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4 pages, 203 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Sustainable Aquaculture: Nutrition Studies in Early Developing Finfish, Ornamentals and Experimental Model Fish

by Miquel Planas and Ike Olivotto

Animals 2022, 12(11), 1384; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12111384 - 27 May 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1671

Abstract

Enhancing the knowledge of feeding/nutritional requirements is key in the growth of fish development and for the optimization of rearing techniques [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Aquaculture: Nutrition Studies in Early Developing Finfish, Ornamentals and Experimental Model Fish)

Research

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14 pages, 11756 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Turnover Rates and Diet–Tissue Discrimination Factors of Nitrogen and Carbon Stable Isotopes in Seahorse Hippocampus reidi Juveniles Following a Laboratory Diet Shift

by Jorge Hernández-Urcera, Mario Davi Dias Carneiro and Miquel Planas

Animals 2022, 12(10), 1232; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12101232 - 10 May 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2270

Abstract

The initial development of seahorse juveniles is characterized by low digestion capabilities. Stable isotope analysis is an effective tool in studies of trophic food webs and animal feeding patterns. The present study provides new insights for the understanding of growth and food assimilation [...] Read more.

The initial development of seahorse juveniles is characterized by low digestion capabilities. Stable isotope analysis is an effective tool in studies of trophic food webs and animal feeding patterns. The present study provides new insights for the understanding of growth and food assimilation in early developing seahorses following a laboratory diet switch. The study was performed in the early life stages of the seahorse Hippocampus reidi by assessing the influence of diet shift on changes and turnovers in carbon (δ¹³C) and nitrogen (δ¹⁵N) stable isotope in juveniles. Newborn seahorses were fed for 60 days following two feeding schedules (A6 and A11) based initially on copepods Acartia tonsa and subsequently on Artemia nauplii (since days 6 and 11, respectively). After the prey shift, we determined δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N turnover rates as functions of change in either body mass (fitting model G) and days of development (fitting model D), contributions of metabolism and growth to those turnover rates, and diet–tissue discrimination factors. Survival, final dry weight, and final standard length for diet A11 were higher compared to diet A6. The shift from copepods to Artemia led to fast initial enrichments in δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N. Afterwards, the enrichment was gradually reduced until the isotopic equilibrium with the diet was reached. In most cases, both fitting models performed similarly. The isotopic analysis revealed that 100% of tissue turnover was attributed to growth in diet A11, whereas 19–25% was linked to metabolism in diet A6. Diet–tissue discrimination factors were estimated for the first time in seahorse juveniles, resulting in higher estimates for diet A11 (2.9 ± 0.7‰ for δ¹³C; 2.5 ± 0.2‰ for δ¹⁵N) than in diet A6 (1.8 ± 0.1‰ for δ¹³C; 1.9 ± 0.1‰ for δ¹⁵N). This study highlights the relevance of feeding on copepods and their effect on isotopic patterns and discrimination factors in seahorse juveniles after a dietary shift. Regarding the application of the results achieved in relation to the feeding schedules in the rearing of H. reidi, a long period of feeding on copepods during the first days of development is highly recommended. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Aquaculture: Nutrition Studies in Early Developing Finfish, Ornamentals and Experimental Model Fish)

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14 pages, 2625 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Fasting and Refeeding on Juvenile Leopard Mandarin Fish Siniperca scherzeri

by Yi-Oh Kim, Sung-Yong Oh and Taewon Kim

Animals 2022, 12(7), 889; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12070889 - 31 Mar 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2716

Abstract

To verify the effect of fasting on juvenile leopard mandarin fish (Siniperca scherzeri mean weight, 14.7 g), compensatory growth, body composition, and blood content of juveniles were investigated for six weeks following two-week feeding treatments: fed continuously (control), and fasted for 5 [...] Read more.

