Effect of dietary olaquindox on the growth of large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea R.) and the distribution of its residues in fish tissues

Olaquindox(OLA), one of quinoxaline-N, N-dioxides, has been put under ban. However it was used as a medicinal feed additive early; it promotes the growth of livestock and prevents them from dysentery and bacterial enteritis. In this study, we evaluated the effect of dietary OLA on the growth of large yellow croaker(Pseudosciaena crocea R.) and the histological distribution of OLA and its metabolite 3-methyl-quinoxaline-2-carboxylic acid(MQCA) in fish tissues. Four diets containing 0(control), 42.5, 89.5 and 277.2 mg kg-1 OLA, respectively, were formulated and tested, 3 cages(1.0 m × 1.0 m × 1.5 m) each diet and 100 juveniles(9.75 ± 0.35 g) each cage. The fish were fed to satiation twice a day at 05:00 am and 17:00 pm for 8 weeks. The survival rate of fish fed the diet containing 42.5 and 89.5 mg kg-1 OLA was significantly higher than that of fish fed the diet containing 0 and 277.2 mg kg-1 OLA(P 0.05), while the weight gain rate of fish fed the diet containing 42.5 and 89.5 mg kg-1 OLA was significantly higher than that of fish fed the diet without OLA(control)(P0.05), but similar to that of fish fed the diet with 277.2 mg kg-1 OLA. Fish fed the diet with 277.2 mg kg-1 OLA had the highest content of OLA and MQCA in liver(3.44 and 0.39 mg kg-1, respectively), skin(0.46 and 0.09 mg kg-1, respectively) and muscle(0.24 and 0.06 mg kg-1, respectively). In average, fish fed the diet containing OLA had the highest content of OLA and MQCA in liver which was followed by skin and muscle(P 0.05), whereas OLA and MQCA were not detectable in control. Our findings demonstrated that OLA and MQCA accumulated in large yellow croaker when it was fed with the diet containing OLA, thus imposing a potential safety risk to human health.     

Effects of supplemental coated or crystalline methionine in low-fishmeal diet on the growth performance and body composition of juvenile cobia Rachycentron canadum （Linnaeus）

We evaluated the effects of supplemental coated and crystalline methionine （Met） on the growth performance and feed utilization of juvenile cobia （Rachycentron canadum Linnaeus） in a 60-d feeding trial. Fish groups were fed one of six isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets： 1） fishmeal control; 2） un- supplemented experimental （low-fish-meal diet deficient in Met）; or 3） one of four Met diets supplemented with crystalline L-Met, cellulose-acetate-phthalate coated L-Met, acrylic-resin coated L-Met, or tripalmitin- polyvinyl alcohol coated L-Met. The test diets were fed to triplicate groups of cobia （initial body weight 5.40-4-0.07 g） twice a day. The weight gain and specific growth rate of the fish fed the RES diet were highest among the Met-supplemented groups and were 23.64% and 7.99%, respectively, higher than those of the fish fed with the un-supplemented experimental diet （P〈0.05）. The protein efficiency ratio of the fish fed the MET diet was significantly higher than that of the fish fed the un-supplemented experimental diet and the fish in the other methionine supplementation groups （P〈0.05）. Our results suggest that supplementation of crystalline Met in low-fish-meal diets promotes the growth performance of juvenile cobia.     

Effects of Pseudoalteromonas sp.BC228 on Digestive Enzyme Activity and Immune Response of Juvenile Sea Cucumber （Apostichopus japonicus）

A marine bacterium,Pseudoalteromonas sp.BC228 was supplemented to feed in a feeding experiment aiming to determine its ability of enhancing the digestive enzyme activity and immune response of juvenile Apostichopusjaponicus.Sea cucumber individuals were fed with the diets containing 0 （control）,105,107 and 109 CFU g-1 diet of BC228 for 45 days.Results showed that intestinal trypsin and lipase activities were significantly enhanced by 107 and 109 CFU g-1 diet of BC228 in comparison with control （P〈0.01）.The phagocytic activity in the coelomocytes of sea cucumber fed the diet supplemented with 107 CFUg-1 diet of BC228 was significantly higher than that of those fed control diet （P〈0.05）.In addition,105 and 107 CFUg-1 diet of BC228 significantly enhanced lysozyme and phenoloxidase activities in the coelomic fluid of sea cucumber,respectively,in comparison with other diets （P 〈 0.01）.Sea cucumbers,10 each diet,were challenged with Vibrio splendidus NB 13 after 45 days of feeding.It was found that the cumulative incidence and mortality of sea cucumber fed with BC228 containing diets were lower than those of animals fed control diet.Our findings evidenced that BC228 supplemented in diets improved the digestive enzyme activity of juvenile sea cucumber,stimulated its immune response and enhanced its resistance to the infection of V.splendidus.     

