Optimizing nursery diets for post-metamorphic stage black sea bass: Growth performance,body composition,and feed utilization on open-formulated and commercial starter diets

The objective of this study was to optimize nursery diets for post-metamorphic stage black sea bass by evaluating growth performance, whole-body proximate and fatty acid composition, and utilization of University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW)-formulated and commercial diets under laboratory conditions. A feeding trial was conducted to compare two UNCW-formulated diets (D1 and D2) for black sea bass (54% crude protein = CP and 14% crude lipid = CL) and two premium, commercial marine finfish fry diets, Otohime (Reed Mariculture Inc., Campbell, CA, CP = 48% and CL = 14%, CD3) and Gemma Diamond (Skretting, Nutreco, Canada, CP = 57%, CL = 15%, CD4). The UNCW-formulated diet 1 (D1) contained high fish meal (FM, 40% of diet), whereas UNCW-formulated diet 2 (D2) replaced 50% FM protein by high-quality poultry by-product meal (PBM) protein. Post-metamorphic stage black sea bass (~0.60 g, d40ph) were stocked in each of sixteen 75-L tanks at a density of 1 fish per L (75 per tank), with four replicate aquaria per treatment. Fish were fed four times per day (0800, 1100, 1400, and 1600 h) to apparent satiation for 30 days. Final body weight (5.70–5.74), specific growth rate (7.40–7.45%/d), and percent body weight gain (834–848%) of fish fed the UNCW-formulated D1 (FM-based) and D2 (FM + PBM-based) were higher (p < .05) than in fish fed the commercial diets CD3 and CD4 (4.66–5.21 g, 6.80–7.15%/d, and 668–756%, respectively). Feed intake (% body weight/d was significantly lower for fish fed commercial diet (CD4) (3.94) compared with fish fed CD3 (4.20), but feed intake for CD3 was not significantly different compared with the UNCW-formulated diets D1 and D2 (4.10–4.12). Feed conversion ratios (0.76–0.82) were significantly higher for fish fed CD3 (0.82) than for fish fed D1 and CD4 (0.76). Survival was high (99–100%) in all diet treatments. Final whole-body crude protein content (15.2 to 15.9% wet basis), moisture (68.9–69.6%), and ash (4.31–4.77%) showed no significant differences; however, whole-body crude lipid was lower in fish fed CD3 (9.67%) than in fish fed the other diets (9.96–10.22%). Final whole-body fatty acid composition reflected the diet composition. Higher feed consumption and growth of fish fed the UNCW-formulated diets were attributed to a more optimal combination of marine (fish, squid, and krill meals), terrestrial plant (soybean meal) protein sources, and the addition of chemo-attractants, which provided both higher nutritional quality and palatability. The study suggests that the species-specific starter diets may improve growth performance and fingerling quality and may therefore lower production costs under intensive nursery conditions.     

Anaesthetic efficacy of MS‐222 and AQUI‐S® in advanced size fry of rohu,Labeo rohita, (Hamilton‐Buchanan)

Anaesthetic agents are very useful for reducing the stress caused by handling, sorting, transportation, artificial reproduction, tagging, administration of vaccines and surgical procedures in fish. The efficacy of two anaesthetics: MS‐222 and AQUI‐S^® were tested on rohu, Labeo rohita advanced size fry. The lowest effective doses that produced induction in 3 min or less and recovery times 5 min or less and meet the most criteria of good anaesthetic characteristics were 125 mg L^?1 of MS‐222, and 30 mg L^?1 of AQUI‐S^® in rohu, Labeo rohita advanced size fry. Induction times were significantly decreased with increased in the concentrations of any of the two tested anaesthetic agents. The lowest doses suitable for transportation of rohu advanced size fry observed were: 10–15 mg L^?1 of MS‐222 and 2.5 mg L^?1 AQUI‐S^®. Both anaesthetics showed promising to be used as anaesthetics for handling and transportation in rohu (Labeo rohita) advanced fry.     

Effect of high inclusion of rendered animal by‐product ingredients on growth,digestibility and economic performances in climbing perch Anabas testudineus

A 70‐day growth trail was conducted to investigate the effects of inclusion of high levels of meat and bone meal (MBM) and protein concentrate (PC) on growth, digestibility and economic performances of climbing perch, Anabas testudineus. Four isonitrogenous diets were formulated by lowering the level of dietary fishmeal protein at 0 (D₁, control), 70 (D₂), 85 (D₃) and 100% (D₄) with a mixture of MBM and PC protein (1:1). Triplicate groups of 300 fish (mean weight of 0.80 g) stocked in each 40 m² pond and fed the respective test diets. A digestibility trial was conducted after the growth trial in indoor glass aquarium. The result showed that growth parameters were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) with fishmeal replacement levels. However, significant differences were not found in feed conversion ratio and survival of fish. No difference was also found in protein efficiency ratio among D1, D2 and D3. Similar to growth parameters, total fish production was highest in D1, intermediate in D2 and D3; and lowest in D4. Apparent digestibility coefficients of dry matter, protein and lipid were highest (P < 0.05) in D1 and lowest in D4. The economic analysis revealed that the benefit cost ratio was ranked by D₃ (1.81), D₂ (1.71), D₁ (1.66) and D₄ (1.46) respectively. Upon considering the overall performances and unavailability of finite protein sources, it can be concluded that 70–85% fishmeal could be replaced with a mixture of MBM and PC (1:1) in practical diets for climbing perch.     

