Effects of dietary levels of protein on growth,feed utilization and physiological parameters for juvenile Dabry's sturgeon,Acipenser dabryanus

Five semi‐purified diets were formulated to contain graded levels of dietary protein (340, 390, 440, 490 and 540 g/kg diet), and each diet was assigned to triplicate groups of eight juvenile Dabry's sturgeon for 50 days. Results showed that specific growth rate increased linearly with increasing dietary protein levels from 340 to 440 g/kg diet, then levelled off at higher protein levels. Higher dietary protein (440 and 540 g/kg) significantly increased the feed intake and feed efficiency ratio of fish compared to lower protein diets (340 to 490 g/kg diet) (p < .05). Fish fed a 440 g protein kg^?1 diet had higher protein efficiency ratio and serum lysozyme activity than other treatments. Serum ammonia content and activities of liver aminotransferase were positively correlated with dietary protein levels. No significant difference (p > .05) among groups was observed in glycogen content. As dietary protein level increased, protein and ash content of fish dorsal muscle were greatly enhanced, whereas lipid content was significantly reduced (p < .05). Based on broken‐line regression analysis of SGR against dietary protein levels, the optimum dietary protein level for maximal growth of juvenile Dabry's sturgeon is 446.68 g/kg diet.     

Effects of dietary retinol acetate on growth performance,skin mucus immune responses and haematological parameters of Caspian roach (Rutilus caspicus)

Three retinol acetate (vitamin A)‐supplemented diets containing 0, 5,000, 10,000 IU kg^?1 diet (in dry weight) were fed twice daily to triplicate groups (50 fish/group) of Caspian roach (Rutilus caspicus) (1.91 ± 0.07 g) for 40 days. At the end of feeding trial, skin mucus antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus faecium, Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli as well as soluble protein level, growth performance and haematological parameters was evaluated. Growth performance including final weight, weight gain, specific growth rate and food conservation ratio as well as the survival rate showed no significant differences between vitamin A‐supplemented diets and control groups (p > .05). The results revealed that the administration of 10,000 IU vitamin A kg^?1 significantly increased skin mucus antibacterial activity (p < .05). Furthermore, the soluble protein level of skin mucus was found to be significantly elevated in roach fed diet containing 10,000 IU vitamin A kg^?1 (p < .05). Evaluation of haematological parameters revealed no significant difference (p > .05), except white blood cell counts that were significantly higher in vitamin A‐fed roach (p < .05). The results of the present study indicate that dietary vitamin A can modulate mucosal immune response of Caspian roach.     

Effect of dietary vitamin C on the growth performance,antioxidant ability and innate immunity of juvenile yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco Richardson)

A 12‐week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary vitamin C on growth performance, antioxidant status and innate immune responses in juvenile yellow catfish, Pelteobagrus fulvidraco. Six isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets (44% crude protein and 7% lipid) were formulated to contain six graded dietary vitamin C (ascorbate‐2‐poly‐ phosphate, ROVIMIX^® STAY‐C^® 35) levels ranging from 1.9 to 316.0 mg kg^?1 diet. The results of present study indicated that fish fed the lowest vitamin C diet had lower weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) than those fed the diets supplemented vitamin C. WG and SGR did significantly increase with dietary vitamin C levels increasing from 1.9 to 156.5 mg kg^?1. However, no significant increase was observed with further dietary vitamin C levels increasing from 156.5 to 316 mg kg^?1. Survival, protein efficiency ratio and feed efficiency were not significantly affected by the dietary vitamin C levels. The activities of serum superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase significantly increased when dietary vitamin C levels increased from 1.9 to 156.5 mg kg^?1, fish fed the lowest vitamin C diet had higher serum malondialdehyde content than those fed the diets supplemented with vitamin C. Fish fed the diet containing 156.5 mg kg^?1 vitamin C had the highest lysozyme, total complement activity, phagocytosis index and respiratory burst of head kidney among all treatments. The challenge test with Aeromonas hydrophila indicated that lower cumulative survival was observed in fish fed the lowest vitamin C diet. Analysis by broken‐line regression of SGR and lysozyme activity indicated that the dietary vitamin C requirement of juvenile yellow catfish was estimated to be 114.5 and 102.5 mg kg^?1 diet, respectively.     

