Haematological indices are modulated in juvenile carp, Cyprinus carpio L., exposed to microcystins produced by cyanobacterial water bloom

This study evaluated the influence of toxic cyanobacterial water blooms on the blood indices of the common carp, Cyprinus carpio L. Experimental fish were exposed to a natural population of cyanobacterial water blooms (mainly Microcystis aeruginosa and M. ichthyoblabe), which contained microcystins [total concentration 133–284 μg g^?1 (DW), concentration in water 2.8–7.4 μg L^?1]. Haematological indices showed marked changes in fish exposed to the cyanobacterial population in comparison with the control group. Statistical evaluation of the influence of cyanobacterial water blooms on biochemical indices of the juvenile carp showed a distinct decrease in albumin, alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin, calcium, cholesterol, glucose, phosphorus and iron when compared to controls. Values of red blood counts [haemoglobin, haematocrit (PCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration] and lactate were significantly increased compared to controls. After exposure to cyanobacterial water bloom, the carp were kept in clean water to monitor the persistence of biochemical indices. The influence of cyanobacterial populations on calcium, cholesterol, glucose, lactate, phosphorus and PCV persisted up to 28 days after conclusion of the experiment. Duration of exposure, toxicity and density of cyanobacterial water blooms had an important impact on individual haematological indices.     

High zinc in the erythrocyte plasma membranes of common carp Cyprinus carpio

ABSTRACT:   The distribution of zinc (Zn) concentration in the blood and erythrocytes of common carp, grass carp, silver carp and tilapia was studied. It was found that in whole blood, the average Zn concentrations in these four species of fish (approx. 6–14 μg/[ml whole blood]) were relatively similar to those in other species of fish and mammals. However, the mean Zn concentration in the erythrocytes of common carp is approximately two times higher than the other three species of fish (approx. 5 vs approx. 2 μg/[ml whole blood]). It was found that approximately 70% of the Zn in the common carp whole blood came from its erythrocytes. In addition, approximately 43% of the Zn in the erythrocytes of common carp was found to be located on its outer plasma membranes. When an antibody against a 43 kDa Zn-binding protein, isolated from the digestive tract tissue of common carp, was used, significant quantities of the protein were shown to be present on the erythrocyte plasma membranes of common carp by an indirect immunofluorescent staining. High Zn on the outer plasma membrane of the common carp erythrocyte most probably comes from the 43 kDa Zn-binding protein.     

镉对鲤血清促性腺激素和生长激素的影响

采用ＣｄＣｌ２浸没法处理鲤，研究镉对鲤血清促性腺激素（ＧｔＨ）和生长激素（ＧＨ）水平的影响，结果表明，较镐浓度镉（ＣｄＣｌ２９ｍｇ／Ｌ）处理引起血清ＧｔＨ水平降低，ＧＨ水平升高，提高水中钙浓度，能使由镉引起的ＧｔＨ水平的降低恢得取正常水平，并对镉引起的ＧＨ水平升高起延迟作用，镉处理使鲤对ＬＨＲＨ－Ａ刺激ＧｔＨ分泌的反应性下降，提高水中钙浓度也不能恢复正常，实验结果提示，镉引起的ＧｔＨ和ＧＨ的变化可     

Earthworm powder as an alternative protein source in diets for common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)

The increasing need for aquafeed resources and the finite availability of conventional feed resources are making it necessary to search for alternative high‐protein resources that are not used as human food. The earthworm Perionyx excavatus was tested as a feed ingredient in diets for common carp. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the potential of earthworm powder as a replacement for fishmeal. In a recirculation aquarium system, triplicate groups of five common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) were fed a control feed (fishmeal based protein), or experimental diets in which 30% (EW30), 70% (EW70), or 100% (EW100) of fishmeal protein was replaced by earthworm protein. Fish growth, feed digestibility and feed utilization were monitored. Growth rate, protein efficiency and energy retention in fish were similar (EW30, EW100) or higher (EW70) for diets containing earthworm meal compared to the control diet. Protein digestibility in EW30, EW70 and EW100 was higher than in the control diet, but in (EW100), lipid conversion was lower. We conclude that earthworm is a suitable partial replacement for fishmeal in feeds for common carp.     

