Effect Of Fish Meal Replacement Research Articles

Effect of Fishmeal Replacement with Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) Meal on Growth Performance and Survival of the Black Molly (Poecilia sphenops)

In order to search of viable alternative protein source for aquaculture, a feeding trial of six-months was carried out to test the effect of mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) meal relacing fishmeal protein at 0% (control), 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% in practical diets (named D0, D25, D50, D75 and D100 respectively) on the growth performance, feed utilization and survival of black molly (Poecilia sphenops). At the end of six-months, significantly higher final weight and length were observed in D75 diet fed set followed by D50 set and then in D0 set, whereas lowest value was recorded in D100. The specific growth rate (SGR) in percent of control fishes (D0) was 2.25±0.02, whereas the result of SGR (%) was noted best in D75 set (2.44±0.02) and poorest in the D100 (1.97±0.02). Although D75 diet fed set showed lower feed conversion ratio (FCR), black molly fed with D25 and D50 diets still utilized the diets as well as control (D0) as their values did not vary significantly. Significantly higher survival percentage was 96.67%, observed in D75 set, in contrast lowest found in D100 set (64.44%). Hence, mealworm could be successfully incorporated by replacing fishmeal from 50% to 75% in the diet of black molly with optimal growth, feed utilization and better survival.

The effect of fishmeal replacement with organic acid fermented black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal on growth, nutrient utilization, metabolic enzyme activity, antioxidant status and immunity in Pangasius (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus)

Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal is emerging as an alternative protein source and good substitute of fishmeal (FM). In an 8-week feeding trial, three hundred pangasius (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus,7.44 ± 0.01 g) fingerlings were randomly allocated over five treatments in triplicate tanks and fed five isoprotein (CP, 35%) and isolipidic (CL, 10%) diets formulated by replacing 0% (FBSFL0), 25% (FBSFL25), 50% (FBSFL50), 75% (FBSFL75) and 100% (FBSFL100) FM with organic acid (formic acid) fermented black soldier fly larvae meal (FBSFL). The inclusion of FBSFL did not affect growth, feed conversion ratio, nutrients utilization and survival rate of pangasius even when FM was completely replaced. The pangasius body protein content increased significantly (P < 0.05) with increasing FBSFL level in the diets while, body lipid content was unaffected (P > 0.05). The haematological indices were not (P > 0.05) affected with the FBSFL inclusion levels. Significantly (P < 0.05) higher and alike protease activity was recorded in FBSFL50, FBSFL75, and FBSFL100 groups. However, activity of amylase and lipase were similar among treatments. The liver antioxidant enzymes (SOD, catalase, and GST) did not show significant (P > 0.05) difference among the treatments. However, pangasius fed with FBSFL75 and FBSFL100 showed significantly higher and similar total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC). The FBSFL in the diet of pangasius did not affect the liver metabolic enzyme (MDH, G-6-PDH and GDH) activities. Relative gene expression of growth hormone (GH1) did not substantially differ among the groups (P < 0.05). No differences were observed in the immune gene expressions of complement (C3) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) but the expression level of transferrin was up-regulated significantly (P < 0.05) in FBSFL25 group. No damage was observed in hepatic tissues in histomorphometry examination due to the inclusion of FBSFL. The study concludes that formic acid fermented BSFL can be employed as a complete substitute for FM in the pangasius diet, offering additional health benefits without any adverse effects.

Effect of fish meal replacement with chicken viscera meal on growth performance, haematology and intestinal histology of Sperata seenghala fingerlings

Effect of fish meal replacement with chicken viscera meal on growth performance, haematology and intestinal histology of Sperata seenghala fingerlings

Effect of fish meal replacement by zooplankton and Daphnia meal on growth performance parameters of the white leg shrimp, Penaeus vannamei

Effect of fish meal replacement by zooplankton and Daphnia meal on growth performance parameters of the white leg shrimp, Penaeus vannamei

Effects of Fish Meal Replacement with Composite Mixture of Soybean Protein Hydrolysates and Other Plant Proteins on Growth Performance, Antioxidant Capacity, and Target of Rapamycin Pathway in Largemouth Bass