Effect of Different Dietary Protein and Lipid Levels on the Growth,Body Composition,and Intestinal Digestive Enzyme Activities of Juvenile Yellow Drum Nibea albiflora(Richardson)

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to determine the optimal dietary protein-to-lipid ratio for juvenile Nibea albiflora with an initial weight of(11.76 ± 0.20) g.Nine experimental diets containing different concentrations of protein(40%,47%,or 54%) and lipids(5%,9%,or 13%) in a 3 × 3 factorial experimental design were tested in triplicate groups of fish,while the protein-to-energy(P/E) ratios of the diets varied in the range of 19.74–28.32 mg k J~(-1).Results showed that fish fed diets containing 9% or 13% lipids with 54% protein exhibited significantly higher weight gains and specific growth rates than those fed other diets.The feed conversion rate of fish fed the diet with 40% protein and 5% lipids was significantly poorer than that of fish fed other diets.The protein efficiency rate of fish fed diets with 5% lipids was significantly lower than that of fish fed 9% or 13% lipid diets.Carcass lipid and energy contents were positively correlated with dietary lipid level regardless of protein level.Fish fed a 54% protein diet showed the highest trypsin activity.The intestinal lipase activity of fish fed the diet containing 13% lipids was significantly higher than that of fish fed 5% or 9% lipid diets.These results demonstrate the high protein dietary requirements of N.albiflora.A diet containing 54% protein and 9%–13% lipids with a P/E ratio of 26.2–27.81 mg protein k J~(-1) can be considered optimal for juvenile N.albiflora.     

Replacement of Dietary Fish Oil with Vegetable Oils Improves the Growth and Flesh Quality of Large Yellow Croaker （Larmichthys crocea）

We investigated the effect of the replacement of dietary fish oil with vegetable oils on the growth and flesh quality of large yellow croaker(Larmichthys crocea). The basal diet(FO) was formulated to contain 66.5% fish meal and 6.4% menhaden fish oil; whereas the other 3 experimental diets were formulated by replacing the fish oil with 50% soybean oil(SO50), 100% soybean oil(SO100) and 100% palm oil(PO100), respectively. The 4 diets were randomly assigned to 4 floating sea cages(3.0 m × 3.0 m × 3.0 m), and each was stocked with 250 fish individuals with an initial average weight of 245.29 g ± 7.45 g. The fish were fed to apparent satiation twice a day at 5:00 and 17:00, respectively, for 12 weeks. Experimental analysis showed that the specific growth rate of fish fed SO50 or PO100 were significantly higher than that of fish fed FO or SO100(P0.05), and crude lipid contents of ventral muscle and viscera were significantly lower in fish fed FO than in those fed the other 3 diets(P0.05). No significant differences in condition factor, viscerosomatic index, hepatosomatic index, gutted yield and colorimetric values of fish among the dietary treatments were observed(P0.05). Compared to FO diet, SO50, SO100 and PO100 diets led to substantial decreases in the liquid loss and water loss from fresh fillets(1 d, 4℃)(P0.05). Similarly, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance(TBARS) values of fillets under different storage conditions(1 d, 4℃; 7 d, 4℃; 4 weeks,-20℃; 8 weeks,-20℃) decreased significantly after partial or complete replacement of fish oil with vegetable oils. These findings indicated that the growth performance and selected flesh quality properties(liquid holding capacity and TBARS value) of large yellow croaker were substantially improved by replacing dietary fish oil with vegetable oils.     

