Supplementation of tryptophan and lysine in Diplodus sargus larval diet: effects on growth and skeletal deformities

Amino acids are the building blocks for growth and the major energy source during fish larval stages. Deficient amino acids can be supplemented in the diets, overcoming problems such as low growth rates and skeletal deformities. In this study, three experimental diets were tested: a balance diet supplemented with lysine, a balance diet supplemented with tryptophan and a control with no supplementation. Trials were conducted with Diplodus sargus larvae from 1 to 25 days after hatching (DAH). A microencapsulated diet was introduced at 15 DAH in co-feeding with live feed and from 20 DAH larvae were fed only this diet. The effect of the supplemented diets was assessed in terms of survival, growth rate, skeletal deformities, ammonia excretion and activity of amino acid catabolism enzymes. The results showed a similar survival in all treatments. However, larvae given tryptophan supplementation had a lower weight on 25 DAH. No significant differences were found in ammonia excretion, frequency or type of deformities or enzymatic activity. Tryptophan and lysine supplementation failed to improve larval growth, survival or larval quality.     

Association of a lordosis-scoliosis-kyphosis deformity in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) with family structure

Skeletal deformities constitute a major problem for aquaculture industry by decreasing the final value of the fish. An analysis of skeletal malformations in 11,640 fish was performed considering families and triplicates per family. Thirtynine different skeletal abnormalities were detected, such as lordosis, vertebral fusion, absence of one or both operculum, bent-jaw, etc. Moreover, a new unusual complex spinal column deformity consisting of a consecutive repetition of lordosis, scoliosis and kyphosis (LSK) from the head to the caudal fin was described. This syndrome was statistically associated with the family structure (Z_{2H–family,LSK}=3.49; p<0.05). The incidence of this deformity was 0.2% in the whole population, and 6.5% within the affected family (2H). The environmental and genetic causes are discussed.     

Hypervitaminosis A in first‐feeding fry of the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.)

Atlantic salmon fry were reared on a fishmeal based diet with increasing levels of vitamin A (VA) (6, 122 and 938 mg retinol kg^–1 dry feed) from startfeeding and for 14 weeks. Signs of VA stress, such as reduced fat stores, liver size and growth, were found for groups receiving 122 and 938 mg retinol kg^–1. Signs of vitamin A toxicity, such as increased mortality, abnormal vertebral growth, and reduced growth, were found for groups receiving 938 mg retinol kg^–1. These results suggest that excess VA in the early life stages of Atlantic salmon is deleterious for normal development.     

Effect of different sources and levels of dietary phospholipids on performances and fatty acid composition of pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) larvae

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary phospholipids (PL) sources (fish gonad G‐PL and soybean lecithin S‐PL) and levels (50 and 90 g kg^?1 dry matter) on the performances and fatty acid (FA) composition of pikeperch larvae. From day 10 to day 34 posthatching (p.h.), larvae were fed with three isoproteic and isolipidic microdiets. The best results of growth and skeletal development were related to a high phospholipid level regardless of their origin and FA profile. Jaw deformities seemed associated with high dietary highly unsaturated FA (HUFA) level. The optimal level of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (EPA + DHA) for pikeperch larvae appeared to be around 12 g kg^?1 (dry matter) associated with a PL level around 90 g kg^?1. FA composition of diets and larvae revealed a better incorporation of arachidonic acid, EPA and DHA into PL fraction especially in larvae fed with soybean PL. Moreover, 34‐day‐old pikeperch larvae may have capability of converting 18 carbon n‐3 FA into the n‐3 HUFA. Hence, for pikeperch larvae, PL from plant origin were as efficient as those from marine fish origin.     

养殖半滑舌鳎仔稚鱼骨骼畸形的发生过程

采用硬骨-软骨双染色技术对半滑舌鳎(Cynoglossus semilaevis Günther)早期发育阶段仔稚鱼全骨骼进行染色,研究其骨骼畸形发生的时间与部位及相应部位的畸形类型.实验结果表明,1～50日龄半滑舌鳎仔稚鱼的32批次495个骨骼标本中,骨骼畸形类型有14种,主要表现为脊椎骨的融合、增生、局部肥大,髓棘和脉棘的分叉和分离,尾鳍的分叉等.骨骼畸形主要发生于变态后期(25日龄)和变态后(40日龄),2个发育阶段的畸形率分别31.58％和25％.骨骼畸形的部位多见于脊柱的PH、HE和CA区,CE区尚未发现畸形.骨骼畸形会严重影响鱼类的外部形态、减缓生长及降低其市场价值.本研究初步探讨了养殖条件下半滑舌鳎骨骼畸形的发生过程,为阐明其早期发育机制及优化苗种培育和养殖条件等提供基础资料.