AbstractA feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of fish meal replacement with a composite mixture of soybean protein hydrolysates and other plant proteins on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and target of rapamycin pathway in Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides. Triplicate groups of Largemouth Bass were fed the diet formulated with 40% (FM40; control), 35% (FM35), 30% (FM30), or 25% (FM25) fish meal for 10 weeks. The results revealed that the best growth performance was achieved in the FM35 group, while a negative effect on growth was observed in the FM25 group. The feed intake of the FM30 and FM25 groups was significantly lower than the other two groups, while no significant difference was observed in feed efficiency ratio and protein efficiency ratio. No statistical difference was observed in the activity of serum alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase with the replacement of fish meal. However, the replacement of fish meal with composite plant protein significantly reduced hepatic malondialdehyde content, and a significant improvement in total antioxidant capacity was observed in the FM35 group. Gene expression analysis revealed that the expression of amino acid transporter LAT1 was significantly elevated in the FM35 group, while no significant difference was observed in the LAT2 expression among different treatments. No significant difference was observed in the expression of target of rapamycin among treatments. However, the expression of ribosomal protein S6 in the FM35 and FM30 groups was significantly higher than in the other two groups, while the replacement of fish meal significantly decreased the expression of eukaryotic initiation factor 4EBP1. In summary, the composite mixture of soybean protein hydrolysates and other plant proteins can reduce the use of fish meal from 40% to 35%.

Effect of fishmeal replacement with dried red wigglers (Eisenia fetida) worm meal on growth and feed utilization, production efficiency, and serum biochemistry in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings

This study investigated the effect of replacing fishmeal with red wigglers (Eisenia fetida) worm meal (RWWM) in the diet of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings. Red wigglers worms (RWW) were culture on a vegetable by-product medium, harvested and dried to obtain red wigglers worm meal. The fish (average weight ± SE: 7.70 ± 0.06 g) were fed with seven diets (30% crude protein and 7.5% crude lipid), in which fishmeal was replaced with 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30% RWWM. The fish was reared in 1000 L fiberglass tanks in a recirculating aquaculture system and were hand-fed twice daily for 90 days. At the end of the experiment, the growth, feed conversion ratio, and energy utilization improved when feeding 15% and 20% RWWM compared with the control diet (P < 0.05). Using broken line regression between growth efficiency and feed utilization, showed the optimum level of RWWM replacing FM in Nile tilapia fingerlings diet was around 21 – 22% of the diet. The whole-body crude protein and ash content were elevated in the fish fed with 10–25% RWWM, while crude lipid and energy contents were elevated in the fish fed with 5–25% RWWM compared with the control group (P < 0.05). The essential and non-essential amino acids profiles of the fish were improved by 15% and 20% RWWM compared with the control (P < 0.05). The plasma glucose was decreased by 15–20% and significantly enhanced in fish fed with 25–30% RWWM diets compared with the control (P < 0.05). The total protein, albumin and globulin increased in the fish fed 15–20% diets and decreased in fish fed the 30% RWWM (P < 0.05). Therefore, this study demonstrates that RWWM could replace 20% fishmeal in the diets of Nile tilapia fingerlings without negatively affecting fish growth and physiological performance.

The effect of fishmeal replacement with acid-fermented chicken silage on growth, digestive enzyme activity and histology of the intestine and liver of juvenile Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus)

The effect of fishmeal replacement with acid-fermented chicken silage on growth, digestive enzyme activity and histology of the intestine and liver of juvenile Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus)

Effect of fish meal replacement by black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae meal on serum biochemical indices, thyroid hormone and zootechnical performance of laying chickens

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of fish meal replacement by black soldier larvae meal on biochemical parameters, thyroid hormone and productive parameters of egg-type chickens from day-old to 68 wk of age. A total of 480-day-old Isa Brown egg-type chickens were assigned to 4 dietary treatments with larvae meal to replace fish meal at 0% (T0:), 50% ( T 50 ), 75% ( T 75 ), and 100% ( T 100 ). Each treatment had 6 replicates of 20 birds. Fish meal was used at the 8% level as the control diet. Data were collected on feed intake, live weight, biochemical parameters, eggs production, serum triiodothyronine ( T 3 ), and thyroxine ( T 4 ). Results showed that there was a similarity in the feed intake of the birds across the treatments. Higher body weights and lower ( P < 0.05) feed conversion ratio ( FCR ) were recorded in the birds fed 100 and 75% larvae meal during the rearing period. Overall, egg production was similar in birds fed 100 and 75% larvae meal and significantly higher ( P < 0.05) as compared to other groups. Total protein, total cholesterol, and triglycerides, serum T 3 and T 3 /T 4 ratio increased significantly ( P < 0.05) with the increase in the level of larvae meal. It was concluded that fish meal can be replaced with larvae meal up to 100% in layer diet for improved body weights and egg production.

