Responses of soil organic matter and microorganisms to freeze-thaw cycles

Soil organic matter (SOM) biomarker methods were utilized in this study to investigate the responses of fungi and bacteria to freeze-thaw cycles (FTCs) and to examine freeze-thaw-induced changes in SOM composition and substrate availability. Unamended, grass-amended, and lignin-amended soil samples were subject to 10 laboratory FTCs. Three SOM fractions (free lipids, bound lipids, and lignin-derived phenols) with distinct composition, stability and source were examined with chemolysis and biomarker Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry methods and the soil microbial community composition was monitored by phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis. Soil microbial respiration was also measured before and during freezing and thawing, which was not closely related to microbial biomass in the soil but more strongly controlled by substrate availability and quality. Enhanced microbial mineralization (CO₂ flush), considered to be derived from the freeze-thaw-induced release of easily decomposable organic matter from microbial cell lyses, was detected but quickly diminished with successive FTCs. The biomarker distribution demonstrated that free lipids underwent a considerable size of decrease after repeated FTCs, while bound lipids and lignin compounds remained stable. This observation indicates that labile SOM may be most influenced by increased FTCs and that free lipids may contribute indirectly to the freeze-thaw-induced CO₂ flush from the soil. PLFA analysis revealed that fungal biomass was greatly reduced while bacteria were unaffected through the lab-simulated FTCs. Microbial community shifts may be caused by freezing stress and competition for freeze-thaw-induced substrate release. This novel finding may have an impact on carbon and nutrient turnover with predicted increases in FTCs in certain areas, because fungi and bacteria have different degradation patterns of SOM and the fungi-dominated soil community is considered to have a higher carbon storage capacity than a bacteria-dominated community.     

Influence of different sources and levels of dietary protein and lipid on the growth,feed efficiency,muscle composition and fatty acid profile of Snakehead Channa striatus (Bloch, 1793) fingerling

Nine isoenergetic (18.5 kJ g⁻¹) diets were formulated, in a 3 × 3 factorial design, by varying three levels of dietary protein (350, 400 and 450 g kg⁻¹) at each of three levels of dietary lipid (65, 90 and 115 g kg⁻¹) accordingly. Each diet was hand fed two times daily for 8 weeks to triplicate homogenous groups of eight fish (average weight 3.34 ± 0.02 g) per tank connected to a recirculation system. Results showed that the feed efficiency and growth performance significantly (P<0.05) increased with increasing protein level at the two lower lipid levels (65 and 90 g kg⁻¹), respectively, as indicated by indices such as %weight gain, specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio, feed conversion ratio and feed intake, but did not at the highest lipid level (115 g kg⁻¹). The muscle polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) content declined with increasing dietary protein level at the lipid levels producing the highest growth, suggesting that the utilization of PUFA influences growth. Whereas the muscle monounsaturated fatty acids level was generally lower than the dietary levels in all the treatments tested, indicating preferential catabolism for energy, the muscle saturated fatty acids level was comparatively higher than in the diets, indicating selective deposition. Docosa hexaenoic acid (22:6n3, DHA), which was very low in the diet and in the initial fish, was higher in the muscle of some of the treatments, indicating the ability of Channa striatus to desaturate and elongate short‐chain PUFA to long‐chain HUFA, due to the availability of dietary 18:3n3 and 20:5n3 (the precursors for DHA biosynthesis). It could be concluded, based on the results of this trial, that a diet formulated to contain 65 g kg⁻¹ lipid and 450 g kg⁻¹ protein, with a gross energy of 18.5 kJ g⁻¹ and a dietary n3/n6 PUFA ratio of about 0.1, is sufficient to promote good feed efficiency and growth performance in C. striatus fingerling.     

Skin surface lipids and skin and hair coat condition in dogs fed increased total fat diets containing polyunsaturated fatty acids

It is generally believed that diets containing increased amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) result in improved canine skin and hair coat (SHC). However, the extent to which dietary fat amount and type play a role remains to be systematically investigated. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of both increased dietary fat amount and type on SHC assessments of dogs. Improvements of SHC conditions were investigated after feeding three diets containing increased total dietary fat (i.e. 13% total fat) for 12 weeks in relation to a lower fat acclimation diet (i.e. 9% total fat). The higher fat diets varied in polyunsaturated and saturated fat types and amounts but total fat was kept constant. Skin and hair coat assessments were performed at selected intervals by a trained group of veterinarians and graduate students. In addition, hair lipids were fractionated by thin layer chromatography after extraction of plucked hair samples. Significant improvements were found in hair coat glossiness and softness in all dogs fed the higher fat diets in relation to the acclimation diet. Improvements as a result of fat type were also seen but only at 12 weeks. A parallel finding was a marked increase in hair cholesteryl ester content determined at the end of the study at which time SHC scores were significantly improved. Skin and hair coat condition improvements may thus be related to increased cholesteryl ester deposited on the hair shaft surface when high fat diets are fed. Whereas this finding is preliminary, hair lipid analysis may be a useful, non-invasive technique with which to help assess dietary effects on canine SHC.     

