Comparative nutritional value of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Jatropha curcas</Emphasis> protein isolate and soy protein isolate in common carp

Jatropha seed cake (JSC) is an excellent source of protein but does contain some antinutritional factors (ANF) that can act as toxins and thus negatively affect the growth and health status of fish. While this can limit the use of JSC, detoxified Jatropha protein isolate (DJPI) may be a better option. An 8-week study was performed to evaluate dietary DJPI to common carp Cyprinus carpio. Five iso-nitrogenous diets (crude protein of 38%) were formulated that consisted of a C _ontrol (fish meal (FM) based protein), J ₅₀ or J ₇₅ (50 and 75% of FM protein replaced by DJPI), and S ₅₀ or S ₇₅ (50 and 75% of FM protein replaced by soy protein isolate, SPI) and fed to triplicate groups of 75 carp fingerlings (75; av. wt. ± SD; 11.4 ± 0.25 g). The growth, feeding efficiencies, digestibility, plasma biochemistry, and intestinal enzymes were measured. Results showed that growth performance of fish fed the S ₇₅- or DJPI-based diets were not significantly different from those fed the C _ontrol diet, while carp fed the S ₅₀ had significantly better growth than the J ₇₅ diet. Fish fed the J ₇₅ diet had significantly lower protein and lipid digestibility as well as significantly lower intestinal amylase and protease activities than all other groups. However, all plant protein-based diets led to significantly higher crude protein, crude lipid, and gross energy in the body of common carp compared to the control treatment. Plasma cholesterol and creatinine significantly decreased in the plant protein fed groups, although plasma triglyceride as well as the red blood cells count, hematocrit, albumin, globulin, total plasma protein, and lysozyme activity were higher in plant protein fed groups compared to FM fed group. White blood cells, hemoglobulin concentration, alkaline phosphatase and alanine transaminase activities, and glucose level in blood did not differ significantly among treatments. The results suggest that the DJPI is non-toxic to carp and can be used to replace FM in the diets of common carp up to 75%, but further research to potentially reduce some inherent ANF within this protein source, such as non-starch polysaccharides, may improve nutrient utilization.     

Optimization of the supplemental essential amino acids to a fish meal-free diet based on fermented soybean meal for rainbow trout <Emphasis Type="Italic">Oncorhynchus mykiss</Emphasis>

To minimize the supplemental essential amino acids (EAAs) to a fish meal-free diet for rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss, four types of fish meal-free diets and a control fish meal-based diet were fed to triplicate groups of trout (initial BW, 16 g) for 10 weeks. Two fish meal-free diets based on a fermented and an unfermented soybean meal were unsupplemented with EAAs (diet FSBM and SBM), and two fish meal-free diets based on the fermented soybean meal were supplemented with a combination of lysine and methionine (diet F + ML) and all EAAs (diet F + All), the EAA contents of which were lower than those of the control diet (diet FM). Although physiological conditions such as the biliary bile acid status and morphological features of fish fed diet FSBM were improved and similar to those of fish fed diet FM, the growth performance was not significantly different (P > 0.05) from fish fed diet SBM. The growth performances and whole body protein contents of fish fed F + ML and F + All diets were similarly improved compared to fish fed diet FSBM. These findings indicate that supplementation of lysine and methionine to a fermented soybean meal-based fish meal-free diet is enough to maximize the amino acid utilization of the diet.     

