Sperm production and quality in brill Scophthalmus rhombus L.: relation to circulating sex steroid levels

The aims of the present study were to characterize sperm quality and to quantify seasonal changes in sexual hormone (testosterone [T], 11-ketotestosterone [11-KT] and 17,20β-dihydroxypregn-4-en-3-one [17,20β-P]) levels in male brill (Scophthalmus rhombus) plasma, as well as to test a more intensive sampling strategy to establish relationships between sex steroid levels and sperm production parameters. Sperm concentration ranged from 0.5 to 3.1 × 10⁹ spermatozoa mL^?1, and changes in sperm quality parameters depending on sampling date were observed. Plasma sexual steroid levels remained high and changed in parallel during the spawning season and afterwards decreased to very low levels in summer. The analysis of annual changes of 11-KT and T ratios suggests that 11-KT can be the main circulating androgen for stimulating spermatogenesis in S. rhombus and that T could be involved in the beginning of spermatogenesis through the positive feedback on brain-pituitary-gonad axis. Finally, daily 11-KT and T levels showed similar patterns of variation in males sampled, whereas 17,20β-P amounts showed somewhat opposite trends. These differences could be related with the different role of androgens and progestin during the spermatogenesis.     

饲料脂肪源搭配对施氏鲟雌鱼繁殖性能和血清性类固醇激素的影响

以鱼油和玉米油作为脂肪源, 配制4种等氮饲料(蛋白含量38%, 脂肪含量12%~13%), 使脂肪酸中高度不饱和脂肪酸(n-3HUFA)的比例分别达3.1%、2.5%、1.9%、1.3%(分别简称SL1、SL2、SL3和SL4), 以其饲喂处于性腺发育Ⅲ期的施氏鲟(Acipenser schrenckii)亲鱼5个月, 研究不饱和脂肪酸对其繁殖性能及性类固醇激素水平变化的影响。结果表明, 经过 5个月养殖, 施氏鲟亲鱼平均体质量增加14.5%, 经过低温刺激及升温处理至产前体质量下降6.8%, 各组之间差异不显著(P>0.05); 饲料中n-3HUFA和n-3PUFA水平对繁殖性能有不同程度的影响, SL1组和SL2组亲鱼的成熟度和仔鱼成活率高于SL3和SL4组, 而仔鱼畸形率显著低于SL3和SL4组(P<0.05); SL1组极化卵卵径显著高于其他组(P<0.05), 平均产卵量高于其他组, 但各组之间差异不显著(P>0.05); 各组之间的受精率、孵化率差异不显著(P<0.05); 各饲料组间血清E₂和血清T含量差异不显著(P>0.05)。本研究表明, 使用混合鱼油作为饲料脂肪源, 效果好于单一使用鱼油或玉米油, 同时鱼油的需求比例大于玉米油, 建议n-3 HUFA的适宜添加量在2.5%左右, n-3 PUFA最适需要量需要进一步研究。

     

Influence of pejerrey Odontesthes bonariensis (Valenciennes, 1835) broodstock age on gamete quality,reproductive performance and plasma sex steroid levels during the spawning season

This study evaluated the effect of pejerrey Odontesthes bonariensis (Valenciennes, 1835) broodstock age on gamete and spawning quality and its relationship with sex steroid plasma levels. Sperm was analysed using a computer‐assisted sperm analysis (CASA) developed for pejerrey. Semen samples were taken from all fish from mid age groups (5‐ and 7‐year fish), but it was not possible to obtain stripped semen samples from all fish of younger (3‐year) or older (10‐year) groups. The highest relative sperm weight and sperm concentration were recorded in 5‐ and 7‐year groups respectively, while viability was not different between age groups. It was not possible to identify an effect of age on sperm quality by CASA. Non‐viable spawned eggs were obtained in the 3‐year group and, the relative fecundity and the relative number of fertilized eggs decreased with age in other groups. Fertilization and hatching rates showed the highest values in the 10‐year group. However, the estimated number of hatched larvae was similar in 5‐, 7‐ and 10‐year fish. A clear effect of age on 11 ketotestosterone (11‐KT) and estradiol (E₂) levels was identified, with the highest values in the 5‐ and 7‐year groups. These results might be related to the onset of puberty in the 3‐year group and ageing in the 10‐year group. Considering that the estimated number of larvae obtained was similar among age groups, the results of this study suggest that broodstock maintenance cost could be reduced by using mid‐age fish rather than older fish in pejerrey hatcheries.     

