Effect of combination of dietary Bacillus subtilis and trans‐cinnamic acid on innate immune responses and resistance of rainbow trout,Oncorhynchus mykiss to Yersinia ruckeri

The present study investigated the effects of combination of dietary Bacillus subtilis and trans‐cinnamic acid on serum biochemical parameters, innate immune responses and resistance of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss to Yersinia ruckeri. Six experimental groups of fish with mean weights of 20.58 ± 0.35 g were used in the study. Five experimental groups of fish were fed diets containing Bacillus subtilis (10⁷ per gram) or a mix of the Bacillus subtilis (BS) and trans‐cinnamic acid (25 mg/kg‐25trcBS, 50 mg/kg‐50trcBS, 75 mg/kg‐75 trcBS, 150 mg/kg‐150 trcBS), whereas an additive‐free basal diet served as the control (Cont). In this study, an increase was observed in granulocyte percentage, respiratory burst activity, phagocytic activity, phagocytic index, myeloperoxidase activity and total antiprotease activity especially in fish fed with mix of the BS and trans‐cinnamic acid‐supplemented diets (p < .05). Moreover, at the end of the 20‐day challenge period the survival rates and antibody titre (p < .05), and relative per cent survival were higher in the BS group and all trcBS groups compared with control group. As a conclusion, the results in the present study show that feeding rainbow trout with diets containing a mix of B. subtilis and trans‐cinnamic acid over a 60‐day period might be sufficient for improving fish immune responses and disease resistance against Y. ruckeri.     

Dietary Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis,Gomont, 1892) improved the flesh quality and shelf life of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss,Walbaum, 1792) fed fish meal or plant‐based diet

This study was carried out to determine the effects of fish meal or plant‐based diets with supplementation of dietary Spirulina (4%) on shelf life of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. Rainbow trout (initial weight: ~135 g) were fed four experimental diets (fish meal‐based FM, plant meal‐based‐PM, Spirulina included at 4% of fish meal‐based‐FM/S or plant meal‐based PM/S) for 12 weeks. After the feeding trial, trout were stored on ice at 4°C for 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 days. The chemical, microbiological and sensory analyses of fish were subjected to each sampling days for flesh quality evaluation. TBA of supplemented dietary Spirulina was lower than that non‐supplemented dietary Spirulina. pH values of all groups decreased significantly between days 0 and 20 during the storage period (p < 0.05). Luminosity (L*) value of all groups increased with time in storage period. Fish fed Spirulina supplemented diets showed an increased red/green tonality (a*) (p < 0.05) compared with fish fed non‐Spirulina supplemented diets. In the end of the storage period, the total coliforms values of fish fed with PM/S diet lower than that of other all diets. In conclusion, dietary Spirulina could be allowed the shelf life of the rainbow trout to be extended.     

Effects of Panax ginseng extract in practical diets for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) on growth performance,immune response and resistance to Yersinia ruckeri

In a preliminary in vitro study, a Panax ginseng extract exhibited an evident antibacterial activity against Yersinia ruckeri and Lactococcus garvieae and affected the respiratory burst and proliferation of rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss leukocytes. Subsequently, the effects of a dietary ginseng extract supplementation on growth, blood biochemical profile, innate immune response and resistance against Y. ruckeri infection were investigated in vivo in rainbow trout juveniles. Four experimental diets were obtained by adding 0.0%, 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03% of ginseng ethanolic extract to a commercial feed. Each diet was fed to triplicate groups of fish (mean body weight 30.5 ± 0.15 g) at 1% of body weight day^?1 for 10 weeks. The dietary supplementation with ginseng extract did not affect growth performance, feed utilization, biometric traits and fish whole body composition (P > 0.05). No major changes due to graded levels of ginseng extract in the diet were observed in blood biochemical parameters except for increasing plasma triglycerides and non‐esterified fatty acids in fish fed diets including 0.01% and 0.02% of extract (P < 0.05). The innate immune response was barely modulated by the dietary addition of ginseng extract. Serum lysozyme and leukocytes respiratory burst activities were just slightly increased in fish fed all the ginseng extract‐supplemented diets compared with controls, whereas serum antiproteases and leukocyte MPO were not affected (P > 0.05). The dietary administration of ginseng extract induced a reduction in mortality of rainbow trout infected with Y. ruckeri, although no significant differences between treated and control groups were observed (P > 0.05).     

