Striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus,Sauvage, 1878) aquaculture in Bangladesh: an overview

Farming of the striped catfish, Pangasianodon hypophthalmus, is a major aquaculture activity in Bangladesh, particularly in the district of Mymensingh. However, pangasius farm management practices and the socio‐economic impacts of pangasius farming systems in Mymensingh have not yet been adequately described in the literature. This article provides an overview of the present status and characteristics of pangasius culture in Bangladesh based on data from a study conducted in Mymensingh district during 2009. The mean productivity of pangasius was 36.9 MT ha^?1, where 87.9% of the farms produced between 15 and 65 MT ha^?1 of pangasius, with an additional 10–20% Indian major and Chinese carps and Nile tilapia. Pangasius aquaculture in Bangladesh has improved the economic and social status of a variety of stakeholders in communities where the fish is farmed.     

Oral administration of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide enhances the immune system of striped catfish,Pangasianodon hypophthalmus (Sauvage)

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a component of Gram negative bacteria, was reported as important immunostimulant for fish. In this study, striped catfish were fed diets containing different Escherichia coli LPS concentrations (0%, 0.01% and 0.05%) for 2 weeks and then fed control feed (0% LPS) for 4 weeks. Plasma cortisol and glucose were rather low and did not differ significantly among treatments (P > 0.05). The respiratory burst activity, lysozyme, complement, total of antibody as well as mortality in fish challenged with Edwardsiella ictaluri were recorded every 2 weeks (W2, W4 and W6). The lysozyme activity significantly increased in fish treated with LPS (P < 0.05) in W2, W4 and W6. The highest values of respiratory burst activity were observed at week 4 in fish fed 0.01% LPS. There were significant differences in total of antibody between fish fed LPS (0.01%) and control in W2, W4. The challenge test with Edwardsiella ictaluri showed that fish fed 0.01% LPS had lower cumulative mortality (40%, 33% and 42%) compared with the fish fed 0.05% LPS (50%, 40% and 47%) and control fish (40%, 57% and 53%) in the three difference sampling times respectively. These results suggest that feed supplemented with 0.01% LPS could enhance immunity of striped catfish after 2 weeks of oral administration and fish could be protected against bacterial infection during the following 4 weeks.     

Effect of Lactobacillus acidophilussupplementation on growth performances,digestive enzyme activities and gut histomorphology of striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmusSauvage, 1878) juveniles

The influence of dietary supplementation of Lactobacillus acidophilus, on growth performance, digestive enzyme activities, gut histomorphology and gut microflora were evaluated in juveniles striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus). Five experimental diets were formulated by supplementing 0, 10³, 10⁵, 10⁷ and 10⁹ CFU/g L. acidophilus in fishmeal and casein‐based semi‐purified diet. Triplicate groups of striped catfish (21.69 ± 0.18 g) were stocked in 15 fiberglass tanks with stocking density of 25 individuals per tank and fed twice daily at 2.5% of the fish body weight for 12 weeks. Weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio and the protein efficiency ratio were significantly higher in fish fed with 10⁵ and 10⁷CFU/g L. acidophilussupplemented diets compared with the other treatment groups. Compared with the control and fish fed low (10³ CFU/g) L. acidophilus supplementation, those fed with 10⁵ and 10⁷ CFU/g had significantly higher (p < 0.05) apparent protein digestibility. Inclusion of L. acidophilus at 10⁷ CFU/g diet significantly increased amylase, protease and lipase activities. Microscopic analysis showed that the villi length in both the anterior and posterior gut and microvilli length in the posterior gut increased significantly in fish fed L. acidophilus supplementation at 10⁵ and 10⁷ CFU/g of diet. The fish fed L. acidophilus supplemented diets significantly increased the total lactic acid bacteria counts in the gut of striped catfish compared with the control‐fed group. Based on gut histomorphology and growth performance, inclusion of L. acidophilus at 10⁵ CFU/g appears to have the most positive effect on striped catfish farming.     