Effect of Fish Meal Replacement with Aqupro on Nutrition and Blood Indices in Fingerling Rainbow trout

Effect of Fish Meal Replacement with Aqupro on Nutrition and Blood Indices in Fingerling Rainbow trout

Effect of Fish Meal Replacement by Unconventional Meal in the Post-Larval Diet of Clarias Gariepinus in Benin (West Africa)

To reduce the pressure on aquatic resources due to the use of fishmeal in fish feed, the mastery and use of alternative sources of fishmeal in all stages of fish development are essential. Five diets including 4 experimental and one control diet were considered. Experimental diets of post-larvae were developed from unconventional ingredients in which fishmeal was completely replaced by a mixture of brewer’s yeast, chicken viscera and maggots. These foods were tested on Clarias gariepinus post-larvae with an initial average weight of 80 ± 1 mg. 1500 fish individuals were equally distributed in 15 concrete basins with a volume of 500 L forming five treatments in triplicate. Fish individuals were fed, manually at a ration rate of 20%, four times per day. The specific growth rates were 8.38%/day in imported food and 6.35%/day in the experimental food receiving 45.5% of protein from unconventional meal. Similar results were obtained with the feed consumption index. These encouraging results show that it is possible to partially or completely replace fishmeal in catfish feed and obtain an economically profitable production. The recovery of waste such as chicken viscera, brewer’s yeast and soybean meal in fish food formulation as tested in this study is a good contribution to environmental sanitation.

Effect of fishmeal replacement using cottonseed meal on growth, body indices and body composition of snubnose pompano, Trachinotus blochii

Prabu, D.L., Vijayagopal, P., Ebeneezar, S., Kalidas, C., Kavitha, M. and Ranjith, L. 2022. Effect of fishmeal replacement using cottonseed meal on growth, body indices and body composition of snubnose pompano, Trachinotus blochii. Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology, 22: 605–617.

Partial substitution of fish meal by Clostridium autoethanogenum protein in the diets of juvenile largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of fish meal replacement with Clostridium autoethanogenum protein (CAP) on growth performance, haemato-biochemistry, digestive capacity, antioxidant index, and histopathological examination of liver and intestine in largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Seven experimental diets were formulated with CAP replacement of 0% (CAP0), 15% (CAP15), 27% (CAP27), 39% (CAP39), 51% (CAP51), 63% (CAP63) and 75% (CAP75) fish meal, respectively. Results showed that replacement of fish meal by CAP did not affect SR, FBW, WGR, SGR and CF. While the fish fed diets containing CAP displayed a higher PER and a lower FCR than the control group (P < 0.05). However, the CAP inclusion level did not statistically affect the whole-body composition (P > 0.05). Additionally, The ADC of dry matter and protein were improved by addition of CAP (P < 0.05), while corresponding ADC of lipid were not significantly changed among different groups (P > 0.05). The lipase and amylase activities were not dramatically altered in stomach (P > 0.05), but were significantly increased in intestine with dietary substitution level up to 39% (P < 0.05). Differently, the protease activity of fish fed CAP75 was higher than other groups in stomach and intestine (P < 0.05). In addition, the activities of T-AOC and SOD in serum, liver and intestine were elevated with dietary CAP level (P < 0.05), whereas MDA content displayed the opposite trend. Moreover, the increased TP, ALB, TC, TG and AST/ALT were observed in treatment groups. In addition, the villus length and width of hindgut were dramatically increased with increasing dietary substitution level up to 39%. Furthermore, no adverse effect on the hepatic histology was occurred when fed diet with substitution level below 63%. Overall, the optimal CAP replacement level was 49.80% with maximum weight gain rate of juvenile largemouth bass.

Effect of fish meal replacement with lentil seed (Lens culinaris) in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) L. diet

The aim of this study was to see how replacing fish meal with lentil seeds (LS) as an alternative plant protein source in diets for common carp Cyprinus carpio affected growth performance, feed consumption, and the composition of the fish's proximate carcass. The fish (100-106 g mean initial weight) were fed 0% (LS0), 5% (LS5), 10% (LS10), 15% (LS15) and 20% (LS20) of Lentil seed protein for 10 weeks. With increasing fishmeal replacement with lentil seed in the fish diet, there was a significant (p&lt;0.05) increase in weight gain, relative and specific growth rate. T5 (20% LS) had a significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher feed efficiency ratio and protein efficiency ratio than the other treated groups. There were no significant (p&lt;0.05) differences in the mean values of proximate composition of fish fillets, such as moisture, crude protein, crude lipid and ash. Finally, no significant differences in muscle ratio (weight without viscera vs. weight without viscera &amp; head) were found. The current study found that lentil seed can replace 20% of dietary fish meal in common carp diets for better growth.Keywords: lentil seed, fish meal, common carp, growth performance and feed utilization.

