Protective effects of a synbiotic against experimental Saprolegnia parasitica infection in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

A combination of probiotics and prebiotics as synbiotics allows assessing their synergistic effects. This study evaluated the effects of a synbiotic supplement on growth performance, haematological parameters and resistance to Saprolegnia parasitica in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum) fingerlings. Fish fed a dietary synbiotic in three levels of 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 g kg^?1 thrice a day. The fingerlings were challenged with Saprolegnia parasitica after 60 days post feeding and their mortalities recorded up to 15 days. The fingerlings at all three experimental treatments showed significant (P < 0.05) increases in final mean weights and specific growth rates (SGR). The best feed conversion ratio (FCR), feed conversion efficiency (FCE) and maximum survival rate were also obtained by the fish fed 1.0 g synbiotic kg^?1 diet. Furthermore, supplementation with synbiotic significantly increased blood factors at all treatments. After challenges with Saprolegnia parasitica, the synbiotic‐fed groups showed significantly higher survival rates compared with the control group. These results reveal that a dietary synbiotic of 1.0 g kg^?1 fed for 60 days leads to increased growth performance and survival rate as well as improved feeding efficiency in rainbow trout fingerling, rendering them more resistant against infection by Saprolegnia parasitica.     

Effect of dietary chitosan on growth performance,hematological parameters,intestinal histology and stress resistance of Caspian kutum (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Rutilus frisii kutum</Emphasis> Kamenskii, 1901) fingerlings

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary chitosan on growth performance, hematological parameters, intestinal histology, stress resistance and body composition in the Caspian kutum (Rutilus frisii kutum, Kamenskii, 1901) fingerlings. Fish (1.7 ± 0.15 g) were fed diets containing chitosan at different levels (0, 0.25, 0.5, 1 and 2 g kg^?1 diet) for a period of 60 days. Results showed that the feed conversion ratio significantly decreased in fish fed diet containing 1 g kg^?1 of chitosan compared to the other groups (P < 0.05), but there were no significant differences between treatments in terms of specific growth rate and condition factor (P > 0.05). Leukocyte increased in fish fed diet containing 2 g kg^?1 of chitosan compared to the other groups (P < 0.05). Lymphocytes, eosinophils and neutrophils did not significantly change among dietary treatments (P > 0.05). Also, the chitosan supplementation did not affect the whole-fish body composition (P > 0.05). Light microscopy demonstrated that the intestinal villus length increased in fish fed diet containing 1 g kg^?1 of chitosan compared to control group (P < 0.05). While 11 and 13 ‰ salinity and 30 °C thermal stress had no effect, 1 g kg^?1 of chitosan (P < 0.05) showed highest survival rate (70 %) in 34 °C thermal stress. The results showed that chitosan in the diet of the Caspian kutum fingerlings could improve feed conversion ratio, the nonspecific defense mechanisms and resistance to some of the environmental stresses.     

Effect of dietary lipid level on growth performance and feed utilization of juvenile kelp grouper Epinephelus bruneus

A growth trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary lipid level on juvenile kelp grouper Epinephelus bruneus. Juvenile kelp grouper were fed isonitrogenous diets (470 g/kg crude protein) with four levels of crude lipid at 60 g/kg (CL60), 130 g/kg (CL130), 210 g/kg (CL210), and 270 g/kg (CL270) for 56 days. The highest growth performance and feed utilization were found in the CL130 diet group. A high dietary lipid level (CL270 diet) significantly decreased growth performance and feed utilization. A significant difference in apparent digestibility was only observed in protein, which was highest in the CL130 diet groups. The highest retention for protein, energy, and lipid was found in the CL130 diet group. The dietary lipid levels significantly changed whole-body and liver compositions, the highest being the CL60 diet group for crude protein level and the CL210 diet group for crude lipid level. Based on a second-order polynomial regression analysis of crude lipid level against specific growth rate and protein efficiency ratio, the optimum dietary lipid level for kelp grouper was estimated to be 152 and 154 g/kg diet, respectively.     