Deviation of habitat salinity during seasonal gonad recrudescence affects plasma sex steroid levels and suppresses gonadal maturation in an euryhaline fish Etroplus suratensis

Impact of osmoregulation on plasma sex steroid levels and gonadal histo‐architecture was monitored to elucidate the effects of deviation from habitat salinity on gonadal recrudescence in an active reproductive season of an euryhaline fish Etroplus suratensis (pearlspot). Fish were maintained in three different salinities of 0 ppt Fresh Water (FW), 15 ppt Brackish Water (BW) and 30 ppt Sea Water (SW) for a period of 60 days. Plasma osmolality values were found to be significantly highest in SW‐acclimated fish accompanied by highest levels of plasma K? and Cl¯ ions. The progress of gonadal recrudescence was higher in BW followed by FW and SW as evident from the cellular features of gonads and increased level of plasma sex steroids, such as, in case of female and 11‐keto Testosterone and Testosterone in case of males. Plasma cortisol levels were comparatively higher in fish of both sexes in SW group. Significantly high levels of cortisol in SW suggest its role in hypo‐osmoregulation and associated stress. This study clearly reveals that salinity changes during the active reproductive phase can suppress the steroid‐mediated gonad recrudescence maximally under hypo‐osmoregulation in an euryhaline fish.     

The effects of salinity on reproductive performance and plasma levels of sex steroids in Caspian kutum Rutilus frisii kutum

Sexually mature kutum, Rutilus frisii kutum, captured from its natural habits, the Caspian Sea and the Khoushkrood River, reared at 0.5 g L^?1 and 8–13 g L^?1 for approximately 1 year in experimental condition, for assessing the effect of salinity on reproduction. Plasma concentrations of sex steroid hormones (17β‐estradiol, testosterone and 17α‐hydroxyprogestrone) were measured in the three stages of gametogenesis. Female kutum held at <0.5 g L^?1 or 8–13 g L^?1 had no ovulated oocytes in their ovaries. In contrast, males held in captivity were spermiated, similar to their wild counterparts. The average sperm volume of males held at <0.5 g L^?1 (2.36 ± 0.46 mL) was lower than males held at 8–13 g L^?1 (3.65 ± 0.73 mL) at the end of the experimental period. The highest concentration of testosterone was observed in mid‐gametogenesis in wild fish that was significantly higher than the concentration seen in fish held in either <0.5 g L^?1 or 8–13 g L^?1. Female kutum showed suppressed steroid hormones in captivity, resulting in failure in the gonad development. However, male kutum adapt well to captivity and showed synchrony in steroid hormone variations with the wild fish, resulting in the testicular development. Results of this study also indicate that salinity plays a minor, but vital, role in reproduction of kutum, a factor that needs to be considered for keeping broodstock of brackish water fish species like kutum.     

西伯利亚鲟不同性别与卵巢发育时期血液性类固醇激素的差异与判别分析

利用电化学发光免疫分析法(ECLIA)测定了人工养殖西伯利亚鲟(Acipenser baerii baerii)不同性别和卵巢发育时期血浆中睾酮(T)和雌二醇(E2)的含量。利用活组织取样的方法,根据性别和卵子颜色及大小将实验鱼分为成熟雄鱼(M)、雌鱼Ⅲ期、Ⅳ期和Ⅴ期共4个组。研究结果表明,西伯利亚鲟血浆T含量雄鱼高于雌鱼(P<0.01),且雄鱼与雌鱼Ⅲ期和Ⅴ期组有极显著性差异(P<0.01),而E2含量除与雌鱼Ⅳ期有极显著性差异外(P<0.01),与雌鱼Ⅲ期和Ⅴ期组无显著性差异(P>0.05),雄鱼表现为T含量和T/E2比值高,而E2含量低。雌鱼随卵巢的发育T和E2含量均表现为"先上升,后下降"的趋势,即Ⅳ期组性类固醇激素的含量明显高于Ⅲ期和Ⅴ期,且差异极显著(P<0.01)。根据血浆中T和E2的含量建立了西伯利亚鲟性别和性腺发育时期的4个判别函数:YM=-11.322+0.043T+0.153E2,YⅢ=-1.390+0.000T+0.061E2,YⅣ=-18.074+0.032T+3.305E2,YⅤ=-2.316+0.785T+0.008E2,经检验总体判别准确率为95%,其中对性别的判别准确率为100%,对雌鱼卵巢发育时期的判别准确率为93%。     