Dietary phosphorus requirement of GIFT strain of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus reared in freshwater

A study was conducted to estimate the optimum requirement of dietary available phosphorus for GIFT strain of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus. Six purified diets were formulated to contain graded levels (0 (control diet), 2.9, 4.8, 7.6, 9.1 and 10.9 g kg^?1 diet) of available phosphorus. Each diet was fed to triplicate groups of 12 fish with initial average weight (46.03 ± 2.14) g for 8 weeks. The results showed that fish fed the three lowest phosphorus diets (0, 2.9 and 4.8 g kg^?1) had significantly lower weight gain rate, specific growth rate (SGR) and feed efficiency than those fed the other diets (P < 0.05). The survival rate of fish fed the control diet was significantly lower than that of the fish fed the other diets (P < 0.05). Whole body viscerosomatic index and crude lipid content decreased significantly with increasing dietary available phosphorus levels (P < 0.05), while the contents of crude ash, calcium, phosphorus in the whole body and vertebrae showed the opposite trend (P < 0.05). The blood chemistry analysis showed that dietary available phosphorus had significant effects on serum phosphorus concentration, enzyme activities of alkaline phosphatase and parathyroid hormone level. Quadratic curve analysis based on SGR indicated that the minimum dietary requirement of available phosphorus for maintaining optimal growth of tilapia was 8.6 g kg^?1.     

Effects of dietary protein and lipid levels with different protein‐to‐energy ratios on growth performance,feed utilization and body composition of juvenile red‐spotted grouper,Epinephelus akaara

An 8‐week feeding trial was conducted to assess dietary protein and lipid levels on growth performance, feed utilization and body composition of juvenile red‐spotted grouper (7.85 ± 0.03 g fish^?1). Nine semi‐purified diets were formulated containing varying protein levels (440–520 g kg^?1, dry matter) and lipid levels (60–120 g kg^?1, dry matter). The weight gain of juvenile Epinephelus akaara was affected by dietary protein (p = .005) and its interaction with dietary lipid (p = .020). Viscerosomatic index, intraperitoneal fat ratio and whole‐body lipid level increased with increasing dietary lipid level (p < .001). Nitrogen retention was not affected by dietary protein and lipid, while lipid retention decreased with increasing dietary lipid level (p < .001). The plasma blood urea nitrogen increased with increasing dietary protein level (p = .003). This study showed that diet with 520 g kg^?1 protein and 60 g kg^?1 lipid with 30.58 mg kJ^?1 P:E provided a maximal growth for this species. Moreover, an increase in dietary lipid levels (from 60 to 90 g kg^?1) could reduce the protein requirement (from 520 to 480 g kg^?1) without affecting the growth performance, while higher fat deposition was observed in fish fed high‐lipid diets.     

The effects of dietary vitamin C on growth performance,serum enzymes activities and resistance to Vibrio alginolyticus challenge of yellow drum Nibea albiflora

A 9‐week feeding trial was conducted to determine the optimal dietary vitamin C requirement and its effects on serum enzymes activities and bacterial resistance in the juvenile yellow drum Nibea albiflora (initial weight 33.2 ± 0.10 g). Six practical diets were formulated containing vitamin C 2.1, 45.3, 89.6, 132.4, 178.6 and 547.1 mg kg^?1 diet supplied as l ‐ascorbyl‐2‐monophosphate. The fish fed 547.1 mg kg^?1 diet showed a significantly higher survival than that fed 2.1 mg kg^?1 diet. The weight gains and specific growth rate of the fish fed 2.1 mg kg^?1 diet were significantly lower than those of the fish fed 89.6–547.1 mg kg^?1 diets. The liver vitamin C concentration firstly increased with increasing dietary vitamin C supply from 2.1 to 178.6 mg kg^?1 diet and then stabilized. The serum superoxide dismutase activities of the fish fed 547.1 mg kg^?1 diet were significantly lower than those of the fish fed 2.1–89.6 mg kg^?1 diet. The fish fed 2.1 mg kg^?1 diet had a significantly higher alkaline phosphatase activity than those in the other groups except the 45.3 mg kg^?1 group. Fish that received diets containing vitamin C at 547.1 mg kg^?1 had significantly higher nitro blue tetrazolium and lysozyme activity, and fish that received diets containing vitamin C at 45.3–547.1 mg kg^?1 exhibited resistance against Vibrio alginolyticus infection. The dietary vitamin C requirement of the juvenile yellow drum was established based on broken‐line model of weight gain to be 142.2 mg l ‐ascorbyl‐2‐monophosphate kg^?1 diet.     

