Pharmacokinetics of oxolinic acid and oxytetracycline in kuruma shrimp, Penaeus japonicus

The pharmacokinetics of oxolinic acid and oxytetracycline were examined in kuruma shrimp (Penaeus japonicus) after intra-sinus (10 and 25 mg/kg, respectively) and oral (50 mg/kg) administration. The shrimp were kept in tanks with recirculated artificial seawater at a salinity of 22–23 ppt. The water temperature was maintained at 25±0.6 °C. The hemolymph concentrations of both drugs after intra-sinus dosing were best described by a two-compartment open model. The distribution and elimination half-lives (t_1/2 and t_1/2β) were found to be 0.59 and 33.2 h for oxolinic acid and 0.45 and 24.7 h for oxytetracycline, respectively. The apparent volume of distribution at a steady state (V_ss) and total body clearance (CL_b) were estimated to be 1309 ml/kg and 28.8 ml/kg/h for oxolinic acid and 748 ml/kg and 22.7 ml/kg/h, respectively. The hemolymph concentration–time curves after oral administration did not fit by the nonlinear least squares method using one- and two-compartment model with first-order absorption in either of the drugs. The peak hemolymph concentration (C_max), the time to peak hemolymph concentration (t_max) and the elimination half-life were found to be 17.8 μg/ml, 7 h and 34.3 h for oxolinic acid and 24.3 μg/ml, 10 h and 33.6 h for oxytetracycline, respectively. The bioavailability (F) after oral administration was 32.9% for oxolinic acid and 43.2% for oxytetracycline. The hemolymph protein binding in vivo was determined to be 36.7±8.5% for oxolinic acid and 22.9±4.8% for oxytetracycline.     

Flumequine depletion from muscle plus skin tissue of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.) fed flumequine medicated feed in seawater at 18 and 24 °C

We examined flumequine depletion from muscle plus skin of gilthead seabream held in seawater at 18 and 24 °C. Seven groups of 10 fish each were sampled at intervals ranging from 24 to 168 h after in-feed administration of flumequine at 35 mg/kg/day for 5 days. Muscle plus skin tissue samples were analyzed for flumequine by high-performance liquid chromatography and fluorescence detection (HPLC-SFD). Parent flumequine concentrations declined rapidly from muscle plus skin after dosing with elimination half-lives of t_1/2=22.14 and 21.43 h at 18 and 24 °C, respectively. Withdrawal periods for the maximum residue limit (MRL) of 600 μg/kg flumequine in muscle plus skin at 95% tolerance limit were 106.08 and 75.84 h at 18 and 24 °C, respectively, after treatment.     

Pharmacokinetics and the active metabolite of enrofloxacin in Chinese mitten-handed crab (Eriocheir sinensis)

The pharmacokinetics and active metabolite of enrofloxacin were estimated after single intramuscular administration (10.0 or 20.0 mg/kg body weight) to the Chinese mitten-handed crab (Eriocheir sinensis) in fresh water at 25.0 ± 1.0 °C. Levels of enrofloxacin and its metabolite ciprofloxacin in the main tissues (hemolymph, hepatopancreas, muscle, ovary and spermary) were simultaneously detected by HPLC. Enrofloxacin concentration–time profiles for the hemolymph in both tests were described by a two-compartment open model with first-order absorption. Distribution half-time (T_1/2), elimination half-time (T_1/2β), body clearance (CL/F), mean residence time (MRT_0–∞), area under the concentration–time curve from 0 to ∞ h (AUC_0–∞) and apparent volume of distribution (Vd/F), which derived from the pharmacokinetic model, were 0.427 h, 21.3 h, 0.133 l/h/kg, 60.0 h, 96.9 μg/ml/h and 4.08 l/kg, respectively, at a dose of 10.0 mg/kg body weight, and 0.216 h, 12.3 h, 0.189 l/h/kg, 85.8 h, 187 μg/ml/h and 3.35 l/kg, respectively, at a dose of 20.0 mg/kg body weight. Similarities were found between the hemolymph concentration–time curves of the two tests; for example, instant absorption process followed by the distribution phrase, and a second absorption peak at 6 h post-treatment. After intramuscular administration of 10.0 mg/kg body weight, absorption of enrofloxacin was observed in the main edible tissues (hepatopancreas, muscle, ovary and spermary), and the drug residue was the highest in the hepatopancreas, where the ‘drug sink’ phenomenon occurred. Comparative pharmacokinetics showed fast absorption, broad distribution and fast elimination of enrofloxacin in E. sinensis after intramuscular dosing. Regarding ciprofloxacin, the main active metabolite of enrofloxacin, though relatively low levels were detected in all the main tissues of the crab, its kinetics in the hemolymph in the two tests were not described by a one- or two-compartment open model.     