To verify the effect of fasting on juvenile leopard mandarin fish (Siniperca scherzeri mean weight, 14.7 g), compensatory growth, body composition, and blood content of juveniles were investigated for six weeks following two-week feeding treatments: fed continuously (control), and fasted for 5 (F5), 10 (F10) and 14 days (F14). Full compensatory growth was evident after four weeks of food resupply in all fasting groups. Specific growth rate, feeding rate, and feed efficiency in all fasting groups were significantly higher than those of the control after the first 2 weeks of food resupply. At the end of fasting, the lipid content, ratio of lipid to lean body mass, hepatosomatic and viscerosomatic indices in all fasting groups, or total cholesterol content in F14 significantly decreased compared to the control. These results indicated that juvenile leopard mandarin fish subjected to 5–14 days of food deprivation could achieve full compensatory growth after feeding resumption for 4 weeks and that the morphological and biochemical indices, as well as body and blood composition, remained comparable to the control group after the completion of the study under our experimental conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Aquaculture: Nutrition Studies in Early Developing Finfish, Ornamentals and Experimental Model Fish)

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10 pages, 2172 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Supplementation with Fumaric Acid Improves Growth Performance in Nile Tilapia Juveniles

by Suzane C. V. das Neves, Suzianny M. B. C. da Silva, Gisely K. A. Costa, Eudes S. Correia, Alexandre L. Santos, Lilian C. R. da Silva and Álvaro J. A. Bicudo

Animals 2022, 12(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12010008 - 21 Dec 2021

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4320

Abstract

Organic acids have recently been identified as promising replacements for antibiotics in aquafeeds that promote fish growth and feed efficiency. This study evaluated the inclusion of fumaric acid (FA; 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 g/kg) in diets (350 g/kg CP; 3.4 [...] Read more.

Organic acids have recently been identified as promising replacements for antibiotics in aquafeeds that promote fish growth and feed efficiency. This study evaluated the inclusion of fumaric acid (FA; 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 g/kg) in diets (350 g/kg CP; 3.4 kcal digestible energy/g) of Nile tilapia juveniles. Fish (average weight 1.7 ± 0.1 g) were distributed in three 40 L aquaria per treatment (13 fish/aquaria) in a completely randomized design. Over 35 days, the fish received the experimental diets three times daily to apparent satiety. The maximum weight gain, feed efficiency ratio, and protein efficiency ratio were recorded in fish supplemented with 14–15 g/kg FA. After 28 days, Enterobacteriaceae was registered only in the gut of tilapia without FA augmentation. Gram-negative bacteria in the fish gut decreased (p < 0.05) in fish receiving 17 g/kg of dietary FA, increased after this level. The intestinal villi height and width were affected (p < 0.05) by FA levels and feeding time. Thus, inclusion of 15 g/kg of FA was effective in promoting growth, improving intestinal morphometry, and decreasing negative gut bacteria of Nile tilapia juveniles after 35 days. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Aquaculture: Nutrition Studies in Early Developing Finfish, Ornamentals and Experimental Model Fish)

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20 pages, 4897 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Performance of Co-Housed Neon Tetras (Paracheirodon innesi) and Glowlight Rasboras (Trigonostigma hengeli) Fed Commercial Flakes and Lyophilized Natural Food

by Robert Kasprzak, Anna Beata Grzeszkiewicz and Aleksandra Górecka

Animals 2021, 11(12), 3520; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11123520 - 10 Dec 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4069

Abstract

Little to no research has been conducted thus far regarding aquarium fish nutrition. In order to ensure the welfare of house-kept ornamentals, such studies should take into account that there are distinct biological differences occurring between different fish species/taxa, especially in regard to [...] Read more.