Effects of DL‐methionine supplementation on the success of fish meal replacement by plant proteins in practical diets for juvenile gibel carp (Carassius auratus gibelio)

A ten‐week feeding trail was conducted to investigate the effects of increasing DL‐methionine (Met) supplementation on the success of fish meal (FM) replacement with plant proteins in practical diets for juvenile gibel carp, Carassius auratus gibelio. Twelve isoenergetic diets were formulated including two 150 g kg^?1 FM diets (Diet 1—positive control 1 reflecting a commercial diet and Diet 2—positive control 2 reflecting a commercial diet but with balanced essential amino acid (EAA) profile) and ten 50 g kg^?1 FM diets (negative controls) supplemented with graded levels (0–3.0 g kg^?1) of DL‐Met (Diets 3–12). Each diet was fed to triplicate groups of gibel carp, near satiation four times daily for 10 weeks. Diet 2 with balanced EAA profile produced better final weight, specific growth rate (SGR) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) than the negative control diet containing no supplemental Met (Diet 3), but did not significantly differ from Diet 1. However, DL‐Met supplementation (0.5–3.0 g kg^?1) in the negative control diets (Diets 4–12) produced growth performances similar to those fed the positive control diets (Diets 1 and 2). Based on quadratic regression analysis, the optimal dietary Met level with 5.2 g kg^?1 of dietary cysteine (Cys) was found to be 7.1 g kg^?1 dry diet for SGR and FCR. The corresponding total sulphur amino acid requirements (Met + Cys) of this species were calculated to be 12.3 g kg^?1 dry diet for SGR and FCR. DL‐Met supplementation in 50 g kg^?1 FM diets showed a decreasing trend in plasma cholesterol contents (p < .05). No significant differences were observed in whole‐body composition, plasma protein, triglyceride and free EAA contents among dietary treatments, while plasma aspartate transaminase, albumin and ammonia contents were significantly influenced by dietary Met levels. Juvenile gibel carp grew equally well on 150 g kg^?1 FM diet or 50 g kg^?1 FM diets balanced for EAA profile with supplemental amino acids. The results of this study overall indicate that balancing dietary amino acid levels with DL‐Met supplementation is a key strategy in successfully reducing FM levels in the diets of gibel carp.     

Influence of dietary phosphorus levels on growth,body composition,metabolic response and antioxidant capacity of juvenile snakehead (Channa argus × Channa maculata)