Soybean meal and wheat flour,proper dietary protein sources for optimal growth of snail (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Semisulcospira coreana</Emphasis>)

A 10-week feeding experiment was conducted to determine the proper dietary protein source for optimal growth performance of juvenile snails, Semisulcospira coreana. Sixteen isonitrogenous (31% crude protein) and isocaloric (4.2 kcal/g DM) experimental diets (designated as FM, F-FM, SBM, F-SBM, WF, F-WF, SSM, F-SSM, SCR, F-SCR, UP, F-UP, FWP, F-FWP, MIX and F-MIX) were formulated to contain 41% fish meal, 42% fermented fish meal, 59% soybean meal, 55% fermented soybean meal, 55% wheat flour with 26% fish meal, 55% fermented wheat flour with 29% fish meal, 50% sesame seed meal with 10% fish meal, 50% fermented sesame seed meal with 11% fish meal, 55% soya-curd residue or fermented soya curd residue with 25% fish meal, 50% Undaria powder or fermented Undaria powder with 24% fish meal, 50% freshwater plant with 29% fish meal, 50% fermented freshwater plant with 28% fish meal, a mixture of 8% soybean meal, 10% wheat flour, 8% sesame seed meal, 8% soya-curd residue, 8% Undaria powder and 8% freshwater plant with 17% fish meal, and 50% the fermented mixture with 16% fish meal, respectively, as dietary protein sources. Juvenile snails (average weight, 32 ± 0.7 mg) were randomly distributed in forty-eight 25-L aquaria (16 L water each) in a flow-through system at a density of 130 snails per aquarium. Three replicate groups of snails were fed one of the experimental diets ad libitum once per day for 10 weeks. At the end of the feeding experiment, survival of snails was above 98% and not significantly different among the dietary treatments. The best final body weight was observed in snails fed the SBM and WF diets. There were no significant differences in final body weight of snails fed the F-SBM, WF, F-WF and MIX diets, but the value was higher than that of snails fed the FM, F-FM, FWP and F-FWP diets. The lowest value was observed in snails fed the SSM, F-SSM, SCR and F-SCR diets. Whole body protein and lipid contents of snails varied with dietary protein sources. Amino acid composition of whole body was altered by dietary protein sources. The results of the present study indicate that dietary protein sources significantly influence proximate and amino acid composition, and growth performance of snails. Fermentation with ferminpan instant brown yeast does not improve nutritional quality of the protein sources, and soybean meal and wheat flour in combination with fish meal could be potential protein sources in feeds for juvenile snails.     

Effects of different soybean proteins on lipid digestion and growth of yellowtail <Emphasis Type="Italic">Seriola quinqueradiata</Emphasis>

Two experiments were conducted to determine whether the undigested high molecular fraction (HMF) of soybean protein reduces growth of yellowtail through impairment of lipid digestion and absorption. Soybean meal (SBM), soy protein isolate (SPI), digested SPI (DSPI), and digested and purified SPI (DPSPI) were used as experimental diets. In experiment 1 (exp. 1), yellowtail were fed 4 diets with aforementioned soybean products for 3 weeks. In experiment 2 (exp. 2), the fish were fed soybean protein or fish meal (FM) diets for 8 weeks. Growth performance of DPSPI-fed fish was better than that of fish fed other soybean proteins, and comparable to that of fish fed with FM. Plasma and tissue lipid levels of DPSPI-fed fish tended to be higher than those of fish fed other soybean proteins. Significantly lower intestinal lipid levels and higher bile acid levels were found in DPSPI-fed fish than in fish fed with SBM, SPI, and DSPI. These findings indicate that one of the factors contributing to growth depression in yellowtail fed with SBM-based diets is the negative effect of undigested HMF of soybean protein on bile acid levels and lipid digestion.     

Substitution of fish meal by Jatropha curcas kernel meal: Effects on growth performance and body composition of white leg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

