Carbohydrate level in the diet of silver barb, Puntius gonionotus (Bleeker) fingerlings: effect on growth, nutrient utilization and whole body composition

Five iso-nitrogenous (300 g crude protein kg⁻¹ diet) semi-purified diets with graded levels of carbohydrate at 220 (D-1), 260 (D-2), 300 (D-3), 340 (D-4) and 380 (D-5) g kg⁻¹ diet were fed ad libitum to Puntius gonionotus fingerlings (average weight 0.59±0.01 g) in triplicate groups (20 fish replicate⁻¹) for a period of 90 days to determine the effect of the dietary carbohydrate level on the growth, nutrient utilization, digestibility, gut enzyme activity and whole-body composition of fish. Fifteen flow-through cement tanks of 100 L capacity with a flow rate of 0.5 L min⁻¹ were used for rearing the fish. The maximum weight gain, specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio, RNA:DNA ratio, whole-body protein content, protease activity, protein and energy digestibility and minimum feed conversion ratio (FCR) were found in the D-2 group fed with 260 g carbohydrate kg⁻¹ diet. The highest protein and energy retention was also recorded in the same group. However, from the second-order polynomial regression analysis, the maximum growth and nutrient utilization of P. gonionotus fingerlings was 291.3–298.3 g carbohydrate kg⁻¹ diet at a dietary protein level of 300 g kg⁻¹ with a protein/energy (P/E) ratio of 20.58 −20.75 g protein MJ⁻¹.     

Effects of dietary supplementation of fructooligosaccharide on growth performance,body composition,intestinal enzymes activities and histology of blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala) fingerlings

A feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary fructooligosaccharide (FOS) on growth performance, body composition, intestinal enzymes activities and histology of fingerling Megalobrama amblycephala. A total of 1200 fish (1.42 ± 0.01 g) were fed diets containing graded levels of FOS (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 8 g kg⁻¹ diet) for 8 weeks in a recirculating system indoor. The weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR) and survival rate were all improved in dietary supplementation of FOS fed fish. Increasing FOS levels resulted in both higher whole‐body lipid and lower moisture contents, whereas ash and protein contents showed no significant differences among all the treatments. Intestinal amylase, protease, Na⁺, K⁺‐ATPase, alkaline phosphatase, γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase and creatine kinase activities all increased with dietary FOS levels up to 4 g kg⁻¹ (P < 0.05). Transmission electron microscopy analysis indicated that microvilli length in the mid‐intestine was significantly increased with increased dietary FOS levels (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation of FOS could confer benefits on growth performance, intestinal digestive and absorptive ability, histology of fingerling Megalobrama amblycephala.     

Effect of dietary lipid level on growth, feed utilization and body composition by juvenile grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)

A study was undertaken to determine the effect of dietary lipid level on growth, feed efficiency and body chemical composition of juvenile grass carp. Seven isonitrogenous diets (400 g kg^?1 crude protein) containing seven dietary lipid level (0, 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 and 120 g kg^?1 dry matter) were fed to triplicate groups of 40 fish with initial weight 6.52 g, for 70 days. No obvious and assured essential fatty acid deficiency symptom appeared in fish fed the lipid‐free diet. Excess dietary lipid level (100 and 120 g kg^?1) resulted in decreased feed intake. The best growth performance and feed utilization was observed in fish fed 20–40 g kg^?1 dietary lipid. The fish fed a lipid‐free diet had the lowest protein efficiency and protein retention. Growth performance and feed utilization increased with the increasing dietary lipid levels up to 40 g kg^?1 dietary lipid. Higher dietary level (above 40 g kg^?1) made growth performance and feed utilization decrease and no protein sparing effect was observed. Lipid retention decreased as dietary lipid level increased. Mesenteric fat index (MFI) increased, hepatosomatic index (HSI) decreased with dietary lipid level. The increased MFI and simultaneous decrease lipid retention can be explained by differences in growth. The effect of dietary lipid levels on the chemical composition of tissues was significant only for whole body and muscle. The excess lipid content of liver in all groups was regarded as a slight symptom of fatty liver, which was partly identified by microscopic structural study and lower plasma lipid indexes, comparing to the initial plasma data. In conclusion, grass carp is a fish with low energy requirement and excess dietary lipid level should be avoided.     