A study was conducted to estimate the optimum requirement of dietary phosphorus (P) for Channa argus × Channa maculata. Effects of dietary P levels on the tissue composition, serum biochemical parameters and antioxidant status were also examined. Five practical diets were formulated to contain graded levels (4.8 g kg^?1, 6.4 g kg^?1, 7.9 g kg^?1, 9.4 g kg^?1 and 11.0 g kg^?1) of available P from dietary ingredients and monocalcium phosphate (MCP). Each diet was randomly assigned to triplicate groups of 30 juvenile fish (initial body weight, 20.50 ± 0.53 g) for 8 weeks. The results showed that the specific growth rate (SGR) and weight gain (WG) were all significantly improved by dietary P up to 9.4 g kg^?1 (P < 0.05) and then levelled off beyond this level. Broken‐line analysis showed maximum weight gain (WG) was obtained at dietary available P concentrations of 9.6 g kg^?1. With the increase in dietary P level, protein efficiency rate (PER) increased significantly and reached a plateau, while the feed conversion ratio (FCR), the mesenteric lipid somatic index (MSI) and the whole‐body lipid content significantly reduced (P < 0.05). Dietary P levels also affected the mineralization (ash and P) of whole body, vertebrae and scale (P < 0.05). Quadratic analysis based on P contents in whole body, vertebrae, scale and ash content in vertebra indicated that the available P requirements were 10.4, 9.8, 10.0 and 10.3 g kg^?1, respectively. However, no differences were found in the whole‐body moisture, crude protein, serum calcium (Ca) contents or Ca/P value, as well as the viscerosomatic index (VSI) and hepatosomatic index (HSI) among all the treatments (P > 0.05). Triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) decreased significantly, while serum P content, HDL‐C/TC and HDL‐C/LDL‐C value increased significantly with dietary available P levels (P < 0.05). No significant changes in superoxide dismutase activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were observed (P > 0.05), but serum catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities and the ratio of CAT/SOD and GPx/SOD increased significantly with increasing dietary P levels (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the optimal P requirement of juvenile snakehead in practical feed was 9.6 g kg^?1. Signs of P deficiency were characterized by poor growth, slightly reduced mineralization and the antioxidant capacity and an increase in body lipid content.     

Inosine supplementation effectively provokes the growth,immune response,oxidative stress resistance and intestinal morphology of juvenile red sea bream,Pagrus major

A feeding trial was conducted to determine effects of dietary inosine on growth, immune responses, oxidative stress resistance and intestinal morphology of juvenile red sea bream. A semi‐purified basal diet supplemented with 0 (D1, control), 2 g kg^?1 (D2), 4 g kg^?1 (D3), 6 g kg^?1 (D4) and 8 g kg^?1 (D5) dietary inosine, respectively, to formulate five experimental diets. Each diet was randomly allocated to triplicate groups of fish (initial weight: 8 g). After 50 days of feeding trial, fish fed diets with 4 g kg^?1 inosine had the highest (p < .05) final weight, weight gain and specific growth rate. Similarly, improved feed intake, feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio were also found at 4 g kg^?1 inosine supplemented group. Some non‐specific immune parameters such as total serum protein, lysozyme activity and bactericidal activity tended to be higher for fish fed diets supplemented with inosine. Peroxidase and catalase activity also influenced (p < .05) by dietary inosine supplementation. Fish fed 2 g kg^?1 and 4 g kg^?1 inosine supplemented diets showed the least oxidative stress condition. Inosine supplementation significantly increased (p < .05) anterior enterocyte height and posterior fold height, enterocyte height and microvillus height compared with control. We concluded that 4 g kg^?1 dietary inosine supplementation effectively provokes growth and health performance of red sea bream by increasing growth, immune response, oxidative stress resistance and intestinal health condition.     

Dietary manganese requirement for juvenile cobia,Rachycentron canadum L

A 10‐week feeding trial was conducted to estimate the optimum dietary manganese requirement for juvenile cobia, Rachycentron canadum L. The basal diet was formulated to contain 501 g kg^?1 crude protein from vitamin‐free casein, gelatin and fish protein concentrate. Manganese sulphate was added to the basal diet at 0 (control group), 6, 12, 18, 24 and 36 mg Mn kg^?1 diet providing 5.98, 7.23, 16.05, 23.87, 28.87 and 41.29 mg Mn kg^?1 diet, respectively. Each diet was randomly fed to three replicate groups of cobia for 10 weeks, and each tank was stocked with 30 fish (initial weight, 6.27 ± 0.03 g). The manganese concentration in rearing water was monitored during the feeding period and was < 0.01 mg L^?1. Dietary manganese level significantly influenced survival ratio (SR), specific growth ratio (SGR), feed efficiency ratio (FER) and the manganese concentrations in the whole body, vertebra and liver of cobia. When the dietary manganese level rose from 5.98 mg kg^?1 to 23.87 mg kg^?1, the superoxide dismutase (SOD; EC 1.15.1.1) activities in liver also increased (P < 0.05). But there was no significant change in SOD activities for the groups fed with diets containing manganese level higher than 23.87 mg kg^?1. On the basis of broken‐line regression of SGR, manganese concentration in whole body and vertebra the manganese requirements of juvenile cobia were 21.72 mg kg^?1, 22.38 mg kg^?1 and 24.93 mg kg^?1 diet in the form of manganese sulphate, respectively.     