Testicular development and serum profiles of steroid hormone levels in captive male Pacific herring Clupea pallasii during their first maturational cycle

The present study investigates the relationship between testicular development and serum steroid hormone levels in captive Pacific herring Clupea pallasii during the first reproductive cycle. The maturity of the testis was divided into five periods based on histological observation. These are early spermatogenic stage (April to July), mid-spermatogenic stage (August to November), late spermatogenic stage (December to March), functional maturation stage (early April) and spent stage (late April). The pattern of seasonal change in gonadosomatic index (GSI) clearly reflected testicular maturity. 11-Ketotestosterone (11-KT) levels increased from October to a peak level (6.58 ± 1.87 ng/mL) in January, and were maintained at this level until March. In contrast, testosterone levels were consistently low, less than 1 ng/mL, at all times. These results suggest that 11-KT is the predominant androgen that controls spermatogenesis in this species. 17,20β-Dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (DHP) showed a single sharp peak (3.38 ± 0.35 ng/mL) in early April of the second year, suggesting that milt production is induced by DHP as in some other teleost species.     

Reproductive performance,survival and development of nauplii and copepodites,sex ratio and adult life expectancy of the harpacticoid copepod,Euterpina acutifrons,fed different microalgal diets

A series of laboratory experiments were conducted on the harpacticoid copepod, Euterpina acutifrons, to assess the influence of 10 different microalgal diets (four monoalgal and six mixed algal diets) on several parameters related to its productivity in culture. The four monoalgal diets were the Tahitian strain of Isochrysis sp. (T‐Iso), Pavlova salina (Pav), Tetraselmis chuii (Tet) and the diatom Chaetoceros muelleri (Chaet), the five binary diets were T‐Iso+Tet, Pav+Tet, T‐Iso+Pav, Tet+Chaet and Pav+Chaet, while the tri‐algal diet was T‐Iso+Tet+Pav. All diets were fed to copepods at 1500 μ gC L^?1 and in the case of binary or trialgal diets, carbon concentration was divided equally between the two or three algae offered. Among monoalgal diets, the diatom Chaet was excellent for E. acutifrons. Out of the 10 diets tested, the binary diet Tet+Chaet, which contained the diatom Chaet, was the best for naupliar production of single pair E. acutifrons (19.5±1.7 nauplii female^?1 day^?1), significantly (P<0.05) higher than all other treatments except for the Chaet treatment (P>0.05). Similarly, in the group naupliar production trial (50 adult E. acutifrons per replicate), Tet+Chaet produced a significantly higher number of nauplii (405.8±18.6 nauplii day^?1) than the other treatments (P<0.05). Tet+Chaet further supported the highest naupliar survival (82.0±2.8%) and copepodite survival (89.0±2.8%), while the mono‐algal diet Chaet produced the second highest naupliar (76.7±2.6%) and copepodite survival (83.5±2.6%). In contrast, Pav produced the lowest overall survival at the naupliar stage (30.0±2.9%), significantly lower than all other treatments (P<0.05). While development from newly hatched nauplii to copepodites was not significantly affected by diets, mean development time from nauplius to adult was significantly different among treatments. Mean development time from hatching (naupliar I stage; NI) to the adult stage was the fastest with Tet+Chaet and Chaet (6.8±0.0 days for both treatments), which was significantly faster than that of Pav, T‐Iso Pav+Tet and T‐Iso+Pav+Te treatment (P<0.05). E. acutifrons sex ratio was significantly affected by diets, and always skewed in favour of males. Feeding on Pav resulted in the lowest proportion of females (23.7±1.2%), significantly lower than for six of the other treatments (P<0.05). Adult females had longer average life expectancy than males for all treatments, and were the longest when fed Tet+Chaet (9.5±0.4 days), which was more than twice as long as the shortest lifespan recorded for the Pav treatment (4.2±0.6 days) (P<0.05). In summary, among 10 diets tested, the binary diet Tet+Chaet appeared to support the highest culture productivity of E. acutifrons while the diatom Chaet also performed well as a monoalgal diet.     