Hypolipidaemic effects of potato protein and fish protein in pigs

This study was performed to assess the effects of potato protein and fish protein on concentrations of lipids in plasma and lipoproteins and the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism in pigs used as an animal model. Therefore, 27 young male pigs with an average body weight of 22 kg were fed diets supplemented with protein extracted from potatoes (containing 849 g protein/kg dry matter), Alaska Pollack fillet as a source of fish protein (containing 926 g crude protein/kg dry matter) or casein which was used as control, for 3 weeks. Diets were formulated to supply identical amounts of each protein to the pigs by the three protein sources, namely 116 g/day in first week and 150 g/day in the second and third week. Pigs fed potato protein had lower concentrations of cholesterol in plasma and LDL than pigs fed casein (p < 0.05); no effect was observed on concentrations of HDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Pigs fed fish protein had lower cholesterol concentrations in plasma, LDL and HDL, and lower triglyceride concentrations in triglyceride-rich lipoproteins than pigs fed casein (p < 0.05). mRNA concentrations of genes involved in bile acid synthesis and cholesterol uptake were higher in pigs fed fish protein than in pigs fed casein (p < 0.05); no effect on these genes was observed in pigs fed potato protein. Expression of genes involved in lipogenesis and fatty acid oxidation was not altered by fish protein. In conclusion, this study shows that fish protein and potato protein lower plasma cholesterol concentrations in pigs. The hypocholesterolaemic effect of fish protein might be in part caused by a stimulation of bile acid synthesis; the reason for the hypocholesterolaemic effect of potato protein requires further elucidation.     

Mobilization of energetic reserves during starvation in juveniles of different size of the redclaw crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus

Mobilization patterns of energy reserves during starvation are highly variable among crustaceans, and understanding this process is useful to satisfy the nutritional requirements of cultured organisms. The aim of this study was to elucidate the mobilization patterns on early and advanced juveniles—first free stage and one‐gram juveniles—of redclaw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus). A biochemical approach was used to analyse the organic carbon, total proteins, lipids and glycogen levels of the entire animal, and a histochemical approach was adopted to identify location of metabolites in the hepatopancreas and abdominal muscle. While starvation did not affect early juvenile protein levels, it showed a significant decrease in advanced juveniles. Histochemical analysis showed that lipid storage of hepatopancreas R cells was depleted near point of no return (PNR) and recovered after feeding. Glycogen storage was localized in the F cells of the hepatopancreas, and among muscle fibres of the abdomen, where after feeding, a pronounced accumulation was observed. Early and advanced juveniles of redclaw crayfish showed different patterns of consumption mainly related to the protein level, which was the most abundant reserve in advanced juveniles and the most consumed during starvation. Hepatopancreas R cells were confirmed as the principal lipid storage, whereas the abdominal muscle was the main glycogen storage. In crustacean aquaculture, the understanding of resistance to temporary feed deprivation is relevant to achieve an adequate feeding management, thereby avoiding the overfeeding and diminishing operating costs.     

Effect of fenitrothion on the acylglyceride exchange in crustacean lipoproteins

The effect of fenithrotion (FS) on the functionality of two models of crustacean lipoproteins was studied. Models used were a high density plasma lipoprotein (HDL) that is involved in the lipid-tissue exchange, and a lipovitellin (LV), the main source of embryo nutrients, which presents two forms only distinguishable in its lipid composition. The relative influence of lipid and apoprotein compositions on the FS effect in lipid transfer was comparatively evaluated using liposomes prepared with lipids obtained from both lipoproteins. FS treatment of HDL modified the transfer of lipids to and from hepatopancreas, diminishing the uptake of phosphatidylcholine and triacylglycerols and increasing its capacity to release both lipids to the tissue. Likewise, FS increased the transfer of phophatidylcholine to the embryonic tissue from both LVs and from liposomes. It was assessed that apoproteins are involved in the transfer of phosphatidylcholine to tissues, though they are not involved in the changes produced by FS concerning the affinity of this lipid to lipoprotein systems.     

