Effect of algal incorporation on growth, survival and carcass composition of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) fry

A nutritional assay has been conducted with rainbow trout fry (Oncorhynchus mykiss) using a biomass of photosynthetic micro-organisms. The algal biomass was incorporated in the feed at increasing levels (12.5%, 25% and 50%) in order to verify the effects on survival (%), growth (length and mass) and carcass quality of the fish (skin color, water, protein and lipid content). Two commercial feeds (CF, as sold, and 0% A, reprocessed without algae) have been used as controls. After eight weeks at 10 degrees C, the growth has been significantly reduced in fish fed the feeds containing 25% and 50% algae diets (P<0.01). Moreover, an incorporation of algae higher than 12.5% in the feed led to a increase of water content (CF versus other diets; P<0.01) and TL (CF versus 50% A; P<0.01) (wet basis) content of carcasses. Survival was 100% in all treatment groups. Under the experimental conditions used, the results obtained show that a maximum of 12.5% of algal biomass can be incorporated in the feed for rainbow trout fry (O. mykiss) without negative consequences on growth and body content in lipids and energy of fish.     

Immunostimulant effects of Cotinus coggyria on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

In this study, non-specific immune effects of tetra (Cotinus coggyria) on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) by dietary intake were investigated. Fish were fed daily ad libitum with diets containing 0.5% and 1.0% tetra for 3 weeks. After this period, fish were switched back to the basal diet for additional 6 weeks. Extracellular and intracellular respiratory burst activities, phagocytosis in blood leukocytes, lysozyme activities, and total plasma protein levels were evaluated at the end of the tetra feeding period and every 3 weeks during the basal diet period. Extracellular and intracellular respiratory burst activities, phagocytic activity, lysozyme activity and total protein level parameters of the groups containing 0.5% and 1.0% tetra were higher than the control group at the end of the 3rd, 6th and 9th weeks, respectively (P < 0.05). The highest values of the non-specific immune parameters were observed in the group fed with 1.0% tetra. Tetra groups did not show any significant difference (P > 0.05) in terms of specific growth rate and average weight of the fish.     

Relationship between carcass weight and organ weight of cultured rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

The relationship between carcass weight and organ weight of rainbow trout was investigated in 2 replicates using a total of 300 trout of a Danish population. Within replicates, the trout were of approximately the same age. Absolute organ weights increased with increasing carcass weight while their weights as a proportion of carcass weight decreased. Heart and liver weight were highly correlated with carcass weight (.61-.81 and .86-.87, respectively), while the correlation between spleen and carcass weight was moderate (.29-.54). The coefficients of regression for organ weights on carcass weight were consistent between the two replicates. The regression of liver weight on carcass weight of 20 mg/g was about 10-times larger than that for spleen weight and 20-times larger than the regression of heart weight on carcass weight. In a separate multiple regression analysis it was estimated that 70% to 84% of the variance in carcass weight could be explained by variance of organ weights with the main effect (86 %-99%) due to variances in liver weight. Correlation and regression coefficients between relative organ weights and carcass weight were quite variable. The impact of autocorrelation regarding these results is discussed.     

A consolidated linkage map for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Androgenetic doubled haploid progeny produced from a cross between the Oregon State University and Arlee clonal rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) lines, used for a previous published rainbow trout map, were used to update the map with the addition of more amplified fragment length polymorphic (AFLP) markers, microsatellites, type I and allozyme markers. We have added more than 900 markers, bringing the total number to 1359 genetic markers and the sex phenotype including 799 EcoRI AFLPs, 174 PstI AFLPs, 226 microsatellites, 72 VNTR, 38 SINE markers, 29 known genes, 12 minisatellites, five RAPDs, and four allozymes. Thirty major linkage groups were identified. Synteny of linkage groups in our map with the outcrossed microsatellite map has been established for all except one linkage group in this doubled haploid cross. Putative homeologous relationships among linkage groups, resulting from the autotetraploid nature of the salmonid genome, have been revealed based on the placement of duplicated microsatellites and type I loci.     