Production of aromatic amino acids and related compounds from p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid by rumen microorganisms in vitro

Suspensions of mixed rumen bacteria (B), protozoa (P), and mixed rumen microorganisms (BP) prepared from rumen contents of fistulated goats were anaerobically incubated with 1 mM p‐hydroxyphenylacetic acid (HPA) at 39°C for 24 h. Tyrosine (Tyr), phenylalanine (Phe), tryptophan (Trp) and other related compounds in both supernatants and hydrolyzates of microbial cells in all incubations were analyzed by HPLC. Large amounts of Tyr (32.1, 42.7 and 36.1% of disappeared HPA in B, P and BP, respectively) were produced from HPA during a 12 h incubation period. The formation of Tyr in P (178.6 µmol/g MN) was 1.5 and 2 times higher than in B and BP, respectively. Phe (7–11% of the disappeared HPA) and Trp (3–6% of the disappeared HPA) were also synthesized from HPA in B, P, and BP. Phe synthesis in P (46.3 µmol/g MN) was 1.7 times higher than in B but, in contrast, Trp synthesis in B, was 1.6 times higher than in P. The metabolites p‐hydroxyphenylpyruvic acid (in the range of 5–14% of disappeared HPA), phenylacetic acid (1–11%), p‐hydroxybenzoic acid (3–7%) and benzoic acid (1–6%) were produced from HPA in B, P and BP. Phenylpropionic acid (6% of the disappeared HPA) was produced only in B and BP.     

Fecal carriage of multi-drug resistant and extended spectrum β-lactamases producing E. coli in household pigeons,Bangladesh

Antibiotic resistance and ESBL constitute a risk to human and animal health. Birds residing close to humans could mirror the spectrum of human associated antibiotic resistance. Household pigeons were screened in Bangladesh to shed light on human associated, as well as, environmental antibiotic resistance. Escherichia coli from pigeons (n = 150) were tested against 11 antibiotics. 89% E. coli isolates were resistant to one or more critically important human antibiotics like ampicillin, cefadroxil, mecillinam, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin and tigecycline. No carbapenamase-producers were detected and the lower ESBL prevalence (5%) in pigeons. ESBL-producing E. coli isolates had bla_CTX-M-15 genes. Pigeons shared some bacterial clones and had bird associated sequence types like E. coli ST1408. Fecal carriage of bacteria resistance of critically important human antibiotics, together with examples of shared genotypes among pigeons, indicate the human-birds and bird to bird transmissions are important in the epidemiology of antibiotic resistance.     

“三定”栽培对双季超级稻养分吸收积累及氮肥利用率的影响

为探讨南方双季超级稻对氮、磷、钾养分的吸收积累及利用规律,于2008—2010年在湖南长沙和浏阳以超级早稻陆两优996、陵两优268和超级晚稻丰源优299、天优华占为材料进行大田定位试验,比较了“三定”栽培、免耕摆栽和传统栽培条件下双季超级稻不同生育期植株体内氮、磷、钾吸收积累特点及氮肥利用率。与传统栽培相比,“三定”栽培双季超级稻生长前期(分蘖中期)氮、磷、钾的吸收量较低,幼穗分化期差异甚小,而齐穗期(早季平均为10.71、2.23和11.82 g m^-2,晚季平均为12.25、2.69和16.37 g m^-2)和成熟期(早季平均为13.61、3.01和13.71 g m^-2,晚季平均为17.16、3.31和18.31 g m^-2)较高;氮肥的偏生产力(平均为53.40 kg kg^-1)、吸收利用率(平均为55.98%)、农学利用率(平均为22.27 kg kg^-1)较高,分别提高29.00%、88.92%和46.67%。免耕摆栽双季超级稻不同生育时期氮、磷、钾的吸收特点与“三定”栽培相似,但其氮肥的偏生产力、吸收利用率和农学利用率(平均为50.24 kg kg^-1、52.75%、19.33 kg kg^-1)分别比“三定”栽培降低6.29%、6.12%和15.19%。由此可见,双季超级稻生产采用“三定”栽培技术有利于提高氮肥利用率。     

Present status of genetics of rust resistance in flax

Summary Present knowledge of host genes conferring resistance to rust in flax and their genetics are reviewed. There are at least 34 genes conferring resistance to rust occurring in seven groups, namely, K, L, M, N, P, D and Q. Expression of these host genes is affected by temperature, genetic background and by the inhibitor gene present in certain rust strains. Recombination analysis indicates that genes within each of the M and N groups are probably closely linked and that of the L group are genetically complex. When testcross progeny between two genes of the L group were screened, susceptible and modified recombinants were recovered. Some of these susceptible recombinants yielded rare resistant revertants in their progeny. Mechanism of such reversion is not defined but appears to follow a definite pattern. It is also indicated that some of the recombinants represent new specificity. A molecular approach of cloning host genes in flax is described.     