Jatropha curcas (L.) is a multipurpose and drought‐resistant tree, widespread throughout the tropics and subtropics. Its seeds are rich in oil and protein (contains 600–660 g kg^?1 crude protein similar to fish meal). It is being promoted as a biofuel plant. Jatropha kernel meal obtained after oil extraction is an excellent source of protein. However, presence of toxic and antinutritional constituents restricts its use in fish and shrimp feed. An 8‐week experiment was conducted to evaluate the nutritional quality of the detoxified Jatropha kernel meal (DJKM) in white leg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). Shrimp (60) with an initial average body weight of 4.46 ± 0.64 g were randomly distributed into three treatments with four replicates and fed isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets (crude protein 350 g kg^?1, crude lipid 90 g kg^?1): Control (fish meal‐based protein), JC₂₅ and JC₅₀ (25% and 50% of fish meal protein replaced by DJKM). Higher (P < 0.05) body mass gain, specific growth rate and metabolic growth rate were observed in DJKM‐fed groups than in Control group. However, lower (P > 0.05) feed conversion ratio was observed in DJKM‐fed groups, while protein efficiency ratio exhibited an opposite trend. Protein, ash and gross energy content of the whole shrimp body were higher (P < 0.05) in DJKM‐fed groups compared to Control group. Moisture and lipid content of the whole shrimp body did not differ significantly among the three groups. Cholesterol level in plasma was highest (P < 0.05) in the Control group, followed by JC₂₅ and JC₅₀ groups; all being significantly different. In conclusion, DJKM is a promising fish meal replacer in shrimp diets.     

Effect of replacing fish meal with soybean meal on growth,feed utilization and nitrogen and phosphorus excretion on rainbow trout (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Oncorhynchus mykiss</Emphasis>)

The effect of replacing fish meal with soybean meal (SBM) pretreated with phytase on feeds of juvenile rainbow trout was evaluated in a 90-day feeding trial. The rainbow trout (initial body weight, 4.01 ± 0.02 g) were fed five isonitrogenous (crude protein, 44.97%) and isolipidic (crude lipid, 13.42%) feeds. Diets were formulated to contain phytase-pretreated SBM replacing 0, 20, 40, 60 and 80% of fish meal protein, respectively. The results showed that there was no significant difference in weight gain (WG) among fish fed S0, S20, S40 and S60 diets; however, a significant reduction of this variable occurred when 80% of fish meal protein was replaced by phytase-treated SBM (P < 0.05). Similarly, specific growth rate and protein efficiency ratio had a similar trend with WG. Apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) of protein and lipid in the S80 diet was significantly lower than that of the other diets, and the ADC of phosphorus significantly increased with the increase of dietary phytase-treated SBM level. No significant differences among treatments were detected for moisture, protein, lipid and ash content in whole body and muscle samples. Nitrogen and phosphorus excretion indicated that fish meal replacement by phytase-treated SBM led to an increase in nitrogen excretion, but led to a reduction in total phosphorus excretion. The results of the present study show that 60% of fish meal could be replaced by phytase-treated SBM in diets of juvenile rainbow trout without compromising weight gain or feed efficiency. A quadratic equation according to regression analysis of weight gain against dietary phytase-treated SBM level indicated that the optimal level of dietary phytase-treated SBM replacement for maximum growth was 26.90%.     

Utilization of a by-product from the Jatropha biodiesel industry as a fish meal replacer in common carp Cyprinus carpio L. diets

Detoxified Jatropha kernel meal (DJKM) was created through heat and solvent extraction and replaced fish meal (FM) at 0% (C_ontrol), 50% (J₅₀), or 62.5% (J_62.5) in common carp Cyprinus carpio fingerling (initial mean weight ± SD; 22 ± 0.12 g) diets over 16 weeks. Growth performance and feeding efficiencies were similar (P > 0.05) among groups, but nutrient digestibilities and digestive enzyme activities were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in C_ontrol than others. The slightly lower growth and significantly lower nutrient digestibility in carp fed DJKM indicates a need to improve the nutritive value of DJKM as a promising and sustainable FM alternative.     