The dynamics of oocyte growth during vitellogenesis in the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

This report describes the dynamics of oocyte growth during vitellogenesis in a population of virgin female rainbow trout. Indices of ovarian development increased dramatically during the period of study: the gonadosomatic index (GSI) increased over 50-fold, reaching a peak of 20 just before ovulation; the mean oocyte diameter increased from less than 1 mm to 5.4 mm; and plasma levels of vitellogenin increased from less than 1.5 mg/ml to 25 mg/ml. There were no changes in the numbers of developing oocytes (measuring 0.5 mm or greater in diameter) from the time when the majority of oocytes undergoing secondary development had entered vitellogenesis in August to ovulation in February (averaging 4000 oocytes per fish). The increase in ovary weight during vitellogenesis was, therefore, due to an increase in the size of oocytes rather than to recruitment of more maturing oocytes. The numbers of vitellogenic oocytes in the ovary during the entire study also suggested that atresia of vitellogenic oocytes does not play a prominent role in determining fecundity. During early vitellogenesis, the volume of maturing oocytes within an ovary varied by as much as 250-fold. From September onwards, when all oocytes to be ovulated that season had entered vitellogenesis, a gradual uniformity in size began to develop, such that at ovulation, in February, all the eggs were very similar in size (there was less than a 2-fold variation in volume). The pattern of growth of oocytes in an ovary during vitellogenesis suggests that growth between oocytes is closely coordinated.     

The mucous coat on gill lamellae of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

The existence of a layer of mucus covering the gill lamellae of healthy rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) was investigated. Using cryo-scanning electron microscopy, a smooth, undulating, thin layer was observed which completely covered gill filaments and lamellae, thereby obscuring epithelial microridges. After processing cryopreserved gill arches in glutaraldehyde for conventional scanning electron microscopy, the layer was no longer present and epithelial microridges were clearly visible. The identity of this layer was investigated using cryopreserved gills which were treated in one of two ways. First, gills were incubated with a rabbit antiserum to gill mucus, with normal rabbit serum, or with phosphate-buffered saline. Following fixation in glutaraldehyde and processing, only the gill tissue incubated with the mucus-specific antiserum was still covered with the smooth layer. The layer was also retained on the gills of fish anesthetized in a solution containing mucusspecific antiserum and then processes in glutaraldehyde for conventional scanning electron microscopy. The tenacious nature of the mucous layer was demonstrated by its stability following exposure to formalin and a cationic detergent. Second, the presence of this layer was confirmed on gill tissue which was cryopreserved, followed by freeze-substitution and vapor fixation, and then examined by transmission electron microscopy.     

Effect of diets containing sesame oil on growth and fatty acid composition of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

The aim of this study was to investigate effects of fish oil replacement by sesame oil in combination with other vegetable oils in diets with regard to growth performance, feed utilization, desaturation and elongation, whole fish and liver fatty acid profiles of juvenile rainbow trout. Sesame oil (SO) used in the feeds was a mixture of linseed (LO), sunflower (SFO) and fish oil (FO), whereas the control diet contained only FO. Duplicate groups of 60 rainbow trout (~7 g) held under similar culture conditions were fed 2% of their body weight per day for 75 days. At the end of feeding trials, there was no difference in feed utilization efficiency or growth performance between the control group and the groups with added sesame oil (P > 0.05). However, viscerosomatic and hepatosomatic index values were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in fish fed with FO30/SO35/SFO35 diets. Results showed that total body lipid levels of fish fed diets containing sunflower oil were higher than in the other experimental groups (P < 0.05). However, crude lipid levels were similar in fish fed the control diet and the diet with sesame oil (FO30/LO35/SO35), which is sunflower oil‐free. Crude lipid levels of fish livers were not influenced by the diets (P > 0.05). Diets with sesame oil increased desaturation and elongation of 18 : 3n‐3 towards n‐3 HUFA. The conclusion was that the diet addition of sesame oil in combination with other vegetable oils increased the nutritional quality of the whole fish and liver of juvenile rainbow trout, in particular the docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) level. Therefore, sesame oil may be of interest for use in aquaculture.     