饲料糖水平对眼斑双锯鱼幼鱼生长性能和体成分的影响

为确定眼斑双锯鱼(Amphiprion ocellaris)幼鱼人工配合饲料的适宜糖水平,研究了糖水平为4.4%、8.4%、12.2%、16.1%、20.5%、24.5%和28.4%的人工饲料对眼斑双锯鱼幼鱼生长、饲料转化率和体成分的影响。结果显示,随着糖水平的升高,幼鱼增重率(WG)和特定生长率(SGR)呈先增加后降低趋势。回归分析表明,糖水平16.49%时WG最大;糖水平16.73%时SGR最大。饲料系数(FCR)随糖水平增加呈现先下降后上升的趋势,而蛋白质效率(PER)、蛋白质沉积率(PRR)和脂肪沉积率(LRR)的变化则相反。回归分析显示,糖水平9.20%时FCR最小;糖水平8.57%时PER最大;糖水平10.97%时PRR最大;糖水平14.12%时LRR最大。全鱼粗脂肪质量分数随糖水平升高而增加,糖水平20.5%时达到最高水平后略有下降。综合生长参数与糖水平的回归分析结果,眼斑双锯鱼生长最快的糖添加量为16.49%~16.73%;综合饲料效率参数与糖水平的回归分析结果,饲料效率最高的糖添加量为8.57%~14.12%。     

Effects of dietary phosphorus and starch levels on growth performance,body composition and nutrient utilization of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella Val.)

Six iso‐nitrogenous (410 g kg^?1) diets with three levels of total phosphorus (P4, P10 and P18 g kg^?1) and two levels of starch (S200 and S350 g kg^?1) were fed to triplicate groups of 30 fish to evaluate whether the high level of dietary phosphorus could improve the utilization of starch. Over 8‐week‐growth trial, best weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) (P < 0.05) were observed in fish fed the P10/S200 and P18/S200 diets. WG and SGR significantly decreased as starch levels increased whereas for P4, while lipid contents of liver and whole body, hepatosomatic index and intraperitoneal fat ratio (IPF) significantly increased. These results suggested that high dietary starch will depress the growth performance and cause lipid accumulation. Within both starch levels, fish fed diet with P4 tended to produce lower (P < 0.05) WG and SGR, and had higher (P < 0.05) values of IPF. The whole body lipid, ash, calcium, phosphorus and iron contents were significantly affected by dietary phosphorus levels. Supplied phosphorus could improve the growth and decrease the whole body lipid, but there is no more effect after the phosphorus requirement was met at 10 g kg^?1.     

Effects of dietary protein and lipid levels on growth, feed conversion and body composition in rohu, Labeo rohita (Hamilton), fingerlings

Twelve experimental diets (D‐1 to D‐12) in a 4 × 3 factorial design (four protein levels: 250, 350, 400 and 450 g kg^?1 and three lipid levels: 50, 100 and 150 g kg^?1) were formulated. Carbohydrate level was constant at 250 g kg^?1. Rohu fingerlings (average wt. 4.3 ± 0.02 g) were fed the experimental diets for 60 days in three replicates at 2% BW  day^?1. Weight gain (%), specific growth rate (% day^?1) and feed gain ratio (FGR) indicated that diets containing 450 g kg^?1 protein and 100 or 150 g kg^?1 lipid (diets D‐11 and D‐12) resulted in best performance, although results were not significantly different from those of diet D‐9 (400 g kg^?1 protein and 150 g kg^?1 lipid). Protein efficiency ratio was highest with diets D‐6 (350 g kg^?1 protein and 150 g kg^?1 lipid) and D‐9 (400 g kg^?1 protein and 150 g kg^?1 lipid) (P > 0.05) and declined with higher and lower protein diets at all levels of lipid tested. Elevated lipid level (50, 100 or 150 g kg^?1) did not produce better FGR in diets containing 400 and 450 g kg^?1 dietary protein (P > 0.05). The combined effects of protein and lipid were evident up to 400 g kg^?1 protein. Growth and FGR showed consistent improvement with increased lipid levels from 50 to 150 g kg^?1 at each protein level tested except with diets containing 450 g kg^?1 protein. Apparent nutrient digestibility (for protein, lipid and energy) did not show significant variation among different dietary groups (P > 0.05). Whole body protein and lipid contents increased significantly (P > 0.05) with dietary protein level. The results of this study indicate that rohu fingerlings are adapted to utilize high protein in diets with varying efficiency. The fish could utilize lipid to spare protein but there is no significant advantage from this beyond the dietary protein level of 350–400 g kg^?1 in terms of growth and body composition.     

