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Sustainable Aquaculture Practices: Novel Feeds to Improve Fish Performance, Immunity and Disease Resistance

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A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Aquatic Animals".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2023) | Viewed by 27816

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Byron Morales-Lange

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Guest Editor

Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Faculty of Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 1430 Ås, Norway
Interests: fish immunology; immuno-nutrition; molecular and cell biology; bioinformatics; immunostimulants; biomarkers; fish welfare; pathogen/host and environment interaction

Dr. Sergio Rocha

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Guest Editor

Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, Faculty of Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, 1430 Ås, Norway
Interests: fish nutrition; feed production; aquaculture; microbiota; molecular biology; metabolism

Dr. Cristián Valenzuela

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Guest Editor

Grupo de Marcadores Inmunológicos, Laboratorio de Genética e Inmunología Molecular, Instituto de Bi-ología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2374631, Chile
Interests: stress; fish physiology; aquaculture practices; fish performance; immune response

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Aquaculture is one of the fastest growing food industries worldwide. However, fish farming faces constant challenges, mainly related to multi-stressor conditions such as handling, sub-optimal nutrition, disease, and environmental problems (e.g., water quality and algal blooms), which impact fish performance, health and welfare. The industry has taken steps to help solve these problems, novel approaches that consider sustainable practices and resources, as well as more research, are necessary to make fish more resilient to the different challenges that affect them, which could also reduce the economic losses related to fish mortality.

Considering this, we are pleased to invite you to contribute to this Special Issue with original research articles and reviews, which may focus on sustainable functional ingredients, fish farming and performance, multi-stressor conditions, fish health, animal welfare, immune response, microbiota, among others.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Byron Morales-Lange
Dr. Sergio Rocha
Dr. Cristián Valenzuela
Guest Editors

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Keywords

functional ingredients
feed additives
fish farming
multi-stressor conditions
fish health
animal welfare
immune response
microbiota

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Published Papers (13 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research

5 pages, 566 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Immunonutrition—Contributing to the Future of Sustainable Aquaculture by Supporting Animal Performance, Health and Welfare

by Sérgio D. C. Rocha, Cristián A. Valenzuela and Byron Morales-Lange

Animals 2024, 14(15), 2275; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14152275 - 5 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1268

Abstract

Aquaculture is one of the fastest growing food industries worldwide [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Aquaculture Practices: Novel Feeds to Improve Fish Performance, Immunity and Disease Resistance)

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Research

Jump to: Editorial

20 pages, 1715 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Organic Ingredients as Alternative Protein Sources in the Diet of Juvenile Organic Seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

by Eslam Tefal, Ignacio Jauralde, Silvia Martínez-Llorens, Ana Tomás-Vidal, María Consolación Milián-Sorribes, Francisco Javier Moyano, David S. Peñaranda and Miguel Jover-Cerdá

Animals 2023, 13(24), 3816; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13243816 - 11 Dec 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1440

Abstract

The use of organic ingredients as a source of protein in aquaculture diets has gained significant attention due to the growing demand for organic seafood products. This study aimed to evaluate the potential for the use of organic ingredients as protein sources in the diet of juvenile organic seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax). A total of 486 juvenile seabass with an average weight of 90 g were fed six diets containing varied organic proteins. The control group (CON) was fed a diet with conventional fishmeal from sustainable fisheries as the primary protein source. The other five groups were fed diets with different compositions: organic Iberian pig meal byproduct (IB diet), a combination of organic Iberian pig meal byproduct and insect meal (IB-IN diet), a mix of organic Iberian pig meal byproduct and organic rainbow trout meal byproduct (IB-TR diet), a blend of organic rainbow trout meal byproduct and insect meal (TR-IN), and a mixed diet containing all of these protein sources (MIX diet). Over a 125-day feeding trial, growth performance, feed utilisation, feed digestibility, and histological parameters were assessed. The results showed that the fish fed the control diet had the highest final weight and specific growth rate, followed by the fish fed the TR-IN and IB-TR diets. The IB-TR diet had the highest apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) for protein, while the TR-IN diet had the lowest. Histological analysis revealed that fish fed the control diet had the largest nucleus diameter and hepatocyte diameter. Use of IN seems to penalise performance in several ways. Fish fed diets containing insect meal grew less, and those diets had lower digestibility. Fish fed the TR and IB diets grew at rates near that of the control, and the feed had acceptable digestibility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Aquaculture Practices: Novel Feeds to Improve Fish Performance, Immunity and Disease Resistance)