Effect of fish meal replacement with toasted guar meal on growth, food conversion, digestive enzyme activity and final carcass composition of rohu,Labeo rohita

A growth trial was conducted for 60 days in 4 × 4 m outdoor cement tanks with soil base to evaluate growth, feed conversion efficiency, carcass composition and digestive enzyme activity of rohu, Labeo rohita, fed diets incorporated with guar meal replacing fish meal. The isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets used were—a fish meal based diet (Control) and diets with fish meal replaced at 30%, 60% and 90% levels with guar meal. The growth parameters, feed conversion and protein efficiency ratio, survival and condition factors did not differ significantly among the different treatments. While the activity of the digestive enzymes in the hepatopancreas did not differ (p > 0.05) among the treatments, the activity of digestive enzymes estimated in the intestine showed reduction at higher levels of guar incorporation. Carcass composition analysis revealed the highest moisture and lowest crude protein, fat and gross energy levels in fish from 90% replacement group. Lowest moisture and highest crude protein, fat and energy levels were observed in fish from 30% replacement. The study indicated the possible use of processed guar meal as a fish meal substitute in the diet of rohu, resulting a reduction in feed cost without compromising on fish growth and quality.

Impact of nucleotide enriched diets on the production of gilthead seabream, Sparus aurata fingerlings by modulation of liver mitochondrial enzyme activitity, antioxidant status, immune gene expression, and gut microbial ecology

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of fish meal replacement with a mixture of plant, and animal protein supplemented with a commercial nucleotide NucleoforceFish™, on growth, feed utilization, whole-body composition, biometric indices; liver mitochondrial enzyme activities, selected gene expression and influence on the gut microbiome of gilthead seabream, Sparus aurata. Six hundred and thirty gilthead seabream with an average initial body weight of 0.358 ± 0.002 g/fish, were used. Six experimental diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous, 45% crude protein (CP) and isocaloric 20 MJ/kg gross energy (GE). The control diet (D1) contained 25% of fish meal (FM25) and had no NucleoforceFish™ added (FM25/0), diets 2-3 contained FM at a level of 25% and supplemented with 250 (FM25/250) and 500 (FM25/500) mg/kg NucleoforceFish™, respectively. Diets 4-6 were a non-fishmeal formulation and had no NucleoforceFish™, (diet 4, FM0/0), 0%FM with 250mg/kg NucleoforceFish™ (diet 5, FM0/250), and 0%FM with 500mg/kg NucleoforceFish™ (diet 6, FM0/500). The results revealed that dietary nucleotides supplemented at 250mg/kg or 500mg/kg enhanced final body weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate of seabream either with dietary level of 25% FM diet (FM25) or non-fishmeal diet (FM0). All mitochondrial liver complex enzyme activities were recorded as having a significant positive response to the nucleotide dietary supplement. Gilthead seabream fingerlings fed FM0/250 diet for 150 days had significantly elevated liver mitochondrial enzyme (Complex III, Complex IV, Complex I and II) activities. In addition, gilthead seabream fed FM0/500 had significantly increased the gene expression of TCR-B and IL1-B, while fish fed FM25/250 increased significantly the gene expression of IGF1, while fish fed FM25/500 increased significantly the gene expression of Hepcidin (Hep) and the iron homeostasis hormone. There was a marked influence on specific bacteria comprising the gut microbiome namely Photobacterium; damselae; Vibrio anguillarum; Lactobacillus plantarum; Lactobacillus Enterococcus faecium subtilis. It can be concluded that FM25/250 and FM25/500 diets are expressing the best result, which explains that FM must be in the feed of gilthead seabream, and addition of NucleoforceFish™ at 250 mg/kg feed may further increase the performance.

