Effects of dietary inclusion of peas,chickpeas and faba beans on growth,feed utilization and health of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata)

Three legumes [field peas (P), chickpeas (CP) and faba beans (B)] at two inclusion levels [170 g kg^?1 (L) and 350 g kg^?1 (H)] were evaluated in a 13‐week experiment with triplicate groups of 92.6 ± 5.0 g gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.). A control diet included wheat meal, fishmeal (FM) and a mixture of plant ingredients as protein sources. Diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isoenergetic and processed in a twin‐screw extruder. Restricted feeding was applied (15 g kg^?1 of body weight) and growth, haematology and histology parameters were evaluated. Decreased, but not significant, growth values were observed for all diets including legumes compared to the control. Poorer feed conversion ratio values were observed for both P diets and for high level B diet. Liver glycogen increased with increasing starch level, but hepatosomatic index did not differ significantly for any of the diet treatments. Histological examination of internal organs showed no pathological abnormalities that could be related to nutritional treatment. The study indicated that the tested legumes are ingredients that could be used in farmed seabream diets up to 350 g kg^?1 without negative effects replacing other carbohydrate sources and part of FM.     

Alternative formulations for gilthead seabream diets: Towards a more sustainable production

To support the expected increase in aquaculture production during the next years, a wider range of alternative ingredients to fishmeal is needed, towards contributing to an increase in production sustainability. This study aimed to test diets formulated with non‐conventional feed ingredients on gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) growth performance, feed utilization, apparent digestibility of nutrients and nutrient outputs to the environment. Four isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were formulated: a control diet (CTRL) similar to a commercial feed and three experimental diets containing, as main protein sources, plant by‐products, glutens and concentrates (PLANT); processed animal proteins (PAP); or micro/macroalgae, insect meals and yeast (EMERG). Diets were tested in triplicate during 80 days. The EMERG treatment resulted in lower fish growth performance, higher FCR and lower nutrient and energy retentions than the other treatments. The lowest protein digestibility was found for the EMERG diet, which caused increased nitrogen losses. The PLANT and PAP treatments resulted in better fish growth performance, higher nutrient and energy retentions, and lower FCR than the CTRL treatment. The significant improvement in FCR found for fish fed PLANT and PAP diets and the high protein digestibility of these diets contribute towards minimizing the environmental impacts of seabream production.     

Virulence factors and pathogenicity of Hafnia alvei for gilthead seabream, Sparus aurata L

Virulence factors (eae gene, haemolytic capacity, fimbriae, resistance to the bactericidal effect of serum, siderophore production) and pathogenicity for gilthead seabream, Sparus aurata L., were analysed for 23 Hafnia alvei strains. None of the strains used in LD50 studies were lethal for seabream at doses as high as >10(8) cfu mL(-1). In chronic challenge studies differences in severity of the inflammatory response were observed between strains. On the basis of correlation of the inflammatory response to different strains of H. alvei in seabream with those virulence factors studied, it was only possible to establish a positive correlation between pathogenicity and resistance to the bactericidal effect of fish serum. Gilthead seabream is thus a species with considerable resistance to experimental infection with H. alvei. The bacterium does, however, have the capacity to remain viable in seabream for up to 3 months, without any clinical signs. Hafnia alvei is a well-recognized human and animal pathogen. Thus, as the pathogen can coexist with aquaculture operations, cultured gilthead seabream could represent a risk to human health as a carrier in some circumstances.     

Histochemical study of the intestinal absorption,liver and lens effect with zinc‐supplemented diets for gilthead seabream

To describe the effect and the distribution of zinc in different tissues of a representative marine fish species, gilthead seabreams (Sparus aurata Linnaeus, 1758) were fed different diets containing zinc in different sources (organic, inorganic, encapsulated, blood‐rich diet or fishmeal). The effect was monitored by histology in the lens, liver and intestine. In addition, the anterior and posterior intestine was studied by means of autometallography, a histochemical silver‐based staining method to determine the zinc flow and distribution. The histology of lens did not improve by dietary zinc as there was no occurrence of cataracts. In the liver, the experimental diets were correlated with different changes in the tissue architecture. In the intestine, no histological changes were found using haematoxylin and eosin stain. However, with the use of autometallography stain, it was possible to visualize and describe the route that zinc follows through the enterocytes and the lamina propria. Organic and inorganic zinc diet produced the richest silver deposition in the anterior intestine.     