Effect of dietary Ergosan on growth performance, digestive enzymes, intestinal histology, hematological parameters and body composition of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Present study examined the effects of Ergosan on growth performance, digestive enzyme activities, hematological parameters and gastrointestinal structure of rainbow trout. Rainbow trout (mean weight 100–110 g) were fed basal diet (control) and diet treated with Aquavac Ergosan (5 g kg^?1 of diet) for 50 days. Results of this study showed that Ergosan supplementation significantly increased weight gain (94.27 g vs. 65.04 g), specific growth rate (4.09 vs. 3.10) and feed intake (136.85 g vs. 111.22 g) and decreased feed conversion ratio (1.43 vs. 2.03) compared to control (P < 0.05). Lipase activity and leukocyte and erythrocyte count also increased in juvenile fish fed Ergosan-treated diet compared to control (P < 0.05). Light microscopy demonstrated that both groups of fish displayed normal morphology of proximal intestine and pyloric caeca. In Ergosan-treated group, higher percentage of goblet cell was shown in proximal intestine and pyloric caeca. Present study suggests that Ergosan effectively promotes growth performance, lipase activity and gastrointestinal structure in rainbow trout.     

Effect of dietary garlic supplementation on lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation biomarkers of tissues as well as some serum biochemical parameters in common carp Cyprinus carpio

This study aims to investigate the effects of dietary garlic powder (25 and 50 g kg^?1 feed) supplementation for 6 weeks on lipid and protein oxidation biomarkers in various tissues as well as some blood biochemical parameters in common carp. Based on the present study results, serum malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations were decreased following garlic supplementation, but the decrease was only significant (P < 0.05) in the group that received 50 g kg^?1 dietary garlic compared with the control group. Moreover, garlic at 50 g kg^?1 diet caused significant decrease in MDA values of liver and kidney. Additionally, the decreasing effect of garlic at 25 g kg^?1 diet on MDA values was only significant in liver. Protein carbonyl contents were only decreased significantly in muscle following garlic administration at 25 g kg^?1 diet. Serum aspartate aminotransferase activity decreased significantly in carp that received 25 g kg^?1 dietary garlic. Moreover, alkaline phosphatase activity decreased significantly in carp fed diets containing 25 and 50 g kg^?1 garlic. On the other hand, garlic supplementation had no significant effect on gamma-glutamyl transferase activity and total protein, albumin, and creatinine concentrations. The results of the present study indicate that garlic powder has potential to decrease oxidative stress to some extent by reducing lipid and protein oxidation in some tissues of common carp.     

Dietary administration of natural immunostimulants on growth performance,haematological, biochemical parameters and disease resistance of Asian Sea bass Lates calcarifer (Bloch, 1790)

This study was aimed to address the promising evaluation of Cissus quadrangularis plant (stem) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS from bacteria) supplemented diets on innate immune response in Lates calcarifer fingerlings against Aeromonas hydrophila infection. Fingerlings were fed supplemented diets containing four different concentrations of C. quadrangularis (0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 g kg^?1 feed), LPS (25, 50, 75 and 100 mg kg^?1 feed) and control (normal formulated diet) for 60 days. The fish fingerlings fed supplemented diet displayed significant differences (P < 0.05) in specific growth rate (SGR) and relative percentage survival compared to the control group fed without C. quadrangularis and LPS‐supplemented diet. Fingerlings were injected intraperitoneally with 100 μL lethal dose of A. hydrophila containing 1 × 10⁶ CFU g^?1. Supplementation of C. quadrangularis and LPS diet significantly increased biochemical profile such as protein, lipid and carbohydrate content, haematological parameters of L. calcarifer fingerlings in different experimental periods when compared with the control group. Dietary doses of C. quadrangularis and LPS‐supplemented diet significantly influenced growth performance and increased survival rate in L. calcarifer fingerlings against A. hydrophila infection.     

