Notes on the biology of juvenile Sparodon durbanensis (Pisces: Sparidae) from tidal pools in the Eastern Cape,South Africa

The length/frequency distribution, length/mass relationship, seasonal occurrence, growth and diet of Sparodon durbanensis from tidal pools in the Eastern Cape was investigated over a two-year period. The fish were predominantly small (mean length of 53 mm TL) with the smallest specimens being found in summer. Juveniles were found to be omnivorous, consuming algae, crustaceans and polychaetes, although, with the acquisition of adult dentition (ie. crushing molars), hard-shelled molluscs became important in the diet.     

Competition and niche partitioning in a floodplain ecosystem: a cladoceran community squeezed between fish and invertebrate predation

Seasonal floodplains occasionally comprise highly productive zooplankton communities which are exposed to rapid shifts in predator regimes, also between vertebrate and invertebrate predators.We recorded the impact of two co-occurring zooplankton predators, the notonectid Anisops sardea and 0+ fish fry of Tilapia rendalli (max gape size 1 mm), on a cladoceran community dominated by Ceriodaphnia reticulata (0.25–0.78 mm), Daphnia laevis (0.6– 1.8 mm) and Scapholeberis kingi (0.27–0.8 mm). Both predators strongly reduced abundance of all prey species, yet with a striking size-selective effect for Daphnia prey only, where fish showed a strong preference for small individuals, while Anisops preferred large Daphnia individuals. This contrasts with the general view of size selection in invertebrate versus vertebrate predators, but is logically caused by the feeding mode of the notonectid, and the gape size limitation of the fish fry. The two predators also showed a dietary niche differentiation in terms of both prey selection and habitat choice. T. rendalli fed preferably on small species and size classes, whereas predation from A. sardea concentrated on large prey. Competitive interference was indicated when feeding on Ceriodaphnia, and niche partitioning when feeding on the two other species. The predatory pattern suggests long-lasting coexistence in the system.     

Utilization of dipeptide/protein based diets in larval and juvenile Koi carp – post‐prandial free amino acid levels

We have shown previously that diets in which the nitrogen portion is based on synthetic dipeptides (PP) resulted in weight gain by rainbow trout alevins when free amino acid (FAA) based diets did not. However, the protein‐based diet used as a control in the previous study resulted in a significantly better performance of fish than peptide‐ or FAA based diet fed fish. Therefore, the objectives of our study were (i) to test how stomachless fish respond to peptide‐based diets, (ii) to evaluate PP and protein‐PP mixture diets and (iii) to examine if post‐prandial response to FAA concentrations in the fish body can be used as an indicator of the availability of dietary amino acid sources. The first experiment was conducted with a 4‐day old Koi carp (Cyprinus carpio) larvae and included groups fed a casein–gelatin (CG) based diet, a commercial diet and live Artemia nauplii. In the second experiment, fish fed live Artemia for 3 weeks (69 ± 12 mg) were placed in glass aquaria in triplicate per dietary treatment. Four diets provided equivalent amounts of nitrogen in the form of a CG, a PP, a 50% PP and 50% CG (PP50) mix and as FAA. Fish were fed at 1 and 3 h intervals, and the survival and growth were monitored during the second and third weeks of experiments 1 and 2 respectively. Following the completion of feeding, juvenile carp were sampled prior to feeding and 3 h after a meal. Whole body FAA analyses were carried out. We observed marginal suitability of the CG diet for larval Koi carp, as earlier indicated in common carp. Juvenile Koi carp fed the CG diet achieved 236 ± 19 mg, whereas PP50, PP and FAA diet fed fish grew to 140 ± 37, 70 ± 8 and 73 ± 5 mg respectively. Free amino acids in the fish body, and in particular indispensable amino acids (IDAA), were excellent indicators of dietary availability. The present experiment shows that a dietary 1:1 ratio of protein to synthetic PPs results in better growth, survival and whole body IDAA concentrations in relation to FAA‐ and PP‐based diets confirming earlier reports on the use of synthetic PP‐based diets, although this diet does not match the performance of complete protein, CG‐based diet.     