Seasonal changes in plasma gonadal steroid concentrations and gonadal morphology of male and female tench (Tinca tinca, L.)

In order to gain a better understanding of the reproductive cycles of male and female tench (Tinca tinca), gonadosomatic index, gonad histology and plasma concentrations of estradiol‐17β (E₂), testosterone, an drostenedione, 11‐ketotestosterone (11‐KT), 17,20β, 21‐trihydroxy‐4‐pregnen‐3‐one (17,20β,21‐P), 17,20β‐dihydroxy‐4‐pregnen‐3‐one (17,20β‐P) and 17,20α‐dihydroxy‐4‐pregnen‐3‐one (17,20α‐P) were measured at the four seasons of the year, plus a further sampling coincident with the peak of spawning in early July. As expected, in both males and females, the plasma concentrations of androgens (excluding 11‐KT in females – undetectable) and C₂₁ steroids were significantly more elevated in the spring and summer (when most gonadal development took place) than in the autumn and winter. The only unexpected finding was that 17,20β‐P and 17,20β,21‐P, the steroids that are normally associated with oocyte final maturation in females and spermiation in males, were found in substantial amounts in both pre‐vitellogenic, pre‐spermatogenic and post‐spawning fish. This suggests that these steroids may have other as yet unidentified roles in this species.     

Characterization of the quality of the gametes and sex steroid levels during spring and summer spawning events in pejerrey Odontesthes bonariensis reared under natural conditions of temperature and photoperiod

Pejerrey Odontesthes bonariensis spawning period takes place during the end of winter and spring and, depending on temperature conditions, during late summer and autumn. Nevertheless, the occurrence and quality of the summer–autumn spawning period have not been well documented and are not considered for aquaculture production. In this context, this study aimed to characterize the reproductive activity of pejerrey reared in captivity under natural conditions of temperature and photoperiod throughout a year in order to summarize the spawning quality of the two spawning periods. The present results showed that pejerrey might spawn from late winter to the end of the spring with a peak in October (mid‐spring) and, also during summer and early autumn, interrupted by a period of 56 days without spawning activity in between. The extension of both spawning periods was almost equal (67 and 69 days). Nevertheless, higher relative fecundity and larger egg size were observed during the first spawning period, associated with higher levels of oestradiol measured in females demonstrating that it is better than the second spawning. The fertilization rate was not affected throughout the reproductive periods. These differences in the reproductive parameters are discussed in order to design specific strategies to increase seed production.     

Seasonal changes in reproductive condition and plasma levels of sex steroids in the blue cod,Parapercis colias (Bloch and Schneider) (Mugiloididae)

Gonad and plasma samples were taken from blue cod captured throughout the reproductive cycle, gonad condition was assessed, and plasma levels of 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP), 17,20-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (17,20P), testosterone (T), 17-estradiol (E₂) and estrone (E₁) were measured by radioimmunoassay. It was confirmed that spawning occurred over an extended period in late winter and spring, with individual fish being involved in multiple spawning events. Plasma levels of T were bimodal in both sexes with peaks (maximum of 6.0 ng.ml^–1) occurring 2 months prior to, and also during the early part of the spawning period. 17,20P was elevated in males (2.1 ng.ml^–1) in mid-spermatogenesis coinciding with the first T peak (4.9 ng.m.^–1). 17,20P was detectable but not significantly elevated (0.6–1.2 ng.ml^–1) at any sample time in females. E₂ was elevated in mature females (1.0 ng.ml^–1) early in the spawning period but remained at assay detection limits (0.3 ng.ml^–1) at all other sample times. Neither 17OHP nor E₁ were detectable in the plasma of either sex. It is suggested that bimodal increases in sex steroids prior to spawning may be a feature of species with rapid recrudescence.     