A comparison of the effect of dietary fungal phytase and dicalcium phosphate supplementation on growth performances,feed and phosphorus utilization of tra catfish juveniles (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus Sauvage, 1878)

Six isonitrogenous (320 g kg^?1) and isolipidic (60 g kg^?1) diets were formulated with graded levels (0, 5, 10 and 15 g kg^?1) of dicalcium phosphate (DCP) and fungal phytase (750 and 1500 FTU kg^?1 diet). Tra catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus), 9.6 g, were fed the diets for 12 weeks. Each experimental diet was fed to eight replicates of fish to apparent satiation. At the end of the trial, fish fed the diets containing 15 g kg^?1 DCP, 750 and 1500 FTU kg^?1 phytase had higher growth performances, protein efficiency ratio and phosphorus retention than those fed the control diet, 5 g kg^?1 DCP and 10 g kg^?1 DCP diets (P < 0.05). Whole body ash and phosphorus concentration of fish fed the 10 g kg^?1 DCP and 15 g kg^?1 DCP diets were significantly higher than those of fish fed the control diet. Higher apparent digestibility coefficient of phosphorus was observed in fish fed the phytase supplemented diets. The present results indicate that supplementation of phytase at 750 FTU kg^?1 and 1500 FTU kg^?1 improves growth performances, feed and phosphorus utilization. The supplementation can completely replace dicalcium phosphate or other phosphorus sources in tra catfish feed and reduce the phosphorus discharge into environment.     

Metabolic and digestive enzyme activity of Pangasianodon hypophthalmus (Sauvage, 1878) fingerlings in response to alternate feeding of different protein levels in the diet

A feeding trial was conducted for 90 days to assess the metabolic and digestive enzyme activity in response to alternate or mixed feeding of different protein levels in the diet of Pangasianodon hypophthalmus fingerlings. One hundred and forty four fingerlings with an average weight of 5.0–5.5 g were distributed into four experimental groups each with triplicate. Four iso‐caloric diets with varying level of crude protein viz., 35%, 30%, 25% and 20% were made and designated as diet 35P, 30P, 25P and 20P respectively. Four treatments were maintained based on four different feeding schedules such as continuous feeding of diet 35P (35P/35P), alternate feeding of 1 day diet 35P next day diet 30P (35P/30P), alternate feeding of 1 day diet 35P next day diet 25P (35P/25P) and alternate feeding of 1 day diet 35P next day diet 20P (35P/20P). As a result, specific growth rate (SGR) and weight gain percentage were relatively higher in treatment (35P/25P) followed by (35P/35P) and (35P/30P). The metabolic enzymes such as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malate dehydrogenase (MDH), glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH), Glucose‐6‐phosphatase (G6Pase), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (ACP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were expressed better in (35P/35P) group followed by (35P/25P) and (35P/30P) groups. The digestive enzymes, protease and lipase activities were higher in (35P/35P) and (35P/25P) groups. The present study revealed that the better nutrient utilization and growth of 35P/25P group is because of their balanced digestive and metabolic enzyme activities through alternate level of higher and lower protein diet.     

Improved vitellogenesis,gonad development and egg diameter in catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) supplemented with turmeric (Curcuma longa) powder

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of supplementing catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) with turmeric (Curcuma longa) on the vitellogenic capacity of the liver as a new method to improve reproductive performance in oviparous animals. The experimental catfish were assigned to a completely randomized design consisting of four doses of supplemental turmeric (0, 1.2, 2.4 and 4.8 g/kg feed) with 10 catfish with body weights ranging from 2 to 4 kg in each group. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 14, 28, 42 and 56 of turmeric supplementation to measure the concentrations of plasma oestradiol‐17ß and vitellogenin. The weights of the body, gonads and liver were measured on days 0, 28 and 56. The fecundities of the catfish were measured on days 28 and 56 of turmeric supplementation, and egg diameters were measured on days 28 and 42. The results showed that catfish supplemented with turmeric at a dose of 2.4 or 4.8 g/kg feed had higher growth rates, higher plasma oestradiol‐17β and vitellogenin concentrations, and higher gonad somatic index values and egg diameters. This is the first report demonstrating that the hepatoprotective activity of the curcumin in turmeric could be used to improve both vitellogenin synthesis, which improves nutrient deposition in the ovulating eggs, and the reproductive performance of teleost fish and oviparous animals.     