Influence of lupin and rapeseed meals on the integrity of digestive tract and organs in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.) and goldfish (Carassius auratus L.) juveniles

Two rearing trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary lupin (LM) and rapeseed (RM) meals in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.) and goldfish (Carassius auratus L.) juveniles. Each plant meal was incorporated at the rate of 200 g kg^?1 in two distinct diets, which were compared with a fishmeal‐based diet as control. After 1 month, the two plant diets did not influence the whole body growth, but the digestive systems were affected. The splenosomatic index was reduced with two plant meals in goldfish and with RM in seabream. The hepatosomatic index was only reduced in LM‐fed seabream. Cellular characteristics were also affected. The largest liver cells were observed in RM‐fed goldfish suggesting changes in metabolic function. The LM and RM diets stimulated in seabream, especially the reaction in haematopoietic tissues with the proliferation of melano‐macrophages centres, and a tendency for elongated villus height in the anterior intestine thus that possibly compensated for a reduction in digestive function. Such adaptive structural modifications and the absence of degenerative signs allowed concluding that the integrity of the digestive system was maintained in fish fed plant meals.     

Effects of the dietary protein : lipid ratio on growth and nutrient utilization in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.)

Gilthead seabream Sparus aurata L. (initial mean body weight: 42.5 g) were fed four experimental diets containing either 47 or 51% of dry matter (DM) as protein and either 15 or 21% as lipid for 12 weeks. Each diet was hand-distributed to triplicate groups of 60 fish, three times a day until satiation. The digestibility coefficients of the dietary components were determined using chromic oxide as a marker. The levels of protein or lipid in the diets did not affect the digestibility. Fish regulated their feed intake and attained the same weight at the end of the experiment. However, feed efficiency varied between diets, with best values obtained with both diets containing 21% lipid. When diets contained only 15% lipid, feed efficiency increased with dietary protein level. Nitrogen retention was significantly higher with high fat diets regardless of dietary protein level. Neutral lipid deposition was significantly higher in liver for diets rich in lipids. It was elevated in muscle only in fish fed the diet containing 47% protein and 21% lipid and this deposition in muscle contributed to a significant increase in body fat content. Phosphorus load to the environment, measured as percentage retention of ingested or digestible phosphorus, was significantly lower with both diets higher in lipids.     

Effects of dietary dehydrated lemon peel on some biochemical markers related to general metabolism,welfare and stress in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.)

Dehydrated lemon peel (DLP) at two levels (1.5% and 3%) was included for 30 days in the diet of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.) and after 15 and 30 days the serum and skin mucus of fish were analysed. In serum, both experimental diets led to an initial decrease in glucose and lactate after which the levels became comparable to the control. Dietary DLP modulated the activity of transaminases, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. The total antioxidant status showed a progressive increase in relation to levels of inclusion of DLP and time of administration (p < .05). In skin mucus, some biomolecular markers related to general stress, oxidative stress and apoptosis exhibited variations that suggest an adaptive response of fish to the new metabolic situation, resulting from the experimental diet. The inclusion of DLP in the diet seems to positively modulate the central metabolism and welfare of gilthead seabream.     

Body lipid and fatty acid composition in male gilthead seabream broodstock at different stages of the reproductive cycle: effects of a diet lacking n-3 and n-6 HUFA

Total lipid (TL), lipid classes and fatty acid composition of neutral (NL) and polar (PL) lipids were studied in the gonads, liver and muscle of gilthead seabream males ( Sparus aurata ) fed a control diet (diet C) or an n-3 and n-6 highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA)-deficient diet (diet D), at different stages of the reproductive cycle. Between pre-spermatogenesis (November) and spermatogenesis (March), the lipid content was high and particularly rich in cholesterol, phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine in gonads from both dietary groups. At post-spermatogenesis (June), TL and especially PL dramatically decreased in the gonads from both groups. However, at this period diet C fish gonads were richer in triacylglycerides (TAG) than those from diet D fish. The liver lipid contents and particularly TAG were over 200% lower in June than in March for both groups. Nevertheless, the most noteworthy depletion of lipids during this period was achieved by the n-3 HUFA in diet D fish. Conversely, arachidonic acid (20:4n-6) did not decrease in NL or PL from gonads and liver in groups C and D. Muscle lipids from diet C fish were relatively insensitive to seasonal influences. However, in June, the muscle TAG content was significantly reduced in diet D fish.     

Debaryomyces hansenii L2‐enriched diet enhances the immunity status,gene expression and intestine functionality in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.)