Nutritional,physiological and haematological responses in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) juveniles fed detoxified Jatropha curcas kernel meal

Jatropha curcas is a multipurpose and drought‐resistant tree, widespread throughout tropics and subtropics. Its seeds are rich in oil and protein. It is being promoted as a biofuel plant. Jatropha kernel meal obtained after oil extraction is an excellent source of protein [580–660 g kg^?1 crude protein (CP)]. However, the presence of toxic and antinutritional constituents restricts its use in fish feed. Jatropha kernel meal was detoxified. Using Oncorhynchus mykiss juveniles, a 12‐week experiment was conducted to evaluate the nutritional quality of detoxified Jatropha kernel meal (DJKM). Oncorhynchus mykiss juveniles (36, av. wt. 4.2 ± 0.4 g) were distributed into three groups with 12 replicates and fed isonitrogenous (CP 450 g kg^?1) diets: control [fish meal (FM)–based protein], J₅₀ and J_62.5 (50% and 62.5% of fishmeal protein replaced by DJKM). Growth performance, apparent lipid conversion, hepatosomatic index, nutrients and energy digestibilities; efficiency of digestible nutrients and energy; and glucose and creatinine levels in blood were statistically similar (P > 0.05) for control and J₅₀ but were higher (P < 0.05) than for J_62.5. Opposite trend was observed for phosphorus, sodium, albumin and total protein in blood. Feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio, protein productive value, energy retention, gastro somatic index, muscle lipid peroxide; and red and white blood cells, haematocrit, haemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration; alkaline phosphatase and alanine transaminases activity, globulin, total bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen, calcium and potassium in blood and lysozyme activity in serum did not differ significantly among the groups. Intestinal enzyme activities; and plasma and muscle cholesterol levels for control were higher (P < 0.05) than for DJKM groups, while opposite trend was observed for relative intestinal length (mm g^?1). Conclusively, performance of J₅₀ group was similar to control group and, thus, is recommended as the optimal diet for rainbow trout.     

Effect of partial fish meal replacement by soybean meal on the growth performance and biochemical indices of juvenile Japanese flounder <Emphasis Type="Italic">Paralichthys olivaceus</Emphasis>

A feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effect of partial fish meal (FM) replacement by dietary soybean meal (SBM) on the growth and protein and lipid metabolism of the juvenile Japanese flounder. Four isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets (Diets 1–4) were formulated containing 47% protein and 9% lipid with different SBM inclusion (Diet 1, 11%; Diet 2, 16%; Diet 3, 24%; and Diet 4, 41%). The fish were fed to satiation twice daily for a feeding period of 56 days. The weight gain rate (WGR) and protein efficiency ratio of fish fed Diet 4 were significantly lower than those fed Diets 1, 2, and 3, and feed conversion ratio in the group fed Diet 4 was significantly higher than that in the groups fed Diets 1, 2, and 3. Hepatosomatic indices showed the similar trend as WGR, and the value (1.75%) for Diet 1 was significantly lower than that (1.96–2.2%) for other diets. There were no differences in whole body moisture, crude protein, crude lipid, and ash content among all treatments. With increasing dietary SBM level, serum triglyceride (TG), cholesterol (CHO), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations increased, whereas the serum total protein (TP) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations decreased. Compared with Diet 1, the serum TG, CHO, and LDL-C concentrations of fish fed Diet 4 significantly increased by 78, 37, and 36%, respectively, while the TP and HDL-C concentrations decreased by 14 and 33%, respectively. No significant differences in condition factor, blood urea nitrogen concentration, and alanine and aspartate aminotransferase activities were observed among the dietary treatments. These results indicated that dietary SBM inclusion above 24% could adversely affect the growth and protein and lipid metabolism of Japanese flounder.     

Immunological effects of glucan and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lactobacillus rhamnosus</Emphasis> GG,a probiotic bacterium,on Nile tilapia <Emphasis Type="Italic">Oreochromis niloticus</Emphasis> intestine with oral <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aeromonas</Emphasis> challenges