Little to no research has been conducted thus far regarding aquarium fish nutrition. In order to ensure the welfare of house-kept ornamentals, such studies should take into account that there are distinct biological differences occurring between different fish species/taxa, especially in regard to the structure of their digestive organs. Accordingly, a 12-week trial was executed to assess the effects of two commercial flakes and a mix of lyophilized natural food on the condition of co-reared neon tetras, Paracheirodon innesi (Characidae), and glowlight rasboras, Trigonostigma hengeli (Danionidae). The four feeding groups were as follows: (T)—Tetra flakes; (O)—Omega flakes; (TO)—Tetra + Omega; (TOL)—Tetra + Omega + Lyophilizate (twice a week). There were no differences in final body weight (FBW) between the feeding groups of either species, but in the case of neon tetras, FBW increased significantly from the initial value only for the T group. However, histological observations and measurements of digestive organs (livers, intestines) showed pronounced differences between the two species. The supplementation with natural food in group TOL caused lipoid hepatic degeneration only in the rasboras. The healthiest histological structure of livers and longest intestinal folds were found in group T of the tetras and group TO of the rasboras. Whole-mount staining for bone and cartilage did not reveal any significant deformities or differences in terms of bone mineralization. In conclusion, it was outlined that concurrent feeding of co-housed, anatomically diverse ornamental fish species is a highly ambiguous task, because the nutritional strategy applied for a community tank may yield radically divergent effects, most of which may remain unnoticed when depending only on external body observations and measurements. Most emphatically, this was highlighted in regard to the dietary supplementation with natural food—although no significant effects were observed in neon tetras, severe lipoid liver degeneration occurred in glowlight rasboras. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Aquaculture: Nutrition Studies in Early Developing Finfish, Ornamentals and Experimental Model Fish)

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15 pages, 754 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Humic Substances as Feed Additive on the Growth Performance, Antioxidant Status, and Health Condition of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus, Burchell 1822)

by Markéta Prokešová, Milena Bušová, Mahyar Zare, Hung Quang Tran, Eliška Kučerová, Anna Pavlovna Ivanova, Tatyana Gebauer and Vlastimil Stejskal

Animals 2021, 11(8), 2266; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11082266 - 31 Jul 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4410

Abstract

In the present study, a possible nature immunostimulant and growth promoter—humic substances (HS) originating from Siberian leonardite mineraloid—were tested on juvenile Clarias gariepinus performance. Feed additive was applied onto commercial pelleted feed at four HS levels—0, 1, 3, and 6% w/w (HS0, HS1, [...] Read more.

In the present study, a possible nature immunostimulant and growth promoter—humic substances (HS) originating from Siberian leonardite mineraloid—were tested on juvenile Clarias gariepinus performance. Feed additive was applied onto commercial pelleted feed at four HS levels—0, 1, 3, and 6% w/w (HS0, HS1, HS3, HS6, respectively). Diets were tested in five repetitions (in total, n = 1800 individuals, mean body weight 28.1 ± 6.2 g) for 56 days. Growth and production parameters, fish condition and somatic indices, and overall mortality were evaluated after 14, 28, 42, and 56 days of exposure. Whereas, plasma samples were collected only after 0, 28, and 56 days, when fish health status was assessed with biochemical parameters (total proteins, TP; alanine aminotransferase, ALT; aspartate aminotransferase, AST; lactate dehydrogenase, LDH; cholesterol, CHOL; triglycerides, TAG) and fish antioxidant status with glutathione (reduced glutathione, GSH; oxidized glutathione, GSSG; glutathione ratio GSH/GSSG). Although a significantly positive effect of HS feed additive on growth performance was not found in the present study, moderately positive effects were found regarding biochemical parameters (ALT, AST, LDH, CHOL, and TAG) and antioxidants (GSH/GSSG ratio) that were improved especially in the HS3 group. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Aquaculture: Nutrition Studies in Early Developing Finfish, Ornamentals and Experimental Model Fish)

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19 pages, 1826 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Curcumin Promotes Gilthead Seabream Larvae Digestive Capacity and Modulates Oxidative Status

by Maria J. Xavier, Gian Marco Dardengo, Carmen Navarro-Guillén, André Lopes, Rita Colen, Luisa M. P. Valente, Luís E. C. Conceição and Sofia Engrola

Animals 2021, 11(6), 1667; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11061667 - 3 Jun 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4911

Abstract

The larval stage is highly prone to stress due to the ontogenetic and metabolic alterations occurring in fish. Curcumin inclusion in diets has been shown to improve growth by modulating oxidative status, immune response, and/or feed digestibility in several fish species. The aim [...] Read more.