Effects of Calanoid Copepod Schmackeriapoplesia as a Live Food on the Growth,Survival and Fatty Acid Composition of Larvae and Juveniles of Japanese Flounder,Paralichthys olivaceus

Zooplankton constitutes a major part of the diet for fish larvae in the marine food web, and it is generally believed that copepods can meet the nutritional requirements of fish larvae. In this study, calanoid copepod Schmackeria poplesia, rotifer Brachionus plicatilis and anostraca crustacean Artemia sp. were analyzed for fatty acid contents, and were used as live food for cul- turing larval Japanese flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus. The total content of three types of HUFAs （DHA, EPA and ARA） in S. po- plesia was significantly higher than that in the other two live foods （P〈O.O1）. Three live organisms were used for raising larvae and juveniles of Paralichthys olivaceus respectively for 15 and 10 d. Then the growth, survival and fatty acid composition of the larvae and juveniles were investigated. The results showed that the larvae and juveniles fed with copepods （S. poplesia） had significantly higher growth rate than those fed with the other two organisms （P〈0.01）. The survival of the flounder larvae fed with copepods was significantly higher than that of the others （P〈0.01）, and the survival of the juvenile fish fed with copepods was higher than that fed with Artemia （P〈0.05）. The contents of three types of HUFAs （DHA, EPA and ARA） and the ratio of DHA/EPA in larval and juve- nile flounder P. olivaceus were analyzed. The results showed that the contents of DHA, EPA and ARA in the larvae and juveniles fed with S. poplesia were higher than those fed with a mixed diet orArtemia only, and the ratio of EPA/ARA in larvae and juveniles of P. olivaceus fed with S. poplesia was lower than that in the case of feeding with a mixed diet or Artemia only. The present data showed that copepod is the best choice for feeding the larvae and juveniles of fish considering its effects on the survival, growth and nutrition composition of the fish.     

Effect of Dietary Potassium on Growth,Nitrogen Metabolism,Osmoregulation and Immunity of Pacific White Shrimp （Litopenaeus vannamel） Reared in Low Salinity Seawater

An 8 weeks feeding experiment was conducted to determine the effect of dietary potassium on the growth and physio-logical acclimation of Pacific white shrimp （Litopenaeus vannamei） reared in diluted seawater （salinity 4）. Six semi-purified practical diets containing 0.59, 0.96, 1.26, 1.48, 1.74, and 2.17 g potassium K＋ per 100 g diet were formulated, respectively. The survival and feed conversion rate did not show significant difference among groups of shrimps given these diets （P〉0.05）. The shrimps fed the diets containing 0.96-1.48 g K＋ per 100g diet gained the highest weight, specific growth rate, and protein efficiency ratio. Their ammonium-N excretion rate as well as hemolymph concentration of Na＋ and C1- were significantly lower than those of the control （P〈0.05）, but a reverse trend was observed for their gill Na＋/K＋-ATPase. Moreover, the shrimps fed with 1.48 g K＋ per 100 g diet were the highest in hemolymph urea level, and the phenoloxidase and lysozyme activities were significantly higher than those of the control （P〈0.05）. The growth and physiological response of the test shrimps suggested that diet containing 1.48 g K＋ per 100 g diet improved the growth of L. vannamei in low-salinity seawater, and enhanced the physiological acclimation of the organism.     

A Successful Microbound Diet for the Larval Culture of Chinese Shrimp Fenneropenaeus chinensis

A 13-day feeding trial was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of a microbound diet for rearing the larvae of Chinese shrimp Fenneropenaeus chinensis in comparison with the live foods that consist of Isochrysis galbana, Chlorella vulgaris, Tetraselrnis chuii, rotifer （Brachionus plicatilis） and Arternia sp. Larvae of 0 to 13d post-hatch （dph） were reared in a temperature-controlled semi-open culture system and stocked at a density of 100 larvae L^-1 in tanks, each containing 50 L sterilized seawater with salinity 30-32. Larvae were manually fed either the live foods or the microbound diet 6 times per day. At 13 dph, the growth of the larvae fed on the microbound diet was approximately 84% of that fed on the live foods. The survival rate of the larvae fed on the microbound diet was 44.29% at 13dph, which was not significantly different from that of larvae fed on live foods （63.55%）. The body length and development index （DI） of the larvae fed on the microbound diet were always lower than those of larvae fed on live foods. However, the differences reached significant levels only at 11 and 13 dph （P〈 0.05）. The mean dry weight loss of the microbound diet was 9.2% after 90 min immersion in seawater, indicating that this diet has a good water stability. The microbound diet contains 52.23% crude protein and 10.27% lipid and is easy to prepare. These characteristics of the diet suggest good potentials for its successful use in the larviculture of other penaeid and fish species.     