Increased stocking density influences the acute physiological stress response of common carp Cyprinus carpio (L.)

The physiological response of common carp, Cyprinus carpio (L.) to increased stocking density and an additional acute net confinement stressor was investigated. Stocking densities were increased from 28.4 to 56.8 or 113.6 kg m^?3 by the use of crowding screens and fish were sampled from the crowded groups after 15, 39 and 87 hours of crowding (hc). A transient elevation of plasma cortisol was found in the higher density group after 15 hc before values returned to control levels. Increased stocking density also increased plasma levels of glucose, free fatty acids (FFA) and lactate during the experimental period. No effect was found on oxygen radical production in the blood, haemoglobin or haematocrit levels, but leucocrit values were lower after 39 hc in both groups. Net confinement resulted in a significant increase in plasma cortisol levels in all groups. However, after 15 hc, cortisol and FFA levels in both crowded plus confinement groups were higher than in the control and confined groups. Confinement resulted in increased oxygen radical production in the crowded plus confined groups at all times. Results indicate that although carp responded with a mild stress response to increased stocking density and adaptation occurred by 87 hc, the crowded fish were more sensitive to an additional acute stressor.     

Integrative approach of histopathology and histomorphometry of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) organs as a marker of general fish health state in pond culture

The semi‐intensive system of common carp monoculture in earthen ponds is currently the most practiced fish rearing system in several countries in Eastern Europe. This system is based on the addition of supplemented feed to ponds to achieve faster growth. In this study, the general state of the fish health was monitored when three different types of feeds were used: grain cereals (CF), commercial pelleted feed and extruded feed. The markers used were: (i) the histopathological index (HP) of the main organs: gills, liver and kidney; and (ii) the histomorphometric parameters of the hepatocytes and enterocytes to assess the state of the digestive system in fish fed different types of supplemented feed. At the end of the experiment, the fish were in good health, since irreversible lesions were not noticed to a greater extent in any of the fish organs. There were also no other severe lesions present. However, the results showed differences in the HP indices of the liver and gills, as well as the total HP index, indicating a better health status of the fish in the CF group. The histomorphometric results showed larger cytoplasmic areas of hepatocytes in fish fed CF, which is attributed to glycogen accumulation and higher numbers of goblet cells in the distal intestines of fish fed compound feeds. This can be attributed to slight inflammation.     

Preclinical toxicity and safety evaluation of Althaea officinalis L. extract as naturopathic medicine in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.): Hematological and biochemical study

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of marshmallow extract (Althaea officinalis L.) administration on blood cells and biochemical parameters of carp liver. A total of 150 carps (Cyprinus carpio, initial body mass of 37.7 ± 4.4 g) were fed diets containing 0.0 (control diet), 2.5, 5, and 10 g marshmallow extract for 60 days. On days 30 and 60 of the experiment blood samples were collected and hematological parameters and liver enzyme activities—aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)—were measured. No significant difference was found (p > .05) in red blood cells (RBC); hemoglobin concentration (Hb); hematocrit (Htc); mean corpuscular volume (MCV); mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCH); or the percentage of neutrophils, basophils, and eosinophils in fish fed with different concentrations of marshmallow extract on days 30 and 60. However, the white blood cell (WBC) count was increased significantly in the fish fed for 60 days with feed supplemented with 5 g marshmallow extract (p < .05). The MCHC was increased signi?cantly in ?sh fed with diets supplemented with 2.5 g marshmallow extract for 60 days (p < .05). Administration of marshmallow extract (5 g) significantly increased (p < 0.05) lymphocytes on days 30 and 60. However, dietary intake of 10 g marshmallow extract had significantly decreased the monocyte percentage after 60 days. A significant increase was observed in AST, ALT, ALP, and LDH levels in livers of fish fed with extract 10 g, which may be attributed to cytotoxicity. However, marshmallow extract 2.5 and 5 g did not have adverse effects on liver enzymes. These results indicate that preclinical dietary supplementations of 2.5 and 5 g marshmallow extract per kg diet have no side effects on common carp.     

