Successful early weaning of Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus L.) in small shallow raceway systems

Small raceways were used in a weaning experiment with Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus L.) larvae. The size of the tanks was 1.0 × 0.4 m with a 1‐ to 2‐cm water level. Duplicate larval groups were transferred to the raceways from circular first feeding tanks at 0.07, 0.10 and 0.16 g wet weight, while recommended weaning size of this species is 0.2–0.3 g. During the first 7 days of weaning, Artemia was used as a food supplement in combination with the formulated dry feed. Thereafter only dry feed was used. The dry feed used in this experiment was produced by a special heat technique. The 0.07, 0.10 and 0.16 g larval groups were evaluated after 31, 25 and 17 days respectively (same date) The corresponding average survival was 81.4%, 78.0% and 96.6% and the specific daily growth rate was 3.18%, 3.17% and 2.38% respectively. In the Artemia control group, a survival rate of 96.0% and a growth rate of 5.28% was achieved. To evaluate the weaning success, the groups were followed in a 22‐day post‐weaning period on a commercial dry diet. Higher growth rates, 5.8–6.9%, were then obtained in all experimental groups, except control. The survival here averaged approximately 80% in the three experimental groups, but showed some differences between replicates. One hundred per cent survival was achieved during weaning in the former Artemia group. From the start of weaning to the end of the post‐weaning period, the survival rates averaged 64% for the 0.07 and 0.10 g groups, approximately 80% for the 0.16 g group and 96% in the Artemia control group. Higher variance (CV) through the experiment and highest growth of the 75% quartiles of the fish groups compared with the 50% and 25%, indicated suppressed growth of the smaller fish. The successful weaning at these small sizes considerably reduced the live food period. Based on the present knowledge of the energetic demands of this species, it is calculated that weaning at 0.07 g compared with 0.25 g will reduce the amount of Artemia needed by at least 60%. No differences in pigmentation or degree of completed eye migration were detected between groups, indicating that this is determined at earlier developmental stages.     

Histopathology of culture‐associated skin erosions and papillary hyperplasia of Atlantic halibut,Hippoglossus hippoglossus (L.)

Atlantic halibut, Hippoglossus hippoglossus (L.), that were cultured in tanks with a smooth bottom (gel‐coated fibreglass) substrate developed papillary hyperplasia and skin erosions on the blind (ventral) side. No viruses, bacteria or parasites were observed in any sections of affected skin. Comparison of microscopic pathology with that of skin from normal, wild‐caught halibut showed severe epidermal proliferation with foci of severe mucous cell hyperplasia. Both epidermal thickness and mucous cell density were significantly greater in fish held on a smooth substrate compared to skin of healthy fish. Spongiosis was present, especially at the base of the papillary, hyperplastic epidermis, and there was a chronic inflammatory infiltrate in the scale pockets composed of lymphocytes, histiocytes and erythrocytes. Skin erosions had various degrees of epidermal loss, in some cases to the basement membrane. A predisposing factor for the epidermal sloughing may have been related to the spongiosis, and the vacuolated, degenerated basal cells. When affected halibut were cultured for an additional 28, 62 or 97 days on a sand substrate, which is conducive to skin lesion healing, there was no apparent change in epidermal thickness over time. However, mucous cell density significantly increased from day 0 to 97 during the healing process.     

圆斑星鲽染色体与多种显带的形态特征分析

采用体内注射植物血细胞凝集素(PHA)和秋水仙素法制备圆斑星鲽染色体,研究其染色体C-带、Ag-NORs带及G-带的显带特征.结果发现,圆斑星鲽具有46条染色体,核型为2n =46t,染色体臂数为NF =46,所检个体全部为二倍体,未发现存在异型性染色体和随体染色体的现象.带型研究表明,C-带特征为46条染色体均有大小不一的C-带,其中第22对染色体整体呈阳性深染,第19对染色体具有端部C-带,其余均为着丝粒C-带;计算其异染色质含量为30％;Ag-NORs带型特征为具有1对Ag-NORs,位于2号染色体的长臂末端,为端部Ag-NORs; G-带特征为具有38条深染带,21条浅染带.研究结果为圆斑星鲽染色体组学和种质资源保护提供了基础资料.     

庙岛群岛海域斑海豹的分布与保护

庙岛群岛是斑海豹的重要栖息地,2002年和2004年对该处进行了调查。结果表明:庙岛群岛的海洋环境条件比较适合斑海豹的生存;2002年和2004年3～5月,在庙岛群岛主要观察区域斑海豹的数量分别为72和87头,年变化不大。从时间分布来看:每年的3月初即发现斑海豹,3月下旬～4月初斑海豹数量最多,4月下旬开始有斑海豹陆续离开,5月中旬基本上完全离开。综合历史资料和调查结果对斑海豹在庙岛群岛的空间分布进行了介绍。     

宗地花猪H-FABP基因mRNA的表达与肉质性状的相关研究

为研究不同饲养条件对地方猪种宗地花猪心脏型脂肪酸结合蛋白(heart fatty acid binding protein,H-FABP)基因表达及肌内脂肪(intramuscular fat,IMF)含量的影响,试验利用实时荧光定量PCR技术,分别测定放养型和圈养型宗地花猪背最长肌中H-FABP基因的表达水平,并测定背最长肌的IMF、大理石纹、嫩度.结果发现,圈养型宗地花猪的IMF、大理石纹、嫩度均高于放养型宗地花猪(P >0.05),pH、肉色极显著高于放养型宗地花猪(P <0.01);放养型宗地花猪背最长肌中H-FABP mRNA 水平显著高于圈养型宗地花猪(P <0.05);放养型、圈养型宗地花猪H-FABP基因表达与IMF均无显著相关性(P >0.05).以上结果表明,不同饲养条件影响H-FABP基因表达并在一定程度上影响IMF,但影响不显著.     

尾分析法检测梅花鹿产茸量性状关联的RAPD标记

作者以18只均配有产茸记录的梅花鹿为试验对象,将其按产茸量分为高、低两组,提取每组单个个体血样的DNA后,对该DNA模板进行PCR 扩增。发现混合DNA所扩增出的条带包含了所有单个个体DNA扩增的条带,说明混合DNA可替代单个DNA进行群体遗传结构分析;另外,比较各性状表型值高、低组的混合DNA扩增片段后发现,在高、低产茸量的鹿群里分别发现了1、3个RAPD标记与性状关联。结果表明尾分析法可用于数量性状位点的标记检测。