Finishing plant diet supplemented with microalgae meal increases the docosahexaenoic acid content in Colossoma macropomum flesh

The need for a sustainable aquaculture is increasing the use of plant ingredients in replacement to fishmeal and fish oil in diets for tambaqui Colossoma macropomum, which is leading to not detectable levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in its flesh. We evaluated the effect of a finishing plant diet supplemented with 5% of microalgae meal from Schizochytrium sp. (MD) on tambaqui growth, on proximal composition and fatty acid content of its flesh, comparing it to a non‐supplemented diet. One hundred and sixty‐two fish (489.67 g) were distributed into six tanks (2,000 L) and fed the experimental diets for a 90‐day period. Three fish per tank were euthanized for analyses every 15 days. The MD did not affect the growth and proximal composition of fish flesh. The MD increased the DHA content (from 14.81 to 38.60 mg/g of lipids) and the n‐3:n‐6 ratio (from 0.16 to 0.51) in the flesh of fish, beginning on the 15th day and reaching the highest DHA content on the 71st day (39.81 mg/g of lipids). We recommend C. macropomum to be fed with a finishing diet supplemented with microalgae meal for 71 days before slaughter to improve the DHA content and n‐3:n‐6 ratio in the flesh.     

Effect of dietary common carp by‐product protein hydrolysates on antioxidant status in different organs of zebrafish (Danio rerio)

A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary protein hydrolysates from common carp (Cyprinus carpio) by‐products on the antioxidant status of zebrafish (Danio rerio). Common carp by‐product was hydrolysed using Alcalase to a degree of hydrolysis of 15%. The zebrafish were fed for 44 days with four different diets with increasing levels of carp by‐product hydrolysates (CBH0: 0 g/kg; CBH25: 25 g/kg; CBH50: 50 g/kg; CBH100: 100 g/kg). The gills, muscle and brain were dissected at the end of the feeding trial in order to evaluate the total antioxidant capacity against peroxyl radicals (ACAP) and lipid peroxidation (TBARS). Although total antioxidant capacity did not show differences in muscle (p > 0.05), lipid peroxidation was reduced in the muscle of fish fed the CBH50 diet. Brain lipid peroxidation showed a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in all groups when compared with the control diet CBH0. Antioxidant properties of protein hydrolysates indicate their potential as nutraceuticals since (a) a reduction in muscle lipid peroxidation was verified, implying that their use could enhance the quality and shelf life of fish fillets; and (b) a decrease in brain lipid peroxidation was registered, highlighting the potential use of fish protein hydrolysates for the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.     

Alzheimer’s Disease and Toxins Produced by Marine Dinoflagellates: An Issue to Explore

This paper examined the toxins naturally produced by marine dinoflagellates and their effects on increases in β-amyloid plaques along with tau protein hyperphosphorylation, both major drivers of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This approach is in line with the demand for certain natural compounds, namely those produced by marine invertebrates that have the potential to be used in the treatment of AD. Current advances in AD treatment are discussed as well as the main factors that potentially affect the puzzling global AD pattern. This study focused on yessotoxins (YTXs), gymnodimine (GYM), spirolides (SPXs), and gambierol, all toxins that have been shown to reduce β-amyloid plaques and tau hyperphosphorylation, thus preventing the neuronal or synaptic dysfunction that ultimately causes the cell death associated with AD (or other neurodegenerative diseases). Another group of toxins described, okadaic acid (OA) and its derivatives, inhibit protein phosphatase activity, which facilitates the presence of phosphorylated tau proteins. A few studies have used OA to trigger AD in zebrafish, providing an opportunity to test in vivo the effectiveness of new drugs in treating or attenuating AD. Constraints on the production of marine toxins for use in these tests have been considered. Different lines of research are anticipated regarding the action of the two groups of toxins.     

Digestive enzymatic activity on Tropical gar (Atractosteus tropicus) larvae fed different diets

Digestive enzymatic activity and growth performance on tropical gar (Atractosteus tropicus) larvae fed Artemia nauplii (LF), frozen adult Artemia (AB), an artificial diet (AF) with 46% protein and 16% lipids and a starvation group (SG) from first feeding (5?days after hatching-5 DAH) to 34 DAH were studied. All larvae under starvation (SG) died at 15 DAH. By the end of the experimental period, morphological variables (total length, wet weight and specific growth rate) were significant in larvae fed AF compared to LF and AB. All enzymes studied in the experiment were present since the start of exogenous feeding (including pepsin) and the enzymatic activity varied with the diets. Low levels of enzymatic activity were observed until the 29 DAH; however, after this moment, there was a significant increase (eightfold), particularly for the AF treatment. In vitro protein digestibility tests performed with enzymatic extracts showed that artificial diets with 52% protein and 14% lipids were better digested by larvae before 30 DAH, while diets with 45% protein and 11% lipids were better digested after this age. Taking into account the better growth performance, higher enzymatic activity and better protein digestibility obtained, artificial diets can be used since the start of exogenous feeding on tropical gar larvae, as in other lepisosteids.     

Larvicidal and residual activity of imidazolium salts against Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)

BACKGROUND

Aedes aegypti is an important mosquito species that can transmit several arboviruses such as dengue fever, yellow fever, chikungunya and zika. Because these mosquitoes are becoming resistant to most chemical insecticides used around the world, studies with new larvicides should be prioritized. Based on the known biological profile of imidazolium salts (IS), the objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of six IS as larvicides against Ae. aegypti, as tested against Ae. aegypti larvae. Larval mortality was measured after 24 and 48 h, and residual larvicidal activity was also evaluated.

