Final Stocking Density Research Articles

Pilot-scale investigation of an advanced biofloc technology for treating Pacific white shrimp effluent: Performance and insight mechanisms

Biofloc technology (BFT) is extensively used in the treatment of water quality in intensive shrimp aquaculture systems. However, the rapid accumulation of biofloc in middle-to-late culture stages poses challenges for system management, impacting the economic yield of aquaculture operations. To address this issue, an advanced biofloc system (A-BS) that integrates a moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) with BFT was constructed, and the biofloc system (BS) was used as a control group. During a 100-day pilot-scale operation, the A-BS group effectively regulated water quality and enhanced the growth rate of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). In the A-BS group, the average concentrations of ammonia, nitrite, chemical oxygen demand, and mixed liquor suspended solids were substantially reduced compared to those in the BS group, measuring 0.19, 0.55, 36.36, and 229 mg/L, respectively, across the middle-to-late culture stages. Notably, the final stocking density and survival rate of shrimp in the A-BS group, reached 7.04 kg/m3 and 81.22 %, surpassing those in the BFT group. Furthermore, microbial community and functional gene analyses revealed more in-depth insights into the related mechanisms. Bacterial abundance and diversity, as well as the presence of denitrification genes such as Unclassified_f_Rhodobacteraceae and Paracoccus, were markedly higher in the A-BS group than in the BS group. The integration of MBBR into A-BS significantly increased the abundance of amoA and nirK genes, which are crucial for water quality stability during later culture stages. This proof-of-concept investigation confirms that the MBBR–BFT coupling process in A-BS holds promise for advancing sustainable aquaculture practice and provides strategic guidance for the modernization of the industry.

Effects of stocking density on water quality, survival, blood parameters and growth performance of juvenile matrinxã (Brycon amazonicus) in the biofloc system

Biofloc technology (BFT) may be a promising alternative for production of juvenile matrinxã (Brycon amazonicus) as it allows greater fish productivity compared to ponds and is considered an economic and environmentally sustainable system. This study evaluated the effects of different stocking densities on water quality, survival, blood parameters and growth performance of juvenile matrinxã in the biofloc system. Juveniles of 5.89 ± 0.11 g were randomly distributed in five stocking densities (50, 140, 230, 320 and 410 fish ∙ m−3), in triplicate, in a BFT system. Extruded commercial feed (36% crude protein) was offered until apparent satiety four times per day for 61 days. In general, the increase in stocking density resulted in a reduction in dissolved oxygen, pH and alkalinity. Although nitrogenous compounds, total suspended solids, settleable solids and turbidity were greater in higher stocking densities, the water quality parameters were within the recommended range for matrinxã in all treatments. The stocking density had a quadratic effect on the variables specific growth rate, daily weight gain and mean final body weight. For the final stocking density and feed conversion ratio, the effect of stocking density was positive and linear. Survival rates were over 90% at stocking densities >230 fish ∙ m−3. We found a lower concentration of erythrocytes in juvenile matrinxã at the lowest stocking density (50 fish ∙ m−3) and the lymphocyte concentration was higher in the fish kept at 140 fish ∙ m−3 compared to those kept at 410 fish ∙ m−3; however, there was no difference among the other treatments. In conclusion, juvenile matrinxã can be efficiently produced using BFT at stocking densities of 291–293 fish ∙ m−3 or 13.50–13.60 kg ∙ m−3. Although the increase in stocking density is favorable for increasing the biomass and survival of matrinxã, an intensive management of solids and nitrate, as well as alkalinity corrections, are necessary to ensure proper functioning of the production and to avoid mortality of fish due inadequate water quality.

Growth and Yield Performance of Lactuca sativa L. Grown in Hydroponics using Fish Effluents and Inorganic Fertilizer