The toxicity, absorption and excretion of rotenone in oysters (Ostrea edulis), and its degradation in seawater at temperatures near 0°C

A rapid extraction procedure and a HPLC method for quantitative measurements of the concentration of rotenone in oysters (Ostrea edulis) and in seawater is presented. The absorption rate of rotenone by oysters was rapid. With an average rotenone concentration in the seawater of 26 ppb, the concentration in the oysters reached 4.6 ppm after 4 days of exposure. The t_1/2 of the excretion of rotenone was 40 h at 10°C. The absorption rate was highly affected by both the rotenone concentration in the seawater and the seawater temperature. Rotenone was quite stable in seawater at low temperatures. At an average temperature close to 0°C, 18% of the rotenone added was still present 45 days after preparing the solution (1 ppm Gullviks rotenone mixture) in seawater. The acute mortality observed was closely related to the measured concentration of rotenone in the oysters.     

Efficacy, tissue distribution, and residue depletion of oxytetracycline in WS-RLP infected California red abalone Haliotis rufescens

Oxytetracycline (OTC) was recently demonstrated to be an effective therapeutant for California red abalone (Haliotis rufescens) infected with the agent of withering syndrome (WS), a Rickettsia-like prokaryote (WS-RLP). This study examined the influence of temperature on the efficacy and pharmacokinetics of oral OTC treatments on WS-RLP infected red abalone, H. rufescens. Medication was administered in an artificial diet containing 1.85% active OTC at a rate of 103.4 mg/kg abalone for 10, 20 and 30 days at both 13.4 °C and 17.3 °C. Drug residue concentrations, WS-RLP burden and WS-associated pathological changes within foot muscle and digestive gland were measured 3, 17, 23, 42, 63, 81, 102, 122, and 160 days after OTC treatment. In all samples the highest concentrations of OTC were detected on the first sample day. Furthermore, all sampling periods showed significantly less OTC in foot muscle samples relative to corresponding digestive gland samples (p < 0.001). While drug depuration occurred rapidly from foot muscle, unusually high concentrations and long depuration times were measured within the digestive gland. The pharmacokinetic trends in both the foot muscle and digestive gland at 13.4 °C were adequately described by a one-compartment model, while the digestive gland depuration models within the 17.3 °C treatments conformed to a two-compartment model. At both temperatures treatment duration gave rise to significant differences in OTC accumulation and depletion (p < 0.001). Despite this, terminal elimination rate constants were similar. Estimated half-lives were similar among all treatments for digestive gland (23.8–27.5 d) and all treatments for the foot muscle at 13.4 °C (10.7–13.4 d; calculated only for the 13.4 °C treatments). At both temperatures all three durations of drug treatment led to significant reductions in WS-RLP prevalence, foot muscle atrophy, and mortality. WS-RLP re-challenge trials initiated 44, 88, and 122 days following the 10-day treatment at 17.3 °C showed reduced susceptibility to re-infection for up to 88 days after treatment, suggesting that digestive gland OTC residues confer long-term resistance to pathogen. Atomic absorption spectroscopy conducted on both foot muscle and digestive gland found significantly higher concentrations of iron, zinc, and manganese in the digestive gland, offering an explanation behind the underlying mechanism of OTC retention for extended periods within this tissue.     

Treatment of hatchery wastewater by a sequencing batch reactor process

After settling pretreatment, the primary sludge wastewaters from a fish hatchery were treated in three five-litre bench-scale sequencing batch reactors. The sequencing batch reactors were operated concurrently under the same operating conditions. A cycle of 24 hours was adopted during the course of this study. Two different temperature regimes (22°C and 10°C) were employed, and a range of initial BOD₅ concentrations was treated. The results showed the occurrence of very high reductions in BOD₅ and COD concentrations, and very high removal of ammonia---nitrogen and suspended solids. The average five-day BOD₅ reduction was 98% for high influent concentrations, while the reduction for lower influent concentrations was 95%. The average five-day BOD₅ concentration for the effluents was less than 100 mg litre⁻¹. Nitrification was pronounced after 40 days of reactor operation. Denitrification occurred when the reactors were fed wastewaters with high BOD₅ concentrations, although it was not observed with low influent BOD₅ concentrations or at low temperatures (10°C). The overall treatment efficiency remained very high when the reactors were operated under a low temperature regime (10°C).     