Possible effect of lesser galangal (Alpinia officinarum) extracts encapsulated into mesoporous silica nanoparticles on the immune status of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus n)

Using plant extracts as immunostimulants in aquaculture has prove effectiv in resisting infectious disease, in addition to being safe and inexpensive. The present study is concerned about the prospective mode of action of using lesser galangal extract (Alpinia officinarum) encapsulated into amine surface functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) in order to elevate the immune status of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Fish were randomly divided into 6 groups and fed for 4 weeks with commercial diets supplemented with 0% (control), 0.5% and 1.5% of lesser galangal extract, and with previous concentrations encapsulated with MSN (0.5% + MSN, 1.5% + MSN) and MSN (without extract). The effects of the feeding trial on the innate humoural immune parameters (total protein, myeloperoxidase content, lysozyme antiproteases and bactericidal activities) in rainbow trout were examined. Also, the influence of dietary supplement on some immune‐related genes in rainbow trout head kidney (TNF, IL‐8, IL‐1b, LYZ2 and CD4) after challenge with Yersinia ruckeri was examined. The results revealed enhancement in immune parameters in all treatment groups compared to the control, especially in the fish group fed with 1.5% + MSN which showed the highest significant difference (p < .05) in total protein, lysozyme and antiproteases activities. Also, feeding lesser galangal extract encapsulated into MSN led to an increase in myeloperoxidase content and bactericidal activity. An improvement in the expression of immune‐related genes has been recorded in fish groups fed doses of lesser galangal extract and lesser galangal extract encapsulated into MSN compared to the control or to the group fed with MSN only. Particularly, the group fed with 0.5% + MSN showed a significant up‐regulation in most of the immune‐related genes. The current investigation supports using lesser galangal extract encapsulated into MSN in fish diets as a supplement to enhance the immune response of rainbow trout and elevate its resistance to infectious diseases.     

Effect of partial replacement of dietary fish meal by soybean meal with betaine attractant supplementation on growth performance and fatty acid profiles of juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary incorporation of soybean meal for fish meal replacement and supplementation of betaine as an attractant on growth performance and fatty acid profiles of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Juvenile trout were fed practical diets, with increasing soybean levels and betaine supplementations. The experimental diets consisted of a control diet with fish meal as the sole protein source (control) and no attractant, 25% soybean‐1% betaine diet (SBM25‐B1), 50% soybean‐2% betaine diet (SBM50‐B2), and 50% soybean‐0% betaine diet (SBM50‐B0). Average body weight was 12.69 ± 0.16 g at the beginning of experiments. Following 54 days feeding programme with experimental diets, average body weights reached 47.45 ± 1.22 g, 58.11 ± 1.77 g, 56.34 ± 1.87 g and 53.76 ± 1.74 g in the control, SBM25‐B1, SBM50‐B2 and SBM50‐B0 groups respectively. As compared with control treatment, significant differences were observed in weight gain, specific growth rate and feed intake of 1% betaine treatment at 25% soybean‐meal‐incorporated diet (p < .05), but no differences were observed in feed conversation ratio and survival rates (p > .05). Compared with the control treatment, betaine‐supplemented groups had significantly higher total saturated fatty acid contents (p < .05). On the other hand, the control treatment showed a significantly higher level of monounsaturated fatty acid than the betaine‐supplemented groups (p < .05). Significant differences were observed in fatty acid profile of 1% betaine‐supplemented group (p < .05) compared with the control. Present findings revealed that 1% betaine supplementation with dietary incorporation of soybean meal at 25% level positively influenced growth performance, feed utilization and fatty acid profiles of rainbow trout juveniles.     

Yersinia ruckeri—A threat not only to rainbow trout

Yersinia ruckeri (Y. ruckeri) can cause mortalities that are contributing to substantial economic losses in the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) aquaculture sector. Because of its most characteristic clinical signs, the disease in rainbow trout caused by this pathogen is called enteric redmouth disease. Although it is considered to affect mainly salmonids, there are reports in the available literature of isolating this bacterium from other fish species, both clinically healthy and diseased. The aim of this study was to analyse the available data concerning yersiniosis in non‐salmonid fish. The analysed data indicate that Y. ruckeri is a threat not only to rainbow trout. Some of the affected species have high commercial importance and mortalities may contribute to high economic losses. The disease symptoms may not be specific and can be different from those characteristic for enteric redmouth in trout, which may lead to misdiagnosis. Collected information indicates that infection with Y. ruckeri should be taken into account in the diagnostic procedures not only in salmonids.     