Influence of dietary protein levels on growth performance and body composition of African bonytongue fingerlings,Heterotis niloticus (Cuvier, 1829)

Two experiments were conducted to examine the influence of dietary protein levels on growth and carcass proximate composition of Heterotis fingerlings. Four isoenergetic practical diets were formulated to contain dietary protein levels from 250 to 400 g kg^?1 diet. Replicate groups of young Heterotis (initial live weight 3.96 and 26.40 g in experiments 1 and 2 respectively) were handfed twice daily to apparent satiation for a period of 42 and 28 days respectively. Statistical analysis revealed that growth rate was significantly affected by dietary protein level (P < 0.01). The highest weight gain was observed in fingerlings fed with 300 and 350 g protein kg^?1 diet for fish size ranging between 3–15 and 26–62 g respectively. There was no significant difference between groups fed with 300, 350 and 400 g protein kg^?1 diet for Heterotis fingerlings (3–15 g) in the one hand; in the other hand, significant differences were found between fish (26–62 g) fed with 350 g protein kg^?1 diet and those receiving 300 and 400 g protein kg^?1 diet, with no significant difference between each other. The specific growth rate varied from 2.4% to 3.1% day^?1. The whole‐body protein, lipid, moisture and ash contents were not significantly affected by dietary protein levels (P > 0.05). The relationships between percentage weight gain and dietary protein levels suggested very similar dietary protein requirement (about 310 g crude protein kg^?1 diet) for Heterotis ranging from 3 to 62 g. The maximum growth occurred at about 345 g protein kg^?1 diet.     

饲料中不同蛋白含量对斑节对虾幼虾生长及消化酶的影响

选用鱼粉、豆粕和大豆浓缩蛋白为主要蛋白源,配置6个蛋白质水平梯度(36%、38%、40%、42%、44%、46%)的饲料,对斑节对虾幼虾(1.03±0.02 g)进行56 d养殖实验,研究饲料中不同蛋白含量对斑节对虾幼虾生长及消化酶活性的影响。结果表明,(1)摄食40%蛋白饲料的斑节对虾的增重率(417.35%)和特定生长率(2.93%·d-1)获得最大值并显著高于36%蛋白饲料组(P<0.05),但与其它各组无显著差异。饲料蛋白水平在38%时的饲料系数(1.88)最低且与44%和46%蛋白饲料组存在显著性差异(P<0.05)。(2)虾体蛋白含量在44%饲料蛋白组最高,且显著高于36%、38%和42%组(P<0.05)。(3)斑节对虾的蛋白质表观消化率在42%蛋白组最高,44%和46%蛋白饲料组的蛋白质效率显著低于36%～42%蛋白饲料组(P<0.05)。(4)随着蛋白水平的提高,斑节对虾的蛋白酶活性呈现由高到低波动的趋势;淀粉酶活性随着饲料蛋白含量的升高而呈下降趋势,胃淀粉酶活性在38%～42%蛋白饲料组显著高于36%蛋白饲料组(P<0.05),肠淀粉酶活性在42%蛋白饲料组显著高于其它各组(P<0.05)。通过饲料中蛋白质含量与增重率的回归分析,斑节对虾幼虾饲料蛋白的适宜含量为39.70%。     

Effect of dietary riboflavin on growth,feed utilization,body composition and intestinal enzyme activities of juvenile Jian carp (Cyprinus carpio var. Jian)