Effects of temperature change rate on nitrogen effluxes of Macrobrachium rosenbergii (DeMan)

Ammonia-N (NH4⁺ + NH³) and total nitrogen (TN) efflux rates of Macrobrachium rosenbergii were measured during stepwise temperature changes (26 °C → 22 °C → 18 °C → 22 °C → 26 °C) at different rates. Sudden temperature reductions did not affect efflux rates, but sudden temperature rises evoked rapid and high increases in the efflux rates. A direct relationship between ammonia-N excretion and water temperature was observed when gradual temperature changes were effected over a 5 h period. When the animals were acclimated to a new temperature for 72 h, no clear effects of temperature on the efflux rates were found. Sudden temperature changes resulted in an increased proportion of ammonia-N in the total nitrogen excreted. It is suggested that temperature changes during the shipment of M. rosenbergii should be avoided or made gradually.     

Effects of body weight, water temperature and ration size on ammonia excretion by the areolated grouper (Epinephelus areolatus) and mangrove snapper (Lutjanus argentimaculatus)

The effects of body weight, water temperature and ration size on ammonia excretion rates of the areolated grouper Epinephelus areolatus and the mangrove snapper Lutjanus argentimaculatus were investigated. Under given experimental conditions, L. argentimaculatus had a higher weight-specific ammonia excretion rate than E. areolatus. Weight-specific ammonia excretion rates of fasted individuals of both species showed an inverse relationship with body weight (W, g wet wt.), but a positive relationship with water temperature (t, °C). The relationships for total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) were: E. areolatus: TAN (mg N kg⁻¹ d⁻¹)=21.4·exp^0.11t·W^−0.43 (r²=0.919, n=60); L. argentimaculatus: TAN (mg N kg⁻¹ d⁻¹)=121.5·exp^0.12t·W^−0.55 (r²=0.931, n=60). Following feeding, the weight-specific ammonia excretion rate of E. areolatus increased, peaked at 2 to 12 h (depending on temperature), and returned to pre-feeding levels within 24 h. A similar pattern was observed for L. argentimaculatus, with a peak of TAN excretion being found 6 to 12 h after feeding. Stepwise multiple regression analysis indicated that weight-specific TAN excretion rates of both species increased with increasing temperature and ration (R, percent body wt. d⁻¹): E. areolatus: TAN (mg N kg⁻¹ d⁻¹)=22.8·t−28.8·R−378.2 (r²=0.832, n=24); L. argentimaculatus: TAN (mg N kg⁻¹ d⁻¹)=22.9·t−25.4·R−216.4 (r²=0.611, n=24). The effect of body weight on weight-specific postprandial TAN excretion was not significant in either species (p>0.05). This study provides empirical data for estimating ammonia excretion of these two species under varying conditions. This has application for culture management.     

Regional size, age and growth differences of red grouper (Epinephelus morio) along the west coast of Florida

Red grouper (Epinephelus morio) were collected from the west coast of Florida, the central area of fishery harvest in U.S. waters, by fishery-dependent sources during 2000–2005. The west Florida shelf was divided into two regions: north (capture locations ≥28°N latitude) and south (capture locations <28°N latitude). Significant differences were found for age, length, and size-at-age by region and by gear; red grouper from the north were significantly younger and smaller on average than those from the south. Regional differences were also noted with respect to age progression; year class trends were only detected in the north. The 1996 year class dominated the landings in 2000–2001 (ages 4 and 5) and the 1999 year class dominated in 2004–2005 (ages 5 and 6). Regional data were fit to a size-modified von Bertalanffy growth model indicating smaller asymptotic length (L_∞) and faster growth rate (k) in the north (north: L_∞ = 800 mm, k = 0.23 mm year⁻¹, t₀ = 1.12; south: L_∞ = 863 mm, k = 0.15 mm year⁻¹, t₀ = 0.05). Mortality estimates derived from catch curves resulted in higher total and fishing mortality in the north for both gears. Alternative explanations of regional differences likely depend on nursery delineation and correlation to periodic environmental events such as red tides and hurricanes; all possibly important factors based upon anecdotal information. Nevertheless, our finding of regional demographic differences in red grouper from the west coast of Florida suggests a more complex population spatial structure for red grouper.     