The present study histologically examined the effects of glucan-containing and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG)-containing diets on intestinal damages inflicted on Nile tilapia by Aeromonas challenges. Tilapia were fed control, glucan, and LGG diets for 2 weeks and were subsequently challenged with Aeromonas. The intestines were then histologically examined at 1, 7, 14, and 21 days post-infection. Mortality following the challenge was lower for the fish fed the glucan and LGG diets. The intestines of these groups also showed increased inflammatory cell infiltration and reduced intestinal damage from Aeromonas. Moreover, inflammatory cell infiltration occurred more rapidly in the glucan-fed than in the LGG-fed fish following the challenge. Before the challenge, the dominant mucous cell was the acid type in all the tests. After the challenge, the main mucus cell type in the proximal intestine of the glucan-fed fish shifted to AB-PAS double-staining cells, while in the LGG-fed fish, it remained the acid type throughout the test period, and the number of double-staining cells was smaller than in the control fish after the challenge. Thus, the different mucous cell and inflammatory cell responses show that glucan and LGG might have different immunostimulative effects, although they both reduced the intestinal damage following Aeromonas challenges.     

Probiotic bacteria <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lactobacillus rhamnosus</Emphasis> influences the blood profile in rainbow trout <Emphasis Type="Italic">Oncorhynchus mykiss</Emphasis> (Walbaum)

This paper reports the effect of feeding probiotic diets on blood profiles in rainbow trout. Two experiments were performed: in the first, fish of average weight 75 g were offered either a commercial feed or the same incorporated with 10⁹ CFU g⁻¹ of lactic acid bacteria Lactobacillus rhamnosus for 30 days; in the second study performed for a similar duration, fish of average weight 126 g were offered formulated diets that either contained the same bacteria in heat-killed or freeze-dried form (nearly 10¹¹ CFU g⁻¹), or the basal diet without the bacteria. Blood samples were collected at different times after commencement of probiotic feeding to determine the total cholesterol, triglyceride contents, the plasma alkaline phosphatase activity, plasma protein and hematocrit value. The plasma cholesterol significantly increased upon probiotic feeding in the first experiment. A significant elevation (P < 0.05) of plasma cholesterol and triglyceride and alkaline phosphatase activity level was found in the freeze-dried probiotic fed groups at 20 and 30 days postfeeding. This was concomitant with the increased plasma protein and hematocrit values in FD group at 20 and 30 days. Likewise, the heat-killed probiotic fed group registered significantly high values of triglycerides, alkaline phosphatase activity, and plasma protein compared to the control diet fed groups after 20 days of feeding. Thus, alterations in the blood profiles could serve as supplementary information when examining the benefits of probiotics for fish.     

The effect of dietary cricket meal (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Gryllus bimaculatus</Emphasis>) on growth performance,antioxidant enzyme activities,and haematological response of African catfish (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Clarias gariepinus</Emphasis>)

This study was conducted to investigate the growth performance, biomarkers of oxidative stress, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) as well as the haematological response of African catfish after being fed with fish feed containing different levels of cricket meal. The juvenile fish were assigned to three different treatments with isonitrogenous (35 %) and isoenergetic (19 kJ g^?1) diets containing 100 % cricket meal (100 % CM), 75 % cricket meal (75 % CM), and 100 % fishmeal (100 % FM) as control groups for 7 weeks. The results indicated that a diet containing 100 % CM and 75 % CM improved growth performance in terms of body weight gain and specific growth rate, when compared to 100 % FM. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) did not differ significantly between all diets, but reduced FCR and increased PER were observed with a higher inclusion of cricket meal. A haematological examination of fish demonstrated no significant difference of red blood cells in all diets and white blood cells showed a significantly higher value in fishmeal-fed fish. On the other hand, haemoglobin and haematocrit significantly increased with increasing amounts of cricket meal in the diet. Antioxidant activity of CAT was higher in the 100 % CM group compared to fish fed other diets, whereas GST and SOD showed increasing trends with a higher incorporation of cricket, although insignificant differences were observed between all diets. These results suggest that cricket meal could be an alternative to fishmeal as a protein source in the African catfish diet.     