A total of 1050 Jian carp, Cyprinus carpio var. Jian (23.39 ± 0.06 g) were randomly divided into seven groups of each three replicates, which were fed respectively with seven semi‐purified diets contained 1.25, 2.71, 4.22, 5.78, 7.23, 8.83 and 11.44 mg riboflavin kg^?1 diet for 6 weeks. The results showed that riboflavin significantly improved percent weight gain, specific growth rate, feed efficiency and protein efficiency ratio at the level of 4.22 mg kg^?1 diet. Gross protein retention efficiency and lipid production value improved with increasing dietary riboflavin levels from 1.25 to 5.78 mg kg^?1. Activities of trypsin, lipase, α‐amylase, Na⁺,K⁺‐ATPase and alkaline phosphatase in the intestinal tract were significantly improved with increasing riboflavin levels. Weight and protein content of hepatopancreas, intestine protein and intestine length index were also significantly improved.     

Effect of dietary protein, lipid and carbohydrate ratio on growth, feed efficiency and body composition of pikeperch Sander lucioperca fingerlings

Pikeperch Sander lucioperca fingerlings were fed nine practical diets containing three levels of protein (P=34%, 43% and 50%), lipid (L=10%, 16% and 22%) and carbohydrate (C=10%, 15% and 20%) for 10 weeks in a recirculating water system at 23°C. Dietary treatments were distributed by orthogonal design with dietary energy content ranging from 15.5 to 23.1 MJ kg^?1 diet. Significant differences (P<0.05) in weight gain (%) and feed efficiency (FE) were observed after feeding trial. Relatively low growth and FE were found in fish fed diets containing 34% dietary protein level compared with that of fish fed diets with 43–50% protein levels, suggesting that 34% dietary protein probably is below the protein requirements of pikeperch fingerlings. Fish fed diets containing P43L10C15, P43L22C20 and P50L16C20 had significantly (P<0.05) higher weight gain and FE than fish fed the diets containing other dietary P/L/C ratios. There was no significant difference in weight gain and FE between fish fed diets of P43L10C15, P43L22C20 and P50L16C20. These results may indicate that pikeperch require at least 43% of dietary protein for adequate growth and FE, and considering the fish growth and feed ingredient cost P43L10C15 diet is more cost‐effective formulation for pikeperch fingerling. However, protein efficiency was not significantly affected by dietary P/L/C ratio.     

Effect of different sources and forms of dietary carbohydrates on growth performance,body indices and lipogenesis activity of striped catfish Pangasianodon hypophthalmus fingerlings

A 12‐week feeding trial was conducted to determine a suitable carbohydrate source and form for Pangasianodon hypophthalmus. Ten isoenergetic, isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets, including five carbohydrate sources (dextrin, potato starch, wheat starch, corn starch and sago starch) and two carbohydrate forms (raw and cooked), were formulated. Results showed that specific growth rate, weight gain percentage, whole‐body lipid and 6‐phosphogluconate dehydrogenase enzyme activity of fish fed with cooked carbohydrates were significantly lower (p < .05) than those fed with raw carbohydrates (p < .05). Similarly, the fatty acid synthase enzyme activity of fish fed with the cooked form of carbohydrates was significantly lower (p < .05) than that fed with the raw form of carbohydrates except fish fed with cooked potato starch. The blood glucose level and malic enzyme activity of fish fed with cooked carbohydrate were significantly (p < .05) higher than those fed with raw carbohydrate. In summary, this study showed that cooked starch is an unsuitable dietary carbohydrate form for Pangasianodon hypophthalmus fingerlings. The raw forms of dextrin starch and potato are suitable dietary carbohydrate sources for further scientific studies on the carbohydrate utilization of P. hypophthalmus.     

Effect of dietary cadmium level on the growth,body composition and several hepatic enzymatic activities of juvenile yellow catfish,Pelteobagrus fulvidraco