Complete replacement of fish meal by other animal protein sources on growth performance of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Clarias gariepinus</Emphasis> fingerlings

To completely replace the fish meal by a mixture of earthworm and maggot meals, experimental diets were tested during 42 days on Clarias gariepinus fingerlings. Five isoproteic and isoenergetic diets (40 % crude protein and 17.9 ± 0.3 kJ g^?1) including the control diet (D1) based on fish meal, were formulated. All these diets satisfied the essential amino acids requirements of C. gariepinus fingerlings. These diets were tested on triplicate groups of 50 fishes (initial body weight: 3 ± 0.1 g) bred in tank (0.5 m³). The approximate ratios 2:5; 1:4; 1:12 and 0:1 between the earthworm meal and the maggot meal were used, respectively, to formulate four diets D2, D3, D4 and D5 without fish meal. After the feeding period, significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed on growth, feed utilization between control diet (D1) and test diets (D2–D5). Fish fed earthworm- and maggot-based diets were grown better than those fed the control diet. Survival and feed utilization were not significantly affected by the ratio between earthworm meal and maggot meal in the test diets. Lipid content was higher in carcass and fillet of fishes fed earthworm- and maggot meals-based diets than that of those fed fish meal-based diet. This study indicates that when the ratio 2:5 between the earthworm meal and the maggot meal is used to entirely replace fish meal and the ratio lysine/arginine of the diet is inferior to 1, the growth performances and feed utilization of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings are improved.     

Improvement of nutritive value of sesame oilseed meal in formulated diets for rohu,Labeo rohita (Hamilton), fingerlings after fermentation with two phytase-producing bacterial strains isolated from fish gut

Eight isonitrogenous (approximately 35 % crude protein) and isocaloric (17.58 kJ g^?1) diets incorporating raw and fermented sesame oilseed meal replacing other feed ingredients including fishmeal at 10, 20, 30 and 40 % levels by weight into a fishmeal-based reference diet (RD) were fed to rohu, Labeo rohita, fingerlings (mean initial weight 3.19 ± 0.09 g) for 80 days. Two phytase-producing bacterial strains (LF1 and LH1 of Bacillus licheniformis) isolated from the foregut and hindgut regions of adult L. rohita were used for fermentation of oilseed meal for 15 days at 37 ± 2 °C. Fermentation of sesame seed meal was effective in significantly reducing the crude fibre content and anti-nutritional factors such as tannins and phytic acid and enhancing available free amino acids, free fatty acids and mineral concentration. In terms of growth, feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio, 30 % fermented oilseed meal incorporated diet resulted in a significantly (P < 0.05) better performance of rohu fingerlings. In general, growth and feed utilization efficiencies of diets containing fermented oilseed meal were superior to diets containing raw meal. The apparent digestibility of protein, lipid, ash and minerals (phosphorus, calcium, manganese, copper and iron) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in fish fed diet containing 30 % fermented oilseed meal in comparison with those fed RD. The maximum deposition of protein in the carcass was recorded in fish fed the diet containing 30 % fermented seed meal.     

The influence of feeding diets containing wheat gluten supplemented with dipeptides or free amino acids on structure and development of the skeletal muscle of carp (Cyprinus carpio)

A 28-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the influence of feeding diets containing plant protein wheat gluten supplemented with dipeptides or free amino acids on structure and development of the skeletal muscles of carp (Cyprinus carpio). Common carp fingerlings (1 month old) having an of average weight of 0.07 ± 0.02 g and total length of 17.79 ± 1.79 mm were fed three formulated diets—wheat gluten protein-based diets supplemented with Lys–Gly dipeptide (PP), free lysine and glycine (AA), control diet without lysine supplemented (CON)—and two other diets: restrictive diet—frozen zooplankton (Z) and commercial diet Aglo Norse (AN). After 28 days of experimental feeding, statistically significant higher survival was observed among fish fed AN and Z diets (99.5 ± 1.0 %; P ≤ 0.05). The feeding AN diet has had also a positive influence on weight and growth rate as well as on development and growth of skeletal muscles. Furthermore, carps fed AN diet had the largest area of red and white muscle as compared with the other feeding groups, and the differences were statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05). The increase in the number of proliferating cells (proliferating cell nuclear antigen) was observed on the last day of the experiment among carps fed PP, AA and CON. Moreover, fish fed PP significantly had the greatest number of MyoD- and myogenin-positive nucleus (P ≤ 0.05). Among the experimental diets based on wheat gluten, a positive impact on structure and development of muscles has been observed in carps fed PP diet.     