Relationships among carcass weight, acid-base-balance of the blood, meat quality parameters and body composition of cultured rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

The relationshis among carcass weight, acid-base-balance of the blood as an indicator for metabolic load susceptibility, meat quality parameters, and body Composition were investigated in rainbow trout. Examinations were carried out in two replicates using a total of 300 trout from a Danish population. Within replicates, the trout were of aproximately the same age. In Replicate I trout, increasing carcass weight was accompanied by a more arkaline reaction of the blood. Carcass weight was significantly correlated with blood-pH and bicarbonate concentration (.19 and 26). Regression coefficients, however, confirmed only an increase of bicarbonate concentration with increasing carcass weight (b = .013 mmol/L per g, s_b= 0.005). In meat quality parameters, muscular pH₂₄ values decreased linearly in both replicates with increasing carcass weight, as shown by significant correlation estimates (-20 and -.27) and regression coefficients (b = -.0006, s_b=.0002, and b = -.001, s_b= .0003). Relationshis of other meat quality parameters to inmeasing carcass weight were evaluated differently by correlation and regression coefficients. No relationship was found between carcass weight and body composition. In general, correlation estimates describing interrelations between acid-base and meat quality parameters were on a very low level. Independent from carcass weight, there were clearly metabolically loaded and unloaded trout as well as trout with a mixed acid-base-status. Acid-base parameters were significantly correlated with each other. Generally, estimates for correlations between meat quality parameters were on a very low level. Body composition arameters, dry weight and crude fat content were highly significantly correlated (0.47) in Replicate II; in Replicate I there was no interrelation.     

Early biochemical effects of Microcystis aeruginosa extracts on juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Microcystins (MC) are usually the predominant cyanotoxins associated with cyanobacterial blooms in natural surface waters. These toxins are well-known hepatotoxic agents that proceed by inhibiting protein phosphatase in aquatic biota; recent studies have also reported oxidative stress and disruption of ion regulation in aquatic organisms. In the present study, young trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were exposed to crude extracts of Microsystis aeruginosa for four days at 15 °C. The level of microcystins was calculated to confirm the presence of toxins in these crude extracts: 0, 0.75, 1.8 and 5 μg/L. Protein phosphatase measured in the liver increased by at least 3-fold and is significantly as a result of exposure to these sublethal concentrations of crude extract, his indicates an early defense response against protein phosphatase inhibition from cyanotoxins. This was corroborated by the decreased phosphate content in proteins found in the liver and brain. No increase in glutathione-S transferase (GST) activity was observed and lipid peroxidation was unaffected in both liver and brain tissue exposed to the cyanobacterial extracts. The data revealed that the proportion of the reduced (metal-binding) form of metallothionein (MT) decreased by two-fold relative to the control group (with a concomitant increase in the proportion of the oxidized form). The level of phosphate associated with MT increased by 1.5-fold at the highest concentration of crude extract. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in brain tissue was decreased after exposure to the highest concentration of crude extract, suggesting a slowdown in neural activity. However, no biotransformation processes or detoxification of GST was triggered. Our findings show early sign of biochemical effects of MC-LR in young trout.     

The ontogeny of drinking in the rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum)

Drinking was measured by the rate of uptake of tritiated dextran in fresh water by the alevins and fry of rainbow trout at various stages of development during a 40-day post-hatch period. Drinking increased almost S-fold during the initial 16 day yolk-sac stage. Drinking rate increased most between 16 and 23 days, the transitional period between yolk-sac absorption and first feeding. The maximum weight-specific drinkingrateof 3.24μlg⁻¹ h⁻¹ recorded for 40-day-old fry was higher than previously recorded for adults. Abrupt transfer from an adaptation temperature of 10 to 19° C increased drinking significantly (Q₁₀= 1.2), but sudden transfer to 1 1‰ salinity sea water caused a substantial fall in drinking rate in 23-day fry. A 24-h period of adaptation to 1 1‰ and 15‰ salinity restored drinking to a rate similar to that in fresh water. The water drunk by 31-day fry fed to satiation was initially higher than by unfed fry, but drinking rates subsequently fell below the control level. The results are discussed in terms of osmoregulation and the uptake of dissolved or suspended substances by the intestinal tract for the purpose of immunization.     