Dietary vitamin E could improve growth performance,lipid peroxidation and non‐specific immune responses for juvenile cobia (Rachycentron canadum)

An 8‐week feeding trial was conducted to establish the dietary vitamin E requirement of juvenile cobia. The basal diet was supplemented with 10, 20, 30, 40, 60, 120 mg vitamin E kg^?1 as all‐rac‐α‐tocopheryl acetate. The results indicated that fish fed the diets supplemented vitamin E had significantly higher specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio, feed efficiency and survival rate than those fed the basal diet. It was further observed that vitamin E concentrations in liver increased significantly when the dietary vitamin E level increased from 13.2 to 124 mg kg^?1. Fish fed the basal diet had significantly higher thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances concentrations in liver than those fed the diets supplemented vitamin E. Fish fed the diets supplemented with 45.7 and 61.2 mg kg^?1 vitamin E had significantly higher red blood cell and haemoglobin than those fed the basal diet, while fish fed the diets supplemented with 61.2 and 124 mg kg^?1 vitamin E had higher immunoglobulin concentration than those fish fed the basal diet. Lysozyme and superoxide dismutase were significantly influenced by the dietary vitamin E level. The dietary vitamin E requirement of juvenile cobia was established based on second‐order polynomial regression of weight gain and lysozyme to be 78 or 111 mg all‐rac‐α‐tocopheryl acetate kg^?1 diet, respectively.     

Optimal dietary methionine requirement of juvenile Chinese sucker,Myxocyprinus asiaticus

A total of 630 juvenile Chinese sucker, with an average initial weight of 1.72 ± 0.05 g, were fed seven diets for 56 days to study the effect of dietary methionine levels on growth, feed utilization, body composition and haematological parameters on juvenile Chinese sucker. Diet 1 using fish meal as the sole protein source and diets 2–7 using fish meal and fermented soybean meal as intact protein sources supplemented with crystalline amino acids contained six levels of l ‐methionine ranging from 6.4 to 18.9 g kg^?1 of dry diet at a constant dietary cystine level of 3.7 g kg^?1. Each diet was randomly assigned to three aquaria. Results indicated that the highest weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), feed efficiency ratio, protein efficiency ratio and protein productive value occurred at 13.9 g methionine kg^?1 diet among the methionine supplemented dietary groups, beyond which they showed declining tendency. The whole body and muscle protein contents of juvenile Chinese sucker were positively correlated with dietary methionine level, while muscle lipid content was negatively correlated with it. The total essential amino acids content of muscle was increased significantly with increasing dietary methionine level from 6.4 to 13.9 g kg^?1 (P < 0.05). Apparent digestibility coefficients of dietary protein were significantly affected by dietary treatments. Serum protein, cholesterol and triacylglycerol increased with increasing dietary methionine levels, but showed a relatively lower value for fish fed the 18.9 g methionine kg^?1 diet. Quadratic regression analysis of SGR against dietary methionine level indicated that optimal dietary methionine requirement for juvenile Chinese sucker was 14.1 g kg^?1 of the diet in the presence of 3.7 g kg^?1 cystine (corresponding to 32.0 g kg^?1 of dietary protein on a dry‐weight basis).     

Effects of extruded and pelleted diets with differing lipid levels on growth,nutrient retention and serum biochemical indices of tilapia (Oreochromis aureus × Tilapia nilotica)