Serum biochemical profiles of captive and wild northern bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus L. 1758) in the Eastern Mediterranean

Northern bluefin tuna (NBT) are a prominent marine pelagic fish species. There are few reference values for their blood chemistry and this is the first report to demonstrate blood biochemical values in the Eastern Mediterranean. The study was carried out with 60 captive (penned) and 60 wild NBTs from Ildir Bay (Izmir) and Antalya Bay in the Eastern Mediterranean, from winter to early summer 2003. The aim of this research was to determine the biochemical parameters of wild male/female and captive male/female NBTs. According to the present results, the blood biochemical values of the captive NBTs were significantly higher than those of wild NBTs ( P <0.05) except albumin, globulin, total protein and very low-density lipoprotein levels. Moreover, many of the biochemical parameters were detected at high levels in captive and wild male NBTs than those of the females. Especially, the values of glucose, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine phosphokinase, γ-glutamyl transferase, cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein, ferritin, transferrin and iron levels were significantly higher, although high-density lipoprotein values were significantly lower in wild and captive male samples than those of both groups of females ( P <0.05).     

大菱鲆4个不同地理群体生长性能的比较

在相同的养殖条件下,选取英国、法国、丹麦和挪威4个不同群体的大菱鲆ScophthalmusmaximusL.,进行了1年生长性能的比较。结果表明,在3、6、9和12月龄,群体间体长和体重的差异均较大,在每一个生长时期各群体体长和体重的差异排序相同。4个群体的大菱鲆体长以线性速度生长,体重以指数形式生长。综合0~3月龄、0~12月龄的绝对增重率和3~6、6~9、9~12月龄的绝对增重率和瞬时增重率,在生长速度上依次为法国、英国、丹麦和挪威群体,在生长差异上丹麦和挪威及英国和法国之间的差异较小,丹麦、挪威和英国、法国之间的差异较大。大菱鲆各群体在3、6、9和12月龄的体重变异系数分别为22.84%~33.48%、21.36%~30.30%、19.64%~26.97%和21.06%~35.07%,认为这4个群体的大菱鲆均可作为选育的基础群体。     

Effects of dietary protein and energy levels on spawning performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) broodstock in a recycling system

The effects of dietary protein and energy level on spawning performance of Nile tilapia broodstock and hatchability of their eggs were studied. Nine diets containing three protein (30, 35 and 40%) and three energy (14.6, 16.7 and 18.8 MJ GE/kg) levels were prepared. The diets were fed to duplicate groups of broodfish (average weight of 60.5 ± 4.6 g for males and 39.4 ± 3.1 g for females) at 2–3% of their body weight, twice a day, for 150 days. At low protein level (30%), time to first spawning was significantly longer than at 35 and 40% protein levels, and increased with increasing dietary energy (decreasing protein-to-energy (P/E) ratio). At 35 and 40% protein levels, time to first spawning was not affected by dietary energy. Inter-spawning intervals (ISI) showed irregular patterns in relation to dietary protein and energy, however, at 40% protein the females tended to spawn at shorter intervals, regardless of dietary energy. Spawning performances, including total number of spawnings per tank, number of spawnings per female, absolute fecundity and average number of eggs per spawn, were all significantly lower (P < 0.05) at 30% CP than at higher protein levels. At all protein levels, increasing dietary energy from 14.6 to 18.8 MJ GE/kg (and decreasing P:E ratio) resulted in a significant decrease in fish fecundity. Egg size was not significantly affected by dietary protein and energy. At all energy levels, egg hatchability increased with increasing dietary protein levels (P < 0.05). Eggs produced from broodstock fed 30 and 35% CP, exhibited significantly lower hatchability (P < 0.05) and needed less time for hatching and yolk-sac absorption, and resulted in lower larval length than those fed a 40% protein diet. However, increasing energy level at each dietary protein level did not significantly affect these parameters. These results revealed that the best spawning performance of Nile tilapia broodstock reared in a recycling system was achieved at 40% dietary protein and 16.7 MJ GE/kg, with a P/E ratio of 23.6 g/MJ.     