Intra-strain dioxin sensitivity and morphometric effects in swim-up rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Inter and intra-specific differences in sensitivity of early life stage salmonids to 2,3,7,8-TCDD exposure have been reported, but intra-strain differences have not been found in the literature. Our results indicate that intra-strain variability in terms of embryo mortality (LD50) is small in Eagle Lake strain of rainbow trout, LD50 values ranging from 285 to 457 pg TCDD egg g(-1). These results confirm Eagle Lake as a less sensitive strain within rainbow trout, and do not indicate overlap with reported LD50 values for brook or lake trout. Our results also demonstrate that although generalized edema in regions including the yolk-sac are frequently associated with mortality following dioxin exposure, not all edematous fish die. We detected dose-dependent decreases in cranial length, eye diameter, mass, and total length (P < 0.05) in viable swim-up rainbow trout. These effects are presumed to indicate more subtle dose-dependent disruptions of the viteline vein vasculature and, therefore, in access to energy sources. A tendency for dose-dependent decrease in liver glycogen reserves concurred with previous results on salmonids and with the well described TCDD-induced alterations in intermediate metabolism of rats and chicken embryos (wasting syndrome). This syndrome could be contributing to the reduced growth that we observed.     

Environmental influences on cardiovascular variables in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum)

Two groups of wild (lakedwelling and anadromous), and a group of hatchery-reared Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum) (rainbow trout) were sampled in order to measure cardiac morphometrics, haemoglobin concentration, and the DNA and protein concentration in cardiac muscle. A combination of these variables was used to distinguish wild fish from domestic ones.
The wild fish had significantly higher levels of haemoglobin (for male fish, 10.10 and 10.07 g 100 ml⁻¹ vs. 7.69 g d⁻¹) and larger relative ventricle mass (females, 0.091 and 0.099% ofbody mass vs. 0.073%; males, 0.108 and 0.134% vs. 0.102%; immatures, 0.086 and 0.094% vs. 0, 072%, respectively) than the domestic fish. The anadromous and domestic fish had significantly higher amounts of compact tissue when compared with lake fish (females, 43 and 47% of ventricle mass vs. 34%, respectively). Ventricle size distinguished wild fish from domestic fish, except male anadromous and male domestic fish which were distinguished only by haemoglobin and compact tissue values. Immature fishes from all groups had lower total protein levels in the ventricle, lower compact tissue levels, and less haemoglobin. Points regarding the potential environmental influences in determining these cardiovascular trends are discussed.     

The effects of diet composition and ration on biotransformation enzymes and stress parameters in rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss

Juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were fed one of three isoenergetic diets varying in protein (35-55%) and lipid content (8-18%), at full satiation levels or half rations for 6 weeks in order to investigate the effects of diet on baseline stress parameters and biotransformation enzyme activity. Growth was greatest in fish fed to satiation on a low protein and high lipid diet. Stress parameters, including plasma lactate, glucose and cortisol concentrations were not significantly affected by dietary treatment or ration. Basal biotransformation enzymes, including glutathione S-transferase (GST) and ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) activity, were also unaffected by dietary treatment. Fish exposed to the biotransformation enzyme inducer beta-naphthoflavone did not exhibit an alteration in stress indicators or GST activity; however, EROD activity was increased (87- to 210-fold) in fish receiving all diets and rations. The results of the present study indicate that, unlike mammals, fish may be more recalcitrant to different levels of ingestion of isoenergetic diets varying in protein and lipid concentration with respect to stress responses and the maintenance of basal titers of biotransformation enzymes and their induction.     

