Changes in metabolism and hepatic ultrastructure induced by estradiol and testosterone in immature female Epinephelus akaara (Teleostei,Serranidae)

Summary Estradiol injections increase serum level of calcium, amino acid, glucose, protein, ammonia and creatinine in immature Epinephelus akaara, and also increase levels of total lipid, cholesterol, phospholipid and esterified fatty acids. Hepatic protein, glycogen and lipid concentrations also rise after estradiol treatment, and some hepatic enzymes participating in the metabolism of nitrogen, lipid and carbohydrate, show increased activity. Serum vitellogenin levels are increased. Testosterone treatment increases serum protein, total lipid, cholesterol, amino acid and ammonia levels, and also hepatic glycogen content, but in contrast to estradiol treatment, testosterone does not change serum vitellogenin, glucose, calcium, phospholipid, esterified fatty acid and creatinine levels, nor the hepatic lipid and protein content. A small number of hepatic enzymes shows an increased activity. Vitellogenic fish show biochemical changes similar to that of estradiol-treated fish, but are different from those of immature fish. Estradiol treatment induces ultrastructural changes in the hepatocytes of immature fish that are similar to those found in vitellogenic fish. These include a proliferation of rough endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus, and an increase in glycogen and lipid, all indicative of enhanced metabolic activity.     

Influence of oral administration of 3,5,3'-triiodo-thyronine on growth, digestion, food conversion and metabolism in the underyearling red sea bream, Chrysophrys major (Temminck & Schlegel)

The effect of inclusion of 3,5,3'-triiodo-∼-thyronine (T₃) in the diet was examined in underyearling red sea bream Chrysophrys major (Temminck & Schlegel). The treatment brought about increases in growth rate, appetite, food conversion efficiency and activities of intestinal enzymes including leucine nitroanilidase, alkaline phosphatase, α-glutamyltransferas, α-amylase and disaccharidase. There were no changes in the muscle content of water, protein, lipid and glycogen. Liver glycogen content was elevated, as well as activities of the hepatic enzymes glycogen phosphory-lase, glycogen synthetase, glutamate-pyruvate transaminase, fructose- 1, 6-diphosphatase and glucose-6-phosphatase. The serum concentrations of total protein, albumin, globulin, α-amino acids. glucose, ammonia and calcium were increased by the treatment whereas the serum concentrations of free fatty acids, cholesterol and triglyceride remained unaltered. The results suggest that in the red sea bream T, stimulated protein and carbohydrate but not lipid metabolism and that the hormone promoted growth by improving appetite, digestion and absorption.     

Tolerance of Pomacanthus imperator to hypoosmotic salinities: changes in body composition and hepatic enzyme activities

Emperor angel fish Pomacanthus imperator were acclimated to various salinities (33, 22, 15, 10 and 7%) for 1 month and changes in serum chemistry, body composition and liver enzyme activities were monitored. No mortality was observed in fish adapted throughout the salinity range of 7–33% and the limit of survival was around 5%. Serum Na^+; and Cl ^– exhibited a stepwise decrease as the salinity was reduced from 33–7% but no concomitant tissue hydration could be observed. Branchial Na-K-ATPase activity was generally higher in hypoosmotic (7–15%) than in hyperosmotic salinities (22–33%o). Serum concentrations of glucose, lipid, α-amino acids and protein as well as the haematocrit value were all elevated in the salinity range of 15–22%. Serum cortisol was markedly lower but serum thyroxine was significantly elevated at 15–22%. Fish adapted to 15–22% had higher hepatosomatic indices, liver glycogen and muscle lipid contents and hepatic glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity. These data indicate that Pomacanthus imperator is a' physiologically euryhaline' species and metabolism in isoosmotic salinities has been fundamentally re-organized to favour carbohydrate and lipid retention.     