Effect of dietary Yucca schidigera extract on growth,total ammonia–nitrogen excretion and haematological parameters of juvenile striped catfish Pangasianodon hypophthalmus

A feeding trial with striped catfish, Pangasianodon hypophthalmus was performed to determine the effect of Yucca schidigera in practical diet on the growth, feed utilization, body composition, total ammonia–nitrogen (TAN) excretion and haematological parameters. A diet with fish meal as the main protein source without yucca extract was used as the control diet (Diet 1). Four diets were formulated with 0.075 (Diet 2), 0.1 (Diet 3) and 0.15 (Diet 4)% of yucca extract respectively. Fifteen fish per tank (initial mean weight 1.78 ± 0.05 g) were randomly allocated to 15 fibreglass tanks (80‐L) connected to a freshwater closed recirculation system (temperature 29.7 ± 1.0°C). The experimental diets were tested in triplicates for 12 weeks. The specific growth rate of fish fed Diet 4 was significantly higher when compared with fish fed Diet 1. The growth of fish fed diets Diet 2 and Diet 3 were not significantly different compared with fish fed the Diet 1. Striped catfish fed Diet 4 had significantly lower feed conversion ratio compared with fish fed Diet 1 and Diet 2 (P < 0.05).The incorporation of high level Yucca schidigera extract in the diets reduced TAN compared with Diet 1. Dietary inclusion of Yucca extract levels did not significantly affect the biometric parameters or whole body proximate composition of the striped catfish (P > 0.05). The PCV (%) in fish significantly increased with high levels of Yucca inclusion (Diet 4) compared with control diet. Fish fed Diet 4 showed significantly higher haemoglobin levels than Diet 1 (P < 0.05). The results indicate that dietary inclusion of Yucca schidigera extract is promising as a feed additive that could improve growth performance and some haematological parameters and the best Yucca schidigera level was 0.15%.     

Effects of dietary Nutrafito Plus on growth,haemotological parameters and total ammonia‐nitrogen excretion of juvenile striped catfish Pangasianodon hypophthalmus

A feeding trial was performed to determine the effect of a commercial source of Yucca schidigera and Quillaja saponaria extracts (Nutrafito Plus^®), in practical diets, on striped catfish Pangasianodon hypophthalmus growth, feed utilization, body composition, total ammonia‐nitrogen (TAN) excretion and haematological parameters. Four experimental diets were supplemented with Nutrafito Plus^® at 0%, 0.01%, 0.02% and 0.03% (diets: control, N01, N02 and N03 respectively). Three replicate groups of striped catfish, with initial mean weight of 1.78 ± 0.05 g, were fed one of the four diets for 12 weeks. The specific growth rate (SGR) and final weight of fish fed diet N03 was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than fish fed the other dietary treatments. The growth performance of fish fed diets N01 and N02 were not significantly different compared to fish fed the control diet. Striped catfish fed diet N03 had improved feed conversion ratio (FCR), net protein utilization (NPU) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) than the control (P < 0.05). The inclusion of the high dietary level of Yucca schidigera and Quillaja saponaria, diet N03, reduced TAN compared to all groups. Dietary inclusion of Yucca schidigera and Quillaja saponaria at all levels investigated did not affect the whole body proximate composition of the striped catfish (P > 0.05). The packed cell volume (PCV) and haemoglobin level in fish fed diet N03 was significantly higher than in the fish fed the control diet. The present study demonstrates that dietary inclusion of Yucca schidigera and Quillaja saponaria induced positive effects on growth performance and haematological parameters and decreased TAN excretion in striped catfish.     

Evaluation of feed utilization and growth performance of juvenile striped catfish Pangasianodon hypophthalmus fed diets with varying inclusion levels of corn gluten meal

A nutrition trial with striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) juveniles was undertaken to evaluate the effect of replacing dietary fishmeal (FM) protein with corn gluten meal (CGM). A diet with FM as the main protein source was used as the control diet (FM). Five experimental diets (approximately 320 g kg^?1 crude protein) were formulated to progressively replace 20% (CGM20), 40% (CGM40), 60% (CGM60), 80% (CGM80) and 100% (CGM100) of FM protein. Fifteen fish per tank (initial weight 11.2 ± 0.6 g) were randomly distributed into 18 80‐litre fibreglass tanks connected to a closed recirculation system (temperature 30.3 ± 1.0 °C). The diets were tested in triplicate for 12 weeks. The final weight and specific growth rate (SGR) of fish fed diets CGM20, CGM40 and CGM60 were not significantly different compared to fish fed the FM diet. Feed intake (FI) tended to decrease with increasing dietary CGM level. Striped catfish fed FM, CGM20 and CGM40 had significantly lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared with fish fed CGM80 and CGM100 (P < 0.05). The protein efficiency ratio (PER) of fish fed the CGM80 and CGM100 diets was significantly lower than those of all other treatments (P < 0.05). Total ammonia‐nitrogen (TAN) excretion increased with elevated dietary CGM inclusion. The viscerosomatic index (VSI) of fish fed the CGM80 and CGM100 diets were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those of fish fed the other treatments. The crude lipid content in the final body composition of the striped catfish was elevated significantly with increasing dietary CGM levels. Fish fed the CGM80 and CGM100 diets displayed haematocrit levels significantly lower (P < 0.05) than those fed the other diets. The haemoglobin content in fish was significantly higher in fish fed CGM20 and lower at CGM100 compared to fish fed the FM diet. The results of the present trial indicated that the optimum level of FM protein replacement with CGM determined by quadratic regression analysis was 25.1% on the basis of maximum SGR.     