饲料卵磷脂对施氏鲟血清卵黄蛋白原、卵径及性类固醇激素水平的影响

采用不同大豆卵磷脂添加量[0、1%、2%、4%(w/w饲料)]的4种人工配合饲料(分别简称SLD、SL1、SL2和SL4)投喂5+龄施氏鲟(Acipenser schrenckii)后备亲鱼14个月,通过比较各饲料组实验鱼的血清卵黄蛋白原(Vg)、卵径和性类同醇激素水平,探讨大豆卵磷脂对施氏鲟性腺发育的影响机理,并为今后深入研究鲟亲鱼磷脂营养代谢提供基础数据.结果表明,饲料中大豆卵磷脂含量对施氏鲟的卵径发育无显著影响,对血清中Vg、睾酮(T)和雌二醇(E2)的浓度影响显著.投喂量为2%组的血清E2质量浓度(147.91 pg·ml-1)显著高于0%(113.72pg·ml-1)和1%(129.63pg·mL-1)组(P<0.05),而4%组的血清E2质量浓度为139.68 pg-mL-1介于二者之间.随着投喂时间和投喂浓度的增长,施氏鲟后备亲鱼的血清T含量浓度降低,而血清Vg浓度随日粮卵磷脂的添加水平和时间增加而升高.结果提示:①施氏鲟卵黄发生期后备亲鱼饲料卵磷脂的适宜添加量为2%,不足或过量对后备亲鱼的生殖机能均有不利影响;②通过影响血清T的产生从而影响施氏鲟的生殖可能是饲料中卵磷脂在施氏鲟生殖机制中的作用之一;③在施氏鲟后备亲鱼强化培育中可通过适当添加卵磷脂的量,从而实现性腺的正常发育,进而改善性腺发育状况、提高施氏鲟的繁殖性能.     

The tolerance and safety assessment of taurine as additive in a marine carnivorous fish,Scophthalmus maximus L.

The effects of dietary taurine on growth performance, liver and intestine morphology, serum physiological and antioxidant parameters, serum thyroid hormone level, muscle taurine content and fatty acid composition of turbot were first evaluated, for the safe utilization in marine fish feed and for human food safety. Four experimental diets were formulated to contain 0, 10, 50 and 100 g/kg taurine. Each diet was randomly assigned to six replicates of 30 juvenile turbot (initial mean weight of 7.46 g). The feeding trial lasted for 10 weeks. The growth performance of fish was significantly enhanced by 10 g/kg dietary taurine. The integrity of the distal intestine was impaired and the absorptive surface was found to be significantly reduced by 100 g/kg dietary taurine. The obvious pathological changes in liver were observed in fish fed 100 g/kg taurine. Dietary taurine with 10 and 50 g/kg significantly increased the activities of serum superoxide dismutase, lysozyme and thyroid hormone. The taurine content in muscle was found to be significantly increased by dietary taurine; however, no significant differences were observed among taurine‐supplemented treatments. This study suggested that 10 g/kg taurine was safe in turbot feed, and fivefold of safety margin was obtained.     

Gonad histology and plasma steroid profiles in wild New Zealand freshwater eels (Anguilla dieffenbachii and A. australis) before and at the onset of the natural spawning migration. II. Males