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17 pages, 1703 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Administration Effects of Exopolysaccharide Produced by Bacillus tequilensis PS21 Using Riceberry Broken Rice, and Soybean Meal on Growth Performance, Immunity, and Resistance to Streptococcus agalactiae of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

by Nantaporn Sutthi, Eakapol Wangkahart, Paiboon Panase, Thipphiya Karirat, Sirirat Deeseenthum, Nyuk Ling Ma and Vijitra Luang-In

Animals 2023, 13(20), 3262; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13203262 - 19 Oct 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1873

Abstract

Overuse of antibiotics in aquaculture has generated bacterial resistance and altered the ecology. Aquacultural disease control requires an environmentally sustainable approach. Bacterial exopolysaccharides (EPSs) as bioimmunostimulants have not been extensively explored in aquaculture. This study investigated EPS produced from 5% w/v riceberry broken rice as a carbon source and 1% w/v soybean meal as a nitrogen source by Bacillus tequilensis PS21 from milk kefir grain for its immunomodulatory, antioxidant activities and resistance to pathogenic Streptococcus agalactiae in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The FTIR spectrum of EPS confirmed the characteristic bonds of polysaccharides, while the HPLC chromatogram of EPS displayed only the glucose monomer subunit, indicating its homopolysaccharide feature. This EPS (20 mg/mL) exhibited DPPH scavenging activity of 65.50 ± 0.31%, an FRAP value of 2.07 ± 0.04 mg FeSO₄/g DW, and antimicrobial activity (14.17 ± 0.76 mm inhibition zone diameter) against S. agalactiae EW1 using the agar disc diffusion method. Five groups of Nile tilapia were fed diets (T1 (Control) = 0.0, T2 = 0.1, T3 = 0.2, T4 = 1.0, and T5 = 2.0 g EPS/kg diet) for 90 days. Results showed that EPS did not affect growth performances or body composition, but EPS (T4 + T5) significantly stimulated neutrophil levels and serum lysozyme activity. EPS (T5) significantly induced myeloperoxidase activity, catalase activity, and liver superoxide dismutase activity. EPS (T5) also significantly increased the survival of fish at 80.00 ± 5.77% at 14 days post-challenge with S. agalactiae EW1 compared to the control (T1) at 53.33 ± 10.00%. This study presents an efficient method for utilizing agro-industrial biowaste as a prospective source of value-added EPS via a microbial factory to produce a bio-circular green economy model that preserves a healthy environment while also promoting sustainable aquaculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Aquaculture Practices: Novel Feeds to Improve Fish Performance, Immunity and Disease Resistance)

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20 pages, 3271 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Evaluation of Post-Larval Diets for Indoor Weaned Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides)

by Jovanka Lukić, Gergő Gyalog, Zoltán Horváth, Anita Annamária Szűcs, Tijana Ristović, Amarela Terzić-Vidojević, Zsuzsanna J. Sándor and Uroš Ljubobratović

Animals 2023, 13(20), 3179; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13203179 - 11 Oct 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2710

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate different commercial diets (Otohime C1, Aller Futura (AF), Biomar Inicio Plus (BIP)) and one experimental feed (EF) in terms of their effectiveness as post-larval diets for indoor weaned largemouth bass, LMB (Micropterus salmoides). Key variations in the content of nutritive values were monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) and highly unsaturated FA (HUFA) ω3. Fish were fed with one of four tested diets from the 33rd to the 40th day post-hatch (DPH). Biometric indices, digestive enzyme-specific activities, thyroid hormone status, and mRNA expression of genes coding for skeleton, neuron, and muscle growth were analyzed. The lowest skeletal deformity rate and highest survival among the treatments were seen in BIP-fed fish. Dietary lipids, with an appropriate balance between MUFA and polyunsaturated FA (PUFA), alongside amino acid balance, were shown to be the main contributors to the growth of the skeleton and/or fish survival. On the other hand, fish growth is correlated with fish digestive capacity and feed moisture percent rather than feed quality. Unexpectedly, BIP-fed fish were attributed with the lowest expression of skeleton differentiation markers, which may reflect the sacrifice of scale and/or cranium growth at the expense of somatic growth. This study highlights the role of non-marine ingredients in the nutrition of post-larval LMB. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Aquaculture Practices: Novel Feeds to Improve Fish Performance, Immunity and Disease Resistance)