Evaluation of soybean meal in the formulated diets for juvenile Pangasianodon hypophthalmus (Sauvage, 1878)

The influence of soybean meal (SBM) on the growth and feed utilization of juvenile sutchi catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus, Sauvage, 1878) was investigated. Eight isonitrogenous (300 g kg^?1 CP) and isoenergetic (18 MJ kg^?1) diets were formulated incorporating Argentine SBM to replace fish meal at 0, 150, 300, 450, 600, 750, 900 and 1000 g kg^?1 dietary protein. Each diet was fed to three replicate groups of fish with an initial weight 6.0–6.2 g for twelve weeks. Growth performance decreased, and feed utilization was worsened with the increase in SBM inclusion in the diets. Final weight and relative growth rate (RGR) of fish fed control diet (0 SBM) were significantly higher than those fed test diets (P < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in the final weight and RGR between the fish fed on 15 SBM, 30 SBM, 45 SBM and 60 SBM diets. Specific growth rate of fish fed 0 SBM, 15 SBM, 30 SBM and 45 SBM diets was significantly higher than those fed other diets. Feed conversion ratio of fish fed 0 SBM, 15 SBM, 30 SBM, 45 SBM and 60 SBM diets was significantly lower than those fed other diets (P < 0.05). The dry matter and protein digestibility were lesser in all the diets in comparison with the control diet. Hepatosomatic index and viscerosomatic index increased with increasing SBM in diet. This present trial indicated that fish meal can be replaced by SBM in the diet of juvenile sutchi catfish only up to 45% of fish meal protein without any adverse effect on growth, feed utilization and body composition.     

Anaesthetic efficacy of eugenol on iridescent shark,Pangasius hypophthalmus (Sauvage, 1878) in different size classes

Anaesthetic efficacy of eugenol was investigated on iridescent shark, Pangasius hypophthalmus. Fish (2, 5, 10 and 20 g) subjected to 20–200 mg L^?1 eugenol and behavioural response as well as induction and recovery times were recorded. Induction and recovery times were significantly affected by eugenol concentration as well as fish weight (P < 0.05). Generally, 27–300 s after exposure to 20–200 mg L^?1 eugenol, iridescent sharks reached stage 3 anaesthesia (suitable for general handling). Fish entered stage 4 anaesthesia (suitable for surgery and blood sampling) over 54–710 s exposure to such concentrations. Recovery time was 109–600 s in all weight classes as well as eugenol concentrations. Mortality (44–100%) was only observed in 2 g fish when subjected to 110–170 mg L^?1 eugenol. This study, for the first time, showed behavioural response of iridescent shark to anaesthesia as well as effectiveness of eugenol as anaesthetic in this important aquaculture‐ornamental species. According to the models obtained in this study, minimum eugenol concentrations to induce anaesthesia over less than 3 min were 53.8–81.5 mg L^?1 in 2–20 g fish. Likewise, maximum eugenol concentrations in which fish recovered over less than 5 min were 65.9–105.8 mg L^?1 in 2–20 g fish.     

An evaluation of fish health‐management practices and occupational health hazards associated with Pangasius catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) aquaculture in the Mekong Delta,Vietnam

This study aimed to evaluate the current status on the use of probiotics, disinfectants and antimicrobials in hatcheries, nurseries and grow‐out farms producing Pangasius catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 83 aquaculture enterprises (15 hatcheries, 32 nurseries and 36 grow‐out farms). Farmers reported use of a total of 24 different antimicrobials, e.g. for treatment of bacillary necrosis and motile aeromonad septicaemia, and a variety of disinfectants, probiotics and nutritional supplements. In contrast to small‐scale farmers, all large‐scale grow‐out farmers studied were certified and therefore had higher levels of formal education and specialized aquaculture training to diagnose and treat diseases. All farmers prepared their own medicated feed with a high risk of treatment failure, negative environmental impact from released antimicrobials and resistance development. Small‐scale farmers were at particular occupational health risks when handling antimicrobials and other chemicals, e.g. mixing medicated feed with bare hands. There is an urgent need to improve knowledge and use innovative approaches, e.g. private‐public partnerships, to assure a prudent use of chemicals, to improve capacity and access to disease diagnosis, particularly for small‐scale grow‐out farmers and nurseries. Efforts to control use of antimicrobials in aquaculture should be coordinated with the livestock and human health sectors taking an One‐Health approach.     