Growth performance,haematological and serum biochemical profiles in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fed diets with varying levels of lupin (Lupinus albus) meal

A feeding experiment was conducted to study the response of rainbow trout juveniles fed different levels of lupin meal in diets for rainbow trout juveniles. Very limited information is available on the relationship between dietary lupin meal in rainbow trout health status. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effects of lupin meal inclusion levels (0%, 15%, 30%, 45%, and 60%) on growth performance and health status of rainbow trout juveniles. The experimental diets (LM₀, LM₁₅, LM₃₀, LM₄₅, and LM₆₀) were formulated iso‐nitrogenous (41% crude protein) and iso‐calorific (18% crude lipid). The fish were fed twice a day. As a result, the best growth performance was observed in fish fed with LM₁₅ and LM₃₀ diets. No significant differences were detected among experimental groups in terms of body compositions. The haematological values showed significantly (p < 0.05) lower heamatocrit and mean cellular volume (MCV) in the group of LM₆₀ compared with the other groups. For the other haematological parameters such as haemoglobin, red blood cell and mean cellular haemoglobin studied in the present study no significant differences were observed (p < 0.05). The lupin meal included groups showed significant reduction in total protein (TPROT), triglyceride (TROG), cholesterol (CHOL), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) compared with the control group (p < 0.05). The inclusion of lupin meal did not cause any changes in glucose (GLU), glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) between the treatment groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, lupin meal might be used in rainbow trout diets up to 30% without any malnutrition effect on growth performance, haemotological and serum biochemical parameters.     

Dietary profile of n‐3 series LC‐PUFAs in rainbow trout under regular stripping condition: Semen production and quality,hepato‐somatic index,haemato‐immunologic values,oxidative stress and fatty acid composition of liver,muscle and semen

In this study, the semen production and quality, hepato‐somatic index, haemato‐immunologic values, oxidative stress and the fatty acid contents in liver, muscle and semen of rainbow trout fed diets supplemented n‐3 series long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC‐PUFAs) under regular stripping condition were investigated. For this aim, three diets (Control, D1 and D2) were prepared. These diets were contained n‐3 LC‐PUFAs (as a percentage of dietary total fatty acid) at 3.14%, 7.84% and 13.63% respectively. Experimental fish were fed with the control and test diets. The highest hepato‐somatic index, spermatologic (semen pH and volume, sperm motility and density), haematologic (haematocrit value, haemoglobin, erythrocyte count, corpuscular volume, haemoglobin and its concentration in corpuscular), immunologic (nitroblue tetrazolium activity, leucocyte count, phagocytic index, protein and immunoglobulin [IgM] in total plasma) and antioxidants (reduced glutathione, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase) values were found in fish fed the D2, D1 and control diets respectively (p < 0.01). Increase in the dietary n‐3 LC‐PUFAs was not significantly (p > 0.01) increased the oxidative stress (malondialdehyde) in fish. The results indicated that the n‐3 LC‐PUFAs at 13.63% level of total fatty acid in the diet could increase the semen production and quality, hepato‐somatic index, haematologic and immunologic values, and the n‐3 LC‐PUFA contents in liver, muscle and semen of rainbow trout broodstock under regular stripping condition.     

Experimental infection by Yersinia ruckeri O1 biotype 2 induces brain lesions and neurological signs in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Pathological manifestations in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) following experimental waterborne infection with Yersinia ruckeri serotype O1 biotype 2 (strain 07111224) were investigated. Rainbow trout were exposed to 8 × 10⁷ CFU/ml of Y. ruckeri by bath for 6 hr, and mortality was then monitored for 22 days post‐infection (dpi). Organs were sampled at 3 dpi and also from moribund fish showing signs of severe systemic infection such as bleeding, exophthalmia or erratic swimming behaviour. Y. ruckeri was observed in the meninges and diencephalon of the brain, and lamina propria of olfactory organ at 3 dpi. At 12 dpi, Y. ruckeri had spread throughout the brain including cranial connective tissues and ventricles and the infection was associated with haemorrhages and an infiltration with leucocytes. Y. ruckeri infection and associated with leucocyte infiltration were observed at 13 dpi. In conclusion, Y. ruckeri strain 07111224 causes encephalitis in the acute phase of infection, which could explain why Y. ruckeri‐affected fish show exophthalmia and erratic swimming known as signs of ERM.     