The larval stage is highly prone to stress due to the ontogenetic and metabolic alterations occurring in fish. Curcumin inclusion in diets has been shown to improve growth by modulating oxidative status, immune response, and/or feed digestibility in several fish species. The aim of the present work was to assess if dietary curcumin could promote marine fish larvae digestive maturation and improve robustness. Gilthead seabream larvae were fed a diet supplemented with curcumin at dose of 0 (CTRL), 1.5 (LOW), or 3.0 g/Kg feed for 27 days. From 4 to 24 days after hatching (DAH), no differences were observed in growth performance. At the end of the experiment (31 DAH) LOW larvae had a better condition factor than CTRL fish. Moreover, HIGH larvae showed higher trypsin and chymotrypsin activity when compared to CTRL fish. LOW and HIGH larvae were able to maintain the mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production during development, in contrast to CTRL larvae. In conclusion, curcumin supplementation seems to promote larvae digestive capacity and modulate the oxidative status during ontogeny. Furthermore, the present results provide new insights on the impacts of dietary antioxidants on marine larvae development and a possible improvement of robustness in the short and long term. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Aquaculture: Nutrition Studies in Early Developing Finfish, Ornamentals and Experimental Model Fish)

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13 pages, 1115 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Successful Use of Geochemical Tools to Trace the Geographic Origin of Long-Snouted Seahorse Hippocampus guttulatus Raised in Captivity

by Ana Elisa Cabral, Fernando Ricardo, Carla Patinha, Eduardo Ferreira da Silva, Miguel Correia, Jorge Palma, Miquel Planas and Ricardo Calado

Animals 2021, 11(6), 1534; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11061534 - 25 May 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 5073

Abstract

The global market of dried seahorses mainly supplies Traditional Chinese Medicine and still relies on blurry trade chains that often cover less sustainable practices targeting these pricey and endangered fish. As such, reliable tools that allow the enforcement of traceability, namely to confirm [...] Read more.

The global market of dried seahorses mainly supplies Traditional Chinese Medicine and still relies on blurry trade chains that often cover less sustainable practices targeting these pricey and endangered fish. As such, reliable tools that allow the enforcement of traceability, namely to confirm the geographic origin of traded seahorses, are urgently needed. The present study evaluated the use of elemental fingerprints (EF) in the bony structures of long-snouted seahorses Hippocampus guttulatus raised in captivity in two different locations (southern Portugal and Northern Spain) to discriminate their geographic origin. The EF of different body parts of H. guttulatus were also evaluated as potential proxies for the EF of the whole body, in order to allow the analysis of damaged specimens and avoid the use of whole specimens for analysis. The contrasting EF of H. guttulatus raised in the two locations allowed their reliable discrimination. Although no single body part exactly mimicked the EF of the whole body, seahorse trunks, as well as damaged specimens, could still be correctly allocated to their geographic origin. This promising forensic approach to discriminate the geographic origin of seahorses raised in captivity should now be validated for wild conspecifics originating from different locations, as well as for other species within genus Hippocampus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Aquaculture: Nutrition Studies in Early Developing Finfish, Ornamentals and Experimental Model Fish)

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12 pages, 672 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Dietary Soluble Extract Hydrolysates with or without Supplementation of Inosine Monophosphate Based on Growth, Hematology, Non-Specific Immune Responses and Disease Resistance in Juvenile Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus

by Jinho Bae, Yujin Song, Mohammad Moniruzzaman, Ali Hamidoghli, Seunghan Lee, Hyeongwoo Je, Wonsuk Choi, Taesun Min and Sungchul C. Bai

Animals 2021, 11(4), 1107; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11041107 - 12 Apr 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3434

Abstract

We performed an 8-week feeding trial to evaluate dietary soluble extract hydrolysates from fishery by-products, such as shrimp soluble extract (SSE) with or without inosine monophosphate (IMP), tilapia soluble extract (TSE) and squid soluble extract (SQSE), in juvenile Nile tilapia. A diet without [...] Read more.