Effects of exogenous non-starch polysaccharide-degrading enzymes in diets containing <Emphasis Type="Italic">Gracilaria lemaneiformis</Emphasis> on white-spotted snapper <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lutjanus stellatus</Emphasis> Akazaki

A feeding experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of exogenous non-starch polysaccharide (NSP)-degrading enzymes in diets containing Gracilaria lemaneiformis (GL) on growth performance and digestive enzyme activities of white-spotted snapper Lutjanus stellatus Akazaki (initial mass 8.0 ± 0.1 g). A basal diet (D0) containing a mixed protein source (fish meal, soybean meal and GL meal) was used as the control. Two diets supplemented with 0.5 g (D1) and 1 g (D2) exogenous NSP-degrading enzymes per kilogram of diet were formulated. Each diet was assigned to triplicate groups of fish in a total of nine floating sea cages (270 fish, 30 fish per cage). After a 60-day feeding trail, significantly higher weight gain, specific growth ratio and feed efficiency ratio were observed in fish fed D2 diet compared to those of control (P < 0.05). Body lipid, moisture and ash contents were not significantly affected by NSP-degrading enzyme supplementation, but significantly higher protein content was noticed in fish fed D2 diet compared to that of control (P < 0.05). The amylase activity in the stomach and intestine was significantly higher in fish fed D2 diet (P < 0.05), but no significant differences were observed in pepsin and lipase activities in the stomach or trypsin and lipase activities in the intestine between all treatments. The results suggested that addition of 1 g kg^?1 NSP-degrading enzymes in diet could efficiently improve seaweed feed utilization and growth performance of white-spotted snapper fish.     

Replacement of fishmeal in cobia (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Rachycentron canadum</Emphasis>) diets using poultry by-product meal

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the use of local poultry by-product meal (PBM) in replacement of imported fishmeal in the diets of cobia, Rachycentron canadum. Six isolipidic (12%) and isoproteic (45%) experimental diets were formulated using PBM to replace fishmeal at 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% dietary protein. Eleven juvenile cobia (initial mean weight of 30.7 ± 0.78 g) were randomly stocked in 300-L circular fibreglass tanks and hand-fed based on the total biomass of each tank, twice a day at 0900 h and 1500 h. The fish were group weighed at 2-week intervals to monitor their growth performance in order to adjust the feeding ratio. At the end of the feeding trial, weight gains (WGs) ranging from 221 to 322% were obtained. The specific growth rate (SGR), WG and protein efficiency ratio (PER) for fish fed with PBM-based diets were not significantly different (P > 0.05) when compared to fish fed the control diet. The best SGR was recorded for fish fed with 60PBM diet, which was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those fed the control diet with values at 2.40 ± 0.01 and 1.97 ± 0.26%/day, respectively. The FCR of 1.83 ± 0.05 for fish fed the 60PBM diet was not significantly different (P > 0.05) when compared to those fed the control diet. The PBM source and dietary level did not significantly (P > 0.05) affect the hepatosomatic index of the fish. The results from this study suggested that PBM could replace 100% dietary fishmeal without adversely affecting the growth performance, but an optimal replacement level at approximately 60% was recommended for better growth performance and efficient feed utilization.     

Potential of Chinese chive oil as a natural antimicrobial for controlling <Emphasis Type="Italic">Flavobacterium columnare</Emphasis> infection in Nile tilapia <Emphasis Type="Italic">Oreochromis niloticus</Emphasis>

Chinese chive Allium tuberosum oil was studied for its diallyl sulfide content and its antimicrobial activity against Flavobacterium columnare in fish both in vitro and. The oil was found to have a very low concentration of diallyl monosulfide relative to the other diallyl sulfides (diallyl disulfide, diallyl trisulfide, and diallyl tetrasulfide) identified. In the in vitro study, the Chinese chive oil had a bacteriocidal effect on all tested strains of F. columnare, with varied minimal inhibitory concentrations. The median lethal dose (LD₅₀) of FC4 for Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus was determined to be 3.72 × 10³ CFU/fish. In the in vivo trial, no mortality was observed in fish fed fish diets supplemented with 800 mg/kg Chinese chive oil and 100 mg/kg of oxytetracycline hydrochloride 5 days prior to infection with F. columnare strain 4 at a LD₅₀. These results indicate that Chinese chive oil has the potential to replace antibiotics for controlling fish disease caused by F. columnare.     