The effects of dietary vitamin C on mucosal immune responses and growth performance in Caspian roach (Rutilus rutilus caspicus) fry

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different levels of dietary vitamin C on some skin mucus immune parameters, mucus antimicrobial activity and growth performance of Caspian roach (Rutilus rutilus caspicus) fry. Six hundred sixty Caspian roach (1.4 ± 0.02 g) fry were allocated to 12 tanks (55 fish per tank), and triplicate groups were fed diets containing 0, 1,000, 1,500 and 2,000 mg kg^?1 vitamin C for 60 days. At the end of the trial, the epidermal mucus protein level, alkaline phosphatase and antimicrobial activity against two gram-positive bacteria (Streptococcus faecium and Micrococcus luteus) and gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Serratia marcescens) as well as growth performance were measured. The results demonstrated that feeding on vitamin C significantly elevated skin mucus alkaline phosphatase and protein levels compared to the control group (P < 0.05). However, lysozyme activity was undetectable in both the vitamin C-fed roach fry and the control group. Skin mucus antimicrobial activity was increased following vitamin C administration, and the bacterial growth inhibition zones were significantly elevated in vitamin C-fed roach (P < 0.05). Similar results were obtained in case of the minimum inhibitory concentration of skin mucus. Also fish fed the control diet had a significantly lower weight gain, specific growth rate and condition factor compared to the other treatments (P < 0.05). These results revealed that dietary vitamin C beneficially affects the skin mucus immune parameters and growth performance of Caspian roach fry.     

A study on the influence of selected Indian herbal active principles on enhancing the immune system in Fenneropenaeus indicus against Vibrio harveyi infection

Five herbs such as Acalypha indica, Hygrophila spinosa, Picrorhiza kurooa, Tinospora cordifolia and Zingiber officinale were selected to screen for the in vitro immunostimulant activity against the shrimp pathogen Vibrio harveyi using different organic polar and non-polar solvents. After initial screening, the best extract of the five herbs was mixed thoroughly in equal proportion and made it an artificial immunostimulant diets (ISD) such as ISD-1(500), ISD-2 (1,000), ISD-3 (1,500) and ISD-4 (2,000) mg?kg^?1. The control diet was prepared without adding immunostimulant herbal extracts. The Indian white shrimp, Fenneropenaeus indicus having the weight of 8.0?±?1.0?g, were fed with the above diets for 60?days. After the completion of feeding trail, they were challenged with V. harveyi at the rate of 10⁷CFU/ml and found out the cumulative mortality, growth parameters, haematological and immunological parameters. The weight gain and specific growth rate were significantly (P?<?0.05) increased from the control group to experimental group. The immunostimulant active principles helped to decrease the coagulation time and improved the total haemocyte count (THC), phagocytosis, phenol oxidase (PO) activity, haemagglutinin activity and bacterial clearance.     

Effects of dietary Biogen and sodium butyrate on hematological parameters,immune response,and histological characteristics of Nile tilapia (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Oreochromis niloticus</Emphasis>) fingerlings

The present study was carried out to evaluate the use of Biogen and sodium butyrate (SB) as feed additives in the diet of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings, in two parallel experiments. Biogen was incorporated in isonitrogenous (35% crude protein) and isocaloric (19 MJ kg^?1) diets at four levels (0.0 (control), 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0%), while SB was included at five levels (0.0 (control), 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, or 3.0%). The diets were fed to fingerling Nile tilapia (10.5 ± 0.5 g) at a daily rate of 4% of their body weight, three times a day, for 60 days. Except the lymphocytes and monocyte numbers in fish fed SB, hematological parameters, including red blood cell (RBC) hematocrit (Ht), hemoglobin (Hb), and white blood cells (WBC) were not significantly (P > 0.05) affected by dietary Biogen and SB. The lymphocytes number in Nile tilapia fed on SB increased with increasing SB up to 2% level, and decreased afterwards. Monocyte numbers showed irregular patterns. The activities of serum enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) of fish fed diets containing Biogen or SB were not significantly affected by dietary treatments (P > 0.05). No structural differences of tilapia liver were detected between all Biogen treatments and sodium butyrate concentrations up to 1% with control. At concentrations of 2 and 3% sodium butyrate, liver steatosis increased leading to shrinked acentric nuclei. At a concentration of 2% Biogen, some glomerulus cells had fading cytoplasm. Concerning fish fed SB diets, the structure of kidney was the same as in control except at concentration of 3% SB, where the septum between cells disappeared. No changes in gill structure were noticed at all concentrations of Biogen and SB.     