We performed an 8-week feeding trial to evaluate dietary soluble extract hydrolysates from fishery by-products, such as shrimp soluble extract (SSE) with or without inosine monophosphate (IMP), tilapia soluble extract (TSE) and squid soluble extract (SQSE), in juvenile Nile tilapia. A diet without feed additives was used as the control diet (CON); and five other experimental diets were formulated with 2% soluble extracts consisting of 100% SSE, 98% SSE + 2% IMP (SSEP₂), 96% SSE + 4% IMP (SSEP₄), 100% SQSE and 100% TSE. The diets were fed to 4.9 ± 0.07 g (mean ± SD) juvenile Nile tilapia in triplicate groups. The weight gain and specific growth rates of fish fed the SSE, SSEP₂ and SSEP₄ diets were significantly higher than those of fish fed the CON and SQSE diets. The superoxide dismutase activity levels of fish fed the SSE and SSEP₄ diets were significantly higher than those of fish fed the CON, SSEP₂, SQSE and TSE diets. Myeloperoxidase activity levels of fish fed the SSE and SSEP₄ diets were significantly higher than those of fish fed the CON, SSEP₂ and SQSE diets. Lysozyme activity levels of fish fed the SSEP₄ and SQSE diets were significantly higher than those of fish fed the SSE and SSEP₂ diets. Feed efficiency, protein efficiency ratio, survival rate, whole body proximate composition and hematological parameters were not significantly different among the groups. After ten days of challenge = against Aeromonas hydrophila, the cumulative survival rate of fish fed the SSE diet was significantly higher than those of fish fed the CON, SQSE and TSE diets. In conclusion, dietary shrimp soluble extract could improve the growth performance, non-specific immune responses and disease resistance in juvenile Nile tilapia, and inosine monophosphate did not add further benefits to this ingredient. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Aquaculture: Nutrition Studies in Early Developing Finfish, Ornamentals and Experimental Model Fish)

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18 pages, 2607 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Possible Dietary Effects of Insect-Based Diets across Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Generations: A Multidisciplinary Study on the Larval Phase

by Matteo Zarantoniello, Basilio Randazzo, Gloriana Cardinaletti, Cristina Truzzi, Giulia Chemello, Paola Riolo and Ike Olivotto

Animals 2021, 11(3), 751; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11030751 - 9 Mar 2021

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 3598

Abstract

Insects represent a valuable and sustainable alternative ingredient for aquafeed formulation. However, insect-based diets have often highlighted controversial results in different fish species, especially when high inclusion levels were used. Several studies have demonstrated that nutritional programming through parental feeding may allow the [...] Read more.

Insects represent a valuable and sustainable alternative ingredient for aquafeed formulation. However, insect-based diets have often highlighted controversial results in different fish species, especially when high inclusion levels were used. Several studies have demonstrated that nutritional programming through parental feeding may allow the production of fish better adapted to use sub-optimal aquafeed ingredients. To date, this approach has never been explored on insect-based diets. In the present study, five experimental diets characterized by increasing fish meal substitution levels with full-fat Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens; BSF) prepupae meal (0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) were used to investigate the effects of programming via broodstock nutrition on F1 zebrafish larvae development. The responses of offspring were assayed through biometric, gas chromatographic, histological, and molecular analyses. The results evidenced that the same BSF-based diets provided to adults were able to affect F1 zebrafish larvae fatty acid composition without impairing growth performances, hepatic lipid accumulation and gut health. Groups challenged with higher BSF inclusion with respect to fish meal (50%, 75% and 100%) showed a significant downregulation of stress response markers and a positive modulation of inflammatory cytokines gene expression. The present study evidences that nutritional programming through parental feeding may make it possible to extend the fish meal substitution level with BSF prepupae meal in the diet up to almost 100% without incurring the well-known negative side effects of BSF-based diets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Aquaculture: Nutrition Studies in Early Developing Finfish, Ornamentals and Experimental Model Fish)

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12 pages, 1853 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nutrient Incorporation in First Feeding Seahorses Evidenced by Stable Carbon Isotopes

by Sonia Valladares and Miquel Planas

Animals 2021, 11(2), 470; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11020470 - 10 Feb 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2353

Abstract

Nutritional issues are among the most critical factors in the initial survival of juvenile seahorses. Currently, there is a knowledge gap on the relationship between nutrient assimilation and the effects on initial mortalities and growth. In the present study, the stable isotope approach [...] Read more.