Menthol as an alternative anaesthetic and sedative for rainbow trout,Oncorhynchus mykiss

Menthol is known for its analgesic properties, but relatively little information is available on its potential as an anaesthetic on fish. The purpose of this study was to assess anaesthetic and sedative effectiveness of menthol and its safety in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Juvenile rainbow trout 180 ± 28 g (mean ± SD) within a range of 152–208 g fish^?1 were individually exposed to menthol concentrations between 10 and 150 mg l^?1 and observed for behavioural responses, induction time to anaesthesia and recovery time. Menthol concentrations of 40–150 mg l^?1 induced anaesthesia with varying exposure times. There was an exponential relationship (p < 0.001) between induction time and menthol concentration. Menthol concentrations of 80–150 mg l^?1 induced anaesthesia within three minutes of exposure and fish recovered within three minutes. Induction and recovery data showed that 80 mg l^?1 was most suitable for anaesthesia in juveniles of this species. Concentrations of 10–20 mg l^?1 had sedative effects. Menthol stock solutions prepared using ethanol and acetone and storage time of stock solutions at room temperature for up to 48 h showed no significant differences in anaesthetic efficiency. When exposure time to menthol was kept constant at three minutes, 22% of fish had temporary cessation of gill ventilation. These fish had longer recovery times than those that did not show that response. Menthol was an effective anaesthetic and could be tested as a sedative for trout.     

溶解氧对虹鳟呼吸机能及红细胞特性的影响

目的：初步研究溶解氧对虹鳟呼吸机能及红细胞特性的影响。方法：设四组溶氧水平,测定呼吸频率、血液中PO2、PCO2和pH值,并以RBC、Hb、脆性、膜粘滞性及丙二醛含量等指标观察溶氧对红细胞的影响。结果：溶解氧升高使鱼呼吸频率降低,血液PO2升高（P〈0.05）;高溶氧导致红细胞数、丙二醛含量降低。红细胞膜粘滞系数在试验第10d时,高氧组明显高于其它组,但30d时各溶氧组差异不显著。结论：在一定范围内溶解氧升高可以改善机体组织氧含量,提高呼吸功能,红细胞对溶氧变化有其生理适应性。     

The effects of different cycles of starvation and re‐feeding on growth and body composition in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss,Walbaum, 1792)

This study was designed to investigate the effects of starvation and re‐feeding cycles on the growth performance and body chemical composition of Oncorhynchus mykiss juveniles. A total of 360 juveniles with initial mean weights (IW) of 8.46 ± 0.07 g (n = 360) were stocked into 400‐L tanks in triplicate for each group, with 30 juveniles per tanks. The control group received regular feed, as is the common practice. The three other groups were periodically starved: 1 day starvation followed by 6 days re‐feeding (S1), 2 days starvation followed by 5 days re‐feeding (S2) and 3 days starvation followed by 4 days re‐feeding (S3). The experiment lasted for 10 weeks, over the course of which the water flow rate was 4 L min^?1 and the water quality parameters determined as: temperature 14.4 ± 1.1°C, oxygen 8.2 ± 0.4 mg L^?1 and pH 7.5 ± 0.2. At the end of the study, S1 had the best growth performance (final weight, specific growth rate, average daily growth) of all test groups (P < 0.05). The lowest daily feed intake (DFI) and growth performance parameters were observed in S3 (P < 0.05), while protein efficiency ratio (PER), net protein utilization (NPU) and lipid efficiency ratio (LER) were higher in the S3 fish group than in the other groups (P < 0.05). Whole body protein and lipid contents were highest in S1 fish. The hepatosomatic index (HSI) and viscerosomatic index (VSI) were significantly different among groups (P < 0.05). Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly lower in starvation groups S1, S2 and S3 than in the control (P < 0.05). Compensation coefficient (CC) values were higher than 1 in all starvation groups. The concluding indicate that rainbow trout exposed to 1 and 2 days of starvation in week cycles could achieve over compensation compared to the control. Additionally, partial growth compensation and improved feed utilization could be achieved in a starvation group within 3 days in a week, by beginning with the juvenile size over a 10‐week experimental period.