Oxytetracycline Residue in Hybrid Striped Bass Muscle

Hybrid striped bass ( Morose saxatilis male × M. chrysops female) were injected with 25 and 50 mg oxytetracycline (OTC) per kg of fish. Rate of elimination of OTC from muscle tissue and inhibition of bacteria by muscle injected with OTC were studied. OTC residue in muscle of fish injected with 50 mg OTC/kg fish was much higher (P < 0.01) than that in fish injected with 25 mg/kg and took a longer time to clear from the muscle. In fish injected at 25 mg OTC/kg of fish, OTC was completely eliminated from muscle in 24 d; the rate of elimination constant (β) was 0.278/day and the half-life (t_1/2) 2.5 d. In fish injected at 50 mg OTC/kg of fish, the OTC was not depleted in fish muscle until 32 d after injection; the rate of elimination constant 13 was 0.265/day and the half-life was 2.6 d. No statistical difference was found in muscle OTC residue between male and female fish. Size of fish (16.5 to 21.5 cm and 21.6 to 25.5 cm) made little difference in OTC residue in muscle. Muscle removed from fish injected with 25 mg/kg OTC 12 d after injection inhibited the growth of Vibrio anguillarum, V. ordalii and Aeromonas hydrophila in cultures.     

Metabolic scope, swimming performance and the effects of hypoxia in the mulloway, Argyrosomus japonicus (Pisces: Sciaenidae)

The culture of the mulloway (Argyrosomus japonicus), like many other Sciaenidae fishes, is rapidly growing. However there is no information on their metabolic physiology. In this study, the effects of various hypoxia levels on the swimming performance and metabolic scope of juvenile mulloway (0.34 ± 0.01 kg, mean ± SE, n = 30) was investigated (water temperature = 22 °C). In normoxic conditions (dissolved oxygen = 6.85 mg l^− 1), mulloway oxygen consumption rate (M·o₂) increased exponentially with swimming speed to a maximum velocity (U_crit) of 1.7 ± < 0.1 body lengths s^− 1 (BL s^− 1) (n = 6). Mulloway standard metabolic rate (SMR) was typical for non-tuna fishes (73 ± 8 mg kg^− 1 h^− 1) and they had a moderate scope for aerobic metabolism (5 times the SMR). Mulloway minimum gross cost of transport (GCOT_min, 0.14 ± 0.01 mg kg^− 1 m^− 1) and optimum swimming velocity (U_opt, 1.3 ± 0.2 BL s^− 1) were comparable to many other body and caudal fin swimming fish species. Energy expenditure was minimum when swimming between 0.3 and 0.5 BL s^− 1. The critical dissolved oxygen level was 1.80 mg l^− 1 for mulloway swimming at 0.9 BL s^− 1. This reveals that mulloway are well adapted to hypoxia, which is probably adaptive from their natural early life history within estuaries. In all levels of hypoxia (75% saturation = 5.23, 50% = 3.64, and 25% = 1 .86 mg l^− 1), M·o₂ increased linearly with swimming speed and active metabolic rate (AMR) was reduced (218 ± 17, 202 ± 14 and 175 ± 10 mg kg^− 1 h^− 1 for 75%, 50% and 25% saturation respectively). However, U_crit was only reduced at 50% and 25% saturation (1.4 ± < 0.1 and 1.4 ± < 0.1 BL s^− 1 respectively). This demonstrates that although the metabolic capacity of mulloway is reduced in mild hypoxia (75% saturation) they are able to compensate to maintain swimming performance. GCOT_min (0.09 ± 0.01 mg kg^− 1 m^− 1) and U_opt (0.8 ± 0.1 BL s^− 1) were significantly reduced at 25% dissolved oxygen saturation. As mulloway metabolic scope was significantly reduced at all hypoxia levels, it suggests that even mild hypoxia may reduce growth productivity.     