Nutritional issues are among the most critical factors in the initial survival of juvenile seahorses. Currently, there is a knowledge gap on the relationship between nutrient assimilation and the effects on initial mortalities and growth. In the present study, the stable isotope approach was used to assess the incorporation of two live preys (Artemia and copepods) in juvenile seahorses Hippocampus guttulatus. The changes in stable carbon isotope (δ¹³C) values were studied through two feeding experiments: feeding on Artemia or copepods (experiment 1), and shifting feeding from copepods to Artemia (experiment 2). In experiment 1, after 24–48 h of feeding, juvenile seahorses exhibited small but progressive changes in δ¹³C values towards those of the corresponding diet, indicating that the assimilation of the food offered was progressively enhanced from days 2–3. Similarly, in experiment 2, a diet shifting from copepods to Artemia caused an increase in δ¹³C values, reflecting a switch towards the isotopically enriched new diet (Artemia metanauplii). Differences in the assimilation efficiency of preys offered are discussed based on growth and survival rates. The enhanced growth performances and survivals achieved when the juveniles were fed on copepods could be related to higher efficient assimilation of copepods compared to Artemia. The present study demonstrates that the consumption and further assimilation of preys by juvenile seahorses could be traced using stable carbon isotopes. The research on nutrient assimilation of juvenile seahorses should enhance our knowledge on nutrient processes in developing seahorses for a better understanding of initial ontogeny in the early life stages of the species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Aquaculture: Nutrition Studies in Early Developing Finfish, Ornamentals and Experimental Model Fish)

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19 pages, 30908 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Boswellia serrata Resin Extract in Diets of Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus: Effects on the Growth, Health, Immune Response, and Disease Resistance to Staphylococcus aureus

by Metwally M. Montaser, Mohamed E. El-sharnouby, Gamal EL-Noubi, Heba M. El-Shaer, Alshimaa A. Khalil, Mohamed Hassanin, Shimaa A. Amer and Doaa A. El-Araby

Animals 2021, 11(2), 446; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11020446 - 8 Feb 2021

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3732

Abstract

The influences of Boswellia serrata resin extract (BSRE) as a feed additive on the growth performance, immune response, antioxidant status, and disease resistance of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus L. were assessed. One hundred-forty four fingerlings (initial weight: 21.82 ± 0.48 g) were randomly [...] Read more.

The influences of Boswellia serrata resin extract (BSRE) as a feed additive on the growth performance, immune response, antioxidant status, and disease resistance of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus L. were assessed. One hundred-forty four fingerlings (initial weight: 21.82 ± 0.48 g) were randomly allotted into four groups with three replicates where they were fed on one of four treatments with four levels of Boswellia serrata resin extract 0, 5, 10, or 15 g kg⁻¹, BSRE0, BSRE5, BSRE10, BSRE15, respectively for eight weeks. After the end of the feeding trial, the fish were challenged with Staphylococcus aureus, and mortalities were noted. The final body weight, total body weight gain, and the total feed intake were quadratically increased in BSRE5 treatment (p < 0.01). The protein productive efficiency (PPE) was linearly and quadratically increased in all BSRE supplemented treatments (p < 0.01). Dietary addition of BSRE raised the fish crude protein content and reduced the fat content in a level-dependent manner (p < 0.01). The ash content was raised in the BSRE15 group (p < 0.01). Dietary BSRE supplementation decreased the serum levels of glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and nitric oxide. It increased the serum levels of total protein, albumin, total globulins, α1 globulin, α2 globulin, ß globulin, ɣ globulin, Catalase, and SOD (superoxide dismutase) activity, GSH (reduced glutathione), lysozyme activity, and MPO (myeloperoxidase) in a level-dependent manner (p < 0.05). The BSRE15 diet increased the serum level of ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and decreased creatinine serum level (p < 0.05). Dietary BSRE supplementation increased the relative percentage of survival % (RPS) of S. aureus challenged fish. The histoarchitecture of the gills and kidney was normal in the BSRE5 treatment and moderately changed in BSRE10 and BSRE15 treatments. The splenic lymphoid elements were more prevalent, and the melano-macrophage centers (MMC) were mild to somewhat activated in BSRE supplemented treatments. Dietary BSRE supplementation improved the intestinal histomorphology. It can be concluded that BSRE addition can enhance the antioxidant activity, immune status, and disease resistance of O. niloticus to S. aureus infection. The level of 5 g kg⁻¹ BSRE can improve fish growth without causing harmful effects on fish health. The highest levels of BSRE are not recommended as they badly affected the histoarchitecture of many vital organs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Aquaculture: Nutrition Studies in Early Developing Finfish, Ornamentals and Experimental Model Fish)