Aquaponics is an emerging sustainable food production technique where waste from fish culture is used as a source of nutrients for crops grown in hydroponics system. The present study was conducted at the Agriculture Research and Development Center, Sita Eliya, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka during November 2015 to January 2016, to compare the yield of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) grown in hydroponics using fish effluents and inorganic fertilizer. The experiment was laid in a Completely Randomized Design with 5 treatments and 4 replicates. The different nutrient solutions used as the treatments of this experiment were water (T1), Albert’s solution (T2), Catla waste water (T3), Common Carp waste water (T4) and Tilapia waste water (T5). Each nutrient solution was tested for its nutrient composition, temperature, pH and electrical conductivity throughout the experimental period. The plant growth and yield parameters measured were plant height (cm), number of leaves, canopy diameter (cm), root length (cm), fresh weight of plant, leaves and roots (g), dry weight of leaves and roots (g) and, yield (ton/ha). The fish related parameters measured were body weight (g), initial and final stocking density (g/m3) and the mortality percentage. The results showed that T2 stood out (p<0.05) with the highest plant height (12.27cm), canopy diameter (14.80cm), number of leaves (12) and root length (15.04cm), exhibiting a vigorous growth compared to the other treatments. A remarkable yield and shoot and root weight (fresh and dry) were also shown by T2 over the other treatments. Fish waste water in T3, T4 and T5 did not fulfill the nutrient requirement of lettuce due to the limited nutrients; nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) produced by fingerlings. Therefore, these fish waste solutions need to be improved by increasing the feed quality and selecting fish within a suitable age range in order to obtain a yield comparable to T2, which is the commercially available Albert’s solution.

Understanding how high stocking densities and concurrent limited oxygen availability drive social cohesion and adaptive features in regulatory growth, antioxidant defense and lipid metabolism in farmed gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata).

The study combined the use of biometric, behavioral, physiological and external tissue damage scoring systems to better understand how high stocking densities drive schooling behavior and other adaptive features during the finishing growing phase of farmed gilthead sea bream in the Western Mediterranean. Fish were grown at three different final stocking densities (LD, 8.5kg/m3; MD, 17kg/m3; HD, 25kg/m3). Water oxygen concentration varied between 5 and 6ppm in LD fish to 3-4ppm in HD fish with the summer rise of water temperature from 19°C to 26°C (May-July). HD fish showed a reduction of feed intake and growth rates, but they also showed a reinforced social cohesion with a well-defined endogenous swimming activity rhythm with feeding time as a main synchronization factor. The monitored decrease of the breathing/swimming activity ratio by means of the AEFishBIT data-logger also indicated a decreased energy partitioning for growth in the HD environment with a limited oxygen availability. Plasma glucose and cortisol levels increased with the rise of stocking density, and the close association of glycaemia with the expression level of antioxidant enzymes (mn-sod, gpx4, prdx5) in liver and molecular chaperones (grp170, grp75) in skeletal muscle highlighted the involvement of glucose in redox processes via rerouting in the pentose-phosphate-pathway. Other adaptive features included the depletion of oxidative metabolism that favored lipid storage rather than fatty acid oxidation to decrease the oxygen demand as last electron acceptor in the mitochondrial respiratory chain. This was coincident with the metabolic readjustment of the Gh/Igf endocrine-growth cascade that promoted the regulation of muscle growth at the local level rather than a systemic action via the liver Gh/Igf axis. Moreover, correlation analyses within HD fish displayed negative correlations of hepatic transcripts of igf1 and igf2 with the data-logger measurements of activity and respiration, whereas the opposite was found for muscle igf2, ghr1 and ghr2. This was indicative of a growth-regulatory transition that supported a proactive instead of a reactive behavior in HD fish, which was considered adaptive to preserve an active and synchronized feeding behavior with a minimized risk of oxidative stress and epidermal skin damage.

Does Stocking Density Affect Growth Performance and Hematological Parameters of Juvenile Olive Flounder Paralichthys olivaceus in a Recirculating Aquaculture System?

Olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus is a representative culture species in South Korea. Recirculating aquaculture systems (RASs) have received increased attention because they can provide sustainable and environmentally friendly productivity. However, to maintain economic sustainability, the system generally requires high productivity, achieved through a high stocking density, which compromises animal welfare. The reduction in growth based on the stocking density may be due to the social hierarchy resulting from the growth suppression of subordinate individuals. Species, size, culture systems, and other management regimes can affect the social hierarchy. Therefore, a more practical approach must be taken to adjust the stocking density for a particular fish species and fish size in a specific culture system. This study investigated the effect of stocking density on juvenile olive flounder in an RAS. Juvenile olive flounder (61.0 ± 0.3 g) were initially stocked at 3.29, 4.84, 7.14, and 8.56 kg/m2 (T1, T2, T3, and T4, respectively). After 8 weeks, growth performance, in terms of feed conversion, specific growth rate, and daily feed intake rate, was measured. In addition, the blood levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), growth hormone, glucose, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, and glutamic pyruvic transaminase and the whole-body composition were evaluated as stress indicators. Growth performance increased as stocking density increased, but fish at the highest stocking density showed signs of growth reduction toward the end of the experiment. In addition, as stocking density increased, IGF-1 decreased, and cortisol increased. The whole-body protein level was significantly lower in T4 compared with the other treatments. Olive flounder seemed to tolerate a stocking density up to 20.16 kg/m2. Based on the growth performance, hematological response, and whole-body composition results in the present study, a final stocking density of 20 kg/m2 (from the initial stocking density of 4.84-7.14 kg/m2) may be desirable for juvenile olive flounder in an RAS for fish weighing ~60-180 g.