Measurements of oxygen consumption and ammonia excretion of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) in commercial-scale, single-pass freshwater and seawater landbased culture systems

The oxygen consumption of Atlantic salmon was measured in large culture tanks for a period of 20 months from the parr to the adult stage. In addition, diurnal sampling was conducted for estimation of both oxygen consumption and ammonia excretion. The oxygen consumption was affected especially by temperature, season and smoltification. For parr the oxygen consumption rate was 1–6 mg O₂/kg min and the ammonia excretion rate was 0·037–0·13 mg N/kg min from autumn to spring. The corresponding rates for adult salmon during the period October to July were 1·5–4·5 mg O₂/kg min and 0·075–0·13 mg N/kg min.     

A Toxicokinetic Study of Oxytetracycline Antibiotics in Farmed Pacific White Shrimp,Penaeus vannamei

Toxicokinetics has demonstrated abnormal signs in drug distribution/disposition without waiting until the drug damages the tissues/organs. It is a study of the kinetic assessment of administering high‐dose of oxytetracycline (OTC) to white shrimp. Male Penaeus vannamei in the C–D₀ molting stage, were force fed with medicated feeds at various accurate dose levels including 500, 1000, and 2500 mg/kg‐body weight (BW). After dosing with different time intervals, hemolymph, muscle, and hepatopancreas were collected, and assayed for OTC by validated high‐performance liquid chromatography method. The simulated profile based on the maximum recommended dose was tested to approach the systemic level where the drug was anticipated not to cause significant toxic responses. OTC kinetic profiles in the hemolymph were fitted into the flow limited model having r² value between 0.8341 and 0.9373. The relative affinities for the muscle and hepatopancreas changed at dose level exceeding 1000 mg/kg BW. Although hepatopancreatic clearance was non‐linearly related with dose, the persistence of OTC in muscle after 2500 mg/kg BW dosing was observed to indicate abnormalities in drug distribution/disposition. It was hypothesized that the pharmacokinetic alteration after extreme dosing was because of induction of functional abnormalities in hepatopancreas. In addition, a single administration of OTC at 1000 mg/kg BW was anticipated to be a tolerated dose.     

Pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of oxytetracycline in carp, Cyprinus carpio L., following different routes of administration

Abstract. The objective of this pharmacokinetic study was to investigate absorption, distribution, elimination and bioavailability of oxytetracycline (OTC) in carp, Cyprinus carpio L ., after different routes of administration, OTC was administered intravenously (i.v.), intramuscularly (i.m.) and orally at 60 mg/kg body weight. OTC levels were determined in plasma and several tissues. Analysis of the plasma drug concentration-time curves following i.v. OTC injection revealed three distinct phases. A three-compartment open model was used to derive pharmacokinetic parameters. Compared to mammals, a very extended final elimination half-life was observed (139.8±38.1 h). Following i.m. OTC administration, C_max was 56.8±10.9μg OTC/ml at 14 h post-injection. The Vd area was 2.1 ± 0.66 1/kg. Extreme differences were observed with respect to bioavailability following i.m. and oral administration; approximately 80 and 0.6%, respectively. Following i.m. injection tissue OTC determinations revealed that the drug was accumulating in pronephros, bone tissue and scales. After 21 days the OTC concentrations were 2.9±0.8, 5.2±0.3 and 4.7±3.1 μg/ ml, respectively. In tissue samples from the dorsal region (muscle), including the injection site, OTC could not be demonstrated at that time. The pharmacokinetic data are discussed in relation to the susceptibility of the immune system of fish for modulation.     

Purification and partial characterization of Cu, Zn superoxide dismutase from haemolymph of Oriental river prawn Macrobrachium nipponense