Immature and maturing male New Zealand freshwater eels, the shortfinned Anguilla australis and the longfinned A. dieffenbachii, were caught from the wild to obtain data on the natural reproductive physiology of these fish. Plasma samples were analysed for steroid hormones by radioimmunoassay and values related to the developmental stage of the testes. Our histological observations on testes largely confirmed those reported previously. Thus, the gonad of non-migrating eels often appeared undifferentiated or poorly developed, containing only type A or early type B spermatogonia. In contrast, the testes of migrating shortfins were in early spermatogenesis as evidenced by the presence of late type B spermatogonia. Similarly, early spermatogenic stages were common in migratory longfins, but eels in midspermatogenesis (all germ cell stages present) were also encountered. Unlike a previous study, patches of testicular regression were commonly seen in migrants of both species. Levels of several androgens, androstenedione (AD), testosterone and 11-ketotestosterone (KT), were elevated in migrants compared to non-migrants. AD was higher in early to midspermatogenic A. dieffenbachii (0.63 ng ml–1) than in A. australis (0.25 ng ml–1) in the spermatogonial proliferation stage, while the inverse was observed for KT (27.78 ng ml–1 and 50.52 ng ml–1, respectively). Levels of 17,20-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one were nearly undetectable (less than 0.12 ng ml–1) in all animals. Plasma 17-hydroxyprogesterone concentrations in fyke-caught eels were elevated to a greater extent in non-migrants (up to 1.92 ng ml–1) than in migrants (around 0.5 ng ml–1), and correlated well with levels of cortisol in all groups. Histological results are compared to previous studies and the presence of regression in the testes is discussed. In addition, the role of steroid hormones, in particular AD and KT, in reproduction and stress is considered.     

Effects of stocking density on growth performance and welfare‐related physiological parameters of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar L. in recirculating aquaculture system

Stocking density, representing a potential source of long‐term stress, is widely recognized as a critical factor in aquaculture husbandry. Atlantic salmon were reared at low‐density (LSD, ~9.80–18.41 kg m^?3, initial to final density), medium‐density (MSD, ~19.62–36.96 kg m^?3) and high‐density (HSD, ~28.79–53.54 kg m^?3) stocking levels for 66 days to investigate the stress‐induced changes in fish growth and welfare. At the end of the trial, the salmon in HSD group showed significant lower final weight and higher ration level than those in MSD and LSD groups (P < 0.05). The salmon farmed in LSD group had higher special growth rate (SGR) and lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P < 0.05). However, stocking density could not affect the mortality, condition factor and coefficient of variation of salmon. The pectoral fin index of salmon in LSD group was significantly higher than that in HSD group (P < 0.05). Fifteen haematological and serum parameters were detected to assess the stress and welfare levels of salmon. The salmon farmed in HSD group had higher glucose (GLU) level and lower Cl^?, haemoglobin (HGB) and red blood cell (RBC) concentrations (P < 0.05). Contrast to the pattern of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, the cortisol, maleic dialdehyde (MDA) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels of HSD group were higher than those in other two groups (P < 0.05). All these findings will provide a reference for selecting suitable stocking density in Atlantic salmon farming industry.     

Gonad histology and plasma steroid profiles in wild New Zealand freshwater eels (Anguilla dieffenbachii and A. australis) before and at the onset of the natural spawning migration. I. Females*

To determine steroid profiles in immature and maturing female eels from the wild, non-migratory and migratory New Zealand longfinned (Anguilla dieffenbachii) and shortfinned (A. australis) eels were caught and blood and ovarian samples collected. Plasma steroid levels were determined and related to the developmental stage of the ovary. Ovaries of non-migrants contained oogonia and previtellogenic oocytes. Vitellogenic oocytes were never observed in these groups, but instead were very common among migrants (up to 88% of oocytes). Concentrations of both androgens (androstenedione (AD), testosterone (T)) and estradiol-17 (E2) were higher in migrants than in non-migrants. Among migrants, T levels were higher in shortfins (2.27 ± 0.14 ng ml–1) than in longfins (0.82 ± 0.10 ng ml–1), whereas E2 levels were higher in longfins (mean 2.46 ng ml–1) than in shortfins. Levels of sex steroids were generally low in non-migrants. In contrast, plasma levels of 17-hydroxyprogesterone were significantly higher in non-migrants than in migrants. Similarly, cortisol levels were higher in non-migrating than in migrating shortfinned, but not longfinned, females. 17,20-Dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one, the putative maturation-inducing steroid in anguillids, was near minimum-detectable levels for all animals examined. Surprisingly, very high levels of 11-ketotestosterone (KT) were found in migrants, averaging nearly 3 ng ml–1 in longfins and over 20 ng ml–1 in shortfins. The identity of KT and several 5-reduced androgens was confirmed using gas chromatography - mass spectrometry. The function of KT in females is not known, but we suggest that this steroid hormone may play a role in preparing maturing animals for their spawning migration.