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of extruded diets and pelleted diets with varying dietary lipid levels on growth performance and nutrient utilization of tilapia. Six diets, containing three levels of lipid at 40, 60 or 80 g kg^?1 (with the supplemental lipid of 0, 20 or 40 g kg^?1, respectively), were prepared by extruding or pelleting and then fed to tilapia juveniles (8.0 ± 0.1 g) in cages (in indoor pools) for 8 weeks. The results indicated that the fish that were fed the diet with 60 g kg^?1 of lipid had a higher weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), lipid retention (LRE), energy retention (ERE), apparent protein digestibility, apparent dry matter digestibility and a lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) than those fed the diet with 40 g kg^?1 lipid in both the extruded diet and pelleted diet (P < 0.05). As the dietary lipid level increased from 60 to 80 g kg^?1, these parameters were not further improved, even digestibilities of the crude protein and dry matter decreased (P < 0.05). With the dietary lipid level increased, whole‐body lipid content significantly increased (P < 0.05), serum aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total cholesterol and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) tended to increase (P > 0.05), whereas whole‐body protein content, serum triglyceride (TG), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) and HDL‐C/LDL‐C tended to decrease (P > 0.05). Fish fed with the extruded diets had a higher WG, SGR, hepatosomatic index (HSI), PER, protein retention (PRE), LRE, ERE, TG, apparent digestibility of protein and dry matter, as well as a lower FCR, than those fed with the pelleted diets at the same dietary lipid level (P < 0.05). These results suggested that tilapia fed with the extruded diets had a better growth and higher nutrient utilization than fish fed with the pelleted diets, when dietary lipid level ranged from 40 to 80 g kg^?1 and at dietary crude protein level was 280 g kg^?1. The optimum dietary lipid level was 60 g kg^?1 in both the pelleted and extruded diets, and extrusion did not affect dietary lipid requirement of the tilapia.     

Dietary copper requirement of fingerling Channa punctatus (Bloch) based on growth,feed conversion,blood parameters and whole body copper concentration

A 12‐week feeding trial was conducted to estimate the dietary copper requirement of fingerling Channa punctatus. Six casein?gelatin‐based test diets (450 g kg^?1 crude protein; 18.81 kJ g^?1 gross energy) with graded levels of copper as copper sulphate (3.7, 4.7, 5.7, 6.7, 7.7 and 8.7 mg copper equivalent kg^?1 diet) were formulated and fed to triplicate groups of fish (7.25 ± 0.81 cm; 5.21 ± 0.27 g) near to satiation. Fish fed diet with 6.7 mg kg^?1 copper had highest absolute weight gain (AWG; 51.63 g fish^?1), protein efficiency ratio (PER; 1.42 g fish^?1), protein gain (PG; 8.34 g fish^?1), haemoglobin (Hb; 9.68 g dL^?1), haematocrit (Hct; 31.18%) and RBCs (3.24 × 10⁶ × mm^?3). Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was found to be best (1.57) at above level of dietary copper. Whole body copper concentration was found to increase with the increasing levels of dietary copper. Hepatic thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances concentration was found to decrease with increasing dietary concentrations of copper up to 6.7 mg kg^?1 beyond which a reverse trend in this parameter was noted. Broken‐line regression analysis of AWG, FCR and PG concentrations against varying levels of dietary copper yielded the requirement in the range of 6.66–6.78 mg kg^?1. Data generated during this study would be useful in formulating copper‐balanced commercial feeds for the intensive culture of this fish.     

Effect of dietary lipid oxidation with vitamin C and E supplementation on fillet quality of red sea bream,Pagrus major (Temminck & Schlegel) during storage

An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of different levels of dietary vitamin C (VC) and E (VE) supplementation on fillet quality of red sea bream fed oxidized fish oil (OFO). Fish with an average body weight of 205.0 g were fed four test diets for 9 weeks. Control diet contained fresh fish oil (FFO) with 100 mg kg^?1 of VE and 500 mg kg^?1 of VC (FFO100E/500C). The other three diets contained OFO with varying levels of VE (mg kg^?1) and VC (mg kg^?1) (OFO100E/500C, OFO200E/500C and OFO200E/1000C). After feeding trial, two fillets from each fish by hand filleting were stored in a refrigerator at 4°C for 96 h during analyses. Results showed that fish fed OFO increased fillet thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and K‐value, and decreased fillet VC and VE concentrations during storage time. Supplementation of VC did not have any detectable effect on fillet quality. Increasing dietary VE supplementation increased fillet VE concentrations, reduced fillet TBARS and K‐value values of red sea bream. Therefore, we suggest that dietary supplementation of 200 mg kg^?1 of vitamin E could improve fillet oxidative stability of red sea bream fed OFO.     