Synergistic effect of sodium selenite and Pediococcus acidilactici on growth,intestinal bacterial counts,selenium bioavailability,hepatic enzymes and non‐specific immune response in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have a crucial role in inorganic selenium metabolism as well as their known desirable effects on fish. In this study, the synergistic effects of dietary sodium selenite and Pediococcus acidilactici on growth performance, intestinal bacterial counts, selenium bioavailability, hepatic antioxidant enzyme thioredoxin reductase activity and hepatic glycolytic enzyme activity that is hexokinase, phosphofructokinase and pyruvate kinase, and non‐specific immune response such as serum lysozyme and complements C₃, C₄ and ACH₅₀ activity in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were investigated. Thus, a 3 × 3 factorial design experiment was conducted with nine purified diets including three levels of sodium selenite (0, 1 and 2 mg/kg) and three levels of P. acidilactici (0, 7 and 9 log CFU/g). After 8 weeks of feeding, weight gain and specific growth rate were increased by increasing dietary sodium selenite and P. acidilactici levels compared to control (p < .05), whereas feed conversion ratio and condition factor was decreased by increasing dietary sodium selenite and P. acidilactici amounts in comparison with control (p < .05). Survival rate was not significantly affected among the experimental treatments (p > .05). Total cultivable bacterial populations after 4 and 8 weeks of the feeding trial were not significantly different among the dietary treatments, while LAB levels were higher in P. acidilactici‐fed groups than in control and selenium‐fed groups (p < .05). Selenocysteine, methylselenocysteine and selenomethionine levels in the intestine of rainbow trout were increased by increasing the sodium selenite and P. acidilactici levels (p < .05), and selenocysteine was found the most selenium species in the trout intestine. The quantity of total selenium in the whole body, intestine, blood, liver and muscle of rainbow trout were increased by increasing the amounts of sodium selenite and P. acidilactici compared to control (p < .05). Hepatic thioredoxin reductase and hexokinase activity were increased by increasing dietary selenium and P. acidilactici levels in comparison to control (p < .05), whereas phosphofructokinase and pyruvate kinase activity in the liver of rainbow trout were not significantly different between the dietary treatments. Serum lysozyme, complements C₃, C₄ and ACH₅₀ activity were enhanced by increasing dietary selenium and P. acidilactici levels compared to control (p < .05). The most synergistic effects of dietary supplements on growth and metabolism of rainbow trout were obtained at 2 mg/kg sodium selenite and 7 log CFU/g P. acidilactici. The findings revealed the synergistic effect of dietary selenium and P. acidilactici on growth and metabolism in rainbow trout (O. mykiss).     

Antimicrobial peptide CAP18 and its effect on Yersinia ruckeri infections in rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum): comparing administration by injection and oral routes

The antimicrobial peptide CAP18 has been demonstrated to have a strong in vitro bactericidal effect on Yersinia ruckeri, but its activity in vivo has not been described. In this work, we investigated whether CAP18 protects rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum) against enteric red mouth disease caused by this pathogen either following i.p. injection or by oral administration (in feed). It was found that injection of CAP18 into juvenile rainbow trout before exposure to Y. ruckeri was associated with lowered mortality compared to non‐medicated fish although it was less effective than the conventional antibiotic oxolinic acid. Oral administration of CAP18 to trout did not prevent infection. The proteolytic effect of secretions on the peptide CAP18 in the fish gastrointestinal tract is suggested to account for the inferior effect of oral administration.     