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary cadmium (Cd) level on the growth, body composition and several enzymatic activities of juvenile yellow catfish, Pelteobagrus fulvidraco. The experimental diets were formulated with CdCl₂·2.5H₂O at levels of 0, 0.01, 0.1 and 1.0 g kg^?1 diet, resulting in four dietary Cd levels of 0.25 (control), 4.92, 48.57 and 474.7 mg Cd kg^?1 diet respectively. They were fed to juvenile yellow catfish (mean initial weight: 3.26±0.07 g, mean±SD) for 4 weeks. Weight gain, specific growth rate, feed intake and protein efficiency ratio tended to decline with increasing dietary Cd levels (P<0.05). In contrast, the feed conversion ratio was the lowest when the dietary Cd level was 0.25 mg Cd kg^?1 diet. Dietary Cd levels significantly influenced body composition and Cd accumulation. Whole body and vertebrae Cd content generally increased as the dietary Cd levels increased (P<0.05). However, muscle Cd content was detected only in fish fed the diets containing the highest Cd level of the diet (P>0.05). Hepatic alkaline phosphatase, glutathione peroxidase and lactate dehydrogenase activities increased (P<0.05) with increasing dietary Cd level. Succinate dehydrogenase was very variant and not related to dietary treatments. Malic dehydrogenase activity showed no significant differences among the treatments (P>0.05). The present study provided for the first time the toxic assessment of dietborne Cd in yellow catfish, based on growth performance and the changes in hepatic enzymatic activities for the fish species.     

Effect of different oil cake sources on growth, nutrient retention and digestibility, muscle nucleic acid content, gut enzyme activities and whole-body composition in silver barb, Puntius gonionotus fingerlings

Six iso‐nitrogenous (30% crude protein) and iso‐energetic (15 kJ g⁻¹) diets were prepared using different oil cake sources, viz. groundnut, soybean, sunflower, sesame, mustard and mixed oil cakes as major ingredients, and protein sources along with a minimum of 5% fish meal in each diet and were fed to silver barb Puntius gonionotus fingerlings (16.20±0.11 g) ad libitum four times a day close to an apparent satiation level for a period of 60 days to determine the effect of diets on growth, nutrient utilization, apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) of the nutrients in the diets, gut enzyme activity, muscle nucleic acid content and whole‐body chemical composition of fish. Significantly higher (P<0.05) weight gain, specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio, nutrient retention, ADC of nutrients in the diets, DNA:RNA ratio, protease and amylase activity with lower (P<0.05) feed:gain values were recorded in fish‐fed groundnut and soybean oil cake‐based diets than other diets tested. Among the dietary treatment groups, significantly higher (P<0.05) whole‐body protein, lipid and energy were also found in groundnut oil cake‐ and soybean oil cake‐based diets. The study suggests that the groundnut and soybean oil cake‐based diets, which led to significantly higher (P<0.05) growth and nutrient utilization than the other oil cake‐based diets in P. gonionotus fingerlings, may be used for pond culture of this species.     

Effect of dietary carbohydrate‐to‐lipid ratios on growth performance,body composition,nutrient utilization and hepatic enzymes activities of herbivorous grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)

Six isonitrogenous (390 g kg^?1) and isoenergetic (16.2 kJ g^?1) diets with varying carbohydrate : lipid (CHO : L) ratios (202.5–1.74), were fed to triplicate groups of 25 fish in indoor recirculation system. Over 8‐week‐growth trial, best weight gain (WG), specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio and protein production value (P < 0.05) were observed in fish‐fed diets with CHO : L ratio of 7.5. Fish fed either the lowest (1.7) or highest (202.5) CHO : L ratio tended to produce lower (P < 0.05) growth and feed conversion efficiencies. The values of viscerosomatic index, hepatosomatic index and intraperitoneal fat ratio increased as dietary CHO : L ratios decreased. There were no significant differences in whole body and liver crude protein among dietary treatments. Whole body and liver lipid increased as CHO : L ratios decreased. Plasma cholesterol and triacylglyceride levels increased linearly as dietary CHO : L ratios decreased. Activities of glucokinase and pyruvate kinase were stimulated by elevated levels of dietary carbohydrate; however, activities of lipase (LPS) and alkaline phosphatase were stimulated by elevated levels of dietary lipid. Based on a second‐order polynomial regression analysis of WG against dietary carbohydrate and lipid levels, 275 g kg^?1 of carbohydrate and 59 g kg^?1 of lipid, corresponding to a CHO : L ratio of 4.7, in a diet holding 390 g kg^?1 of crude protein and 16.3 kJ g^?1 of gross energy, proved to be optimal for grass carp. These results indicated that utilization of dietary lipid and carbohydrate was moderate in grass carp, but the fish were a little more capable of utilizing lipid compared with carbohydrate.     