Effect of dietary protein reduction with lysine and methionnine supplementation on growth performance,body composition and total ammonia nitrogen excretion of juvenile grass carp,Ctenopharyngodon idella

A 63‐day growth trial was undertaken to estimate the effects of supplemented lysine and methionine with different dietary protein levels on growth performance and feed utilization in Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). Six plant‐based practical diets were prepared, and 32CP, 30CP and 28CP diets were formulated to contain 320 g kg^?1, 300 g kg^?1 and 280 g kg^?1 crude protein without lysine and methionine supplementation. In the supplementary group, lysine and methionine were added to formulate 32AA, 30AA and 28AA diets with 320 g kg^?1, 300 g kg^?1 and 280 g kg^?1 dietary crude protein, respectively, according to the whole body amino acid composition of Grass Carp. In the groups without lysine and methionine supplementation, weight gain (WG, %) and specific growth rate (SGR, % day^?1) of the fish fed 32CP diet were significantly higher than that of fish fed 30CP and 28CP diets, but no significant differences were found between 30CP‐ and 28CP‐diet treatments. WG and SGR of the fish fed 32AA and 30AA diets were significantly higher than that of fish fed 28AA diets, and the performance of grass carp was also significantly improved when fed diets with lysine and methionine supplementation (P < 0.05), and the interaction between dietary protein level and amino acid supplementation was noted between WG and SGR (P < 0.05). Feed intake (FI) was significantly increased with the increase in dietary protein level and the supplementation of lysine and methionine (P < 0.05), but feed conversion ratio (FCR) showed a significant decreasing trend (P < 0.05). Two days after total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) concentration test, the values of TAN discharged by the fish 8 h after feeding were 207.1, 187.5, 170.6, 157.3, 141.3 and 128.9 mg kg^?1 body weight for fish fed 32CP, 32AA, 30CP, 30AA, 28CP and 28AA diets, respectively. TAN excretion by grass carp was reduced in plant‐based practical diets with the increase in dietary protein level and the supplementation of lysine and methionine (P < 0.05). The results indicated that lysine and methionine supplementation to the plant protein sources‐based practical diets can improve growth performance and feed utilization of grass carp, and the dietary crude protein can be reduced from 320 g kg^?1 to 300 g kg^?1 through balancing amino acids profile. The positive effect was not observed at 280 g kg^?1 crude protein level.     

Effect of dietary lipids and vitamin E on growth performance,body composition,anti‐oxidative ability and resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila challenge of juvenile Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis

Vitamin E supplement is important in protecting lipid oxidation and enhancing immunity of aquatic animals. A 10‐week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary lipid and vitamin E on juvenile Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis. The experimental diets included three levels of vitamin E (0, 100 and 300 mg kg^?1) and two levels of lipid (6% and 9%). The 9% lipid diet significantly enhanced the body lipid of crabs compared with the 6% lipid diet. The vitamin E concentration of hepatopancreas increased with the increase in vitamin E in the diets regardless of dietary lipid levels. The hepatopancreas fatty acids, especially polyunsaturated fatty acid and highly unsaturated fatty acid, were significantly enhanced by vitamin E supplement or 9% dietary lipid. Vitamin E supplement significantly increased the total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, lysozyme and phenoloxidase activities of crabs compared with those fed the diets without vitamin E supplement. The hepatopancreas malondialdehyde of crabs fed 100 mg vitamin E kg^?1 was significantly lower than those fed 0 or 300 mg vitamin E kg^?1. The phenoloxidase activity of crabs fed the 9% lipid diet was significantly higher than those fed 6% lipid, irrespective of vitamin E levels. Vitamin E supplementation increased the bacterial resistance of juvenile crab. This study indicates that dietary lipid and vitamin E supplement do not affect crab growth and survival, but vitatmin E supplement at 100 mg kg^?1 can enhance immunity and antioxidant capacity of crab fed 6% or 9% dietary lipids.     