Fatty acid,fat‐soluble vitamin and sterol contents in testis and semen,testis‐somatic index and spermatologic values of broodstock rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fed with different levels of omega‐3 fatty acids under regular stripping conditions

In this study, the testis and semen fatty acid, fat‐soluble vitamin and sterol levels, testis‐somatic index and spermatological values were investigated in the broodstock rainbow trout fed with the different levels of omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) under the regular stripping conditions. For this purpose, a control and three test diets were prepared. The control, D1, D2 and D3 diets were contained the omega‐3 PUFA at 3.14%, 7.84%, 13.63% and 20.54% as a percentage of the total fatty acids respectively. The fish in the experimental groups were fed with these diets for 60 days. The testis‐somatic index (3.81–4.50), semen volume (9.30–18.5 ml) and pH (8.05–8.99), initial sperm motility (68.1%–93.7%), duration of 50% sperm motility (141.3–258.9 s), total duration of sperm motility (268.7–489.6 s) and sperm density (9.95–17.5 cells × 10⁹ ml^?1) values of the fish fed the control diet were significantly decrease (p < 0.05) depending on decline of the omega‐3 PUFA, fat‐soluble vitamin and sterol contents in the testis and semen. The omega‐3 PUFA (3.40%–14.76% and 3.96%–16.31%), vitamin A (33.9–61.2 ml/mg and 9.12–26.7 ml/mg), D₂ (0.10–0.19 ml/mg and 0.04–0.10 ml/mg), D₃ (0.75–1.30 ml/mg and 0.06–0.24 ml/mg), alpha‐tocopherol (30.1–60.4 ml/mg and 8.93–25.3 ml/mg), K₁ (0.30–0.94 ml/mg and 0.03–0.08 ml/mg) and K₂ (2.0–3.19 ml/mg and 0.25–0.34 ml/mg) vitamins, cholesterol (1,201–1,588 ml/mg and 330–596 ml/mg), ergosterol (3.12–6.40 ml/mg and 2.10–4.08 ml/mg), stigmasterol (5.57–10.4 ml/mg and 10.2–12.6 ml/mg) and beta‐sitosterol (0.20–0.60 ml/mg and 0.14–0.41 ml/mg) contents in the testis and semen of the fish were significantly affected (p < 0.05) by the dietary omega‐3 PUFA supplementation. The highest values for these parameters were provided from the fish fed the D2 and D3 diets (p > 0.05), followed by the fish fed the D1 diet (p < 0.05). These results showed that the dietary omega‐3 PUFA at 13.63% of the total fatty acids could increase the omega‐3 PUFA, fat‐soluble vitamin and sterol contents in the testis and semen, the testis‐somatic index and spermatologic values of the broodstock rainbow trout under the regular stripping conditions.     

Effect of Dietary Safflower and Canola Oil on Growth Performance,Body, and Fatty Acid Composition of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the diets enriched with safflower and canola oil on growth, feed utilization, body composition, liver, and muscle fatty acid composition of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Rainbow trout having approximate initial weight of 97.03 ± 0.10 g were fed the experimental diets containing only fish oil (Group 0SFO), safflower oil (50% safflower oil, Group 50SFO and 33% safflower oil, Group 33SFO), and vegetable oil blend (33% safflower and 33% canola oil, Group 66SFCO) for 45 days. Twenty-five fish were randomly assigned for triplicate treatments and offered the test diets two times daily to apparent satiation. At the end of the experiment, survival was 100% in all treatments. No significant differences in the weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio, and protein efficiency ratio were found between fish fed with the different experimental diets. The highest hepatosomatic index (HIS) and viscerasomatic index (VSI) was obtained in 50SFO and 33SFO groups, respectively. The moisture, protein, lipid, and ash content in the body composition of the fish increased in all experimental groups. The lipid content was not significantly different among the groups (p > 0.05); however, there was a significant difference in ash content between the control and the other groups (p < 0.05). The experimental diets containing vegetable oil (50SFO and 33SFO groups) and vegetable oil blend (66SFCO group) had significantly higher concentrations of n-6 fatty acids, predominantly in the form of linoleic acid (LA). The n-3 fatty acids were present in significantly higher concentration in the control treatment (0SFO). The fatty acid composition of fish fillet and liver were reflective of the dietary lipid source. While the fillet and liver of fish fed the 50SFO diet was high in linoleic acid (18:2 n-6), fish fed the 66SFCO diet had high concentrations of oleic acid (OA; 18:1 n-9). The present study suggests that fish oil can be replaced by up to 50% with safflower oil and by up to 66% with safflower + canola oil blend in rainbow trout diets with no significant effect on growth.     