不同脂肪源对异育银鲫鱼种生长、消化率及体成分的影响

为了探讨不同脂肪源对异育银鲫生长、消化率和体成分的影响,在基础饲料中分别添加4%的鱼油、豆油、猪油、花生油和混合油(鱼油∶豆油∶猪油=3∶4∶3)制成5种等氮试验饲料,饲喂均重为(6.04±0.05)g的异育银鲫60d。结果表明,混合油组的增重率、特定生长率(SGR)显著高于鱼油组和猪油组(P<0.05),但与其他组无显著差异(P>0.05);蛋白质效率(PER)、饲料系数(FCR)各组间均无显著性差异(P>0.05);豆油组的肠体比显著高于鱼油组和猪油组(P<0.05);猪油组的肝体指数(HSI)显著高于鱼油组(P<0.05),猪油组的内脏指数显著高于混合油组(P<0.05);不同脂肪源对肥满度的影响不显著(P>0.05);鱼体肌肉中水分、粗蛋白、粗脂肪、粗灰分和磷各组间差异不显著(P>0.05);猪油组肝脏中粗脂肪含量显著高于鱼油组和花生油组(P<0.05);肝脏中粗蛋白鱼油组和豆油组显著高于猪油组和花生油组(P<0.05);猪油组粗蛋白和粗脂肪的表观消化率显著低于其他各组(P<0.05)。研究结果显示,当豆油和花生油单独添加时,与添加鱼油组表现出相似的生长性能、表观消化率和体成分,而单独添加猪油,鱼体对...     

Effects of dietary protein and lipid levels on growth,feed utilization and body composition in Pseudobagrus ussuriensis fingerlings

An 8‐week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the optimum dietary protein and lipid levels for growth, feed utilization and body composition of Pseudobagrus ussuriensis fingerlings (initial weight: 3.40 ± 0.01 g). Twelve diets containing four protein levels (350, 400, 450 and 500 g kg^?1 crude protein) and three lipid levels (50, 100 and 150 g kg^?1 crude lipid) were formulated. Fish were randomly allotted to 36 aquaria (1.0 × 0.5 × 0.8 m) with 25 fish to each glass aquarium. Fish were fed twice daily (08:00 and 16:00) to apparent satiation. The results showed that weight gain and specific growth rate (SGR) decreased with increasing dietary lipid level from 50 to 150 g kg^?1 at the same dietary protein level. Fish fed the diets containing 150 g kg^?1 lipid exhibited higher feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05), lower protein efficiency ratio (PER) and nitrogen retention efficiency (NRE) relative to fish fed the diet containing 50 and 100 g kg^?1 lipid. Weight gain and SGR significantly increased with increasing dietary protein from 350 to 450 g kg^?1 at the same dietary lipid level, and even a little decline in growth with the further increase in dietary protein to 500 g kg^?1. Daily feed intake, NRE and PER were significantly affected by both dietary protein and lipid levels (P < 0.05) and tended to decrease with increasing dietary protein and lipid levels. Whole‐body protein content increased as protein levels increased and lipid levels decreased. Whole‐body lipid and muscle lipid content increased with increasing dietary lipid level, and decreased with increasing dietary protein at each lipid level. There was no significant difference in condition factor and viscerosomatic index among fish fed the diets. Hepatosomatic index was affected by dietary lipid level (P < 0.05), and increased with increasing dietary lipid level at the same protein level. These results suggest that the diet containing 450 g kg^?1 protein and 50 g kg^?1 lipid with a P/E ratio of 29.1 mg protein kJ^?1 is optimal for growth and feed utilization of P. ussuriensis fingerlings under the experimental conditions used in the study.     