The effect of fishmeal replacement with terrestrial protein sources on growth, body condition and intestinal microbiota of juvenile dusky kob Argyrosomus japonicus

A balanced combination of protein sources to partially replace fishmeal in the diets of cultured carnivorous fish can promote optimal fish health and production performance. In the present study, the growth, body condition and gut microbiota of juvenile dusky kob Argyrosomus japonicus fed fishmeal-substituted diets comprising different blends of animal and plant protein sources, with crystalline amino acid supplementation, were compared. The fish (15.7 [SE 0.12] g fish−1) were fed one of three isonitrogenous (41% protein) and isoenergetic (13 kJ g−1) diets for 60 days. Fish fed a diet with no fishmeal (D0; blood meal and soybean protein sources only) displayed the lowest specific growth rate (p < 0.001). Longer body lengths were achieved in fish fed a 50% fishmeal diet (D50; supplemented with poultry meal, bloodmeal, canola meal and soybean) (13.2 [SE 0.4] cm) compared with those fed either a 100% fishmeal diet (D100) (12.8 [SE 0.4] cm) or a diet with no fishmeal (D0) (12.1 [SE 0.08] cm) (p < 0.001). There were no differences in condition factor, hepatosomatic index (HSI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) between fish fed diets D50 and D100; whereas fish fed diet D0 had a lower HSI and a higher FCR when compared with the other treatments (p < 0.01). The dietary protein source did not alter the gut microbiota of these fish. In conclusion, 50% replacement of dietary fishmeal with a favourable balance of meals processed from poultry, blood, canola and soybean improved length gain in juvenile dusky kob compared with those fed a diet with no fishmeal replacement.

Effect of fishmeal replacement by hydrolyzed feather meal on growth performance, proximate composition, digestive enzyme activity, haematological parameters and growth-related gene expression of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata)

Two feeding trials were conducted to examine the replacement of fishmeal (FM) by hydrolyzed feather meal (HFM) in the diet of juvenile gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata). In trial I (100 days), three isonitrogenous (500 g kg−1 crude protein) and isoenergetic (21 kJ kg−1) diets were formulated, where FM protein was replaced by HFM at 50% (HFM50) and 100% (HFM100), while in trial II (110 days) four diets were formulated using the same FM control diet but FM was replaced at lower levels: 25% (HFM25), and 25% (HFM25+) and 50% (HFM50+) supplemented with lysine and methionine. Juveniles were allocated in quadruplicate and triplicate groups, respectively for trial I and II and fed to satiation 2 times day−1. HFM can successfully replace FM protein at 25% without compromising the feed intake, growth performance, feed utilization and proximate composition of juvenile gilthead seabream. Higher FM replacement levels down-regulated the liver gene expression of the GH/IGF axis and thus reduced the growth performance and nutrient metabolism, although the digestive protease activities and several haematological parameters were unaffected.

The Effect of Dietary Replacement of Fish Meal with Whey Protein Concentrate on the Growth Performance, Fish Health, and Immune Status of Nile Tilapia Fingerlings, Oreochromis niloticus.

Simple SummaryAlthough fish meal is considered the main animal protein source in fish diets, its high cost and unavailability limit its use in aquafeed. Recently, the search for other high-quality replacers of fish meal in aquatic feeds is being carried out with increased attentiveness. However, very few investigations have been performed to assess the possible use of whey protein concentrates (WPC) in Nile tilapia feeds. Five replacement percentages of fish meal with WPC (0%, 13.8%, 27.7%, 41.6%, and 55.5%) were assessed. WPC could replace the fish meal in Nile tilapia diets up to 27.7%, with improving the gut health, the total weight of survival fish, and immune status of fish challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila. High inclusion levels of WPC are not recommended in fish diets, since they negatively affected the intestinal and liver tissues and increased the level of cellular apoptosis, as indicated by the increased caspase 3 activity.The present study was conducted to assess the effect of replacing fish meal with whey protein concentrate (WPC) on the growth performance, histopathological condition of organs, economic efficiency, disease resistance to intraperitoneal inoculation of Aeromonas hydrophila, and the immune response of Oreochromis niloticus. The toxicity of WPC was tested by measuring the activity of caspase 3 as an indicator of cellular apoptosis. Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings with average initial weight 18.65 ± 0.05 gm/fish (n = 225) for a 10-week feeding trial. The fish were randomly allocated to five experimental groups, having five replacement percentages of fish meal with WPC: 0%, 13.8%, 27.7%, 41.6%, and 55.5% (WPC0, WPC13.8, WPC27.7, WPC41.6, and WPC55.5); zero percentage represented the control group. The results show that the fish fed WPC had the same growth performance as the WPC0. The total weight of bacterially challenged surviving fish increased linearly and quadratically (p ≤ 0.05) by increasing the replacement percentage of fish meal with WPC. The growth hormone, nitric oxide, IgM, complement 3, and lysozyme activity were seen to increase significantly in WPC27.7, especially after a bacterial challenge. The phagocytic percentage and phagocytic index increased significantly in WPC27.7, WPC41.6, and WPC55.5 groups. Histopathological examination of liver sections was badly affected by high replacement in WPC41.6–55.5. The activity of caspase 3 in the immunohistochemical stained sections of the intestine was increased significantly by increasing the inclusion level of WPC. Economically, the total return of the total surviving fish after the bacterial challenge was increased significantly by fish meal replacement with WPC. It could be concluded that WPC could replace the fish meal in Nile tilapia diets up to 27.7%, with improving the gut health, the total weight of survival fish, and immune status of fish challenged with A. hydrophila. High inclusion levels of WPC are not recommended in fish diets, since they negatively affected the intestinal and liver tissues and increased the level of cellular apoptosis, as indicated by the increased caspase 3 activity. Further researches are recommended to evaluate the effect of fish meal replacement with WPC on the histopathological examination of the kidney and to test the capacity of serum IgM to clot the bacteria used for the challenge.