饲料脂肪水平对吉富罗非鱼生产性能、营养物质消化及血液生化指标的影响

为探讨吉富罗非鱼对脂肪的适宜需求量,将630尾(2.63±0.16)g吉富罗非鱼随机分成6个脂肪组的饲料组(1.73%、3.71%、5.69%、7.67%、9.64%和16.55%),每组设置3个重复,每个重复35尾,第1组为对照组,投喂基础日粮(含脂肪1.73%),另外5组为试验组,在基础日粮中分别添加2%、4%、6%、8%、15%的鱼油,饲养90d后测定生长、饵料系数、营养物质表观消化率及血液常规生化指标。结果显示,随着饲料脂肪水平提高,增重率和特定生长率呈现一个先上升后下降的趋势(P＜0.05),蛋白质效率极显著地提高(P＜0.01),饵料系数极显著地下降(P＜0.01)。增重率与饲料脂肪水平的二次多项式回归分析显示,吉富罗非鱼获得最高增长所需饲料的最佳脂肪水平为9.34%。饲料脂肪水平对粗蛋白表观消化率和饲料干物质表观消化率无显著影响(P>0.05),饲料脂肪水平增加显著提高了粗脂肪和磷的表观消化率(P＜0.05)。未添加鱼油的1.73%组血液中白蛋白和白球比均显著高于其他组(P＜0.05),随着饲料脂肪水平的提高,胆固醇的浓度及碱性磷酸酶的活性极显著地上升(P＜0.01)。饲料脂肪水平对血糖浓度有显著影响(P＜0.05),对甘油三酯浓度、谷丙和谷草转氨酶的活性无显著影响(P>0.05)。结果表明,饲料中的脂肪水平可以促进吉富罗非鱼对脂肪和磷的表观消化率,但是脂肪水平过高会对鱼体增重及血液生化参数产生负作用,从生产上来说吉富罗非鱼鱼种对脂肪的适宜需求量为7.67%-9.34%。       

环境铜离子对吉富罗非鱼生长性能、脂代谢、肝胰脏和脾脏组织的影响

为探究水体中Cu2+对罗非鱼(GIFT tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus)生长性能、肝胰脏脂代谢和脾脏免疫功能的影响, 实验设置水体Cu2+浓度分别为0(对照组)、0.2、0.4和0.8 mg/L, 每个浓度处理组设置3个实验重复, 选择初始体重为(0.45±0.02) g的健康罗非鱼幼体, 随机分配至12个养殖缸中, 进行4周的养殖实验。结果显示: (1) 在水体Cu2+胁迫下, 罗非鱼的存活率、增重率和特定生长率均显著下降; 0.4和0.8 mg/L Cu2+浓度组罗非鱼的肝体比显著高于对照组和0.2 mg/L处理组。(2) 0.4和0.8 mg/L处理组罗非鱼肝胰脏中甘油三酯含量显著高于对照组, 但与0.2 mg/L处理组之间无显著差异; 肝胰脏中总胆固醇含量与3-羟基-3-甲基戊二酸单酰辅酶A还原酶活力在各组间无显著差异。(3) 在水体Cu2+胁迫下, 罗非鱼血清低密度脂蛋白胆固醇、总胆固醇含量和谷草转氨酶活力均显著上升; 血清甘油三酯含量呈先下降后上升的趋势, 且0.8 mg/L处理组含量显著高于0.2 mg/L处理组; 0.8 mg/L Cu2+处理组罗非鱼血清谷丙转氨酶活力显著高于0.2和0.4 mg/L处理组, 但与对照组无显著差异。(4) 组织学结果表明, 水体过量Cu2+使罗非鱼肝胰脏组织空泡化现象严重, 脂滴含量显著高于对照组; 脾脏组织出现较大面积的巨噬细胞中心, 且脂褐素含量显著增加。研究表明, 水体Cu2+暴露显著降低了罗非鱼生长性能, 并导致肝胰脏和血清脂肪沉积, 造成肝胰脏、脾脏损伤。研究为明确重金属环境下养殖鱼类腹腔脂肪蓄积及脾脏损伤机制提供了数据参考。     

The effects of starvation and force-feeding on the metabolism of the Northern pike, Esox lucius L.

The effects of starvation and force-feeding on certain tissue and blood constituents were studied in the Northern pike, Esox lucius L. Starvation resulted in a reduction of liver and muscle glycogen and liver lipid. Blood glucose concentration and haematocrit were reduced, total plasma cholesterol levels were increased, while the levels of plasma free fatty acids (FFA), amio acid nitrogen and protein remained unaltered. No significant changes were observed in either muscle protein, muscle water or the response to amino acid loading during the starvation period.
The force-feeding of pike starved for 3 months resulted in liver lipid and muscle glycogen being increased to levels higher than those observed in freshly-captured fish. Liver glycogen, however, increased to values only slightly higher than those of starved animals. Furthermore, while force-feeding had little effect on plasma FFA or protein concentrations, blood glucose, plasma cholesterol and haematocrit returned to the levels found in freshlycaptured fish and those of amino acid nitrogen were higher.
The results indicate that pike are well adapted for periods of prolonged starvation and that hepatic and extra-hepatic lipid and glycogen stores serve for metabolic needs during food shortage, while body protein is conserved. The endocrine basis for these changes in the tissue and blood constituents is discussed.     