Boron-Calcium Synergically Alleviates Aluminum Toxicity in Wheat Plants (Triticum aestivum L.)

The effects of B and Ca treatments on root growth, nutrient localization and cell wall properties in wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) plants with and without Al stress were investigated. Seedlings were grown hydroponically in a complete nutrient solution for 7 d and then treated with B (0, 40 μM), Ca (0, 2,500 μM), and Al (0, 100 μM) in a 500 μM CaCl₂ solution for 8 d. The cell wall materials (CWM) were extracted with a phenol: acetic acid: water (2:1:1 w/v/v) solution and used for subsequent pectin extraction with trans -1,2-diami-nocyclohexane- N,N,N,N -tetraacetic acid (CDTA) and Na₂CO₃ solutions. Boron, Ca, and B + Ca treatments enhanced root growth by 19.5, 15.2, and 27.2%, respectively, compared to the control (pH 4.5). Calcium and B+Ca treatments enhanced root growth with Al stress by 43 and 54%, respectively, while B did not exert any effect. The amounts of CWM and pectin per unit of root fresh weight increased by Al treatment, whereas the Ca and B+Ca treatments slightly reduced the contents of these components. Seventy-four percent of total B, 69% of total Ca, and 85% of total Al were located in the cell wall in the B, Ca, and Al treatments, respectively and 32% of total B, 33% of total Ca, and 33% of total Al were located in the CDTA-soluble and Na₂CO₃-soluble pectin fractions. A more conspicuous localization of B was observed in the presence of Al. Aluminum treatment markedly decreased the Ca content in the cell wall as well as pectin fractions, mainly in the case of the CDTA-soluble pectin fraction. Boron + Ca treatment decreased the Al content in the cell wall and pectin fractions compared to the Ca treatment alone in the presence of Al. It is concluded that the B+Ca treatment enhanced root growth and, B and Ca uptake, and helped to maintain a normal B and Ca metabolism in the cell walls even in the presence of Al.     

Reckoning social forestry in Bangladesh: policy and plan versus implementation

The history of scientific forest management in Bangladesh datesback to the nineteenth century with defined forest policiesand laws. Due to various socio-economic and socio-politicalfactors, forest cover of the country reduced drastically andall such policy initiatives proved ineffective. Although traditionalforest management objectives covered a wide range from economicbenefit to ecological stability, these have never been attainedfully. Huge population and limited land area compelled policymakers to think about alternatives to traditional forest management.One alternative, social forestry, was introduced in Bangladeshin early 1980s and has proved to be extremely successful. Whiletraditional forest management resulted in a net loss of forestresource cover, social forestry on the other hand, is playinga vital role in the expansion of forest cover (40 387 ha ofnew forest cover and 48 420 km new strip plantation since themid-1980s) benefiting thousands of poor people. Results showthat during the last four years (2000–2003) more than23 000 individuals benefited from the final felling of differentsocial forestry plantations (woodlot, agroforestry and stripplantation). This generated a total income of US$ 5.6 millionfor the government and US$ 5.3 million for participants plusUS$ 1.2 million for the Tree Farming Fund – a 10 per centdepository reserve to sustain the practice in the long run.Although average individual final returns (US$ 223 person^–1)are not so attractive, some people got about US$ 5000 to US$8500 from final felling, sufficient to improve their standardof living and social position. Despite the success so far achieved,social forestry in Bangladesh still suffers from various institutionaldeficiencies like organization, skilled manpower, legitimateusufruct rights, peoples' participation from policy to implementationand clear budgetary arrangements. Besides, until now the roleof relevant actors is not well defined in all the steps of socialforestry practice in Bangladesh. Unless the participants aregiven clear legitimate usufruct rights, they will remain scepticaltowards this programme. They should have good and meaningfulaccess from planning to implementation. In the context of institutionaldevelopment, there are governmental policy guidelines and a20-year Master Plan for Bangladesh. Although some steps havebeen partially completed, there is still much to do to complywith forest policy guidelines and the Master Plan. It is shownthat in the last seven years (1995/96–2001/2002) onlyUS$ 15.41 million a^–1 has actually been spent againstan allocated sum of US$ 68.37 million a^–1. Therefore,if the intention is to institutionalize social forestry in Bangladesh,government and policy makers should actively come forward. Otherwisethe full potential of social forestry in Bangladesh will notbecome a reality.