Replacement of fish meal with processed carinata (Brassica carinata) seed meal in low animal protein diets of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

A 56‐day growth trial was conducted to determine the amount of fish meal (FM) in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) diets containing 200 g/kg FM as the sole animal protein source; that could be replaced with carinata (Brassica carinata) meal (CM) processed by aerobic conversion (AC, by fungi ssp.) followed by a single wash (ACCM). ACCM replaced 50, 100 and 150 g of FM. Replacement of ≥100 g of FM with ACCM, resulted in reduced (p < 0.01) growth, due to reduced dietary lysine and diet consumption (p < 0.01). Fulton's condition factor K decreased (p < 0.01) with increased FM replacement. FCR (p < 0.01) had an inverse relationship with diet consumption. The trend in FCR was similar to the trend in PER (p < 0.01). Apparent net protein utilization was lower (p < 0.01) for the highest FM replacement diet. There was no effect of FM replacement by ACCM on whole‐body composition or viscera, spleen and liver weights. However, visceral fat increased (p < 0.01) with increased feed consumption. There was no apparent effect of ACCM on hematocrit, haemoglobin or mean corpuscular haemoglobin contents. Results of this study indicate that replacement of ≥100 g of FM by ACCM in low FM/animal (200 g/kg) RBT diets may have been achieved if feed consumption and dietary lysine were similar.

Growth, hematological and biochemical indices of common carp Cyprinus carpio fed diets containing corn gluten meal

The effects of replacing fish meal (FM) with corn gluten meal (CGM) on growth and physiological performance were evaluated in common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Six experimental diets were formulated by substituting 0 (control), 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100% CGM protein for FM protein. The concentrations of dietary protein in the experimental diets were 27.8–29% and the P:E ratios were 14.7–15.46 mg/kJ. Eighteen fish with an initial weight of 13.5 ± 0.1 g were allocated to each of 18 circular tanks (450 L) to give triplicate groups for each dietary treatment. The fish were fed to satiation for 8 weeks. At the end of the feeding trial, growth indices, body proximate composition, and hematological and biochemical parameters were measured. Blood samples were taken from six fish in each tank. Final weight and total length were significantly higher in fish fed 100% CGM (27.8 ± 1.2 g and 11.9 ± 0.3 cm) than for those fed the control (22.7 ± 1.4 g and 10.9 ± 0.5 cm) or 20% CGM (22.3 ± 1.2 g and 11 ± 0.4 cm) diets. No effect of FM replacement by CGM was observed for condition factor or hepatosomatic index (P > 0.05). The highest value of protein productive value (14.31 ± 0.65) was observed in fish fed 20% CGM (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in percentage body moisture and fat, but percentages of protein and ash were significantly different among experimental groups; the highest values of protein (15.6 ± 0.24%) and ash (3.01 ± 0.26%) were recorded in fish fed 40% CGM. For hematological parameters, the highest number of white blood cells (4.1 ± 0.1 × 103 mm−3) was observed in fish fed 100% CGM (P < 0.05). In addition, the highest hematocrit (42.1 ± 0.7%) and triglyceride (294.11 ± 23.82 mg dl−1) were seen in fish fed the diet containing 40% CGM, while 80% CGM gave the highest cholesterol level (204.44 ± 9.0 mg dl−1; P < 0.05). Replacement of FM with CGM had no negative effects on growth and physiological parameters of common carp fingerlings in this short (8 weeks) trial, suggesting that it may be feasible to replace FM with CGM in diets formulated for juvenile common carp.