Estradiol-17β effects on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism and on the induction of a yolk precursor in goldfish,

The effects of estradiol-17β treatment on plasma lipid levels, liver lipid and glycogen reserves were examined during different phases of the reproductive cycle in goldfish, . Estrogen therapy resulted in increased plasma and hepatic lipid levels except during the spawning season. Hepatic glycogen deposits were depleted by estradiol injections during all seasons. Treatment of fish with the estrogen antagonist, CI-628, during the spawning season caused a reduction in plasma and liver lipid levels. Electrophoretic studies conducted during the post-spawning season showed that estrogen induces the appearance of a specific lipoprotein, probably a yolk precursor, in the serum and liver of goldfish.     

Low expression of miR-19a-5p is associated with high mRNA expression of diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase 2 (DGAT2) in hybrid tilapia

DGAT2 (acyl CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2) is a key and rate-limiting enzyme that catalyzes the final step of triglyceride (TG) synthesis. In this study, hybrid tilapia were generated from Nile tilapia (♀) and blue tilapia (♂) crossing. The TG content levels in the liver of these tilapia were measured. The results showed that the TG content was higher in the hybrid tilapia. In addition, protein and mRNA expression levels in the tilapia livers were determined. Higher hepatic mRNA and protein expression of DGAT2 in the hybrid fish was found. A luciferase reporter assay with HEK293T cells revealed that miRNA-19a-5p targeted the 3′UTR of DGAT2, suggesting a direct regulatory mechanism. Using qRT-PCR, we found that DGAT2 mRNA levels had a negative correlation with miRNA-19a-5p expression in Nile tilapia and hybrid. Taken together, these findings provide evidence that miRNA-19a-5p is involved in TG synthesis in the regulation of lipid metabolism in tilapia.     

Overwinter fasting and re-feeding in rainbow trout: plasma growth hormone and cortisol levels in relation to energy mobilisation

This study investigated the roles of cortisol and growth hormone (GH) during a period of fasting in overwintering salmonid fish. Indices of carbohydrate (plasma glucose, liver glycogen), lipid (plasma free fatty acids (FFAs)) and protein metabolism (plasma protein, total plasma amino acids) were determined, together with plasma GH, cortisol and somatolactin (SL) levels at intervals in three groups of rainbow trout (continuously fed; fasted for 9 weeks then fed; fasted for 17 weeks). In fasted fish, a decline in body weight and condition factor was accompanied by reduced plasma glucose and hepatic glycogen and increased plasma FFA. No consistent elevation of plasma GH occurred until after 8 weeks of fasting when plasma GH levels increased ninefold. No changes were observed in plasma total protein and AA until between weeks 13 and 17 when both were reduced significantly. When previously fasted fish resumed feeding, plasma glucose and FFA, and hepatic glycogen levels rapidly returned to control values and weight gain resumed. No significant changes in plasma cortisol levels, related to feeding regime, were evident at any point during the study and there was no evidence that SL played an active role in the response to fasting. The results suggest that overwinter fasting may not represent a significant nutritional stressor to rainbow trout and that energy mobilisation during fasting may be achieved without the involvement of GH, cortisol or SL.     

Toxicological stress response and cadmium distribution in hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) upon cadmium exposure

Adult tilapia were exposed to 0 (control) and 4.45 microM Cd for 0 h, 5 h, 5 days, and 15 days, and the physiological responses of fish were described. The physiological responses were first expressed in gill tissue, in which mucus cells secretion increased, Cd accumulated, cortisol secretion was significantly higher, but serum ACH(50) activity (alternative complement hemolytic assay) was significantly lower than in controlled fish. After 5 days of Cd exposure, the ACH(50) activity showed a greater decrease, but lysozyme and cortisol contents showed significant increases over the control. Cd levels significantly increased in intestines, liver, and kidneys, and a significant induction of metallothionein (MT) protein in hepatic tissue was noted. Finally, the Cd accumulation rate still showed significant increases in these organs. However, the MT content was similar at 5 days and at 15 days after Cd exposure, and the cortisol contents had recovered to the pre-exposure level. In addition, Cd accumulation in muscle was higher after Cd exposure than in controls (t-test, p<0.05). Our results demonstrate (1) that tilapia readily regulate their physiological parameters in order to acclimate to a sublethal Cd environment; (2) these changes of physiological parameters may be related with a succession of cortisol levels following Cd exposure; (3) increasing rate of hepatic MT contents and Cd accumulation rate didn't appear identical after 5-15 days of Cd exposure. This was confirmed that hepatic MT was not a good indicator for Cd levels in tilapia.     