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24 pages, 2474 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Dietary Soy Protein Source on Effluent Water Quality and Growth Performance of Rainbow Trout Reared in a Serial Reuse Water System

by Thomas L. Welker and Ken Overturf

Animals 2023, 13(19), 3090; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13193090 - 3 Oct 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1496

Abstract

Juvenile rainbow trout (125 ± 0.8 g) were fed a fishmeal control diet (C), a high soy protein concentrate diet (SP), a high soybean meal diet (HiS), or a diet with high levels of fermented soy protein concentrate (fSP) for 12 weeks in a tank system capable of receiving 1st and 3rd use water from a serial-reuse production hatchery. Water quality was generally lower in 3rd use compared to 1st use water and after passing through tanks (inflow vs. outflow). Total dissolved solids were significantly higher (p = 0.003) for 3rd use compared to 1st use water, and values were also higher (p < 0.001) for the fSP diet. Turbidity and ammonia were highest in tanks for trout fed the HiS and fSP and SP and fSP diets, respectively, but were characterized by high variation, which likely prevented the detection of significant differences. Weight gain (p < 0.001) and survival (p = 0.008) were significantly lower for trout in 3rd use compared to 1st use water. Trout fed the HiS diet were generally in poorer physiological condition with lower body fat stores (p = 0.05) and lower growth rate (p < 0.001) and survival (p = 0.05) compared to the other diets, which were similar. The expression of several stress-associated genes (FK506, DIO2, REGPS, Cyp1a, G6PH, GADD45a, and IRF-1) in the liver and gill showed that diet and water source affected their regulation. Replacement of FM by SP providing 50% of dietary protein promotes acceptable growth performance compared to an FM diet and was superior to HiS. The impacts of soy protein concentrate on water quality under commercial production conditions, however, require further study. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Aquaculture Practices: Novel Feeds to Improve Fish Performance, Immunity and Disease Resistance)

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15 pages, 1186 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Inclusion of Halobacterium salinarum Modulates Growth Performances and Immune Responses in Farmed Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata L.)

by Concetta Maria Messina, Manfredi Madia, Simona Manuguerra, Cristobal Espinosa-Ruiz, María Angeles Esteban and Andrea Santulli

Animals 2023, 13(17), 2743; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13172743 - 29 Aug 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1409

Abstract

The use of natural immunostimulants is considered the most promising alternative to promote fish health, productive performance and quality, increasing the aquaculture profitability, sustainability and social acceptance. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the integration of a potential probiotic strain, Halobacterium salinarum, belonging to the Archaea domain, in the formulated diets of farmed gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.) in terms of growth performances and immunity responses. The experiment was set up to test two different levels of inclusion of the bacteria in the diet: 0.05% (D1) and 0.1% (D2). The effects on fish growth performances; humoral (peroxidase, protease, antiprotease and IgM levels) and cellular immunity parameters (phagocytosis, respiratory burst and myeloperoxidase), along with bactericidal activity, were evaluated after 15 and 30 days of experimental feeding. The obtained results showed that the inclusion of H. salinarum at the highest concentration (D2 0.1%) improved growth performances, bactericidal activity against Vibrio anguillarum and some parameters related both to the humoral and cellular immune response, suggesting exploring other aspects of welfare in view of future supplementations of this probiotic strain in the diet of S. aurata. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Aquaculture Practices: Novel Feeds to Improve Fish Performance, Immunity and Disease Resistance)

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21 pages, 1236 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Protective Effect of a Dietary Extract of Mulberry (Morus alba L.) Leaves against a High Stocking Density, Copper and Trichlorfon in Crucian Carp (Carassius auratus)

by Gangfu Chen, Jiao Long, Huatao Li, Jing Xu, Jia Yuan, Qihui Yang, Lin Feng, Min Wu and Jun Jiang

Animals 2023, 13(16), 2652; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13162652 - 17 Aug 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1261