Effects of diet and body size on phosphorus utilization of Liza haematocheila T. ＆ S.

A 21-d laboratory experiment was conducted to study, the phosphorus （P） utilization of two different diets by redlip mullet Liza haematocheila T. ＆ S. Sand-filtered water in salinity 30 and temperatare 25℃ was used. Twenty-nine fish individuals were divided into three groups： 11 to group 1 （G1） fed on diet 1, 11 to group 2 （G2） fed on diet 2, and 7 to contrast group. Diet 1 was a commercial feed, more valuable in nutrition than diet 2 that similar to natural detritus. The results show the intake phosphorus （IP） of G1 was significantly higher than that of G2, and both increased linearly with body size at a certain amount of diet. The retention phosphorus （RP） in fish of G1 was lower than G2. The relationship between retention phosphorus and body size was positive and stronger in G2. Significant difference in faecal phosphorus （FP） was found between G1 and G2. Body size significantly impacted the excretion phosphorus （EP） in G1 but G2. The loss of intake phosphorus in G1 was 10.83-20.27 mg per g fish weight gain, higher than that in G2 for 6.63-9.56. Of the phosphorus, about 10% was allocated into growth, 50% in faeces, and the rest lost in excretion. The main part of phosphorus was lost in faeces but excretion. The phosphorus budget of the fish could be described as 100IP = 7.40RP ＋ 47.39FP ＋ 36.63EP （Diet 1） or 100IP = 11.93RP ＋ 56.64FP ＋ 21.76EP （Diet 2）.     

Effects of Dietary Protein and Lipid Levels on Growth Performance,Muscle Composition,Immunity Index and Biochemical Index of the Greenfin Horse-Faced Filefish(Thamnaconus septentrionalis) Juvenile

The effects of different dietary protein and lipid levels on juvenile greenfin horse-faced filefish(Thamnaconus septentrionalis) was experimentally evaluated in a 56-day study. Fish(initial weight 6.47 ± 0.56 g) were fed with nine different diet combinations containing three varying levels of protein(37%, 43%, 49%) and lipids(4%, 7%, 10%) in triplicates, where the protein-to-energy(P/E) ratios of the diets varied in the range of 19.17–26.99 mg kJ-1. Results showed that fish fed diets containing 49%protein and 10% lipid exhibited significantly lower feed intake than those fed other diets. The weight gain of fish fed diets with 43%protein was significantly higher than that of fish fed 37% or 49% protein diets. While no significant change in weight gain was observed when lipid content was increased from 4% to 7%, weight gain decreased significantly when lipid increased from 7% to 10%.The protein efficiency ratio and feed efficiency were highest when the fish were fed the diet with 49% protein and 7% lipids. Muscle crude lipid content was positively correlated with dietary protein level regardless of lipid level. The diet of 43% protein or 7% lipids significantly reduced the activity of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase in liver. The contents of aspartate aminotransferase, superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde were significantly increased from 4% to 10% lipids in plasma. The plasma total cholesterol and triglyceride contents were positively correlated with dietary lipid level at the same protein level. Our comprehensive analysis concluded that a diet with 43% protein and 7% lipid, with a P/E ratio of 23.07 mg kJ-1, significantly promote the growth performance, feed utilization and health of juvenile greenfin horse-faced filefish.     

Dietary Leucine Requirement for Juvenile Large Yellow Croaker Pseudosciaena crocea (Richardson,1846)

Dietary leucine requirement for juvenile large yellow croaker, Pseudosciaena crocea Richardson 1846 (initial body weight 6.0 g±0.1 g) was determined using dose-response method.Six isonitogenous (crude protein 43%) and isoenergetic (19 kJ g-1) practical diets containing six levels of leucine (Diets 1-6) ranging from 1.23% to 4.80% (dry matter) were made at about 0.7% increment of leucine.Equal amino acid nitrogen was maintained by replacing leucine with glutamic acid.Triplicate groups of 60 individuals were fed to apparent satiation by hand twice daily (05:00 and 17:30).The water temperature was 26-32℃, salinity 26-30 and dissolved oxygen approximately 7 mg L-1 during the experimental period.Final weight (FW) of large yellow croaker initially increased with increasing level of dietary leucine but then decreased at further higher level of leucine.The highest FW was obtained in fish fed diet with 3.30% Leucine (Diet 4).FW of fish fed the diet with 4.80% Leucine (Diet 6) was significantly lower than those fed Diet 4.However, no significant differences were observed between the other dietary treatments.Feed efficiency (FE) and whole body composition were independent of dietary leucine contents (P0.05).The results indicated that leucine was essential for growth of juvenile large yellow croaker.On the basis of FW, the optimum dietary leucine requirement for juvenile large yellow croaker was estimated to be 2.92% of dry matter (6.79% of dietary protein).     