Effect of Low Dietary Magnesium on Immune Response and Osmoregulation of Atlantic Salmon

Abstract

The influences of dietary magnesium on immune response and on osmoregulation in parr of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar were determined. Groups of fish were fed a casein–gelatin diet unsupplemented (containing about 200 mg Mg/kg) or supplemented with either 300 or 500 mg Mg/kg dry diet (as MgSO₄) for 12 weeks before vaccination to produce fish with different Mg levels, and the feeding regime was continued throughout the study. No differences were observed between the treatment groups in serum-specific antibody levels every second week for 8 weeks after vaccination against Vibrio anguillarum serotypes O1 and O2. Both lysozyme levels and spontaneous hemolytic activities in serum were elevated in vaccinated fish compared with unvaccinated fish. Neither lysozyme activity, complement hemolytic activity, total protein in serum nor blood hemoglobin were affected by dietary Mg. The spontaneous hemolytic activity in serum was lower in fish fed the unsupplemented diet and highest in fish fed the diet supplemented with 500 mg Mg/kg. After 28 weeks on the diets supplemented with graded levels of Mg, a salinity tolerance test (32.5 g/L, 24 h) was performed. High mortality and elevated serum chloride concentrations in all groups after 24 h reflected a general salinity intolerance, but the highest serum chloride level was observed in fish fed the unsupplemented diet. This indicates that low dietary Mg affects the osmoregulation of Atlantic salmon.     

Effects of carbohydrate sources on growth,body composition and tissue lipid deposition of blackspot seabream,Pagellus bogaraveo (Brunnich)

Rearing blackspot seabream has been associated with low growth rates and excessive lipid accumulation, resulting in a reduction of the edible yield. The effect of extruded diets containing different carbohydrate sources (wheat vs. wheat bran) was evaluated on 100 g blackspot seabream growth performance, feed utilization and fat deposition, taking into consideration the optimal dietary protein and lipid level described for smaller‐sized fish. A fish meal‐based diet was also tested as a control to assure maximal growth rates were achieved. The experiment was held in sea cages at environmental conditions. Duplicate groups of fish were distributed among six cages with a stocking density of 1.3 kg/m³ and hand‐fed each diet for 7 months. At the end of the experiment, fish in all groups doubled their body weight attaining 190–230 g. Specific growth rate (0.3–04), feed conversion ratio (1.3–1.6) and protein gain (0.5–0.6 g/kg/day) were similar among treatments. The Hepatosomatic Index, the Viscerosomatic Index and final whole body composition did not vary significantly among dietary treatments; nevertheless, the inclusion of wheat bran induced a significant increase of liver lipid content and the highest mesenteric fat index. All diets were effective in reducing whole body and mesenteric fat compared with initial values.     

The nutritional value of algae for poultry. dried chlorella in broiler diets 1

1. The nutritional value of a sample of algae meal, mainly Chlorella, was assessed in two chick and two broiler trials. The algae were drum‐dried after harvesting from sewage ponds by centrifugation.

2. Diets formulated by linear programming contained between 60 and 150 g algae meal/kg by substituting algae meal and sorghum for fish meal, soyabean meal and maize in a control diet.

3. The effects of the dietary algae meal ranged from nil to a significant depression of growth rate and food utilisation. In certain cases growth retardation was associated with depressed food consumption.

4. The metabolisable energy concentration of the algae meal was estimated to be 11–62 MJ/kg and the nitrogen absorption coefficient 0.81.     

Effects of Dietary Zinc and Calcium on Select Immune Functions of Channel Catfish

Abstract

The effects of dietary zinc and calcium on immunocompetence of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus (mean initial weight = 3.1 g/fish) were determined after a 10-week feeding trial. Fish were fed daily amounts equal to 3% of their body weight of one of six purified diets that were deficient in zinc (2 mg/kg of diet), calcium (0.02% of diet), or both; replete with zinc (20 mg/kg of diet) and calcium (0.5% of diet); or excessive in zinc (200 mg/kg of diet) or calcium (2.5% of diet). Immunocompetence of immunized and nonimmunized fish fed the various diets was assessed by measuring serum immunoglobulin M levels and mortality after an intraperitoneal injection of live Aeromonas hydrophila. Channel catfish fed diets deficient in zinc, calcium, or both had significantly (P ≤ 0.05) less weight gain and survival as compared with those fed diets replete with or excessive in zinc or calcium. Tissue mineral concentrations of fish indicated that various levels of zinc and calcium nutriture existed when immune functions were tested. Diet affected mortality of only nonimmunized fish in the bacterial-challenge test; zinc deficiency and calcium excess decreased mortality. Whereas growth and survival of fish were reduced by dietary zinc or calcium deficiency, the measured immunological characteristics were not equally impaired by these mineral deficiencies.     