Effects of dietary vitamin C on immunity, growth and survival of Indian major carp Labeo rohita, fingerlings

An 8‐week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of dietary l ‐ascorbic acid (AA) dosages on immunity, growth and survival of the fingerlings of Labeo rohita. AA was supplemented at 0, 100, 200 and 500 mg kg⁻¹ basal diets. Each diet was fed for 8 weeks to duplicate groups of fingerlings of rohu with initial body weight of 35 ± 5 g. Selected biochemical and haematological analyses were evaluated every second week. At the end of the feeding trial of 56 days, fish were divided into two subgroups under each major treatment group for challenge with two pathogens, Aeromonas hydrophila and Edwardsiella tarda. The mortality (%) and agglutinating antibody titre were recorded on 28th day postchallenge. Non‐specific immune parameters like superoxide anion production, lysozyme activity and complement activity increased independently of the levels of AA in the diet. Whereas phagocytic ratio, phagocytic indices, lymphokine production indices and serum bactericidal activity were better in the group of fish fed with 200 mg AA kg⁻¹ feed for 42 days. However, growth parameters such as specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio and survival were better in the group of fish fed with the highest level of AA through feed for 56 days. These data indicated that elevated levels of dietary AA could be recommended for optimum immunity, growth and survival of fingerlings of L. rohita.     

Effect of dietary supplementation of Bacillus licheniformis on gut microbiota, growth and immune response in giant freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii (de Man, 1879)

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of probiotic bacterium Bacillus licheniformis on the gut microbiota, growth and immune response in Macrobrachium rosenbergii juveniles (4.0 ± 0.02 g). Five isocaloric experimental diets supplemented with different concentrations of B. licheniformis, viz. Control (without probiotic supplementation), T₁ (1.0 × 10⁶ cfu g^?1feed), T₂ (1.0 × 10⁷ cfu g^?1feed), T₃ (1.0 × 10⁸ cfu g^?1 feed) and T₄ (1.0 × 10⁹ cfu g^?1 feed) were used for the experiment. After 60 days of feeding trial, the growth performance increases significantly in all the experimental groups compared with control, and highest weight gain, specific growth rate and lowest feed conversion ratio were recorded from T₄ (P > 0.05). However, juvenile survival was not found to be significantly affected by probiotic supplementation (P > 0.05). The total bacterial count and Bacillus spp. count in the gut were significantly increased with concurrent decrease in pathogenic Aeromonas spp. and Pseudomonas spp. in all the experimental groups compared with control (P < 0.05). Compared with control, immune parameters were increased significantly in all the experimental groups (P < 0.05). Highest haemocyte count, phenol oxidase, superoxide dismutase and antibacterial activity in haemolymph were recorded from T₄ (P < 0.05). When prawns were challenged with Vibrio alginolyticus, the cumulative mortality was significantly lower in T₄ (P < 0.05). These results indicate that dietary supplementation of B. licheniformis can manipulate the gut microbiota and increase the growth and immune response of M. rosenbergii. In the present study, concentration response on the probiotic effect of B. licheniformis was observed which showed higher effects at a concentration of 1.0 × 10⁹ cfu g^?1 feed in the laboratory condition.     

The improvement of growth,digestive enzyme activity and disease resistance of white shrimp by the dietary citric acid

A 45-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary citric acid on growth, digestive enzyme and disease resistance of white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. Shrimp with initial body weight of 5.57 ± 0.21 g were fed with basal diet supplemented with 0.0 g kg^?1 (control), 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 and 5.0 g kg^?1 citric acid. Results showed that weight gain was increased by 15.9 % and feed conversion ratio was decreased by 0.17 by 2.0 g kg^?1 dietary citric acid compared with control group (P < 0.05). Intestinal protease activity of shrimp fed 2.0 g kg^?1 citric acid was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of control group. No significant difference was found in intestinal amylase activity among treatments (P > 0.05). The activities of serum phenoloxidase, superoxide dismutase and lysozyme in 2.0 and 3.0 g kg^?1 citric acid group were significantly higher, and accumulative mortalities of the two groups on the fourth day after injection of Vibrio alginolyticus were significantly lower than those of control group (P < 0.05). Results above demonstrated that dietary citric acid could improve growth performance, immunity and resistance against V. alginolyticus. The supplementation level of citric acid in diet was suggested to be 2.0–3.0 g kg^?1 for white shrimp.     