This study evaluates the effects of the dietary administration of the live yeast Debaryomyces hansenii strain L2 on the immune responses of gilthead seabream for 4 weeks. Cellular immune parameters were measured from serum and head‐kidney leucocytes respectively. The expression levels of immune‐associated genes were quantified by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. In addition, the profile of intestinal microbiota was studied by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. The results showed that seabream fed a diet containing D. hansenii had significantly increased cellular immune parameters. The yeast‐supplemented diet up‐regulated the expression of most seabream genes at week 2 and down‐regulated all of them at week 4, except in the head‐kidney. Finally, a reduction in the diversity of the intestinal microbiota was detected in those specimens receiving the yeast‐supplemented diet. These results support the idea that the live yeast D. hansenii strain L2 stimulates the immune system of gilthead seabream.     

Effect of fishmeal replacement by poultry by‐product meal on growth performance,proximate composition,digestive enzyme activity,haematological parameters and gene expression of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata)

Two feeding trials examined the replacement of fishmeal (FM) with poultry by‐product meal (PBM) in the diet of juvenile Sparus aurata. In Feeding trial I (100 days), three diets were formulated, where FM protein was replaced by 50% (PBM50) and 100% (PBM100) PBM, while in Feeding trial II (110 days), four diets were formulated using the same FM control diet, but FM was replaced at lower levels: 25% (PBM25), and 25% (PBM25 + ) and 50% (PBM50 + ) with the supplementation of lysine and methionine amino acids. PBM protein can successfully replace 50% of FM protein in the diet of S. aurata without adverse effects on survival, feed intake, growth performance and feed utilization, given that the diet is balanced with lysine and methionine. The proximate composition of body and muscle was unaffected by the diet, but the total FM replacement resulted in reduced lipid and energy contents in fish. A fifty per cent FM replacement by PBM did not affect haematological parameters indicating a good fish health. Similarities in trypsin and chymotrypsin activities with FM‐fed fish suggest a high digestibility of PBM. High dietary levels of PBM reduced the liver gene expression of GH/IGF axis and of cathepsin D suppressing fish growth and modulating the protein turnover.     

Implication of mucus-secreting cells,acidophilic granulocytes and monocytes/macrophages in the resolution of skin inflammation caused by subcutaneous injection of λ/κ-carrageenin to gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) specimens

To date, the mechanisms of inflammation have been poorly studied in fish of commercial interest, due to the lack of development of appropriate experimental models. The current study evaluated a local inflammation triggered by a polymeric carrageenin mixture (a mucopolysaccharide derived from the red seaweed Chondrus crispus) in the skin of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata). Fish were injected subcutaneously with phosphate-buffered saline (as control) or λ/κ-carrageenin (1%), and skin samples from the injection sites were collected 1.5, 3 and 6 hr post-injection, processed for inclusion in paraplast and stained with haematoxylin–eosin, Alcian blue or periodic acid–Schiff. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry and expression analyses of several cells’ markers and proinflammatory genes were also analysed in samples of the injected sites. Microscopic results indicated an increased number of skin mucus-secreting cells and acidophilic granulocytes in the skin of fish studied at 1.5 hr and 3 hr post-injection with carrageenin, respectively, with respect to the data obtained in control fish. Otherwise, both the gene expression of the non-specific cytotoxic cell marker (granzyme B, grb) and the proinflammatory cytokine (interleukin-1β, il-1β) were up-regulated at 1.5 hr in the skin of fish injected with carrageenin compared with the control fish, whilst the gene expression of acidophilic granulocyte markers (NADPH oxidase subunit Phox22 and Phox40, phox22 and phox40) was up-regulated at 3 and 6 hr in the carrageenin group, compared with the control group. In addition, the gene expression of myeloperoxidase (mpo) was also up-regulated at 6 hr in the skin of fish injected with carrageenin in comparison with control samples. The present results indicate the chronological participation of two important immune cells involved in the resolution of the inflammation in the skin of gilthead seabream.     

Fish oil replacement by different microalgal products in microdiets for early weaning of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata,L.)