Diet composition and breeding cycle of blacktail,Diplodus sargus capensis (Pisces: Sparidae), caught off St Croix Island,Algoa Bay,South Africa

The contents of the alimentary tracts of D. sargus capensis were analysed to establish diet composition. The importance of analysing stomach, intestine and total alimentary tract, separately, is emphasized. D. sargus capensis is an omnivore preying on lower intertidal and shallow subtidal benthic species. Cirripedia and algae were the most important groups and constitute ca. 60% of the total dietary composition. Ulva sp., Perna perna and Balanu, spp. were prefered species. A new index for ranking prey items, which combines the modified points method and the frequency of occurrence method, is suggested. It is especially useful for omnivorous fish where prey items sucl as seaweed and colonial organisms are difficult to enumerate. Ambosexual individuals differentiate into functional males or functional females. Active spermatogenesis in the ovo-testis suggests a special type of protandric development. D. sargus capensis has an extended breeding cycle with a peak spawning period from October to December.     

Aspects of the biology of a rare redfin minnow,Barbus burchelli (Pisces,Cyprinidae), from South Africa

Burchell's redfin, Barbus burchelli is endemic to the Breede River and adjacent smaller river systems in the Cape Province. Negative human influences have led to a drastic decline in numbers of this medium-sized minnow, especially agricultural demand on the water resource and the introduction of exotic predatory fish. The breeding season is extended, from September to February, with a peak in December. The absolute fecundity of a 123 mm FL specimen was 10 678, which includes both mature and recruitment ova. Females grow larger (123 mm FL), and live longer (6 +years), than males (113 mm FL and 4 + years). 8. burchelli grow rapidly in their first year attaining a length of between 40 and 50 mm FL. Pronounced conical tubercles of sexually mature males erupt in spring, begin to show signs of wear in November and by March are worn or sloughed off. The survival of this species is dependent upon proper management of the Breede River system.     

Feeding biology of the hottentot,Pachymetopon blochii (Val.), with an estimate of daily ration

Gut content analysis shows the hottentot to be an omnivore, consuming a wide variety of algae and invertebrate prey. Amphipod crustaceans and rtiodophytes are the dominant food items, although hydroids, echinoderms and molluscs are also eaten in smaller quantities. Geographic variation in the diet was negligible, although seasonal trends were marked. A progressive change in diet occurs with fish size, larger individuals consuming progressively more algae. The hottentot diet differs from those of a number of co-occuring sparids in being far more generalized. Hottentot feed throughout the diel cycle, although feeding activity is markedly higher during the rising tide. The feeding cycle is further modified by a tendency to select particular food items at night. Available mathematical feeding rate simulation models for continuously feeding fish were improved to incorporate an asymptotic consumption rate. The resultant model was used to calculate daily consumption rates for hottentot, giving a value of 2,5% body weight per day. This is compared with values calculated using earlier models, and with published feeding rate values for other species.     

Ontogenetic resource use and trophic dynamics of endangered juvenile Tachypleus tridentatus among diversified nursery habitats in the northern Beibu Gulf,China

Horseshoe crabs, the most well-known example of “living fossils”, are iconic and ecologically important macroinvertebrates in coastal and estuarine ecosystems. Their blood is a crucial resource for manufacturing Limulus or Tachypleus amebocyte lysate to detect bacterial endotoxins or fungal contamination in drug and medical devices. An enhanced understanding of their ecological roles and trophic interactions in the food webs is fundamental to facilitate resource management for the declining populations in Asia. Foraging information of the Asian species, however, is mainly derived from preliminary, scattered reports from a limited number of study locations. In this study, resource utilization, trophic niche dynamics, and trophic interaction of the juvenile tri-spine horseshoe crab, Tachypleus tridentatus (instars 1–12, approximately 0.5–8 years old) across ontogeny was assessed in diversified nursery habitats along the northern Beibu Gulf, China, using carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes. Our results suggest that: (i) T. tridentatus are ecological generalists given the vast range of carbon isotopic values and trophic niche width estimates exhibited between multiple instar groups; (ii) juvenile T. tridentatus across most habitat types predominantly assimilated energy from a variety of basal production sources in the food web, but primarily depended on sedimentary organic matter and seagrass resource pools; (iii) ontogenetic shifts in juvenile dietary proportions were evident, with decreased reliance on sedimentary organic matter, coupled with increased reliance on benthic macroinvertebrate grazers, detritivores, and omnivores with age; and (iv) nearly all juvenile instars occupied similar trophic positions in the food web with slight shifts in trophic position present with increasing size. Our findings indicate that resource availability and ontogenetic diet shifts strongly influence horseshoe crab trophic dynamics, and age should be accounted when formulating habitat conservation measures based on resource use for Asian horseshoe crabs.     