RESULTS

Promising results were obtained with aqueous solutions of two IS: 1‐n‐octadecyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride ( C ₁₈ MImCl ) and 1‐n‐hexadecyl‐3‐methylimidazolium methanesulfonate ( C ₁₆ MImMeS ), showing up to 90% larval mortality after 48 h exposure. C ₁₈ MImCl was more effective than C ₁₆ mIMeS , causing mortality until day 15 after exposure. An application of C ₁₈ MImCl left to dry under ambient conditions for at least 2 months and then dissolved in water showed a more pronounced residual effect (36 days with 95% mortality and 80% mortality up to 78 days).

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to show the potential of IS in the control of Ae. aegypti. Further studies are needed to understand the mode of action of these compounds in the biological development of this mosquito species. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry

     

Potential environmental and economic impacts of turfgrass in Albuquerque,New Mexico (USA)

We estimated the ecological and economic impact of urban turfgrass production in a large city. A satellite image was used to evaluate the turfgrass area of Albuquerque, New Mexico, U.S.A. Turfgrass, the major vegetation component of the city, covers 7,650 ha and represents approximately 30.0% of the metropolitan area. Of the total grass area, 85.0% exists as home lawns, 8.3% occurs in parks, and 6.7% is on golf courses.We estimated that turfgrass uses an average of 475,000 m³ of water every day, yielding more than 4,575,000 kg of grass clippings going to the landfill in approximately 250,000 garbage bags each year. The approximate yearly cost of maintenance comes to more than $30 million which includes the potential purchase of 322,065 kg of nitrogen fertilizer, 286,110 kg of phosphorus fertilizer, 237,915 kg of potassium fertilizer and 37,408 kg of active ingredients of insecticides.Our evaluation of the cumulative effects of domestic and municipal turfgrass production can guide the application of economically sound Integrated Pest Management strategies and enable planning for sustained use of potentially limiting resources, such as water, in semiarid environments.     

Energy Balance of Callinectes rathbunae Contreras 1930 in Floating Cages in a Tropical Coastal Lagoon

The genus Callinecres is ecologically important in the coastal lagoon region of the Gulf of Mexico. This study was conducted to test the feasibility of raising these crabs in a system of floating cages and to measure their scope for growth in a tropical coastal lagoon of the Gulf of Mexico. The equation P = As - (R + E + N) was used to estimate the scope for growth (P) for C. rathbunae under experimental conditions for 21 days. Ingested food was 3% of body weight. Assimilation (As) was 73% of assimilated energy, 21.4% was channeled to respiration (R), 2% to excretion (N) and 0.16% to exuvia (E). The remainder of the energy was channeled to growth at a net efficiency of 76%. Significant differences were not found between the calculated scope for growth and the growth achieved in the culture system ( P > 0.05). These results support the energy balance equation and suggest that the cultivation of C. rathbunae in floating cages is possible.     

Influence of steam-flaked, steamed-whole or whole shelled corn on performance and digestion in beef steers

Three trials were conducted to evaluate finishing diets containing 67% steam-flaked corn (SFC), steamed-whole corn (SWC) or whole corn (WC). In a feeding trial, steers fed SWC consumed more (P less than .05) dry matter per day (7.6 kg) than those fed WC (7.0 kg) or SFC (6.7 kg). Average daily gain was greater (P less than .05) for steers fed SFC (1.33 kg) and SWC (1.31 kg) than for those fed WC (1.25 kg), and feed efficiency was better (P less than .05) for steers fed SFC (5.06 kg dry matter/kg gain) than for those fed WC (5.62) and SWC (5.79). Carcass characteristics were not different among the three groups. In a digestion trial, method of corn processing did not affect digestibility of dry matter and crude protein. Starch digestibility was greater (P less than .05) for SFC (99.1%) than for SWC (93.8%) and WC (93.0%). There were no differences in nitrogen (N) intake or fecal N among the three diets; however, urinary N was less (P less than .05) for SWC (19 g/d) than for SFC (27 g/d) and WC (32 g/d), and N retention was higher (P less than .05) for the SWC diet. In vitro dry matter digestibility of the SFC diet was higher (P less than .05) than for WC at 4 and 8 h of incubation and higher (P less than .05) than the SWC diet at 8, 12 and 24 h of incubation. In vitro gas production after 6 h was greater (P less than .05) for SFC than for SWC grain, which was greater (P less than .05) than WC.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Experimental Collection of Pearl Oyster, Pinctada mazatlanica and Pteria sterna, Spat on a Filament Substrate

Juveniles of Pinctada mazatlanica and Pteria sterna were collected with artificial collectors from Falsa Bay, Baja California Sur, Mexico during a 12 month experimental period. Filament substrate artificial collectors contained in 2 mm plastic mesh bags (25 ± 25 cm) were deployed from the surface to 17 m of depth, and replaced monthly. Pinctada mazatlanica had the greatest recruitment (12 juveniles/cm²) in late summer and P. sterna (5 juveniles/cm²) in winter. Maximum spat collection from September 1986 to April 1987 occurred at 10 m depth for P. mazatlanica and at 4–7 m depth for P. sterna . However, peak spatfall under 11m depth occurred from late July to August 1987. The mean prodissoconch shell height was 254 μ m (SE = 0.003; N = 50) for P. mazatlanica and 313 μm (SE = 0.004; N = 50) for P. sterna . The growth equations for the first five weeks of both species, based on the prodissoconch shell height and the maximum spat height (measured from the umbo to distal edge) are presented.