Effects of brown fish meal replacement with fermented soybean meal on growth performance, feed efficiency and enzyme activities of Chinese soft-shelled turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis

A 120-day feeding experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of partial replacement of brown fish meal (BFM) by fermented soybean meal (FSBM) in diets of Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis). The turtles (initial mean body weight, (115.52 ± 1.05) g) were fed with three experimental diets, in which 0%, 4.72% and 9.44% BFM protein was replaced by 0%, 3% and 6% FSBM, respectively. Results showed that the feeding rate (FR), specific growth rate (SGR) and feed efficiency ratio (FER) of turtles fed with the diet containing 3% FSBM were not significantly different from the control group (0% FSBM) (P > 0.05). However, FR, SGR and FER of turtles fed with the diet containing 6% FSBM were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in the activities of serum glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase and glutamicpyruvic transaminase among dietary treatments (P > 0.05). However, the uric acid concentration in turtles fed with the diet containing 3% or 6% FSBM was significantly lower than that in the control group (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the activities of lysozyme, alkaline phosphatase and total superoxide dismutase among dietary treatments (P > 0.05). The results suggested that FSBM could replace 4.72% BFM protein in turtle diets without exerting adverse effects on turtle growth, feed utilization and measured immune parameters.     

Dietary Protein Requirement of Juvenile Turbot(Scophthalmus maximus Linnaeus)

The dietary protein requirement of juvenile turbot(initial average weight, 38.2 g ± 0.1 g) reared indoor in aerated aquaria was determined in this study. Five energy equal experimental diets were formulated with fish meal as protein source, which contained different concentrations of protein(47.2%, 51.0%, 54.6%, 59.3% and 63.6% of dry diet). Three groups of fish with 18 individuals in each, were cultured in 300-L tanks and fed twice a day for 8 weeks. During culture, temperature was controlled between 15.0 and 18.0℃, salinity was controlled between 28.5 and 32.0, acidity was controlled between p H7.8 and p H8.5, and ammonia nitrogen was maintained below 0.03 mg L-1 and dissolved oxygen was maintained about 7 mg L-1. Results showed that the growth of fish was significantly affected by dietary protein content(P 0.05). Specific growth rate(SGR) of turbot increased when dietary protein content varied between 47.2% and 51.0%(P 0.05), and then kept stable when dietary protein content was higher than 51.0%. Fish which were fed the diet containing 63.6% protein showed the highest SGR while those fed the diet containing 59.3% protein showed the highest feed efficiency rate. No significant difference of feed intake and protein efficiency ratio was found among experimental diets(P 0.05). Broken-line regression analysis of SGR showed that the optimal dietary protein requirement of turbot was about 57.0%.     

Proline with or without Hydroxyproline Influences Collagen Concentration and Regulates Prolyl 4-Hydroxylase α(I) Gene Expression in Juvenile Turbot(Scophthalmus maximus L.)

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary proline(Pro), and Pro and hydroxyproline(Hyp) in combination on the growth performance, total Hyp and collagen concentrations of tissues, and prolyl 4-hydroxylase α(I)(P4H α(I)) gene expression in juvenile turbot feeding high plant protein diets. A diet containing 50% crude protein and 12% crude lipid was formulated as the basal and control, on which other two protein and lipid contents identical experimental diets were formulated by supplementing the basal with either 0.75% Pro(Pro-0.75) or 0.75% Pro and 0.75% Hyp(Pro+Hyp). Four groups of fish in indoor seawater recirculating systems, 35 individuals each, were fed twice a day to apparent satiation for 10 weeks. The results showed that dietary Pro and Hyp supplementation had no significant effect on growth performance and feed utilization of juvenile turbot(P 0.05). Total Hyp and collagen concentrations in muscle were significantly increased when dietary Pro and Hyp increased(P 0.05), and fish fed diet Pro+Hyp showed significantly higher free Hyp content in plasma than those fed other diets(P 0.05). The expression of P4 H α(I) gene in liver and muscle was significantly up regulated in fish fed diet Pro-0.75 in comparison with control(P 0.05); however the gene was significantly down regulated in fish fed diet Pro+Hyp in muscle in comparison with fish fed diet Pro-0.75(P 0.05). It can be concluded that supplement of crystal L-Pro and L-Hyp to high plant protein diets did not show positive effects on growth performance of juvenile turbot, but enhanced total collagen concentrations in muscle.     