The aim of this study was to determine if algal products rich in DHA or ARA are able to completely replace fish oil in microdiets for marine fish larvae, gilthead seabream and if extra supplementation with EPA may further enhance larval performance. For that purpose, 20 day‐old gilthead seabream larvae of 5.97 ± 0.4 mm mean total length and 0.12 ± 0.001 mg mean dry body weight were fed with five microdiets tested by triplicate: a control diet based on sardine oil; a diet containing AquaGrow^® DHA (diet DHA) to completely substitute the sardine oil; a diet containing AquaGrow^® ARA (diet ARA); a diet containing both products, AquaGrow^® DHA and AquaGrow^® ARA to completely substitute the fish oil; and, a diet containing both products, AquaGrow^® DHA and AquaGrow^® ARA, together with an EPA source. Temperature, air and salinity activity tests were also performed to detect larval resistance to stress. At the end of the experiment, final survivals did not differ among groups. The microorganism produced DHA was able to completely replace fish oil in weaning diets for gilthead seabream without affecting survival, growth or stress resistance, whereas the inclusion of microorganism produced ARA did not improve larval performance. Moreover, addition of EPA to diets with total replacement of fish oil by microorganism produced DHA and ARA, significantly improved growth in terms of body weight and total length. The results of this study denoted the good nutritional value of microorganisms produced DHA as a replacement of fish oil in weaning diets for gilthead seabream, without a complementary addition of ARA. However, dietary supplementation of EPA seems to be necessary to further promote larval performance.     

Evaluation of visible implant elastomer tags for tagging juvenile gilthead seabream (Sparus auratus L.); effects on growth, mortality, handling time and tag loss

The use of the fluorescent visible implant elastomer (VIE) tagging system in juvenile gilthead seabream, Sparus auratus L., between 7 and 18 g was examined. Four different colours (red, green, orange and yellow), three body positions (dorsal, lateral and caudal) and two orientations (horizontal and vertical) were tested. The mean tag application time for each fish was 15.7±0.32 s. There was no mortality associated with the method of tagging. The most visible tag colour was red. Injection orientation had a significant effect on length, width, fragmentation and fluorescent intensity of the tag. Horizontal tagging is recommended because of high fluorescent intensity, low fragmentation and for double tagging. There were no differences in growth between untagged controls and the VIE‐tagged fish.     

A bioenergetic and protein flux model to simulate fish growth in commercial farms: Application to the gilthead seabream

A model for fish growth simulation based on the bioenergetic factorial approach is presented. This work presents a novel approach that extends the traditional bioenergetic model by explicitly including the Energy and Protein fluxes (EP model). This is a valuable feature that allows the dynamic simulation of fish proximate composition. For the aquaculture industry it represents a trade-off between detailed process simulation and feasibility of model implementation, namely regarding data gathering on an operational setting. The EP model is targeted to simulate fish production in commercial farms. Farm data for feed intake, feed composition (energy and protein content), temperature over time and the initial fish body weight are the only required data to run the model. Furthermore, apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) values of the feed used in the farm must be known or else ADC values of feeds with similar composition can be used. The EP model implementation is illustrated for the gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) based on published experimental data. The model was validated (r = 0.997, p < 0.05, n = 12) using a published experimental data set for gilthead seabream reared in a range of temperatures that reproduce the conditions in most countries producing this species. For the entire growth period (488 days) the estimated mean absolute error (MAE) is 8.8 g.fish⁻¹ and the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) is 8.3%. Simulation of fish growth in real operational conditions is evaluated with three datasets from a commercial farm that operates in earthen ponds with temperatures ranging between 12.6 °C and 24.8 °C. Overall the model outputs match well with the production data in the 3 batches. Initial weight ranged between 2.8 g and 3.7 g. The deviation between the data and simulated final weights is below 15 g, for a final weight around 435 g. The maximum absolute error is 21.1 g per fish (MAE) and in percentage 8.3% (MAPE).     

Impacts of culture survival rate on culture cost and input factors: Case study of the hard clam (Meretrix meretrix) culture in Yunlin County,Taiwan

This study applies a translog cost function model to analyze the culture costs and the use of input factors among three groups of hard clam farmer households in Yunlin County, Taiwan, with different survival rates (low-intermediate, intermediate-high, and high). The study found that farmer household production in the three observed groups all exhibited economies of scale and could significantly expand the scale of production to lower the average cost. For farmer households with high survival rates, production cost could be reduced by 2.16% by a 10% increase in output. Moreover, the study shows that the survival rate–cost interaction values of farmer households in the intermediate-high and low-intermediate survival rate clusters were negative. Therefore, any increase in the survival rate could help lower the culture cost of farmer households. For low-intermediate farmers, the survival rate–cost interaction value was the most negative; any increase in the survival rate by 10% would decrease the cost per hectare by NT$23,424. For high survival-rate households, seeding and capital were substitutes, and seeding and feed were complements. As such, farmers would reduce the use of seeding factors when increasing the use of capital and decreasing the use of feed.