Effect of a Dietary Mixture of Beneficial Bacteria on Growth Performance,Health Condition,Chemical Composition,and Water Quality of Nile Tilapia,Oreochromis niloticus Fingerlings

ABSTRACT

Effects of dietary supplementation of Bifidobacterium longhum, Bifidobacterium thermophilum, Bacillus subtilis, and Lactobacillus acidophilus on growth performance, health condition, body chemical composition, and water quality of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings were evaluated. Five experimental treatments in triplicate were fed a diet containing 30% crude protein supplemented with variable inclusion of bacterial mixture: control, T1, T2, T3, and T4 containing 0, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 g bacterial mixture/kg diet, respectively. Fish fed the T4 diet had the highest final body weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, thermal growth coefficient, feed intake, and the best feed conversion ratio. No significant differences in body chemical composition of fish were observed in terms of dry matter, crude protein, lipid, ash, and energy content among all treatments. Probiotic supplementation showed no noticeable differences on haematological and biochemical blood parameters, except for packed cell volume, albumin, albumin/globulin ratio, aspartate transaminase, glucose, uric acid, triglycerides, and cholesterol. Conclusively, Nile tilapia fingerlings diet supplemented with evaluated probiotic with an optimal dietary supplementation of 4 g/kg diet improved growth performance and fish health without a negative impact on water quality. This supplementation could therefore be used as a probiotic in Nile tilapia fingerlings diet.     

Nutritional evaluation of toasted Mucuna utilis seed meal and its utilization in the diet of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822)

The value of toasted Mucuna utilis seed meals was investigated in this study by evaluating the nutritional profile and the utilization of the processed seeds in isonitrogenous (35% CP) and isocaloric diets (17 kJ g?1) for African catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell 1822). Toasting the M. utilis seed significantly reduced the levels of tannins, phytate, trypsin, and hemagglutinin in the seeds. However, protein, gross energy, arginine, histidine, and valine were increased (P ≤ 0.05). The processed seed was then used to formulate five experimental diets by progressively increasing its inclusion (by 50 g kg?1) from zero up to 200 g kg?1. A sixth diet was also formulated with raw M. utilis included at 200 g kg?1 to determine the efficacy of the processing method applied in this study. Fifty fingerlings of C. gariepinus (2.02 g ± 0.08) stocked in 18 hapas measuring 1 × 1 × 1 m³ were then fed the diets for 56 days. The growth of C. gariepinus fingerlings was significantly improved by the addition of the toasted M. utilis seed meal. However, fish fed the diet containing 200 g kg?1 of raw M. utilis had poor growth with higher mortality (35%). Estimation of the feeding cost using the diets revealed reduction in production cost of fish with the inclusion of toasted M. utilis seed meal. It was concluded that toasting significantly improved the nutritional quality of this unconventional feedstuff, allowing better utilization at up to 200 g kg?1 inclusion level in the diet of African catfish C. gariepinus.     

Effect of dietary Curcuma longa on enzymatic and immunological profiles of rohu,Labeo rohita (Ham.), infected with Aeromonas hydrophila

The aim of this study was to evaluate the dietary dosages of turmeric that enhance immune response and disease resistance against the opportunistic pathogens Aeromonas hydrophila in Labeo rohita fingerlings. Hence, four different dosages of turmeric at 0.1, 0.5, 1.0 and 5.0 g kg^?1 feed were given to the fingerlings of L. rohita for 60 days at 4% body weight. At every 20‐day interval, different biochemical, haematological, enzymatic and immunological parameters of fish were evaluated. After 60 days, fish were challenged with A. hydrophila. The mortality (%) was recorded on the tenth day post challenge. Most of the immune parameters including lysozyme activity, superoxide anion production and serum bactericidal activity were significantly (P<0.05) higher on 60 days of feeding of 1.0 g of turmeric per kg of feed. Challenge study indicated 100% and 89% survivability in the group of fish fed with 5.0 and 1.0 g of turmeric per kg of feed respectively. Feeding of turmeric might have maintained long‐term protection in fish by elevating the nonspecific immune system such as Nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT), lysozyme and serum bactericidal activity. The result showed that turmeric at a dose of 1.0 g kg^?1 feed for 60 days provided the greatest protection to pathogen challenge.     