Effects of dietary protein on growth performance,nutrient utilization,digestive enzymes and physiological status of grey mullet,Mugil cephalus L. fingerlings reared in inland saline water

A 60 days feeding trial was conducted to illustrate the effect of graded levels of protein on the growth and metabolic enzymes of grey mullet (Mugil cephalus L.) fingerlings reared in inland saline water (ISW). Six isoenergetic (16 MJ/kg) and isolipidic (60 g/kg) diets containing 240, 260, 280, 300, 320 and 340 g crude protein (CP)/kg diet were formulated and fed to triplicate. Weight gain %, specific growth rate, protein utilizing efficiency, feed efficiency and RNA:DNA ratio were significantly higher (p < .05) in 320 and 300 g CP/kg diets. Fish fed with 240 g CP/kg diet showed significantly higher (p < .05) feed intake, whole‐body lipid content, hepatosomatic index value and liver glycogen content. Transaminase enzymes and malate dehydrogenase activities were elevated in fish fed 340 g CP/kg diet. Protease activity increased with increasing dietary CP level, but amylase activities showed an inverse relationship. No significant (p > .05) variations were observed for lactate dehydrogenase, oxidative stress enzymes, blood parameters and serum osmolality among all the treatment groups, but red blood cell count increases with increasing dietary CP levels. Based on the results, feeding dietary protein level of 300 g CP/kg is economically viable for rearing of grey mullet in ISW.     

Detoxified Jatropha curcas kernel meal as a dietary protein source: growth performance,nutrient utilization and digestive enzymes in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) fingerlings

Jatropha curcas kernel meal is rich in protein; however, it is toxic. Two durations of detoxification process were investigated: 30 and 60 min; designated as J_a and J_b, respectively. Common carp fingerlings (252 fish; 3.2 ± 0.07 g) were fed diets: control containing fishmeal (FM); S₅₀, J_a50 and J_b50: 50% of FM protein replaced by soybean meal (SBM), detoxified Jatropha kernel meal (DJ_aKM and DJ_bKM); S₇₅, J_a75 and J_b75: 75% of FM protein replaced by SBM, DJ_aKM and DJ_bKM. Highest body mass gain, specific growth rate, metabolic growth rate (MGR) and energy production value were observed for the J_b50 group which were statistically similar to that for control group and significantly (P < 0.05) higher than for all other groups. Lowest feed gain ratio was observed in control group, which was statistically similar to than in J_b50 group. Lowest MGR, protein efficiency ratio, protein productive value and lipid production value were observed in J_a75 group. The dry matter and lipid digestibilities were statistically (P < 0.05) highest in control group and lowest in J_a50 group. Protein and energy digestibilities were statistically similar (P > 0.05) for control and J_b50 groups, and these values were highest among the groups. Highest crude protein efficiency was observed in J_b50 group, whereas lowest in J_b75 group. Relative intestinal length and hepatosomatic index were higher in plant protein–fed groups. Intestinal amylase, protease and lipase activities for control group were statistically higher (P < 0.05) than for plant protein–fed groups. Conclusively, performance of J_b50 group was similar to control group and better than other groups and, thus, is recommended as the most optimal diet for common carp fingerlings.     

Growth performance,digestive and absorptive capacity of on‐growing grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) fed with graded level of dietary fibre from soybean hulls

The present research evaluated the effects of graded levels of dietary fibre on growth, digestive and absorptive capacities, and the potential underlying mechanisms in on‐growing grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). Grass carp (123.00 ± 0.70 g) were fed diets with graded levels of neutral detergent fibre (NDF: 97.8, 119.0, 140.2, 159.4, 181.2 and 201.6 g/kg diet) for 60 days. Besides, a 2‐week digestion experiment was conducted to explore the effect of dietary fibre on the apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC) of feed. The results showed that optimum dietary fibre level (140.2 or 159.4 g/kg diet) increased feed intake, per cent weight gain, specific growth rate and the ADC of dietary protein (p < .05); increased the activities of digestive and brush border enzyme; and up‐regulated intestinal amino acid transporter mRNA levels (SLC1A5 and SLC6A19b, p < .05) partially associated with activation of TOR signalling pathway. However, high dietary fibre levels (NDF levels ≥181.2 g/kg diet) were not conducive to the digestion and absorption of nutrients, resulting in the decline of growth performance. Thus, based on the quadratic regression analysis for per cent weight gain and feed efficiency, the optimum (143.9 and 134.5 g/kg diet) and maximum tolerance (189.8 and 171.2 g/kg diet) levels of dietary NDF were estimated for on‐growing grass carp.