Response of juvenile red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) to practical diets supplemented with medium chain triglycerides

Medium chain triglycerides (MCT), mostly C₆–C₁₂, are physiologically active compounds which are readily absorbed, transported and appear to be preferentially utilized as an energy source but are not deposited in lipid stores in a variety of terrestrial animals. Consequently, the incorporation of MCT in feeds may allow the utilization of higher levels of lipids, possibly increasing protein sparing, without affecting the proximate composition of the fish. To evaluate the response of red drum to varying levels of menhaden fish oil (MFO) and MCT's supplements, two growth trials were conducted utilizing a basal diet containing 44% protein and 5.7% lipid. The first growth trial utilized an incomplete factorial design to evaluate the general response of red drum to MCT's and MFO. The final weights and feed utilization of the fish was significantly affected by lipid source and level of supplementation as well as their interaction. In general, final weights of the fish and feed utilization were significantly higher for fish receiving diets supplemented with 0,4 or 8% MFO and lowest in fish offered the basal diets supplemented with 4% MCT. The performance of fish receiving diets supplemented with 8% MCT or a combination of 4% MFO and 4% MCT was intermediate. In the second experiment, low levels of MCT (0–4%) were evaluated in conjunction with low (3%) and high (8%) lipid supplement to the basal diet. Although, not significantly different from the high lipid basal diet, the largest fish and best feed utilization were found in fish offered the high lipid diet containing 1% MCT. However, as the level of MCT supplement was increased performance of the fish in terms of growth and feed utilization was reduced. Increasing the levels of MCT in the diet resulted in a reduction of intraperitoneal fat deposition. The fatty acid profiles of the intraperitoneal fat as well as the polar and neutral lipid fractions from the liver were determined. In general lipid content of the selected tissues reflected the FA profile of the diet. Based on FA profiles of the intraperitoneal fat, it appears that MCT are incorporated into fat stores of red drum. Based on the observed results, the response of red drum to MCT appear similar to other vertebrates but that MCT are incorporated into lipid stores. The incorporation of MCT in diets appears to be a suitable mechanism to reduce excessive lipid deposition in fish; however, with the exception of high lipid diet supplements may result in poor performance of the fish.     

Photo-Oxidative Stress-Driven Mutagenesis and Adaptive Evolution on the Marine Diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum for Enhanced Carotenoid Accumulation

Marine diatoms have recently gained much attention as they are expected to be a promising resource for sustainable production of bioactive compounds such as carotenoids and biofuels as a future clean energy solution. To develop photosynthetic cell factories, it is important to improve diatoms for value-added products. In this study, we utilized UVC radiation to induce mutations in the marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum and screened strains with enhanced accumulation of neutral lipids and carotenoids. Adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) was also used in parallel to develop altered phenotypic and biological functions in P. tricornutum and it was reported for the first time that ALE was successfully applied on diatoms for the enhancement of growth performance and productivity of value-added carotenoids to date. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was utilized to study the composition of major pigments in the wild type P. tricornutum, UV mutants and ALE strains. UVC radiated strains exhibited higher accumulation of fucoxanthin as well as neutral lipids compared to their wild type counterpart. In addition to UV mutagenesis, P. tricornutum strains developed by ALE also yielded enhanced biomass production and fucoxanthin accumulation under combined red and blue light. In short, both UV mutagenesis and ALE appeared as an effective approach to developing desired phenotypes in the marine diatoms via electromagnetic radiation-induced oxidative stress.     

Enzymatic Digestion of Eye and Brain Tissues of Sockeye and Coho Salmon and Dusky Rockfish Commercially Harvested in Alaska

Potential feed ingredients with high lipid content were made by enzymatic digestion followed by centrifugation of eye tissue from dusky rockfish (Sebastes ciliatus), coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch), and sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka), and brain tissue from sockeye salmon. Supernatant fractions contained significant levels of docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid and were essentially pure triacyglycerides. For the digest of sockeye salmon brain tissue, the lipids were mainly composed of phospholipids (74%) and sterols (22%). Assays for amino acid profiles and mineral content of the precipitant layers were also performed.     

Physical and biochemical properties of effluent leaving an onshore Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua,Linnaeus 1758; Gadiformes: Gadidae) aquaculture facility and potential use in integrated multi‐trophic aquaculture

The physical and biochemical properties of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) wastes were analysed, and the waste remediation potential of blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) was assessed. Waste generated daily by Atlantic cod represented 24.9% of the cod feed added to the system. Particle distributions determined using a Coulter Multisizer and image analysis revealed that the majority of the particles in terms of numbers occupy the smaller size ranges; however, larger particles occupy a larger proportion of the volume. Effluent was composed of particles <70 μm (36%), 70–500 μm (31%) and particles >500 μm (33%) by weight. The amount of dissolved carbon and nitrogen associated with the effluent represented 3.1% and 3.7%, respectively, of the total feed added to the system daily. Particles <70 μm had significantly less organic matter, lipids and fatty acids and were expected to be ingested more by mussels than larger particles. The major lipid classes present in effluent were free fatty acids, triacylglycerols, phospholipids, acetone mobile polar lipids and sterol. Cod effluent contained two essential fatty acids DHA and EPA, a diatom marker (16:1ω7), as well as two zooplankton markers 22:1ω11 and 20:1ω9, which accumulated in mussels and may serve as markers for aquaculture wastes. Although only 36% of the effluent was of a size suitable for mussel ingestion, this size fraction has the greatest potential to spread to surrounding areas. These particulates may be useful as an alternate food source when natural seston is low.