Effect of Dietary Vitamin E on Cortisol and Glucose Responses to Handling Stress in Juvenile Beluga Huso huso

Abstract

An 8-week feeding experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary vitamin E on the physiological response to handling stress in juvenile beluga Huso huso. Fish were fed six experimental diets supplemented with 0, 25, 50, 100, 200, or 400 mg Dl-all-rac-α-tocopherol acetate/kg diet. At the end of the experiment, the fish in each tank were subjected to acute handling and air exposure stress. Cortisol and glucose were measured as the primary hormonal and secondary metabolic responses to the stressors, both before and 3 h after application of the stressors. The growth parameters and feed utilization rates were significantly lower in fish fed the diet not supplemented with vitamin E than in fish fed diets supplemented with vitamin E. Cortisol concentration was not affected by dietary treatment but glucose concentration was. Fish fed vitamin E at 0, 25, 100, and 400 mg/kg diet had higher concentrations of glucose than those fed vitamin E at 50 and 200 mg/kg. However, fish fed diets with 50 and 200 mg/kg exhibited higher growth rates. These results indicate that dietary vitamin E has some effect on plasma glucose but no effect on plasma cortisol. In general, when the stressors were applied to belugas, the glucose and cortisol responses were relatively low. This may be due to higher resistance and lower physiological responses to these types of stressors by this species or by chondrosteans in general.

Received January 10, 2011; accepted August 4, 2011     

Investigations of energy metabolism in weanling barrows: the interaction of dietary energy concentration and daily feed (energy) intake

Much of our understanding of energy metabolism in the pig has been derived from studies in which the energy supply was controlled through regulated feed intake. In commercial situations, where ad libitum feeding is practiced, dietary energy concentration, but not daily feed intake, is under producer control. This study evaluated the interactive effects of dietary energy concentration and feeding level (FL) on growth, body composition, and nutrient deposition rates. Individually penned PIC barrows, with an initial BW of 9.5 +/- 1.0 kg, were allotted to 1 of 9 treatments in a 3 x 3 factorial arrangement plus an initial slaughter group (n = 6) that was slaughtered at the beginning of the trial. Three NE concentrations (low, 2.15; medium, 2.26; and high, 2.37 Mcal of NE/kg) and 3 feeding levels (FL: 100, 80, or 70% of ad libitum access to feed) were investigated. Daily feed allowance for the restricted-fed pigs was adjusted twice per week on a BW basis until completion of the experiment at 25 +/- 1 kg of BW. Average daily gain, ADFI, and G:F were unaffected by NE (mean = 572 g, 781 g, and 0.732 g/g, respectively). Average daily gain and ADFI, but not G:F, increased (P < 0.05) with FL. Empty body lipid concentration increased with dietary NE concentration and with FL; a significant (P < 0.01) interaction revealed that empty body lipid concentration increased most rapidly as ADFI increased on the highest energy diet. Empty body lipid concentration was greatest in pigs with ad libitum access to the high-NE diet. Empty body protein concentration decreased with increasing NE (P < 0.05) but was not affected by FL. Empty body protein deposition (PD) increased with increasing FL (P < 0.001), but not with NE. Empty body lipid deposition (LD) and the LD:PD ratio increased (P < 0.01) in pigs with ad libitum access to the high-NE diet. In conclusion, NE did not interact with FL on growth, body protein concentration, or PD, suggesting that the conclusions regarding energy utilization obtained from experiments using restricted feed intake may not easily be applied to pigs fed under ad libitum conditions. The interactive effects of NE and FL on body lipid concentration, LD, and the LD:PD ratio indicate that changes in dietary energy concentration alter the composition of gain without necessarily changing overall BW gain. Consequently, the composition of gain is an important outcome in studies on energy utilization.     