饲料中添加辅酶Q10对吉富罗非鱼幼鱼生长、抗氧化能力和组织结构的影响

以含辅酶Q10(CoQ10)分别为0、40、80和120 mg/kg的4种饲料饲喂平均初始体重为(19.97±0.13) g的吉富罗非鱼(Oreochromis niloticus, GIFT)幼鱼56d,探讨辅酶Q10对吉富罗非鱼幼鱼生长性能、体成分、抗氧化能力、组织结构和基因表达的影响。结果显示,各辅酶Q10组吉富罗非鱼幼鱼的终末体重、摄食率、特定生长率和饲料效率与对照组均无显著差异, 120 mg/kg辅酶Q10组终末体重、特定生长率和饲料效率均为最高;辅酶Q10含量为120 mg/kg时,吉富罗非鱼幼鱼的干物质消化率显著升高;各辅酶Q10组血清过氧化氢酶(CAT)和谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)活性均显著高于对照组;各辅酶Q10组肝脏CAT和GSH-Px活性均显著高于对照组, 80和120 mg/kg辅酶Q10组肝脏总超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)和谷胱甘肽S转移酶(GST)活性均显著升高,丙二醛(MDA)含量显著降低;各实验组去内脏全鱼的水分、粗蛋白和灰分含量均无显著性差异, 120 mg/kg辅酶Q10组去内脏全鱼粗脂肪显著低于对照组;各实验组内脏团水分、粗蛋白、粗脂肪和灰分...     

Growth efficiency in transgenic tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) carrying a single copy of an homologous cDNA growth hormone

Growth hormone (GH) has been shown to have a profound impact on fish physiology and metabolism. However, detailed studies in transgenic fish have not been conducted. We have characterized the food conversion efficiency, protein profile, and biochemical correlates of growth rate in transgenic tilapia expressing the tilapia GH cDNA under the control of human cytomegalovirus regulatory sequences. Transgenic tilapia exhibited about 3.6-fold less food consumption than nontransgenic controls (P < 0.001). The food conversion efficiency was significantly (P < 0.05) higher (290%) in transgenic tilapia (2.3 +/- 0.4) than in the control group (0.8 +/- 0.2). Efficiency of growth, synthesis retention, anabolic stimulation, and average protein synthesis were higher in transgenic than in nontransgenic tilapia. Distinctive metabolic differences were found in transgenic juvenile tilapia. We had found differences in hepatic glucose, and in agreement with previous results we observed differences in the level of enzymatic activities in target organs. We conclude that GH-transgenic juvenile tilapia show altered physiological and metabolic conditions and are biologically more efficient.     

Influence of dietary composition on growth and energy reserves in tench (Tinca tinca)

The effects of different protein, lipid and carbohydrate diets on growth and energy storage in tench, Tinca tinca L., were studied. Over a 2-month period fish were fed four different diets: control, protein-enriched, carbohydrate-enriched and lipid-enriched. The best growth rates were obtained with the control and protein-enriched diets; the carbohydrate diet produced the worst results (lowest specific growth rate, weight gain, nutritional index and hepatosomatic index). These results suggest that it is not advisable to reduce dietary fish protein below 35%, and that it is not possible to obtain a protein-sparing effect of either lipids or carbohydrates, at least in our experimental conditions. The high-protein diet resulted in the storage of energy excess as muscle proteins and hepatic glycogen. Tench fed the high-carbohydrate diet stored carbohydrates as muscle glycogen and reduced plasma triglycerides. Finally, both liver and muscle lipid content were in positive correlation to dietary lipid.     