Abstract

This study was designed to examine the protective effects of the extract of mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaves (EML) on crucian carp (Carassius auratus) against a high stocking density, Cu exposure and trichlorfon exposure, which adversely impact fish growth performance, feed intake and fish locomotion. High stocking densities decreased the activities of amylase, lipase, trypsin, Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase and alkaline phosphatase (AKP), and increased the content of malonaldehyde (MDA) in fish digestive organs, indicating an impairment of the digestive function and a disturbance of the antioxidant status. Cu exposure increased the activities of glutamate–oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) and glutamate–pyruvate transaminase (GPT) in fish digestive organs, suggesting the activation of amino acid metabolism. Furthermore, trichlorfon exposure reduced the activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glutathione reductase (GR), GOT and GPT, and the capacities of the anti-superoxide anion (ASA) and anti-hydroxyl radical (AHR) in fish muscles, indicating a disruption of the bioenergetic homeostasis and antioxidant status. Our present study indicates that dietary EML supplementation relieved the detrimental effects induced by these stressors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Aquaculture Practices: Novel Feeds to Improve Fish Performance, Immunity and Disease Resistance)

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24 pages, 3529 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancement of Soybean Meal Alters Gut Microbiome and Influences Behavior of Farmed Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar)

by Alexandra Leeper, Clara Sauphar, Benoit Berlizot, Gabrielle Ladurée, Wolfgang Koppe, Stephen Knobloch, Sigurlaug Skírnisdóttir, Rannveig Björnsdóttir, Margareth Øverland and David Benhaïm

Animals 2023, 13(16), 2591; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13162591 - 11 Aug 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1716

Abstract

Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) is one of the worlds most domesticated fish. As production volumes increase, access to high quality and sustainable protein sources for formulated feeds of this carnivorous fish is required. Soybean meal (SBM) and soy-derived proteins are the dominant protein sources in commercial aquafeeds due to their low-cost, availability and favorable amino acid profile. However, for Atlantic salmon, the inclusion of soybean meal (SBM), and soy protein concentrate (SPC) in certain combinations can impact gut health, which has consequences for immunity and welfare, limiting the use of soy products in salmonid feeds. This study sought to address this challenge by evaluating two gut health-targeted enhancements of SBM for inclusion in freshwater phase salmon diets: enzyme pre-treatment (ETS), and addition of fructose oligosaccharide (USP). These were compared with untreated soybean meal (US) and fish meal (FM). This study took a multi-disciplinary approach, investigating the effect on growth performance, gut microbiome, and behaviors relevant to welfare in aquaculture. This study suggests that both enhancements of SBM provide benefits for growth performance compared with conventional SBM. Both SBM treatments altered fish gut microbiomes and in the case of ETS, increased the presence of the lactic acid bacteria Enterococcus. For the first time, the effects of marine protein sources and plant protein sources on the coping style of salmon were demonstrated. Fish fed SBM showed a tendency for more reactive behavior compared with those fed the FM-based control. All fish had a similar low response to elicited stress, although ETS-fed fish responded more actively than US-fed fish for a single swimming measure. Furthermore, SBM-fed fish displayed lower repeatability of behavior, which may indicate diminished welfare for intensively farmed fish. The implications of these findings for commercial salmonid aquaculture are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Aquaculture Practices: Novel Feeds to Improve Fish Performance, Immunity and Disease Resistance)

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13 pages, 2622 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) Peel Extract Loaded in Nanoemulsion on Growth Performance, Immune Response, and Disease Resistance of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) against Aeromonas veronii Infection

by Jakarwan Yostawonkul, Manoj Tukaram Kamble, Kitikarn Sakuna, Sulaiman Madyod, Pimwarang Sukkarun, Seema Vijay Medhe, Channarong Rodkhum, Nopadon Pirarat and Mariya Sewaka

Animals 2023, 13(11), 1798; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13111798 - 29 May 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3561

Abstract

Nanotechnology can enhance nutrient delivery and bioavailability; hence, it has recently been considered the most practical alternative technology for nutritional supplements and disease control in fish farming. The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of mangosteen peel extract loaded in nanoemulsion (MSNE) on the inhibition of A. veronii (in vitro) and in vivo growth performance, serum biochemical parameters, the immune response, and the disease resistance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) against A. veronii challenge. The particle size, polydispersity index, and particle surface charge of MSNE were 151.9 ± 1.4 nm, >0.3, and −30 mV, respectively. Furthermore, MSNE, mangosteen peel extract (MPE), and nanoemulsion (NE) improved the antimicrobial activity against A. veronii. Fish fed MSNE, MPE, and NE-supplemented diets had a significantly lower (p < 0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) and higher specific growth rate (SGR) than fish fed the control diet. Furthermore, the MSNE had significantly higher serum glucose and protein levels than the control group in Nile tilapia. Total immunoglobulin, serum lysozyme, alternative complement activity, and survival of Nile tilapia fed with MSNE were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the control diet. Therefore, MSNE has the potential to be employed as a supplement in sustainable Nile tilapia farming. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Aquaculture Practices: Novel Feeds to Improve Fish Performance, Immunity and Disease Resistance)