Effects of stocking density and grading on behaviour, cannibalism and performance of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fry

African catfish hatcheries in Europe require economical fry availability throughout the year. Purpose of this study was to identify the best suitable stocking density and appropriate grading regime for African catfish fry of around 0.1 g in 3 experiments (E1, E2 and E3). In E1, 3 stocking densities (10, 20 and 30 fry L−1) without grading were compared for behaviour, mortality, cannibals and growth. In E2, additional daily manual grading removed shooters or potential cannibals. In E3, 3 different handling procedures (manual grading on days 2, 4, 6 and 8: 2dH, manual grading on day 5: 5dH, self-grading on day 5: 5dS) under highest stocking density (30 fish L−1) were applied. Each experiment lasted 10 days and the fish had a mean initial weight of 0.08, 0.06 and 0.06 g fish−1, respectively. In E1 and E2 stock activity increased with increasing stocking density but aggressive behaviour was lowest at the higher stocking densities. The stocking density had no significant effect on mortality rates or growth performance from 10 to 30 fish L−1 between groups. However, regular removal of cannibals reduced the total mean mortality rate from 25 % in E1 to less than 5 % in E2 and E3. The mean feed conversion ratio (FCR) improved from 0.68 in E1 to ≤ 0.55 in E2 and E3. The tested handling procedures revealed no significant differences in fry behaviour and performance, while final stocking densities increased with decreasing handling stress. This suggests that African catfish fry of about 0.1 g are kept optimally at high stocking densities of 30 fish L−1 or 30,000 fry m−3 inside regular breeding containments, with effective self-grading every 5 days in order to reduce total mortality, maximize production and minimize the amount of labor.

Effects of Stocking Density on Stress, Hematological Responses, and Growth of Black Rockfish Sebastes schlegelii.

The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effect of stocking density on juvenile Black Rockfish Sebastes schlegelii (average weight = 12 g) in terms of stress, hematological responses, and growth performance during a 4-month growth trial in a flow-through system. The initial stocking densities were 1.3 kg/m3 (low), 1.8 kg/m3 (medium), and 2.3 kg/m3 (high), and the final densities were 4.9 kg/m3 (low), 5.6 kg/m3 (medium), and 6.3 kg/m3 (high). At the end of the trial, the high stocking density significantly affected growth characteristics, levels of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1, and hematological indices (hematocrit, red blood cell count, and hemoglobin level) compared to the medium and low stocking densities. The plasma cortisol and immunoglobulin-M levels were significantly higher at the high density than at the other two densities. Taken together, while the low and medium stocking densities (final densities of up to 5.6 kg/m3 ) did not affect stress and hematological indices or growth, the high stocking density (final density of 6.3 kg/m3 ) significantly impacted those variables, which suggests an allostatic load at that density. Thus, the use of a final stocking density less than 6.3 kg/m3 should be considered to avoid compromising the stress and health condition and growth of Black Rockfish at this size and temperature range.

Effects of a Partially Perforated Flooring System on Ammonia Emissions in Broiler Housing-Conflict of Objectives between Animal Welfare and Environment?