Effect of dietary phytic acid and semi‐purified lignin on energy storage indices,growth performance,nutrient and energy partitioning of rainbow trout,Oncorhynchus mykiss

The effect of dietary phytic acid (PA) and semi‐purified lignin, and their interactions on growth performance, energy storage indices, nutrient deposition and partitioning in rainbow trout were studied in a 12‐week growth trial. Six isoproteic and isoenergetic diets were formulated differing only in their PA and lignin concentrations. In these diets, five essential amino acids: histidine, lysine, methionine (+ cysteine), threonine and tryptophan were formulated to be marginally adequate to the dietary requirement. Fish were pair‐fed with the amount of feed adjusted on a weekly basis. Among the performance indicators, dietary PA levels affected only the Fulton's body condition index (FCI) and whole carcass nitrogen retention efficiency (NRE; P < 0.05). On the contrary, lignin did not affect the whole carcass protein deposition (PD) and NRE but the lipid deposition (LD; P < 0.05), lipid retention efficiency (LRE; P < 0.01) and PD‐LD ratio (P < 0.05). Neither lignin nor phytic acid affected any parameters in dressed carcass and in viscera of rainbow trout except the visceral LD, which was affected only by the PA‐lignin interactions (P < 0.05).     

Effects of hydroalcoholic extract of honeybee pollen on growth performance,flesh quality,and immune and stress response response of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

The effects of dietary hydroalcoholic extract of honeybee pollen (HBPE) on growth performance, flesh quality, immunity and stress response were investigated. Two hundred fifty‐five rainbow trout (11.14 ± 1.06 g) were fed five diets containing increasing levels of HBPE: control, 0.25HBPE (0.25 g HBPE/kg), 0.5HBPE (0.5 g HBPE/kg), 1HBPE (1 g HBPE/kg) and 1.5HBPE (1.5 g HBPE/kg). After 56 days, rainbow trout fed the 0.5HBPE and 1HBPE diets displayed significantly higher weight gain (49.58 and 53.25 g) and protein efficiency (2.88 and 2.83) compared to those fed the control diet (4.89 and 2.05), respectively (p < .05). For flesh quality, higher protein content in the whole body of fish fed the 1HBPE (633.3 g/kg) and 1.5HBPE (640.9 g/kg) diets was observed when compared to other groups (p < .05). There were no significant differences in the saturated and monounsaturated fatty acid content. Individuals fed the 1HBPE (234.5 g/kg) and 1.5HBPE (234.7 g/kg) diets exhibited higher levels of n‐3 long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in the muscle than the other groups (p < .05). In terms of the immune system, the serum lysozyme and alternative complement pathway haemolytic activity levels in the 0.5HBPE (47.66 and 148.00 U/ml) and 1HBPE (46.00 and 146.33 U/ml) treatments were higher than the other treatments (p < .05). When Aeromonas hydrophila was exposed to different dosages of HBPE, a higher inhibitory zone resulted from 1,000 and 1,500 mg/ml dosage. The lower levels of plasma cortisol were observed in the 1HBPE and 1.5HBPE groups after the complement stress test. Collectively, the present findings suggest that the 1HBPE diet supported superior growth, flesh quality, immunity and stress response of rainbow trout.     

Characterization of a novel Yersinia ruckeri serotype O1-specific bacteriophage with virulence-neutralizing activity

A lytic bacteriophage (φNC10) specific to serotype O1 Yersinia ruckeri has been identified and evaluated as a model to assess the potential use of bacteriophages and their products for disease control in aquaculture. Electron microscopy of purified φNC10 revealed a virion particle with a small (70 nm) polyhedral head and short tail. φNC10 infected only serotype O1 strains of Y. ruckeri and failed to bind a defined Y. ruckeri mutant strain lacking O1 lipopolysaccharides (O1-LPS), suggesting that φNC10 uses O1-LPS as its receptor. In addition, spontaneous φNC10-resistant mutants of Y. ruckeri exhibited defects in O1-LPS production and were sensitive to rainbow trout serum. Purified φNC10 displayed a polysaccharide depolymerase activity capable of degrading Y. ruckeri O1-LPS and thereby sensitizing Y. ruckeri to the bactericidal effects of rainbow trout serum. The φNC10-associated polysaccharide depolymerase activity also reduced the ability of Y. ruckeri cells to cause mortality following intraperitoneal injection into rainbow trout. These data demonstrate a potential utility of φNC10 and its associated polysaccharide depolymerase activity for Y. ruckeri disease prevention.     