Inheritance and reliability of random amplified polymorphic DNA-markers in two consecutive generations of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers have been used in a variety of genetic studies in fisheries and aquaculture. Most population studies are performed without preliminary data demonstrating the Mendelian inheritance and reproducibility of RAPD markers. In this study, the inheritance and reproducibility of RAPD markers was examined in two consecutive generations of common carp, Cyprinus carpio L. Variability and segregation of RAPD markers were investigated in one F₁ progeny and three F₂ progenies. Seventy-four RAPD markers were generated by five primers using DNA extracted from the initial ornamental (koi) common carp female and wild-type colour common carp male. Fifty-five of these RAPD markers were transmitted to the F₁ progeny and the inheritance patterns were analysed. Twenty RAPD markers were fully reproducible and demonstrated dominant simple Mendelian inheritance patterns in two consecutive generations. Twenty-four RAPD markers were not reproducible in all progenies. Thirteen markers displayed inheritance ratios in the progenies that did not fit simple Mendelian inheritance patterns. Non-reproducibility of RAPD markers and distorted ratios may be caused by the absence of amplification, poor amplification or by the appearance of artefact bands. Random amplified polymorphic DNA markers with poor reproducibility and non-Mendelian inheritance can lead to misinterpretations of data in population studies, resulting in errors in the estimation of genetic diversity within and between individual populations. Therefore, it is recommended to first identify the set of reproducible RAPD markers that demonstrate Mendelian inheritance before application of the RAPD technique in population studies.     

The use of fenugreek seed meal in fish diets: growth performance,haematological and biochemical parameters,survival and stress resistance of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of fenugreek seed meal (FKSM) on growth performance, blood haematological and biochemical factors, survival and stress resistance of the common carp (2.46 ± 0.06 g) fingerlings. Four practical diets containing 0 (control), 0.5%, 1% and 1.5% FKSM were used to feed fish. Fish were fed on the tested diets at a rate of 3% of body weight for 8 weeks. Results indicated that fish fed the control diet had a significantly lower weight gain, specific growth rate and condition factor compared to the other treatments (P < 0.05). Feed conversion ratio decreased significantly in fish fed diets containing FKSM. There were no significant differences in glucose levels, red blood cell count, haematocrit and haemoglobin between treatment groups and the control group (P > 0.05). Significantly lower white blood cells count was observed in fish treatment with FKSM when compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The cholesterol level in group fed supplemented diet by 1% fenugreek significantly lower than other groups (P < 0.05). Total protein levels were significantly higher in all treatments compared to the control (P < 0.05). No mortality was recorded during the feeding trial. In salinity stress experiment, highest survival rate belong to fish fed supplemented diet by 1% fenugreek. These results indicate that FKSM can be considered as a beneficial dietary supplement for improving the growth performance and blood indices of common carp fingerling.     

棉酚对鲤鱼急性中毒的研究

鲤鱼（体重约16克）腹腔注射乙酸棉酚0，7．3，54，100，200，400mg/kg体重，经四天（96小时）后，死亡率分别是0，0，20％，70％，90％，100％。96小时半数致死剂量是63．6mg/kg体重。注射剂量高于54mg/kg体重时，发生腹腔红肿、体壁溃烂，甚至死亡。实验结果说明虽然棉籽水平的棉酚不引起鲤鱼的任何可见的中毒症状，但是腹腔注射大剂量棉酚可引起与哺乳类相似的中毒症状。     

Testing of performance in common carp Cyprinus carpio L. under pond husbandry conditions I: top-crossing with Northern mirror carp