Effects of dietary corn gluten meal on growth performance and protein metabolism in relation to IGF-I and TOR gene expression of juvenile cobia (Rachycentron canadum)

A growth experiment was conducted on cobia(Rachycentron canadum,initial weight 108.2 g ± 3.0 g) to investigate the effects of dietary corn gluten meal(CGM) levels on the fish growth,whole body composition and protein metabolism in relation to specific gene expression.Five isonitrogenous(crude protein 45%) and isoenergetic(gross energy 20 kJ g 1) practical diets were formulated by replacing 0%(the control),17.5%,35.0%,52.5%,and 70.0% of fish meal(FM) protein with CGM protein.No significant differences were observed in the survival,feed intake(FI),specific growth rate(SGR),feed efficiency(FE) and protein productive value(PPV) among fish fed diets with 0%,17.5%,35.0%,and 52.5% of CGM protein.However,these indices were significantly lower in fish fed the diet with 70.0% of CGM protein than those in fish fed the control diet(P < 0.05).The whole-body crude protein and lipid contents were significantly lower while the whole-body moisture content was significantly higher in fish fed the diet with 70.0% of CGM protein compared with the control group(P < 0.05).When 70.0% of FM protein was replaced by CGM,plasma total protein and cholesterol contents were significantly lower than those in the control group(P < 0.05).Fish fed the diet with 70.0% of CGM protein had significantly lower hepatic insulin-like growth factor I(IGF-I) expression levels than those in the control group(P < 0.05).However,no significant differences were observed in hepatic target of rapamycin(TOR),dorsal muscle IGF-I and TOR expression levels among dietary treatments.Results of the present study indicated that 52.5% of FM protein could be replaced by CGM in the diets without significant influences on the growth,feed utilization and protein metabolism of juvenile cobia.The present results might be useful for developing cost effective and sustainable cobia dietary formulations.     

Dietary vitamin A,ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol affect the gonad development and reproductive performance of starry flounder Platichthys stellatus broodstock

The present trial was conducted with starry fl ounder Platichthys stellatus broodstock to evaluate the effects of dietary vitamin A,ascorbic acid,and α-tocopherol on the gonadal development and reproductive performance.8 000 IU/kg diet vitamin A(VA group),500 mg/kg diet ascorbic acid(Vcpp group),or 250 mg/kg diet α-tocopherol(α-TA group)was added into basal diet to create 3 vitamin experimental diets,respectively.Each diet was fed to 450 starry fl ounder broodstock for 104 days.Samples were collected weekly.The gonadosomatic index(GSI)of 3 vitamin experimental groups fi rst decreased and then increased.Maximum GSI of Vcpp group was higher than that of α-TA group but lower than that of VA group.The spawning periods of 3 vitamin experimental groups lasted 49,56,and 45 days,respectively.No mature eggs were observed in the control group during the trial.The absolute fecundity(AF)and relative fecundity(RF)of α-TA group was higher than that of Vcpp group but lower than that of VA group.The results suggest that different vitamins play different roles in the fi sh reproductive process.Vitamin A stimulated the maturation of the ovary,ascorbic acid prolonged the spawning period,and α-tocopherol affected the development of the eggs.     

SELENIUM REQUIREMENT OF SHRIMP PENAEUS CHINENSIS

Penaeus chinensis were reared in fibreglass tanks for the study of their selenium requirements. The shrimp were fed semipurified diets containing graded levels of selenium, and weight gains, activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and selenium contents in muscle and hepatopancreas were determined. Weight gain and GSH-Px activity were the highest when the shrimp were fed diet containing 20 mg/kg selenium; Good linear correlation was found between GSH-Px activities and selenium contents in the diets, and the number of healthy shrimp. The experiment showed that 20 mg/kg selenium in the diet is optimal for the shrimp and that GSH-Px activity can be an important biochemical index of the selenium nutrition status of the animal.     