Dietary leucine requirement of Juvenile Nile tilapia,Oreochromis niloticus

An 8‐week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary leucine on growth performance, feed utilization, body composition and non‐specific immune responses of juvenile Nile tilapia. Five isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were formulated to contain graded levels of L‐leucine (5.3, 8.1, 10.9, 13.2, 15.6 and 18.1 g kg^?1 diet, respectively) from dietary ingredients and crystalline L‐leucine. Each diet was randomly assigned to triplicate groups of 20 juvenile fish (1.94 ± 0.01 g) three times daily to apparent satiation. Results showed that the weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) increased as dietary leucine concentrations increased from 5.3 to 13.2 g kg^?1 and then decreased slightly with further increase in dietary leucine concentrations. Quadratic regression analysis (y = ?522.6x² + 1304.x + 132.6, R² = 0.684) on weight gain against dietary leucine levels indicated that the optimal dietary leucine requirement was estimated to be 12.5 g kg^?1 diet (corresponding to 43.1 g kg^?1 of dietary protein). Leucine supplementation had no impact on the survival and body composition of tilapia. Serum lysozyme activity of fish fed diet containing 13.2 g kg^?1 leucine significantly increased compared to fish fed diet containing 5.3 g kg^?1. Serum superoxide dismutase activity and immunoglobulin M (IgM) concentration were not significantly affected by dietary leucine supplementation.     

Dietary available phosphorus requirement for on‐growing gibel carp (Carassius auratus gibelio var. CAS III)

A nine‐week feeding experiment was conducted in flow‐through system with gibel carp (43.8 ± 0.2 g) to study the effects of dietary available phosphorus (P) on growth, phosphorous digestibility and intestinal enzyme activities. Seven semipurified diets were formulated to contain 0.8 (the basal), 2.4, 3.6, 6.1, 7.4, 10.1 and 15.8 g available phosphorus kg^?1 diet. The results showed that specific growth rate and feed efficiency increased with increasing dietary available P from 0.8 to 7.4 g P kg^?1. Fish body ash increased with increasing dietary available P, while moisture, protein content or energy content had no difference. Total phosphorus waste discharging (TPW) increased with increased dietary phosphorous. Plasma glucose was higher in the fish fed with 7.4 g kg^?1 P. Plasma triglycerides was lower in fish fed diets containing 6.1–10.1 g kg^?1 P. No significant effects were observed in plasma P and Ca (p > .05). The activities of intestinal amylase, lipase and trypsin showed no difference, while AKP and Na⁺, K⁺‐ATPase activities decreased with increasing dietary available P. In conclusion, based on the regression between specific growth rate (SGR), P retention efficiency, feed efficiency (FE) and dietary available P, the available P requirements for on‐growing gibel carp were 10.69, 8.22 and 6.72 g kg^?1, respectively.     

Dietary vitamin A requirements of juvenile Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus

A 70‐day feeding experiment was conducted to assess the dietary vitamin A (VA) requirements of juvenile Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus). Six semi‐purified diets with VA supplementations of 0, 5000, 10 000, 15 000, 20 000 and 25 000 IU kg^?1 were fed twice a day to triplicate groups of 20 juveniles per tank with an initial weight of 1.59 ± 0.01 g (mean ± SE). Weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) increased as dietary VA increased up to 10 000 IU kg^?1. Significantly lower WG and SGR were observed for the 0 IU kg^?1 treatment than for treatments of 5000, 10 000 and 15 000 IU kg^?1. Highest WG and SGR were observed in fish fed 10 000 IU kg^?1; slightly lower values were recorded in fish fed 15 000, 20 000 or 25 000 IU kg¹. No significant difference was observed in survival rate among treatments. Whole body total lipid was significantly higher in fish fed 0 and 5000 IU kg^?1 than for other levels. Reduced growth and small livers were observed as signs of VA deficiency in fish fed 0 IU kg^?1. Slightly reduced growth and pale fragile livers were observed as effects of VA excess in fish fed 25 000 IU kg^?1. Total retinol contents in liver and eyes increased with increasing levels of dietary VA. No retinol was detected in livers, and significantly lower total retinol content was observed in eyes, of fish fed 0 IU kg^?1. WG analysed by the broken line method indicated that an optimum dietary VA requirement of 9000 IU kg^?1.