The copper plus zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu, Zn-SOD) was purified from haemolymph of the Oriental river prawn, Macrobrachium nipponense and partially characterized. Partial protein precipitation in crude extract was affected by using heat treatment and (NH₄)₂SO₄ fractionated precipitation methods. Fractionation of superoxide dismutase was performed by DEAE-cellulose 32 ion-exchange chromatography and followed by CM-cellulose cation-exchange chromatography. The molecular weight of it was about 66.1 kDa, as judged by SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The enzyme was sensitive to cyanide and H₂O₂, and contained 1.08 ± 0.14 atom of copper and 0.98 ± 0.11 zinc per subunit shown in atomic absorption spectroscopy, which revealed that purified SOD was Cu, Zn superoxide dismutase. The purified enzyme had an absorption peak of 269 nm in ultraviolet region and the enzyme remained stable at 25–45 °C within 60 min. But it was rapidly inactivated at higher temperature (50 °C). The activity of purified shrimp Cu, Zn-SOD was remained stable over the range pH 5.8–8.3. Treated with 10 mM mercaptoethanol, the enzyme activity significantly increased. However, the enzyme activity was obviously inhibited by 10 mM CaCl₂, ZnCl₂, SDS, EDTA–Na₂ and 1 mM and 10 mM K₂Cr₂O₇. The results showed that it might be a kind of EC-SOD. And it was the first report of some characterizations of this EC-SOD in M. nipponense.     

Influence of temperature on protein utilization in juvenile European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

The aim of this trial was to study the utilization of dietary protein by seabass juveniles with 5.5 g mean body weight, at two water temperatures: 18°C and 25°C. For that purpose, the fish were fed for 12 weeks, four isoenergetic diets with different protein levels (36, 42, 48, and 56%). At the end of the trial, growth rate and feed utilization were significantly better at the higher water temperature. Within each temperature, specific growth rate and feed efficiency were significantly higher with the 48 and 56% protein diets than with the other diets. At 25°C, feed efficiency was also significantly better with the 56% than with the 48% protein diet. N retention (g kg average body weight⁻¹ day⁻¹) was higher at 25°C than at 18°C but, as a % N intake the inverse was true. Although at 25°C N retention (% N intake) was not different among groups, retention in g kg ABW⁻¹ day⁻¹ was significantly higher with the 56% protein diet than with 36 and 42% protein diets. On the contrary, at 18°C N retention (g kg ABW⁻¹ day⁻¹) was similar among groups while as a percentage of N intake it was inversely related to the dietary protein level. Regarding energy utilization, at each temperature, there were no differences among dietary treatments on energy retention (g kg ABW⁻¹ day⁻¹). As a % of energy intake, energy retention significantly increased with the increase of dietary protein level at 25°C, while at 18°C, there were no significant differences among groups. Within each temperature, at the end of the trial, there were no differences among groups in proximate composition of whole fish. Apparent digestibility coefficients of dry matter, protein and energy significantly improved with the increase of water temperature but, within each temperature, there were no significant differences among groups. The results of this study indicate that, regardless of water temperature, the dietary protein requirement for growth seems to be satisfied with a diet containing 48% protein. Growth and feed efficiency were significantly higher at the higher temperature, however, protein utilization was more efficient at the lower temperature.     

Waste excretion characteristics of Manila clams (Tapes philippinarum) under different temperature conditions

Water recirculating systems have been used in the shellfish industry for depuration and wet-storage. Knowledge of shellfish excretion characteristics is critical to recirculating system design. In this study, the excretion rate of total ammonia nitrogen (TAN), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), and 5-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD₅) from Manila clams (Tapes philippinarum) were investigated under both laboratory and commercial conditions. The laboratory tests were conducted under temperatures ranging from 3 to 30°C. The experimental results showed that temperature was a key factor in determining the excretion rate of all the above parameters. The relationship between TAN excretion rate (R_TAN) and temperature (T) can be represented by an exponential function (R_TAN=0.57×1.25^T). For the temperature range between 3 and 20°C, the daily mean excretion rates of TAN, TKN and BOD₅ ranged between 1.5–46.1, 4.8–131.0 and 57.4–219.4 mg per kilogram of the clams (wet weight with shell on), respectively. There were linear correlations between TAN, TKN and BOD₅ production rates. The data presented in this paper can be used to estimate waste generation from a given shellfish processing operation and to size the waste treatment components for a recirculating depuration (or wet-storage) system.     