Options to reuse sludge from striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus,Sauvage, 1878) ponds and recirculating systems

This paper compares the quantity and quality of solid waste obtained from traditional ponds and recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) for striped catfish and evaluates methane and compost production from these wastes. Striped catfish sludge was collected from four commercial ponds along the Mekong river and from three indoor RAS. The amount of sludge dry matter produced per kilogram of fish in ponds was 6 times higher than that in RAS. However, the concentration of nutrients in solid waste from RAS was much higher, with better compost quality and higher methane yield than that of sludge from ponds. Out of the collected 381 L biogas, the methane yield of striped catfish’s solid waste in RAS systems was 201 L per kg chemical oxygen demand (COD). In ponds, the collected 267 L biogas yielded 125 L CH₄ per kg COD. The higher methane production from RAS sludge concurred with higher digestibility of COD: 58% for RAS versus 38% for ponds. The quality and quantity of methane from striped catfish sludge were lower than that for other animal manures, and the resulting electricity yield was low. Considering the higher nutrient concentration in RAS-sludge, we recommend the combination RAS and composting in reusing sludge, which is presently the best option for a more sustainable and cleaner striped catfish production system.     

Heavy infection of Ichthyophthirius multifiliis in striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus,Sauvage 1878) and its treatment trial by different therapeutic agents in a control environment

ABSTRACT

Striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) fingerlings were stocked (60 fishes/m³) in cemented square tanks for ornamental fishery purposes at the College Fish Farm in Mangalore. A total of 400 fishes with a mean weight (g) ranging from 3.24 ± 1.21 to 6.70 ± 1.13 and a mean length (cm) of 7.50 ± 0.94 to 9.50 ± 1.10 were examined. A severe outbreak of salt-like granule white spots was found on the body surface. Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, a ciliate pathogen, was identified as the causative agent by clinical signs, wet mount, and histopathological observations. Infected fishes were transferred and equally distributed to the 0.45 m³ glass aquaria and treated with three treatments: (T1) methylene blue + salt; (T2) raising temperature with salt; and (T3) formalin + malachite green. The best fingerling survival (55 ± 9.36%) was obtained by elevated water temperature with salt in T2.     

Intraspecific diversity of Edwardsiella ictaluri isolates from diseased freshwater catfish, Pangasianodon hypophthalmus (Sauvage), cultured in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam

A molecular epidemiology study was conducted on 90 Edwardsiella ictaluri isolates recovered from diseased farmed freshwater catfish, Pangasianodon hypophthalmus, cultured in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. Thirteen isolates of E. ictaluri derived from diseased channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, cultured in the USA were included for comparison. All the E. ictaluri isolates tested were found to be biochemically indistinguishable. A repetitive (rep)‐PCR using the single (GTG)₅ primer was shown to possess limited discriminatory power, yielding two similar DNA profiles categorized as (GTG)₅‐PCR group 1 or 2 among the Vietnam isolates and (GTG)₅‐PCR group 1 within the USA isolates. Macrorestriction analysis identified 14 and 22 unique pulsotypes by XbaI and SpeI, respectively, among a subset of 59 E. ictaluri isolates. Numerical analysis of the combined macrorestriction profiles revealed three main groups: a distinct cluster formed exclusively of the USA isolates, and a major and minor cluster with outliers contained the Vietnam isolates. Antibiotic susceptibility and plasmid profiling supported the existence of the three groups. The results indicate that macrorestriction analysis may be regarded as a suitable typing method among the E. ictaluri species of limited intraspecific diversity. Furthermore, the findings suggest that E. ictaluri originating from Vietnam may constitute a distinct genetic group.     