Simple SummaryPrevious studies have shown positive effects of a partially perforated flooring system on animal welfare in broiler housing. Towards the end of the fattening periods, the present study showed a higher ammonia emission rate (NH3 ER) for a partially perforated flooring system compared with a littered control barn. Nevertheless, the measured NH3 concentrations were below 20 ppm, except during a mechanical litter treatment in the winter fattening period. Furthermore, the system offers the possibility of applying practical solutions that were not feasible before. By using underfloor air extraction, manure belts, or acidification systems underneath the elevated perforated area, NH3 concentrations and the resulting NH3 ER could be reduced. Thus, with some optimization, the partially perforated flooring system could be used to contribute to an increase in animal welfare and environmental protection at the same time.A partially (50%) perforated flooring system showed positive effects on health- and behavior-based welfare indicators without affecting production performance. Ammonia (NH3) is the most common air pollutant in poultry production, with effects on animal welfare and the environment. The objectives of animal welfare and environmental protection are often incompatible. Therefore, this study addresses the question of how a partially perforated flooring system affects NH3 emissions. According to German regulations, three fattening periods were carried out with 500 Ross 308 broilers per barn (final stocking density: 39 kg m−2). The experimental barn was equipped with an elevated perforated area in the supply section, accessible by perforated ramps. The remaining area in the experimental barn and the control barn were equipped with wood shavings (600 g m−2). Besides the different floor types, management was identical. Air temperature (Temp), relative air humidity (RH), NH3 concentration, and ventilation rate (VR) were measured continuously. Furthermore, dry matter (DM) content, pH, and litter quality were assessed. Towards the end of the fattening periods, the NH3 emission rate (ER) of the partially perforated flooring system was higher compared with that of the littered control barn (all p < 0.001). This effect is mainly caused by the higher NH3 concentrations, which are promoted by the lack of compaction underneath the elevated perforated area and the increase in pH value under aerobic conditions. Nevertheless, the partially perforated flooring system offers different approaches for NH3 reduction that were previously not feasible, potentially contributing equally to animal welfare and environmental protection.

Characterizing the water quality and microbial communities in different zones of a recirculating aquaculture system using biofloc biofilters

Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) using biofloc biofilters can address the high accumulation of nitrate (NO3−-N) and total suspended solids (TSS) in in-situ biofloc technology (BFT) aquaculture systems. A RAS was divided into the following four zones: reaction zones of the BFT biofilters, settling zones of the BFT biofilters, culture tanks, and a buffer tank. During the 95-day experimental period, the water quality parameters and microbial communities in different zones of the RAS were compared. The NO3−-N, nitrite (NO2−-N), total ammonia nitrogen (TAN), and TSS in the culture tanks were continuously controlled at average concentrations of 9.84 ± 5.15, 0.28 ± 0.15, 0.10 ± 0.18, and 96.92 ± 33.82 mg·L−1, respectively. Because denitrification produced alkalinity in the BFT biofilters, the alkalinity of the culture tanks reached an appropriate concentration of 109.40 ± 10.57 mg CaCO3·L−1 without intentional adjustment. The concentrations of NO3−-N, NO2−-N and TAN in the reaction zones were significantly lower than those in the influent (buffer tank) and culture tanks. However, there was no significant difference found for major water quality parameters between the reaction zones and the settling zones. There was also some removal of soluble reactive phosphate by the BFT biofilters, although there was no significant difference between the biofilters and influent. Microbial communities in the reaction zones were more diverse than those in the culture tanks, buffer tank and settling zones. Denitrifiers, nitrifying bacteria and important functional microbial populations for phosphorus removal were all present in the reaction zones, and at higher levels than those in other zones. Nitrogen and phosphorus removal were mainly achieved in the reaction zones of the BFT biofilters, and the microbial communities in the other three zones were similar. Besides, Scortum barcoo grew from an individual weight of 347.7 ± 73.0 to 472.1 ± 106.2 g, achieving a final stocking density of 32.81 kg·m−3 at the end of the experiment.

Improving pikeperch larviculture by combining environmental, feeding and populational factors

Pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) has a high potential for inland aquaculture diversification in Europe. Bottlenecks (i.e. low survival, cannibalism and deformity rates) hamper further expansion of pikeperch culture, because of the weak production performances at the nursery level. To improve the production of pikeperch juveniles under recirculation system we used a pilot scale larval rearing system (700 L tanks) and multifactorial designs. Three successive larval rearing trials (duration: 35-49 days) were conducted to identify the best combination of environmental, feeding and population factors. Considering the main significant effects observed on survival, growth, swim bladder inflation rates and biomass gain, a favourable combination of twelve factor (F) modalities was proposed (F1- initial density: 100 larvae.L-1, F2- no sorting of fish jumper, F3- no sibling population, F4- eggs from large females, F5- discontinuous feeding, F6- no co-feeding, F7- light intensity: 50 lx, F8- beginning of the weaning at 16 dph (days post-hatching), F9- weaning duration: 9 days, F10- water renewal rate of 100 % per hour, F11- tank cleaning during morning and F12- tank bottom-up water current). A final validation step was realized over a last trial (seven replicates, duration: 49 days), and validated with the best productive results obtained over the global experimental period (2015-2018). These results were: a final body weight of 815.64 ± 95.34 mg, a survival rate of 16.9 ± 1.7 %, a specific growth rate of 15.1 ± 5.9 %.d-1, a final fish biomass of 9.55 ± 0.23 kg, a swim bladder inflation rate of 92.6 ± 3.2 % and a food conversion rate of 0.65 ± 0.02 (dry food). The final stocking density was 13.6 kg.m-3 of rearing volume. Authors were able to validate and provide a reliable basic protocol for pikeperch larval rearing using recirculating units.