Effect of Replacing Fish Meal with Extruded Soybean Meal on Growth,Feed Utilization and Apparent Nutrient Digestibility of Juvenile White Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

Extruded soybean meal(ESBM) was evaluated as a protein source for partial replacement of fish meal(FM) in diets of juvenile Litopenaeus vannamei. In the control diet(Diet 1), FM protein was replaced with increasing dietary levels of ESBM(4.28%, 8.40%, 12.62%, 16.82%, and 25.26%) at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 60% levels(Diets 2 to 6, respectively). An eight-week feeding trial was conducted on 720 juvenile shrimp(0.67 g ± 0.01 g mean initial weight), and nutrient digestibility of the six diets was determined. ESBM could replace 20% of FM without causing a significant reduction in growth of shrimp, but other dietary treatments strongly affected whole body composition. Crude protein content of the whole body fed Diet 6 was significantly lower than that fed Diet 2(P 0.05), while crude lipid content of the whole body fed Diet 5 or 6 was significantly higher than that fed Diet 2(P 0.05). Protein digestibilities of Diets 5 and 6 were significantly lower than that of Diet 1(P 0.05). Digestibility of lipids ranged from 96.97% in Diet 6 to 98.34% in Diet 3, whereas dry matter digestibility decreased with increasing replacement level. This study indicates that 20% FM replacement with ESBM in the basic diet containing 40% protein and 30% FM is optimal for juvenile L. vannamei.     

Colonization and Probiotic Effect of Metschnikowia sp. C14 in the Intestine of Juvenile Sea Cucumber,Apostichopus japonicus

Viable cell count was used to determine whether Metschnikowia sp.C14 can colonize the intestine of juvenile sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus.Sea cucumber individuals were divided into two groups,which were fed the control diet for 38 days or the C14-supplemented diet at 105 cells g−1 diet for 28 days,then the control diet from day 29 to day 38.The number of C14 cells in the intestine of sea cucumber fed the C14-supplemented diet significantly increased from day 7 to day 28,and decreased from day 29 to day 38.Sea cucumber fed with the diet containing C14 showed a significant increase in trypsin activity and lipase activity from day 21 to day 33 compared with the control.Feeding C14 significantly improved the phagocytic activity and respiratory burst in coelomocytes from day 21 to day 35 and from day 14 to day 38,respectively.In addition,there was an obvious enhancement in lysozyme activity(from day 21 to day 38 or day 33),phenoloxidase activity(from day 21 to day 28)and total nitric oxide synthase activity(from day 14 to day 38)in coelomic fluid supernatant and/or coelomocyte cell lysate supernatant compared with the control.There were significant positive correlations between the number of C14 cells colonizing the intestine and trypsin activity of the intestine,lysozyme activity of the coelomic fluid supernatant and coelomocyte lysate supernatant from sea cucumber.These data suggested that the number of C14 cells should be maintained at 105 cfu(colony-forming units)g−1 intestine material for the maximum benefit.     

Effects of Hanseniaspora opuntiae C21 on the growth and digestive enzyme activity of juvenile sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicas

The effects of a diet containing Hanseniaspora opuntiae C21 on growth and digestive enzyme activity were estimated in juvenile Apostichopus japonicus. Groups of sea cucumbers were fed diets containing H. opuntiae C21 at 0(control), 10 4, 10 5, and 10 6 CFU(colony-forming units)/g feed. Results showed that after 45 d the specific growth rate(SGR) of sea cucumbers fed a C21-supplemented diet at 10 4 CFU/g feed was significantly higher than that of the control( P 0.05). Intestinal trypsin and lipase activities were significantly enhanced by C21 administration at 10 4 and 10 5 CFU/g feed compared with the control( P 0.05). After feeding for 23–42 d, C21 was demonstrated by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis to be present in the intestine of sea cucumbers. In addition, after feeding the C21-supplemented diets for 15 d, the sea cucumbers were switched to an unsupplemented diet and C21 was confirmed to be capable of colonizing the intestine for at least 31 d after cessation of feeding. In conclusion, C21 was shown to successfully colonize the intestine of juvenile A. japonicus via dietary supplementation, and improve growth and digestive enzyme activity.