First record of predation by the alien invasive freshwater fish Micropterus salmoides L. (Centrarchidae) on migrating estuarine fishes in South Africa

This study presents results from stomach content analysis of 123 largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides, sampled at the mouth of the fishway leading into a 3 m high weir at the tidal limit of the Kowie River, Eastern Cape Province (33°32‘39“S, 26°46‘ 52.3“E). Stomach contents from small (120–240 mm fork length, FL) and large (250–440mm FL) fish were analysed separately. Fish were the dominant prey item in small bass, followed by terrestrial insects and Potamonautes sp. In large bass, Potamonautes sp. dominated the stomach contents, while fish were less dominant and other prey items were considered incidental. Estuarine fish species, Monodactylus falciformis, and two species of the family Mugilidae, Mugil cephalus and Myxus capensis, were the most common fish prey in both size classes of M. salmoides. These results are the first evidence of the alien M. salmoides preying on these three indigenous estuarine species during their migration into fresh water.     

Effects of Astragalus membranaceus on growth performance,carcass characteristics,and antioxidant status of broiler chickens

Abstract

An experiment was conducted using 720 one-day-old Arbor Acres broiler chickens to evaluate the effects of Astragalus membranaceus root powder (AMP), Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and antioxidant enzymes, and metabolites of blood and liver in broiler chickens. The six dietary treatments included a control that was a corn–soybean meal basal diet; basal diet supplemented with 120 mg/kg antibiotic; 350 mg/kg APS; or 5000, 10,000, or 15,000 mg/kg diet of AMP. Supplementation of 10,000 mg/kg AMP increased average daily gain and feed conversion rate of broilers in grower period (22–42 d) and over the entire experiment compared to basic diet. Responses of antioxidant status to dietary APS and AMP varied depending on the age of the broilers. Beneficial effects of AMP on growth and feed utilization of broilers could be obtained by inclusion of AMP at the rate of 10,000 mg/kg diet.     

Replacement of fish meal protein by surimi by‐product protein in the diet of blue gourami Trichogaster trichopterus fingerlings

Based on the nutrient requirement of Trichogaster trichopterus, a fish meal–based basal diet with 350 g/kg diet crude protein and 16.7 MJ/kg energy was formulated, in which the fish meal protein was replaced by surimi by‐product protein at 0.0 (control), 12.5, 25, 50, 75 and 100% levels. The formulated diets were fed ad libitum to T. trichopterus fingerlings (4.80 ± 0.03 g) in triplicate groups for 45 days in a closed water system. Eighteen fibre‐reinforced plastic tanks with 200 l of water were used for rearing the fish. Weight gain, specific growth rate, feed/gain ratio, protein efficiency ratio, nutrient retention and digestibility (protein and energy) of fish were not affected (p > 0.05) up to 50% fish meal protein replacement level by surimi by‐product protein. While whole‐body protein content of fish was marginally decreased, the lipid content was increased with increase in surumi by‐product incorporation level in the diet. The study results suggest that the fish meal protein, which is scarce and costly nowadays, could be replaced up to 50% by surimi by‐product protein in the diet of blue gourami without hampering the growth and nutrient utilization of fish.     

Quantification of dietary calcium requirement of fingerling Heteropneustes fossilis based on growth,feed conversion efficiency,mineralization and serum alkaline phosphatase activity

Seven isonitrogenous (400 g/kg crude protein) and isocaloric (17.89 kJ/g gross energy) purified diets (casein‐gelatin based) with different concentrations of calcium (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 g/kg) supplemented with calcium lactate at the levels of 0, 5.4, 10.8, 16.3, 21.8, 27.27 and 32.73 g/kg were prepared and fed for 12 weeks to triplicate groups of Heteropneustes fossilis (7.46 ± 0.03 g) to determine the optimum dietary calcium requirement. Analysed values of calcium in the diets were 2.41, 3.82, 4.56, 5.99, 6.71, 7.40 and 8.19 g/kg, respectively. Absolute weight gain, specific growth rate, protein retention efficiency, protein gain and feed conversion ratio of fish fed diets with increasing levels of dietary calcium improved up to 5.99 g/kg and then levelled off. Whole‐body protein, moisture and ash contents improved up to 5.99 g/kg dietary calcium and stabilized thereafter. However, whole‐body fat exhibited reverse pattern and decreased with incremental levels of dietary calcium up to 5.99 g/kg. Whole‐body and vertebrae mineralization was also significantly affected (p < .05) by the increasing dietary calcium levels. Alkaline phosphatase activity improved significantly (p < .05) up to 6.71 g/kg, and no change was recorded beyond this level. Serum calcium and phosphorus concentrations were not influenced (p > .05) by dietary calcium levels. The Ca–P ratio remained static in the whole body, vertebrae and serum. Broken‐line regression analysis of data obtained on growth, mineralization and serum ALP activity against increasing levels of dietary calcium reflected the optimum calcium requirement between 5.77–6.81 g/kg diet.     