Growth,hematological and biochemical indices of common carp <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cyprinus carpio</Emphasis> fed diets containing corn gluten meal

The effects of replacing fish meal (FM) with corn gluten meal (CGM) on growth and physiological performance were evaluated in common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Six experimental diets were formulated by substituting 0 (control), 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100% CGM protein for FM protein. The concentrations of dietary protein in the experimental diets were 27.8–29% and the P:E ratios were 14.7–15.46 mg/kJ. Eighteen fish with an initial weight of 13.5?±?0.1 g were allocated to each of 18 circular tanks (450 L) to give triplicate groups for each dietary treatment. The fish were fed to satiation for 8 weeks. At the end of the feeding trial, growth indices, body proximate composition, and hematological and biochemical parameters were measured. Blood samples were taken from six fish in each tank. Final weight and total length were significantly higher in fish fed 100% CGM (27.8?±?1.2 g and 11.9?±?0.3 cm) than for those fed the control (22.7?±?1.4 g and 10.9?±?0.5 cm) or 20% CGM (22.3?±?1.2 g and 11?±?0.4 cm) diets. No effect of FM replacement by CGM was observed for condition factor or hepatosomatic index (P?>?0.05). The highest value of protein productive value (14.31?±?0.65) was observed in fish fed 20% CGM (P?<?0.05). There were no significant differences in percentage body moisture and fat, but percentages of protein and ash were significantly different among experimental groups; the highest values of protein (15.6?±?0.24%) and ash (3.01?±?0.26%) were recorded in fish fed 40% CGM. For hematological parameters, the highest number of white blood cells (4.1?±?0.1?×?10³ mm^?3) was observed in fish fed 100% CGM (P?<?0.05). In addition, the highest hematocrit (42.1?±?0.7%) and triglyceride (294.11?±?23.82 mg dl^?1) were seen in fish fed the diet containing 40% CGM, while 80% CGM gave the highest cholesterol level (204.44?±?9.0 mg dl^?1; P?<?0.05). Replacement of FM with CGM had no negative effects on growth and physiological parameters of common carp fingerlings in this short (8 weeks) trial, suggesting that it may be feasible to replace FM with CGM in diets formulated for juvenile common carp.     

Effects of the supplementation of vitamin D<Subscript>3</Subscript> on the growth and vitamin D metabolites in juvenile Siberian sturgeon (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Acipenser baerii</Emphasis>)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the supplementation of vitamin D₃ on the growth, vitamin D metabolites, and osteocalcin secretion in juvenile Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii). A 90-day growth trial was conducted with juvenile Siberian sturgeon (initial body weight 3.47 ± 0.14 g) fed seven isonitrogenous and isoenergetic practical diets (45% CP and 13% lipid) containing 60 (basal diet), 240, 450, 880, 1670, 3300, or 1.0 × 10⁵ IU/kg feed (D60~D 1.0 × 10⁵) vitamin D₃. The results showed that weight gain and specific growth rate increased as the dietary vitamin D₃ levels increased from 450 to 3300 IU/kg (P < 0.05). The fish fed with D1670 and D3300 diets had higher crude lipid and ash levels than the fish fed the D60 diet (P < 0.05). The fish fed D880, D1670, or D3300 diets had higher 25-OH-D₃ and 1,25-(OH)₂-D₃ levels than the fish fed the D60 diet (P < 0.05). The fish fed D880, D1670, D3300, or D1.0 × 10⁵ diets had higher osteocalcin levels than the fish fed the D60 diet (P < 0.05). Based on the broken line method analysis of weight gain and osteocalcin, the dietary vitamin D₃ requirement of juvenile Siberian sturgeon was estimated to be 1683.30 and 1403.27 IU/kg per diet, respectively.