Evaluation of the influence of housefly maggot meal (magmeal) diets on catalase, glutathione S-transferase and glycogen concentration in the liver of Oreochromis niloticus fingerling

Influence of housefly maggot meal (magmeal) diets on the activities of catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and glycogen concentration in liver of Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus fingerling was evaluated. Triplicate groups of fifteen fish (initial average weight 2.0+/-0.1 g) were fed eight weeks with seven test diets (in average 36% crude protein, dry matter) formulated by replacing fish meal with magmeal. Percentage body weight gain (591-724.46%), food conversion ratio (1.05-1.22) and standard growth rate (3.45-3.76) in all feeding groups were not significantly different (P<0.05). No significant difference (P<0.05) was observed in liver glycogen reserve (175.27-236.88 micromol g(-1)) among the fish groups. Hepatic catalase activity also did not differ significantly. However, elevated glutathione S-transferases activities were observed when fish received higher dietary magmeal concentration. This might have been temporary with no real physiological implication when appraised by the growth responses. These results indicate that magmeal was well utilized by the fish and its incorporation into tilapia diets seems to have no oxidative stress generating effect on fish metabolism and may not be containing any compound that stimulates the generation of reactive oxygen species. Magmeal can effectively be used as an alternative protein source in tilapia fingerling production.     

Estradiol-17β effects on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism and on the induction of a yolk precursor in goldfish, CarassiusAuratus

The effects of estradiol-17β treatment on plasma lipid levels, liver lipid and glycogen reserves were examined during different phases of the reproductive cycle in goldfish, $\text{Carassius}$$\text{auratus}$. Estrogen therapy resulted in increased plasma and hepatic lipid levels except during the spawning season. Hepatic glycogen deposits were depleted by estradiol injections during all seasons. Treatment of fish with the estrogen antagonist, CI-628, during the spawning season caused a reduction in plasma and liver lipid levels. Electrophoretic studies conducted during the post-spawning season showed that estrogen induces the appearance of a specific lipoprotein, probably a yolk precursor, in the serum and liver of goldfish.     

Protein, lipid, water and caloric contents of immature rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson, growing at different rates

Protein, lipid, water and caloric contents of immature rainbow trout, relative to size of whole fish, growing at different rates were examined by use of allometric analysis (y = ax^b, Huxley, 1932). Fish grew at different rates as a result of differences in ration size (satiation, or 4–5% of dry body weight), temperature (7 and 12°C) and bGH (bovine growth hormone) administration. In fingerlings, protein, lipid and caloric contents tended to increase (v. body weight) as a percentage of body composition, whereas above fingerling size, protein decreased while lipid and caloric contents still increased. These trends occurred regardless of growth rate differences. The correlations between protein, lipid, caloric contents and body weight were high so reliable estimates of body components can be made from body weight for all experimental treatments. At satiation rations (7 and 12°C), there were no significant differences in protein content, but lipid and caloric contents were significantly higher in control fish. At low rations, protein and caloric contents were lower than those at satiation rations and lipid was lower than in the control group. On a dry weight basis, in uninjected fish at 12°C, ration size did not influence the percentage composition (protein and lipid) but the low ration group had lower energy values per unit of body dry weight. At low temperature (7°C satiation), fish had lower lipid and higher protein content (dry weight basis) than their controls (12°C satiation), thereby resembling bGH injected fish at satiation rations. Values of caloric content estimated from protein and lipid values by use of standard conversion factors differed sufficiently from caloric values directly determined by bomb calorimetry to suggest that caloric values of lipids may change during growth. The increase in body caloric content during growth apparently results mainly from an increase in the percentage of lipid. The similarity of body composition between different growth rate groups implied a tendency for conservation of relative proportions of components such that body composition can be approximated from body weight. Equations were also given to describe the relationship between water content and body constituents, and the relationship between condition factor (K) and both the body dry weight and lipid content.     

Effect of rearing density on thyroid and interrenal gland activity and plasma and hepatic metabolite levels in rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson

There were significant inverse correlations between rearing density of rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri Richardson, and final body weight, plasma L-thyroxine (T₄), trüodo-L-tryronine (T₃), cortisol and protein concentrations, plasma T₄/T₃ ratios and thyroid epithelial cell height. In addition, hepatosomatic indices and plasma free fatty acid concentrations were higher in fish reared at low (134 g 1⁻¹) density compared with groups reared at medium (210g1⁻¹) or high density (299g 1⁻¹), and the post-feeding (3.5-4h) elevation in plasma glucose and triglyceride levels evident in trout maintained at low rearing density was not found in those fish reared at higher densities. There were no significant effects of rearing density on hematocrit, carcass composition, hepatic glycogen and lipid levels and interregnal nucleus size.     