Further investigations on protein requirement of genetically lean and fat chickens

1. Genetically lean (LL) or fat (FL) chickens were fed from 28 to 42 d of age on one of 6 diets with different protein contents (from 73 to 208 g/kg). In order to keep a constant amino acid balance the experimental diets were made by diluting a well-balanced protein-rich diet with a protein-free diet. 2. Dietary protein influenced the growth rate of both genotypes similarly. However, maximum weight gain was reached in LL at a lower protein intake than in FL. 3. Regression between total protein gain (body protein + feather protein) or body protein gain and protein intake exhibited significantly different slopes, that of LL being superior to that of FL. 4. At a given protein intake, feather protein gain was also superior in LL to FL. Moreover feather protein, as a percentage of total protein gain, was superior in LL to FL. When the dietary protein fell below 126 g/kg, feather protein represented a higher proportion of total protein gain. 5. Multiple linear regressions of protein intake (as the dependent variable), and body weight and protein gain or weight gain (as the independent variables) suggest that the maintenance requirement for protein is similar in both lines but that the protein efficiency for growth is significantly superior in LL. 6. In a second experiment both genotypes were offered either a single high protein diet (232 g/kg) or a single medium protein diet (186 g/kg) or had free-choice between a high (269 g/kg) and a low protein (145 g/kg) diet. In free-choice feeding, FL chickens selected an overall dietary protein content which was significantly lower (179 v. 200 g/kg) to that of LL. In both genotypes, free-choice feeding led to fatter and less efficient chickens than predicted by the linear regression between adiposity or food conversion and protein content.     

Influence of Dietary Lipid and Temperature on Bactericidal Activity of Channel Catfish Macrophages

Abstract

We fed juvenile channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus purified diets containing different lipid sources for 90–110 d to examine the influence of dietary lipids on intracellular killing of Edwardsiella ictaluri by pronephros macrophages. The diets contained either menhaden oil, soybean oil, beef tallow, or a combination ofall three lipids. We performed the study with nonimmune and immunized fish acclimated to optimal (28°C) and suboptimal (19°C) temperatures. In both temperature trials, bactericidal activity was positively correlated with the level of n-3 fatty acids in the diet (particularly long-chain highly unsaturated fatty acids). Vaccination resulted in substantially enhanced bactericidal activity, except at suboptimal temperature in fish fed the diet containing beef tallow (primarily saturated and monoenoic fatty acids). Overall results were similar at optimal and suboptimal temperatures. This study demonstrates the potential for nutritional manipulation of disease resistance in fish and illustrates the need for standardized diets in fish health research.     

Pre-treatment of dietary plant feedstuffs with phytase and its effect on growth and mineral concentration in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)

Effect of phytase pre-treatment of dietary plant feed stuffs (PF) on growth and mineral concentration in common carp (C. carpio L.) was investigated. Diets used were: C0, diet with no supplement; CI, diet with incubated PF; CP0, diet supplemented with 3 g P/kg; CPI, diet with incubated PF supplemented with 3 g P/kg; Phyt0, diet fortified with 4000 U phytase/kg; PhytI, diet with PF incubated with 4000 U phytase/kg. Mean weight gain, SGR and FCR were the same (p < 0.05) in fish fed CP0, CPI or PhytI but less (p < 0.05) in other fish. Bone P was similar in fish fed CP0 (74.9), CPI (75.9) or PhytI (71.5 mg/g DM) but higher (p < 0.05) than in fish fed C0. Bone Ca and Mg were similar in fish fed CP0, CPI or PhytI but less (p < 0.05) in other fish. Bone Zn in fish fed C0, Phyt0 or PhytI was higher (p < 0.05) than that in fish fed CP0 or CPI. In conclusion, CP0, CPI and PhytI had the same effect, suggesting phytase pre-treatment as the most effective method. CPI did not have any advantage over CP0. Phytase increased mineral availability and utilization, which would minimize cost of mineral supplementation and discharges into the environment.