Dietary ascorbic acid requirement of juvenile ayu (Plecoglossus altivelis)

To investigate dietary ascorbic acid (AA) requirement of juvenile ayu (Plecoglossus altivelis) weighing 1.27 ± 0.02 g, eight diets were formulated with graded levels (0, 20, 40, 80, 160, 320, 640 and 1280 mg AA kg^?1) of AA supplied as ascorbyl polyphosphate. Each experimental diet was fed to four‐replicate groups to apparent satiation three times a day for 8 weeks. At the end of the feeding trial, fish fed AA‐deficient diet showed visible AA deficiency signs and low survival. Based on the four‐parameter saturation kinetics model, the calculated AA requirement levels for each dose‐dependent response [weight gain, hepatic AA concentration, hydroxyproline (HyPro) concentration in skin and HyPro concentration in backbone] were 116, 226, 47 and 35 mg kg^?1, respectively. Based on the maximal growth performance, a level of 116 mg AA kg^?1 was recommended for commercial diet of juvenile ayu. To maintain tissue HyPro saturation and avoid AA deficiency symptoms, the minimum required dietary AA level was 47 mg kg^?1. Hepatic AA saturation was considered as the most stringent criterion for determination of AA requirement.     

Dietary pantothenic acid requirement of fingerling Channa punctatus (Bloch) based on growth,feed conversion,liver pantothenic acid concentration and carcass composition

A 16‐week feeding trial was conducted to determine the dietary pantothenic acid requirement of fingerling Channa punctatus. Six casein–gelatin‐based diets (450 g/kg CP; 18.39 kJ/g GE) with graded levels of pantothenic acid (0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 mg/kg diet) were fed to triplicate groups of fish (6.2 ± 0.71 cm; 4.26 ± 0.37 g) near to apparent satiation. The growth evaluation in terms of absolute weight gain (AWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and protein retention efficiency (PRE) indicated the best performance (p < .05) in fish fed diet containing 30 mg/kg pantothenic acid. Highest haemoglobin, haematocrit and RBCs counts were also obtained in fish fed diet with 30 mg/kg pantothenic acid. Mean cell haemoglobin and mean cell volume were found to be lowest in fish fed pantothenic acid‐free diet indicating the anaemia in this group of fish. Superoxidase dismutase and catalase activities of liver tissue were found to improve (p < .05) with the increasing levels of dietary pantothenic acid from 0 to 30 mg/kg. However, liver pantothenic acid concentration responded positively with the increasing levels of pantothenic acid up to 40 mg/kg diet and then stagnation in liver pantothenic acid concentration with the further inclusion of pantothenic acid was recorded. Second‐degree polynomial regression analysis of AWG, FCR and PRE exhibited the pantothenic acid requirement at 36.4, 32.8 and 34.7 mg/kg diet, respectively. Data generated during this study would be useful in formulating pantothenic acid‐balanced commercial feeds for the intensive culture of this fish.     

Dietary vitamin C requirement of genetically improved farmed Tilapia,Oreochromis Niloticus

A 12‐week growth experiment was conducted to quantify the appropriate dietary vitamin C requirement for GIFT tilapia Oreochromis niloticus. Triplicate groups of 25 experimental tilapia [initial body weight: (70.0 ± 1.6) g] were cultured in 5.6‐m³ aquaria (r = 1.5 m,h = 0.8 m) and fed with semi‐purified diets containing six levels [6.1 (un‐supplemented diet], 23.8, 41.9, 85.1, 167.4 and 339.0 mg kg^?1 diet respectively) of vitamin C (supplied as L‐ascorbyl‐2‐polyphosphate). The results showed that, increasing dietary vitamin C level up to 41.9 mg kg^?1 diet increased weight gain rate of tilapia, beyond which it remained nearly unchanged. Vitamin C contents in liver and muscle presented first increased linearly then tended to reach saturation at high vitamin C (167.4 and 339.0 mg kg^?1) treatments. Muscle collagen content significantly increased with increasing dietary vitamin C levels. Whole‐body lipid content significantly increased, whereas ash content significantly declined, but moisture and crude protein content showed no significant difference with the increasing of dietary vitamin C. The blood chemistry analysis showed that dietary vitamin C had significant effects on enzyme activities of serum alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase. Significant effects were also observed on albumin and total protein content of serum, but haemoglobin content showed no significant differences among all the treatments. The vitamin C requirement for GIFT tilapia was estimated to be 45.0 mg kg^?1 diet based on maximum growth, 114.9 and 118.6 mg kg^?1 diet based on maximum liver and muscle vitamin C concentration respectively.