Energy reserves during food deprivation and compensatory growth in juvenile roach: the importance of season and temperature

The effect of 21 days of starvation, followed by a period of compensatory growth during refeeding, was studied in juvenile roach Rutilus rutilus during winter and summer, at 4, 20 and 27° C acclimation temperature and at a constant photoperiod (12L : 12D). Although light conditions were the same during summer and winter experiments and fish were acclimated to the same temperatures, there were significant differences in a range of variables between summer and winter. Generally winter fish were better prepared to face starvation than summer fish, especially when acclimated at a realistic cold season water temperature of 4° C. In winter, the cold acclimated fish had a two to three‐fold larger relative liver size with an approximately double fractional lipid content, in comparison to summer animals at the same temperature. Their white muscle protein and glycogen concentration, but not their lipid content, were significantly higher. Season, independent of photoperiod or reproductive cycle, was therefore an important factor that determined the physiological status of the animal, and should generally be taken into account when fish are acclimated to different temperature regimes. There were no significant differences between seasons with respect to growth. Juvenile roach showed compensatory growth at all three acclimation temperatures with maximal rates of compensatory growth at 27° C. The replenishment of body energy stores, which were utilized during the starvation period, was responsible for the observed mass gain at 4° C. The contribution of the different energy resources (protein, glycogen and lipid) was dependent on acclimation temperature. In 20 and 27° C acclimated roach, the energetic needs during food deprivation were met by metabolizing white muscle energy stores. While the concentration of white muscle glycogen had decreased after the fasting period, the concentrations of white muscle lipid and protein remained more or less constant. The mobilization of protein and fat was revealed by the reduced size of the muscle after fasting, which was reflected in a decrease in condition factor. At 20° C, liver lipids and glycogen were mobilized, which caused a decrease both in the relative liver size and in the concentration of these substrates. Liver size was also decreased after fasting in the 4° C acclimated fish, but the substrate concentrations remained stable. This experimental group additionally utilized white muscle glycogen during food deprivation. Almost all measured variables were back at the control level within 7 days of refeeding.     

Defatting and Desalting Treatment of Indonesian Dried-salted Fish: Dietary Effects on Alpha-tocopherol and Peroxide Levels in the Serum and Liver of Rats

The main problem with dried-salted fish (DSF) products is lipid oxidation. PUFA of fish oil is very easily oxidized, and sodium chloride is known to be a pro-oxidant. Many researchers have found that the products of lipid oxidation had negative effects on a variety of species, so we evaluated the effect of a desalting and defatting treatment on the lipid oxidation of Indonesian DSF. The dietary effect of untreated DSF, defatted DSF and desalted DSF on diarrhea, on the internal organs, on hepatic, serum, and urinary lipid peroxidation, and on hepatic and serum alpha-tocopherol were evaluated by using rats. The defatting treatment had a significant effect (p < 0.01) on reducing the lipid oxidation variables of the DSF sample and on protecting the rats from diarrhea. Compared with the rats in the casein group, these in the untreated DSF group had significantly higher values (p < 0.05) for hepatic, serum and urinary lipid peroxidation, but significantly lower values for hepatic and serum alpha-tocopherol. No significant differences were observed between the rats fed with casein and defatted DSF.     

The IMTA-cultivated Chlorophyta Ulva spp. as a sustainable ingredient in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) diets

Increasing levels of a mixture of Ulva spp. produced in an integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA) system were evaluated in Nile tilapia juveniles for partial replacement of dietary fish meal. A control diet (CTRL) was compared with three experimental diets containing 10 % (U10), 15 % (U15), and 20 % (U20) of Ulva spp. meal. Triplicate groups of fish (13 g initial body weight) were fed each diet for 63 days at 26 °C. Nutrient apparent digestibility coefficients and nitrogen retention efficiency did not vary significantly among diets. By the end of the trial, all groups of fish more than tripled their initial body weight. Specific growth rate and final body weight of U10 diet were similar to CTRL and significantly higher than U15 and U20 diets. Increasing Ulva dietary incorporation levels significantly increased feed conversion ratio (FCR), from 1.0 (CTRL) to 1.4 (U20). Fish fed with U10 diet had the highest protein efficiency ratio and nitrogen retention efficiency allowing this fish to growth and reach a final body weight similar to the CTRL group. Protein content was highest in fish fed with the CTRL diet, whereas the highest lipid content was observed in fish fed with U20 diet. The results show that the incorporation of IMTA-produced Ulva meal in Nile tilapia diets is possible up to 10 % without compromising growth performance, protein utilization, and protein retention of juveniles. The high capacity of Nile tilapia to digest all experimental diets suggests that Ulva meal is a practical partial replacement for fish meal in Nile tilapia diets.