Performance tests of Northern mirror carp (M72) and three different crossbreds were conducted in semi‐intensive pond conditions from the larval stage up to market size. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible utilization of new hybrid combinations (M72 × PL – Poho?elice mirror carp) and (M72 × Dor – Israeli mirror carp), and to compare them with a hybrid widely reared as a commercial product (M72 × M2 – Hungarian mirror carp) and with M72 purebred. The testing model was derived from similar studies carried out in the conditions of the Czech Republic, where an internal control of different scale cover is used to eliminate all non‐genetic effects. ancova revealed at market size significantly better growth in M72 × Dor (1 619±28.3 g; LS mean±SE) and M72 × PL (1475±29.8 g) compared with M72 (1278±26.3 g). Survival during the test of 3 years duration was significantly the best in the M72 × Dor hybrid as were the dressing out parameters measured at market size, even if these were significantly different only in proportion of fillets with skin (39.1±0.28%). Interestingly, the crossbred M72 × M2 commonly used by Czech fishermen showed for both, growth (1371±26.2 g) and survival, the lowest values among crossbreds and with regard to dressing out parameters mostly among all tested groups.     

Lipid metabolism responses of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) to mulberry leaf meal in diet

This study investigated the lipid metabolism responses of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) to mulberry leaf meal (MLM) replacing of some fish meal in diet. Six iso‐nitrogenous and iso‐energetic diets containing different levels of MLM (0%, 6.3%, 12.6%, 18.9%, 25.2% and 31.5%) were prepared and fed to common carps in tanks for 56 days. Analysis showed that serum total protein, albumin contents and glutamic‐pyruvic transaminase, glutamic oxalacetic transaminase activities were not significantly different among treatments, blood glucose, cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein and low‐density lipoprotein but triglyceride concentration depicted a declining trend in MLM supplementation groups compared with control. Liver and muscle lipid content decreased with increased supplementation of MLM in the diet. Hepatic lpl showed an up‐regulated trend in the MLM groups, apo‐a1 was up‐regulated in common carp fed 31.5% MLM diet, pparα was up‐regulated in 18.9% and 25.2% MLM groups, while apo‐a4, pparβ and pparγ were down‐regulated in all the MLM‐treated groups compared with control, fabp1 was down‐regulated in fish fed high‐MLM diets (≥25.2%). The results revealed that half of fish meal in common carp diet could be replaced by MLM with no hepatotoxicity; MLM promoted the reversal of cholesterol transport thereby reducing the cholesterol in blood; MLM elevated the ability of fatty acid oxidation of the common carp, but did not activated the activity of lipoprotein lipase fully, and the suppressed transportation of fatty acid affected the degradation of triglyceride in blood together; MLM reduced liver lipid contents might through suppressing the isolation and proliferation of adipocytes.     

Magnesium status in freshwater fish,common carp (Cyprinus carpio,L.) and the dietary protein-magnesium interaction

Common carp juveniles were fed for 9 weeks one of the eight semipurified diets containing graded levels of magnesium, 0.08, 0.6, 1.1, 3, 2 g Mg kg^–1 and 25 or 44% protein.Fish growth and feed utilization were significantly affected by both Mg and protein levels in the diets. Significant interaction between these two studied variables existed in relation to the fish performance as well as to mean deposition rate of several minerals in common carp body. The fish fed diets containing 0.08 g Mg kg^–1 had reduced growth and developed deficiency signs such as muscle flaccidity and skin hemorrhages.Results indicated that a minimum Mg level of 0.6 g Mg kg^–1 was required to elevate plasma and bone magnesium content and to reduce the whole body Ca concentration (hypercalcinosis symptom). Further increase of dietary Mg up to 3.2 g Mg kg^–1 improved growth rate of fish insignificantly, but the deposition rate of dietary Mg fell to as low as 7.4 and 10.7 percent in low- and high-protein diet fed fish, respectively. In Mg-deficient fish, considerable amount of magnesium was absorbed via extra-oral routes, however, this way of the covering magnesium need becomes insufficient in fast growing fish.     