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23 pages, 2451 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Diet Rich in HUFAs Enhances the Energetic and Immune Response Capacities of Larvae of the Scallop Argopecten purpuratus

by Isis Rojas, Claudia B. Cárcamo, Yohana Defranchi, Katherine Jeno, José Rengel, Michael Araya, María Elena Tarnok, Luis Aguilar, Gonzalo Álvarez, Paulina Schmitt and Katherina Brokordt

Animals 2023, 13(8), 1416; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13081416 - 20 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1976

Abstract

Massive mortalities in farmed larvae of the scallop Argopecten purpuratus have been associated with pathogenic Vibrio outbreaks. An energetic trade-off between development-associated demands and immune capacity has been observed. Given that highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFAs) are essential nutrients for larval development, we evaluated the effect of diets based on microalgae low and high in HUFAs (LH and HH, respectively) on the energetic condition and the immune response of scallop larvae. The results showed that the HH diet increased cellular membrane fluidity in veliger larvae. The routine respiration rate was 64% higher in the HH-fed veligers than in the LH-fed veligers. Additionally, the metabolic capacity tended to be higher in the HH-fed veligers than in the LH-fed veligers after the Vibrio challenge. After the challenge, the HH-fed veligers presented higher transcript induction of ApTLR (immune receptor) and ApGlys (immune effector) genes, and the HH-fed pediveligers presented higher induction of ApLBP/BPI1 (antimicrobial immune effector) gene, than the LH-fed larvae. Furthermore, the HH-fed veligers controlled total Vibrio proliferation (maintaining near basal levels) after the bacterial challenge, while the LH-fed veligers were not able to control this proliferation, which increased three-fold. Finally, the HH-fed larvae showed 20–25% higher growth and survival rates than the LH-fed veligers. Overall, the results indicated that the administration of a HH diet increases cell membrane fluidity and energy metabolic capacity, which in turn enhances immunity and the ability to control Vibrio proliferation. The administration of microalgae high in HUFAs would be a promising strategy for improving scallop larval production efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Aquaculture Practices: Novel Feeds to Improve Fish Performance, Immunity and Disease Resistance)

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13 pages, 1519 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Dietary Manganese on the Growth Performance, Lipid Metabolism, and Antioxidant Capacity in the Post-Larval Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch)

by Dongwu Liu, Lingyao Li, Qin Zhang and Hairui Yu

Animals 2023, 13(8), 1310; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13081310 - 11 Apr 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1813

Abstract

In this study, post-larval coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch (initial weight 0.37 ± 0.03 g) were fed with 6 experimental diets with increasing manganese (Mn) content (2.4, 8.5, 14.8, 19.8, 24.6, and 33.7 mg kg⁻¹) for 12 weeks. Our results indicated that the feed conversion rate (FCR), specific growth rate (SGR), condition factor (CF), crude protein, moisture, crude lipid, ash, whole-body Mn, and vertebral Mn were affected by the elevation of Mn content in the diet. The activities of hepatic GSH-PX, Mn-SOD, and CAT were enhanced with increasing Mn content in the diet and reached the highest value at 19.8 mg kg⁻¹ Mn. However, the level of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), superoxide anion (O₂^·−), and malondialdehyde (MDA) was reduced with increasing Mn content in the diet. In addition, the activity of hepatic lipase (HL) and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) was increased with the elevation of dietary Mn content and reached a peak value at 14.8 mg kg⁻¹ Mn. The activity of fatty acid synthetase (FAS) and the content of nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) were increased following the elevation of Mn content from 2.4 to 19.8 mg kg⁻¹ in the diet. The results indicated that the appropriate dietary Mn supplementation improved the feeding efficiency, lipid metabolism, and antioxidant capacity of coho salmon. The dietary Mn requirement for post-larval coho salmon was 17.35 mg kg⁻¹ and 19.75 mg kg⁻¹ based on the SGR and FCR, respectively. An optimal dietary level of Mn enhances hepatic lipid metabolism, and the signaling pathway of PI3K/AKT/mTOR may be involved in regulating the activity of enzymes related to lipid metabolism. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Aquaculture Practices: Novel Feeds to Improve Fish Performance, Immunity and Disease Resistance)