Effects of alcohol extract of defatted soybean meal on growth performance and digestive physiology of yellowtail <Emphasis Type="Italic">Seriola quinqueradiata</Emphasis>

The effects of alcohol extract of soybean meal on growth performance, digestibility, and pancreatic enzyme and bile acid status of yellowtail Seriola quinqueradiata were studied. Fish were fed one of the following for 8 weeks: a fish meal (FM) control diet (FMD), a defatted soybean meal diet (SBMD), an alcohol-extracted SBM diet (ExSBMD), an ExSBMD with alcohol-extract diet (ExSBM + ExtD), and an FMD with alcohol-extract diet (FM + ExtD). Growth performance was significantly inferior in fish fed with SBM, ExSBM + ExtD, and FM + ExtD compared to FMD- or ExSBMD-fed fish. Total bile acid levels, and trypsin and lipase activities in the anterior intestine were significantly lower in fish fed with SBM, ExSBM + ExtD, and FM + ExtD than in fish fed with ExSBMD and FMD, despite similar values in gallbladder or pyloric caeca. Cholecystokinin mRNA levels of the former diet-fed fish were significantly lower than those of FMD- or ExSBMD-fed fish. Lipid and protein digestibility of fish fed with SBMD, ExSBM + ExtD, and FM + ExtD was significantly reduced in comparison with that of fish fed with FMD or ExSBMD. These findings indicate that the alcohol extract of soybean meal inhibited the secretion of bile acids and pancreatic enzymes by a decrease of cholecystokinin stimulation. This inhibition seemed to be responsible for a low growth performance through impairment of the assimilation of lipid and protein.     

Effect of a probiotic bacterium <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bacillus circulans</Emphasis> PB7 in the formulated diets: on growth,nutritional quality and immunity of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Catla catla</Emphasis> (Ham.)

Bacillus circulans PB7, isolated from the intestine of Catla catla, was evaluated for use as a probiotic supplement in the feeds for the fingerlings of Catla catla. The effect of supplement on the growth performance, feed utilization efficiency, and immune response was evaluated. Catla fingerlings (ave. wt. 6.48 ± 0.43 g) were fed diets supplemented with 2 × 10⁴ (feed C1), 2 × 10⁵ (feed C2), and 2 × 10⁶ (feed C3) B. circulans PB 7 cells per 100 g feed for 60 days at 5% of the body weight per day in two equal instalments in triplicate treatments. The control feed (CC) was not supplemented with the B. circulans. All the feeds were isocaloric and isonitrogenous. Fish fed with feed C2 displayed better growth, significantly (P ≤ 0.05) highest RNA/DNA ratio, a lower feed conversion ratio (FCR), and a higher protein efficiency ratio (PER) than the other experimental diets. Highest carcass protein and lipid was also observed in the fish fed C2 feed compared to the others. Significantly (P ≤ 0.05), highest protease was recorded in fish fed feed C2 (47.9 ± 0.016) and lowest in fish fed feed C3 (32.10 ± 0.009), where α-amylase activity did not differ significantly (P ≤ 0.05) beyond the lowest inclusion level. ALP, ACP, GOT, and GPT in the liver of Catla catla were the highest (P ≤ 0.05) in fish fed C2 feed. The highest TSP, albumin, and globulin was observed in fish treated with C2 feed after 60 days feeding trial, but the lowest glucose level was observed in the same treatment. After the feeding trial, the non-specific immunity levels and disease resistance of fish were also studied. Phagocytic ratio, phagocytic index, and leucocrit value were the highest in fish fed feed C2. After the feeding trial, the fish were challenged for 10 days by bath exposure to Aeromonas hydrophila (AH1) (10⁵c.f.u. ml⁻¹ for 1 h, and, after 7 days, 10⁷c.f.u. ml⁻¹ for 1 h). Highest survival percentage was observed in fish fed with feed C2 compared with only 6.66% in the controls, which indicated the effectiveness of B. circulans PB 7 in reducing disease caused by A. hydrophila.     