Effects of microcystin-containing cyanobacterial extract on hematological and biochemical parameters of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)

The aim of the study was to assess the effects of a cyanobacterial extract containing microcystins (MCs) on selected hematological and biochemical parameters in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.), as well as to determine the accumulation of toxins in fish tissues. The fish were immersed for 5 days in water containing toxins at a final concentration of 12 μg/L of microcystin LR equivalent. Microcystin LR residues were detected in fish liver, reaching 207, 238 and 260 ng/g f.w. of the tissues taken 24 h, 72 h and 5 days after the end of intoxication, respectively. The most substantial changes were found in fish plasma, including increases in creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, ammonia, glucose, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels. A decline of about 50% in lysozyme activity was observed by the end of the experimental period. Moreover, a marked increase in ceruloplasmin activity was detected 24 h after the end of intoxication with a subsequent decrease in its activity after 72 h and 5 days. This study concludes that not only consumption of food containing toxins but also MCs dissolved in water may pose a threat to fish health. Additionally, detected changes in lysozyme and ceruloplasmin activity may have distinct effects in fish resistance against pathogens or oxidative stress, which should be taken into account in the future studies.     

Artificial spawning of carp, Cyprinus carpio (L.)

The effect of reproduction was investigated on females of Hungarian strain W, French strain F, and their cross‐breed 1X whose ovulation was stimulated with carp pituitary (0.3 mg kg^?1and, after 12 h, 2.7 mg kg^?1) or Ovopel (one‐fifth of a pellet per kg and, after 12 h, one pellet per kg). It was found that in the case of Ovopel treatment, the percentage of spawning females of strain F and the cross‐breed 1X was higher than in the hypophysed fish compared. The applied ovulation stimulators did not significantly affect the weight of obtained eggs, whereas the significant (P ≤ 0.01) effect was recorded with respect to the quality of eggs after 12‐, 24‐, 36‐ and 48‐h of incubation. After Ovopel stimulation, the quality of eggs was better. The origin of the females had no statistically significant effect on the weight of eggs although the yield of eggs from fish of strain W was much smaller than that from females of strain F and the 1X cross‐breed. The interaction between the ovulation stimulator and the provenance of the females was significant (P ≤ 0.05) for the percentage of live embryos after 48‐h of incubation of eggs. Eggs of the best quality (and highest weight) were obtained from fish of strain F and cross‐breed 1X treated with Ovopel. In females of strain F that spawned within 6 and 10 h after the second Ovopel injection, the effect of the ovulation time on the weight of eggs was non‐significant. It was significant with respect to the percentage of egg fertilization and of live embryos after 36‐h of incubation (P ≤ 0.01 and P ≤ 0.05 respectively). The better quality of eggs (and their higher weight) was recorded when this time was shorter.     

Investigation of fat content in market common carp (Cyprinus carpio) flesh during the growing season

Effects of supplemental feeding with cereals (rye, triticale, maize and the unsupplemental control group) on fat content in flesh of 3‐year‐old common carp (Cyprinus carpio) were the subject of study carried out at four ponds (Czech Republic, Central Europe) during the growing season. The main result was that supplemental feeding with cereals to the same energetic level was associated with varying growth and fat content in the flesh of common carp. At the end of the experiment, the stock of fish supplementally fed with maize was found to have the highest fat content (112.7 ± 15.6 g kg^?1), while the lowest value of fat content was found in the control group (56.8 ± 9.4 g kg^?1). The carps supplementally fed with rye were found to have a higher fat content (90.1 ± 19.0) than those supplementally fed with triticale (84.3 ± 15.7 g kg^?1). Established average fat content values (except for maize) were at the level that indicate a high sensory quality of carp flesh during the whole growing season.     

Top-crossing with evaluation of slaughtering value in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) offspring

