA; (2) the cystine‐sparing value for methionine; and (3) the influence of various sulphur amino acid supplements on ammonia excretion. During three separate feeding trials (2, 6 and 10 weeks in duration), juvenile HSB were fed various diets including a basal diet deficient in TSAA (0.33% or 0.51% of diet), and experimental diets supplemented on an equal‐sulphur basis with different levels of either l‐ methionine, Alimet? or crystalline MHA. Diets containing TSAA at 1% of diet and different ratios of cystine to methionine (60:40, 55:45, 50:50 and 45:55) were also fed to re‐evaluate the sparing effects of cystine on methionine. In trial 1, over the course of 10 weeks, Alimet? was 73% as effective in promoting weight gain as l ‐methionine at the same concentration while MHA was 83% as effective. After 6 weeks in trial 2, fish fed Alimet? at 1.25% of diet displayed similar growth performance as those fed TSAA at 1.0% of diet, while weight gain of fish fed Alimet? at 1% was only 58% of that displayed by fish fed TSAA at 1.0%. No significant differences in weight gain, feed utilization or survival were observed among fish fed diets containing various ratios of cystine to methionine, although the diet with 60:40 cystine to methionine had the lowest numerical responses. Inclusion of MHA or Alimet? did not affect TAN excretion of HSB. These findings will aid in refining diet formulations for HSB to ensure adequate sulphur amino acid nutrition.     

Effects of Reduced Levels of Dietary Protein and Menhaden Fish Meal on Production,Dressout, and Biochemical Composition of Phase III Sunshine Bass Morone chrysops ♀× M. saxatilis ♂ Cultured in Earthen Ponds1

The responses of phase III sunshine bass Morone chrysops ♀× M. saxatilis ♂ to diets containing reduced levels of menhaden fish meal (30–10%, dry weight) and crude protein (40–36%, dry weight) were evaluated in two separate experiments. Reductions in fish meal were compensated by increase in dietary soybean meal, a meat and blood meal product, and additional amounts of a 1:1 catfish oil:menhaden oil mixture sprayed on as a top dressing. Fish were cultured in earthen ponds and fed commercially manufactured, extruded diets to apparent satiation. In Experiment 1, dietary crude protein was reduced from 40 to 36% and the menhaden fish meal ingredient was reduced from 30 to 15% (dry weight). The mean weight of fish stocked into each pond ranged from 144 to 188 g, the stocking density was 8641/ha, and the duration of the growout was 172 d. In Experiment 2, both dietary treatments contained 40% crude protein (dry weight) and either 30% or 10% menhaden fish meal. The mean weight of fish stocked into each pond ranged from 42 and 77 g, the stocking density was 8,500/ha, and the duration of the growout was 175 d. Simultaneous reductions in dietary menhaden fish meal and crude protein resulted in significant decreases in all production indices except survival and percent weight increase. Weights of filet, carcass, liver and intraperitoneal fat, expressed as a percent of total body weight, were not significantly different. A 66% reduction in dietary menhaden fish meal while the crude protein level was maintained at 40% did not significantly affect growth, production, and weights of filet, carcass, liver and intraperitoneal fat, expressed as a percent of total body weight, and represents a 6% decrease in the cost of feed. In both experiments, levels of protein, lipid, moisture, and ash of the whole body and the filet were not significantly different. Fatty acid composition of the filet and livers from fish fed the control and experimental diets in Experiment 2 were highly comparable. The comparable level of performance of fish fed diets believed to be deficient in HUFA suggests that the dietary levels reported to be required may not be totally applicable to diets formulated for pond culture.     

Effects of cyclic feeding on compensatory growth of hybrid striped bass (Morone chrysops×M. saxitilis) foodfish and water quality in production ponds

An 18‐week study was conducted in 12, 0.1 ha ponds to evaluate the impacts of cyclic feeding regimes on hybrid striped bass (HSB) foodfish production and pond water quality. Approximately 840 HSB [mean weight (std.); 91.08 g (8.18)] were stocked into each pond (8400 fish ha^?1; 3360 fish acre^?1) and fed according to one of three feeding regimes. The three feeding regimes included a control (fed twice daily to apparent satiation), and cycles of 3 weeks feed deprivation followed by 3 or 6 weeks of feeding to apparent satiation (3/3 and 3/6 respectively). Compensatory growth (CG) was observed in both cyclic feeding treatments; however, the response was insufficient for the fish to completely regain lost weight. Final mean weight of control fish (477.9 g) exceeded (P<0.05) that of fish receiving the two cyclic treatments: 3/6 (404.7 g) and 3/3 (353.8 g). Specific growth rate (SGR) of fish in the 3/3 treatment increased during all three refeeding periods, and was significantly greater than controls during weeks 9–12 and weeks 15–18, which represent the refeeding phase of the second and third feeding cycles. Specific growth rate for fish in the 3/6 treatment was significantly higher than controls only during the first 3 weeks of the first feeding cycle. Hepatosomatic index and condition factor were highly responsive measures that closely followed the metabolic state of fish on the feeding cycle. Of the water quality variables measured, total phosphorus was 32% lower in ponds receiving cyclic feeding versus control ponds. Soluble reactive phosphorus was 41% and 24% lower in ponds offered the 3/3 and 3/6 cyclic feeding treatments, respectively, although, significant differences (P<0.10) were only observed between control and 3/3 treatment ponds. Overall, CG was observed in HSB foodfish grown in ponds, although 3 weeks of feed deprivation was excessive and did not allow for complete growth compensation. Weight loss during feed deprivation was influenced by pond water temperatures. Early season feed deprivation did not cause as much weight loss as during the second cycle later in the season. Further studies on shorter deprivation periods applied during moderate to low water temperatures are needed to identify feeding regimes that minimize weight loss and result in a complete CG response.     

Dietary cholesterol and lecithin have limited effects on growth and body composition of hybrid striped bass (Morone chrysops × M. saxatilis)

The effects of cholesterol and lecithin on growth and body composition of juvenile hybrid striped bass ( Morone chrysops  ×  M. saxatilis ) were investigated by feeding juvenile hybrids (initial weight 5.0 g) diets containing cholesterol at either 0 or 1% and lecithin at either 0, 2, 4, or 6% in a 2 × 4 factorial design. Each of the eight diets was fed to fish in triplicate 38-L aquaria maintained as a brackish water recirculating system for 8 weeks. Weight gain, feed efficiency, muscle ratio and hepatosomatic index were not significantly ( P  > 0.05) affected by dietary supplementation of cholesterol or lecithin. Supplementation of the diet with lecithin at 4 and 6% significantly ( P  < 0.05) decreased intraperitoneal fat accumulation regardless of dietary cholesterol level. Neither muscle nor liver lipid levels were significantly altered by dietary supplementation of cholesterol or lecithin although both liver and plasma lipid classes were affected. Dietary cholesterol decreased concentrations of liver and plasma free fatty acids and liver phospholipids while increasing concentrations of liver triglycerides and plasma phospholipids. Dietary lecithin did not consistently affect plasma and liver lipid classes although changes in phospholipid levels approaching significance ( P =0.0502 and P =0.0513, respectively) were observed. Thus it is concluded that dietary supplementation with cholesterol or lecithin had no substantial beneficial effects on growth or body composition of juvenile hybrid striped bass.