Performance and operation of a rotating biological contactor in a tilapia recirculating aquaculture system

This paper describes the performance characteristics of an industrial-scale air-driven rotating biological contactor (RBC) installed in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) rearing tilapia at 28 °C. This three-staged RBC system was configured with stages 1 and 2 possessing approximately the same total surface area and stage 3 having approximately 25% smaller. The total surface area provided by the RBC equaled 13,380 m². Ammonia removal efficiency averaged 31.5% per pass for all systems examined, which equated to an average (± standard deviation) total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) areal removal rate of 0.43 ± 0.16 g/m²/day. First-order ammonia removal rate (K₁) constants for stages 1–3 were 2.4, 1.5, and 3.0 h⁻¹, respectively. The nitrite first-order rate constants (K₂) were higher, averaging 16.2 h⁻¹ for stage 1, 7.7 h⁻¹ for stage 2, and 9.0 h⁻¹ stage 3. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) levels decreased an averaged 6.6% per pass across the RBC. Concurrently, increasing influent DOC concentrations decreased ammonia removal efficiency. With respect to dissolved gas conditioning, the RBC system reduced carbon dioxide concentrations approximately 39% as the water flowed through the vessel. The cumulative feed burden – describes the mass of food delivered to the system per unit volume of freshwater added to the system daily – ranged between 5.5 and 7.3 kg feed/m³ of freshwater; however, there was no detectable relationship between the feed loading rate and ammonia oxidation performance.     

Development of a specific pathogen free population of the Chinese fleshy prawn, Fenneropenaeus chinensis: Part II. Secondary quarantine

The Oceanic Institute (OI), in collaboration with researchers from the University of Arizona (UAZ), established a population of specific pathogen free (SPF) Fenneropenaeus chinensis through Secondary Quarantine (SQ) in Kona, Hawaii. Shrimp were 0.38 g (S.D. ± 0.13 g) when they entered the nursery/growout module of the SQ facility. Juveniles from five maternal families were stocked in separate 230-L nursery tanks, as was a sixth family comprised of shrimp from two of the seven original spawns. After tagging, representative shrimp from all six families were stocked in a 50-m² concrete raceway that was enclosed in a biosecure greenhouse. After 155 days in the growout module, mean shrimp weight was 23.4 g (S.D. ± 7.25 g) and females (29.1 ± 4.61 g) were 74% larger than males (16.7 ± 2.44 g). A Sprung Structure™ was erected to enclose the biosecure maturation and hatchery module of the SQ facility. Broodstock were subjected to an acclimation process where they were kept in seawater at 22 °C, followed by a reduction in water temperature of 1 °C/day until the temperature reached 17 °C. At this time, unilateral eyestalk ablation was performed on female broodstock and water temperature was further reduced at the same rate until it reached 12 °C. After 2 weeks, water temperature was raised to 17 °C at a rate of 1 °C/day to induce ovarian development. Production of an F₁ generation of Fe. chinensis was successfully accomplished using artificial insemination, and representative shrimp from this generation have tested negative for all specifically listed pathogens using histology and PCR/RT-PCR. Of particular interest with Fe. chinensis is their cold tolerance. This species may represent a valuable resource for shrimp farmers in temperate and sub-tropical climates to grow a second “winter” crop, thereby increasing production and profitability for the shrimp farmer.     

Pharmacokinetics of oxolinic acid in gilthead sea bream, Sparus aurata L.

This is the first study on the pharmacokinetic parameters of oxolinic acid (OA) in gilthead sea bream, Sparus aurata L. The kinetic profile of OA was studied after a single intravascular injection (20 mg kg⁻¹) in 100 g fish at 20 °C. The distribution half-life ( t _1/2α) and the elimination half-life ( t _1/2β) of the drug were found to be short (0.51 and 12.60 h, respectively). The drug penetration from the plasma to the tissues was adequate as the apparent volume of distribution of the drug at steady-state ( V _d(ss)) was found to be 2.11 L kg⁻¹. The mean residence time ( MRT ) of OA was short (14.25 h) and the total clearance rate ( Cl _T) of the drug was low (0.15 L kg⁻¹ h⁻¹). The bioavailability ( F %) of OA following oral administration (30 mg kg⁻¹) was also low (14%). Maximum values were observed for muscle at 0.5 h after injection, with levels declining as with subsequent sampling. At the first two time points (0.5 and 1 h) plasma levels of OA were higher than muscle, however, the reverse was evident for subsequent samples. Following oral administration, highest muscle levels were found at 16 h and, with the exception of the 24-h sampling, muscle OA concentrations were higher than plasma at all time points. The fast elimination of OA suggests short withdrawal times with reference to human consumption of treated fish.