A three-year test of growth performance andoffspring survival from top-crossing of commoncarp hybrids in low altitude (350 m above thesea level, middle European climate) and in highaltitude (750 m above the sea level, middleEuropean climate) was terminated by assessmentof slaughtering value of edible parts in therespective strains. A recently establishedHungarian synthetic mirror carp strain (HSM)was chosen for testing as maternal strain. TheHSM, as well as wild Amur carp (AC), Ropshacarp (ROP) and Tata carp (TAT) were used aspaternal strains.The evidential strain*altitude interactioneffect was demonstrated as significant forweight of fish (0.0005), fillet without skin(0.0001), index of highbackedness (0.005),index of head length (0.0404),Fulton's coefficient (0.0497),index of widebackedness (0.0315) andgonadosomatic index (0.0082). The interactioneffect was demonstrated as insignificantbetween altitude*sex and betweenstrain*sex.The comparative test of analysis of variance(ANOVA) revealed significantly (P < 0.05)higher weight of fish after killing on lowaltitude (1611.6 g) than on high altitude(1090.3 g), but processed body yield andpercentage of fillet without skin was notsignificantly different (64.0 and 34.2 for lowaltitude, 64.2 and 33.4 for high altitude). Thepercentage of processed body weight andpercentage of fillet without skin in analysisboth altitudes were significantly better infemales (65.5 and 34.6%) than in males (62.5and 33.00%), respectively. The highestsignificant differences in weight of fish afterkilling were found between HSM (890.8 g) andHSM × AC (1283.3 g) in high altitude. In lowaltitude, it was between HSM (1527.2 g) andHSM × AC (1706.9 g) and HSM × ROP (1693.0 g).     

Environmental effects of common carp Cyprinus carpio (L.) and mrigal Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton) as bottom feeders in major Indian carp polycultures

A polyculture experiment with the large carp rohu, catla and either mrigal or common carp (as cash crop fish), and the small indigenous fish punti (as food for the farmer's family) was carried out at Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. The main objectives were to compare polycultures of large carp in which the bottom feeder is either the native mrigal or the exotic common carp, and to assess the effects of adding the small indigenous species punti to those polycultures. The results of fish–fish interactions and overall fish production have already been reported. The present paper presents the effects on the water quality, and discusses fish–environment interactions. The main conclusions are: time changes in the pond environment were stronger than fish composition effects. The main practice affecting water quality was liming, that incresed alkalinity, pH and water transparency and decreased ammonia. Rain affected photosynthesis and the match‐mismatch of the two steps of nitrification. The more that bottom feeding fish species disrupt the mud bottom, the stronger their effects on pond environment. Common carp produce the strongest disruption of the mud bottom, followed by punti and then by mrigal. Mud disruption produced by common carp leads to a stronger liming effect, nutrient release into the water, and provides more particles that rain‐floods wash out, facilitating the mismatch of the two steps of nitrification, and increased phosphorus adsorption into the mud bottom. Mud disruption by punti is only enough to improve the liming effect. Mud disruption by mrigal is the least, hence less particles are resuspended, nitrification is not affected during floods and relatively more phosphate remains in the water available for photosynthesis. The bottom feeder common carp can be seen not only as a target‐cultured fish but also as a management tool. Farmers can get double benefit in introducing common carp in the ponds as it enhances the effectiveness of lime application and increases the availability of nutrients to phytoplankton. Through the manipulation of species in the polyculture alone, farmers can maintain the environment better and also reduce input costs.     

The effect of common carp, Cyprinus carpio (L.) and mrigal, Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton) as bottom feeders in major Indian carp polycultures

A polyculture experiment with the large carp rohu, Labeo rohita (Hamilton), catla, Catla catla (Hamilton) and either mrigal, Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton) or common carp, Cyprinus carpio (L.) (as cash crop fish), and the small indigenous fish punti, Puntius sophore (Hamilton) (as food for the small‐scale farmer family) was carried out at the Field Laboratory of the Faculty of Fisheries, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. The main objective was to compare polycultures of large carp in which the bottom feeder is either the native mrigal or the exotic common carp. Secondary objectives were to assess the effects of adding the small indigenous species punti to polycultures of large carp, and to compare the effects of mrigal and common carp on punti production and reproduction. It was found that (i) common carp damaged embankments, had no effect on catla, improved rohu performance by 50% and total fish production by 20%; (ii) punti addition did not affect rohu, catla and total yield, improved mrigal performance by 50%, and decreased common carp performance by 20%; and (iii) punti was not affected either by common carp or by mrigal. However, its performance was not satisfactory, probably owing to frequent netting, which might have hindered growth and breeding. In spite of the embankment damage caused by common carp, this bottom feeder seems to be more promising than mrigal, because it leads to higher fish production. The addition of punti to the large carp polyculture is a viable proposition, as it does not reduce cash crop production, and might be a good food source for a small‐scale farmer's family.