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10 pages, 311 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Oxidative Stress Response of Meagre to Dietary Black Soldier Fly Meal

by Inês Guerreiro, Carolina Castro, Cláudia R. Serra, Filipe Coutinho, Ana Couto, Helena Peres, Pedro Pousão-Ferreira, Laura Gasco, Francesco Gai, Aires Oliva-Teles and Paula Enes

Animals 2022, 12(23), 3232; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12233232 - 22 Nov 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2957

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the effect of Hermetia illucens meal (HM) dietary inclusion on meagre oxidative status. Thus, fish were fed a fishmeal-based diet (CTR diet) and three other diets with increasing levels of HM inclusion, namely 10%, 20%, and 30% (diets HM10, HM20, and HM30, respectively). At the end of the trial, hepatic and intestine superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activities and malondialdehyde concentration were unaffected by the diet composition. Liver glutathione peroxidase activity was higher in the fish fed the HM20 diet than in the fish fed the CTR and HM30 diets, and glutathione reductase activity linearly increased with the dietary HM level. The hepatic total glutathione and reduced glutathione contents were significantly lower in fish fed the HM20 diet than in fish fed the CTR and HM10 diets. In the intestine, the oxidized glutathione (GSSG) content and oxidative stress index linearly increased with the increase in dietary HM level, with the GSSG content of fish fed the HM20 diet being significantly higher than of fish fed the CTR diet. In conclusion, 30% HM might be included in meagre diets without negatively affecting hepatic and intestine oxidative status. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Aquaculture Practices: Novel Feeds to Improve Fish Performance, Immunity and Disease Resistance)

21 pages, 2576 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dietary Strategies to Modulate the Health Condition and Immune Responses in Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata) Juveniles Following Intestinal Inflammation

by Carla Teixeira, Diogo Peixoto, Mariana Hinzmann, Paulo Santos, Inês Ferreira, Gabriella V. Pereira, Jorge Dias and Benjamín Costas

Animals 2022, 12(21), 3019; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12213019 - 3 Nov 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2478

Abstract

Several feed additives have proved to be beneficial in eliciting fish health. Β-glucans and curcumin are compounds with immunomodulatory capacities known to increase growth performance, stimulate immunity, improve general health, and enhance disease resistance in fish. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary Phaeodactylum tricornutum extracts rich in β-glucans and curcumin on gilthead seabream health status prior to and following an intestinal inflammatory stimulus. Three experimental diets were formulated: a practical commercial-type diet (CTRL), a CTRL diet supplemented with 1% microalgae-derived β-glucans extract (BG), and a CTRL diet supplemented with 0.2% of curcumin (CUR). After 30 days of the feeding trial, fish were sampled and subjected to an oral administration of 1% dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) to induce intestinal inflammation. Four groups were considered: a group of fish continued to be fed on the CTRL diet while the remaining groups were exposed to DSS, including CTRL-D (CTRL + DSS), BG-D (BG + DSS), and CUR-D (CUR + DSS), for 6 days. Growth, plasma and gut humoral immunity, liver and gut oxidative stress biomarkers, and intestinal gene expression were evaluated. No significant differences were found in growth after 30 days of feeding; however, seabream fed BG had decreased anti-protease activity and nitric oxide concentration in plasma while those fed CUR had increased mRNA levels of the tnfα, csf1r, and hep genes compared to those fed CTRL. After the inflammatory stimulus, hematocrit was enhanced in fish fed BG-D and CUR-D while red blood cell counts increased in those fed CTRL-D. Superoxide dismutase activity decreased in the intestine of all DSS groups while lipid peroxidation increased in the gut of fish fed CTRL-D and BG-D compared to CTRL. Moreover, the mRNA expression levels of csfr1 and sod decreased in fish fed CTRL-D and BG-D compared to CTRL, respectively. Despite the mild intestinal inflammatory condition induced by DSS, CUR was able to partially ameliorate its effects, improving the hematological profile and assisting against the oxidative stress. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Aquaculture Practices: Novel Feeds to Improve Fish Performance, Immunity and Disease Resistance)

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