Utilization of genetically modified soybean meal in Nile tilapia <Emphasis Type="Italic">Oreochromis niloticus</Emphasis> diets

The utilization of genetically modified soybean meal (GM SBM) was compared with that of non-GM SBM in Nile tilapia. Four experimental diets were formulated to include either non-GM or GM SBM at 34 or 48%, respectively. These diets were fed to juvenile Nile tilapia (49.5 g average weight) for 12 weeks. The uptake of the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter fragment of the GM SBM in fish muscle was examined at 8th and 12th week. After 12th week, fish were fed the non-GM SBM diets to determine the residual span of the incorporated promoter fragment. There was no significant difference in specific growth rate or feed efficiency between GM and non-GM groups at the same inclusion level. A small number of muscles from fish receiving both levels of GM SBM diet were positive for the promoter fragment. Additionally, the promoter fragment was not detected by the second day after changing to the non-GM SBM diets. These results indicate that the utilization of GM SBM was similar to that of non-GM SBM and the promoter fragment was rarely found in fish muscles, suggesting that suitability and safety of GM SBM in Nile tilapia diet were similar to those of non-GM SBM.     

Effects of dietary protein sources on feed intake,growth and plasma thyroid hormones levels of Japanese flounder (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Paralichthys olivaceus</Emphasis>)

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to compare the effects of dietary protein sources on growth performance and plasma thyroid hormones levels of Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus. Four isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were formulated to contain one of the followings as main protein source: fish meal (FM), fish protein concentrate (FPC), soy protein concentrate (SPC), and soy protein isolate (SPI). Each diet was randomly assigned to triplicate aquaria stocked with 25 fish each. The feed intake, specific growth rate, feed efficiency, and protein efficiency ratio in fish fed fish protein-based diets were significantly higher than those in fish fed soy protein-based diets. Feed intake and specific growth rate were significantly higher in FM treatment compared to FPC treatment and higher in SPI treatment compared to SPC treatment. The FM treatment had significantly higher levels of plasma cortisol, triiodothyronine, and thyroxin than the other treatments. These results indicate that high inclusion levels of soy protein in diets markedly inhibit the feeding rate and growth of P. olivaceus due to poor palatability caused by the removal of feeding stimulants and/or the incorporation of feeding deterrents. The reduced growth may be partly attributed to the amino acid imbalance, absence of small nitrogen compounds, and presence of antinutritional factors.     

Potential of cinnamon (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Cinnamomum verum</Emphasis>) oil to control <Emphasis Type="Italic">Streptococcus iniae</Emphasis> infection in tilapia (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Oreochromis niloticus</Emphasis>)

In this study, four essential oils—cinnamon oil, leech lime oil, lemongrass oil, and turmeric oil—were examined for their antimicrobial activities against Streptococcus iniae, a bacterium that is pathogenic in fish, in which it causes streptococcosis. Cinnamon oil was the most potent antimicrobial agent among these oils, with a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 40 μg/ml. By using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), it was found that the major components of cinnamon oil were cinnamaldehyde (90.24), limonene (2.42%), cinnamyl acetate (2.03%), linalool (1.16%), and α-terpineol (0.87%). Of these compounds, only cinnamaldehyde exhibited antimicrobial activity against S. iniae, with an MIC of 20 μg/ml. In an in vivo trial, no mortality was apparent in fish fed on fish diets supplemented with 0.4% (w/w) of cinnamon oil and with 0.1% (w/w) of oxytetracycline 5 days prior to infection with S. iniae. These results indicate that cinnamon oil had a protective effect on experimental S. iniae infection in tilapia, and thus has the potential to replace the antibiotics used to control this disease.