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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

34 pages, 492 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Feasibility of Using Yellow Mealworms (Tenebrio molitor): Towards a Sustainable Aquafeed Industry

by Laiba Shafique, Hany M. R. Abdel-Latif, Faiz-ul Hassan, Mahmoud Alagawany, Mohammed A. E. Naiel, Mahmoud A. O. Dawood, Sevdan Yilmaz and Qingyou Liu

Animals 2021, 11(3), 811; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11030811 - 13 Mar 2021

Cited by 66 | Viewed by 8543

Abstract

The success of the aquafeed industry mainly depends on the availability of raw ingredients with high nutritional value, such as fishmeal (FM). However, the increased demand for FM elevates its prices and leads to high feed costs. Thus, there is an urgent need [...] Read more.

The success of the aquafeed industry mainly depends on the availability of raw ingredients with high nutritional value, such as fishmeal (FM). However, the increased demand for FM elevates its prices and leads to high feed costs. Thus, there is an urgent need to find suitable alternatives for FM in fish diets to achieve sustainability in aquaculture. Currently, attention is being paid to the possibility of using insect meals as FM substitutes in aquafeed because of their relatively high nutritional quality. TM is one of those insects that can be regarded as a unique candidate because of its relatively high nutritional value. TM are rich sources of essential amino acids (methionine), lipids, and fatty acids, which vary based on the developmental stage of the worms. Although TM have an abundant amount of chitin as a fiber source and other anti-nutritional factors, numerous studies have investigated the efficacy of partial or complete substitution of FM by T. molitor in fish diets. In this context, we reviewed the current research findings on the achievable inclusion levels of T. molitor versus FM substitution in the diets of several finfish and shellfish species. We discussed the potential use of T. molitor as an FM substitute in fish diets and evaluated its effects on growth, biometric indices, and body composition. Besides, the hematological parameters, immunological responses, antioxidative efficacy, intestinal health status, and sensory criteria of fish fed T. molitor-based diets were also assessed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Aquaculture: Nutrition Studies in Early Developing Finfish, Ornamentals and Experimental Model Fish)

16 pages, 334 KiB

Open AccessReview

Yucca schidigera Usage for Healthy Aquatic Animals: Potential Roles for Sustainability

by Bilal Ahamad Paray, Mohamed F. El-Basuini, Mahmoud Alagawany, Mohammed Fahad Albeshr, Mohammad Abul Farah and Mahmoud A. O. Dawood

Animals 2021, 11(1), 93; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11010093 - 6 Jan 2021

Cited by 54 | Viewed by 7490

Abstract

In modern aquaculture systems, farmers are increasing the stocking capacity of aquatic organisms to develop the yield and maximize water resources utilization. However, the accumulation of ammonia in fishponds regularly occurs in intensive aquaculture systems, resulting in reduced growth rates and poor health [...] Read more.

In modern aquaculture systems, farmers are increasing the stocking capacity of aquatic organisms to develop the yield and maximize water resources utilization. However, the accumulation of ammonia in fishponds regularly occurs in intensive aquaculture systems, resulting in reduced growth rates and poor health conditions. The inclusion of yucca extract is recognized as a practical solution for adsorbing the waterborne ammonia. Yucca has abundant amounts of polyphenolics, steroidal saponins, and resveratrol and can be used as a solution or as a powder. In this context, this review aimed to investigate the possible regulatory roles of yucca extract on aquatic animals’ performances. Concurrently, the feed utilization, growth performance, and physiological status of aquatic species can be improved. Additionally, the yucca application resulted in enhancing the antioxidative, immunological, and anti-inflammatory responses in several aquatic animals. Exclusively, the present review proposed a protective solution through the application of yucca extract in the aquafeed and rearing water of aquatic animals suffering from ammonia accumulation. Furthermore, it shows how yucca could enhance the growth, survival rates, blood biochemical quality, immunological indices, and the antioxidative capacity of aquatic animals in light of the relevant published data. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Aquaculture: Nutrition Studies in Early Developing Finfish, Ornamentals and Experimental Model Fish)

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