Effects of dietary visceral protein hydrolysate of rainbow trout on growth performance,carcass composition,digestibility and antioxidant enzyme in juvenile Oncorhynchus mykiss

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary visceral protein hydrolysate (VPH) of rainbow trout on performance of juvenile Oncorhynchus mykiss. The antioxidant property of VPH was 85% ± 1.6%. Four diets were prepared including VPH free as the control and three diets with 5, 10 and 20 g/kg of VPH inclusions. Juvenile rainbow trouts (n = 252, 9.74 ± 0.22 g) were randomly distributed to experimental tanks. Final results showed the maximum amounts of weight gain and SGR and the lowest FCR value in fish fed with 10 g/kg VPH (p < .05). The highest carcass protein and fat contents were observed in 10 g/kg VPH treatment and the control diet, respectively (p < .05). The largest fat and dry matter digestibility were recorded in fish fed by 5 g/kg VPH (p < .05), while the control and 10 g/kg VPH diets showed the highest levels of protein digestibility (p < .05). Dietary inclusion of VPH improved SOD enzyme activity (p < .05). The results indicate that a diet containing 10 g/kg of VPH inclusion can improve growth performance and some other examined factors in juvenile O. mykiss.     

Utilization of combined extruded soybean and corn gluten meals as feed ingredients for juvenile rainbow trout,Oncorhynchus mykiss diet

In this study, feeding experiment and subsequent digestibility trial were performed to investigate the utilization of extruded soybean meal (SBM) and corn gluten meal (CGM) as feed ingredients for juvenile rainbow trout. Plant ingredients have undergone extrusion at low temperature (100°C, LT) or high temperature (150°C, HT) for 30 s. Four isonitrogenous (44%, crude protein) and isolipidic (14%, crude lipid) diets were formulated. Control diet is fishmeal based while a combined (1:1) non‐extruded SBM and CGM for NE diet, LT SBM and LT CGM for LT diet and HT SBM and HT CGM for HT diet. Two hundred forty rainbow trout juveniles (7.8 g average body weight) were randomly divided into 12 rectangular 60 L glass aquaria and offered four different diets in triplicate. Fish were fed at satiation twice a day, six days a week for 12 weeks. Phosphorus in phytic acid level of extruded ingredients decreased through extrusion cooking. Final weight, weight gain, SGR and PER of fish fed HT diet were significantly (p < .05) higher than those fed with NE diet. Apparent digestibility coefficient for protein of LT and HT diets is significantly higher than of NE diet. The results of this study demonstrated that HT extruded SBM and CGM are suitable feed ingredients for rainbow trout diet without compromising fish growth, feed utilization and fish body composition.     

Replacement of fish meal with two fermented soybean meals in diets for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

The present study investigated the effect of fish meal (FM) replacement with fermented soybean meal (FSM) on growth and feed utilization of rainbow trout. Two FSM products, FSM1 (more fermentation with more small peptide and acid than FSM2) and FSM2 were used to replace 20%, 40% and 60% of FM in control diet (250 g/kg FM), respectively (FSM1‐20, FSM1‐40, FSM1‐60, FSM2‐20, FSM2‐40 and FSM2‐60). Then the seven diets were fed to rainbow trout (18.1 g) for 8 weeks. Weight gain (WG), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and digestibility of crude protein and dry matter showed no significant difference among the groups of FSM1‐20, FSM1‐40, FSM2‐20, FSM2‐40 and the control, but WG significantly decreased and FCR increased when 60% FM was replaced by both FSMs (p < .05). The replacement of 40%, 60% FM resulted in lower villus height than the control (p < .05), and intestinal protease activity was lower in FSM2‐40, FSM2‐60 and FSM1‐60 groups than the control group (p < .05). In addition, the activity of alkaline phosphatase and superoxide dismutase increased with increasing levels of FSM (p < .05). In conclusion, dietary fish meal could be replaced by 40% with both FSMs without adverse effects on growth and feed utilization of rainbow trout based on an eight weeks feeding trial.