Moderate stocking density does not influence the behavioural and physiological responses of rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss ) in organic aquaculture

Welfare in farmed fish got particular attention during the last decades from both governmental and public sides. In aquaculture context, welfare concerns are mainly related to handling procedures, water quality and stoking densities. In Europe, authorities had to clarify the threshold limits of stocking densities to maintain fish good welfare, including for organics aquaculture through the EC regulation 710/2009. However, effects of stocking density on fish welfare are complex and sometimes contradictory. Moreover, there is a lack of knowledge about the impact of density on fish welfare in organic aquaculture. Thus, the aim of the study is to asses welfare state of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) at two initial stocking densities (low density, LD: 12 kg/m³ and high density, HD: 17 kg/m³) fed using organic feed by combining the monitoring of growth performances, behaviour (swimming activity) and physiological indicators (i.e. cortisol, glucose, lactate, hematocrit, red blood cellule count and lysozyme). At the end of experiment, the stocking density reached 21 kg/m³ and 30 kg/m³ for the LD and HD respectively. Overall, growth performances, swimming activity and level of physiological indicators of stress and welfare were similar between HD and LD over the experiment duration. To conclude, we observed no alteration of fish welfare between the two stocking densities monitored. This study suggests that a final stocking density of 30 kg/m³ can be considered for organic aquaculture of rainbow trout respecting welfare.

Recirculating aquaculture system with three phase fluidized bed reactor: Carbon and nitrogen removal

The core objective of the study was to evaluate the organic matter and nitrogen removal efficiency in a recirculating aquaculture system for the intensive laboratory-bred rainbow trout. The treatment system consisted of an upflow reactor which operated at a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 18 and 36 min, a pre-filtration unit with HRT of 4.9 and 9.8 min, a three-phase airlift fluidized bed reactor operated at HRT between 5 and 11 min, a granular unit for the upflow and the fluidized bed reactors effluents filtration with 5.8 and 11.6 min as HRT, and an ultraviolet (UV) unit for the final effluent disinfection. A plastic material was used as support media in the upflow reactor, and granular zeolite with an effective size of 1.30 mm in an 80 g/L constant concentration was used as a carrier for the fluidized bed reactor. Average removal efficiencies of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonium, nitrite, nitrate, and total nitrogen were 94.4, 91.7, 52.5, 13.4, 1.3 and 6.0% respectively. In the rainbow trout rearing tanks, there was a water volume of 125 L and water exchange rates of 125 and 250 L/h, there were no registered mortalities; the calculated daily weight gains were 1.55 and 1.51 g/day and the final stocking densities were respectively 20.87 and 20.58 kg/m3. The results suggested that the system had the capability to develop a nitrification process for maintaining water quality characteristics within the recommended values for rainbow trout farming, but total nitrogen was not effectively removed due to the weak denitrification process, since there were modest values of nitrite and overall nitrogen removal.

Effects of rearing density on growth, digestive conditions, welfare indicators and gut bacterial community of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata, L. 1758) fed different fishmeal and fish oil dietary levels

In Mediterranean aquaculture, significant advances have been made towards a reduction of marine-derived ingredients in aquafeed formulation, as well as in defining the effect on how environmental factors such as rearing density interact with fish health. Little research, however, has examined the interaction between rearing density and dietary composition on main key performance indicators, physiological processes and gut bacterial community. A study was undertaken, therefore to assess growth response, digestive enzyme activity, humoral immunity on skin mucus, plasma biochemistry and gut microbiota of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata, L. 1758) reared at high (HD, 36–44 kg m−3) and low (LD, 12–15 kg m−3) final stocking densities and fed high (FM30/FO15, 30% fishmeal FM, 15% fish oil, FO) and low (FM10/FO3; 10% FM and 3% FO) FM and FO levels. Isonitrogenous and isolipidic extruded diets were fed to triplicate fish groups (initial weight: 96.2 g) to overfeeding over 98 days. The densities tested had no major effects on overall growth and feed efficiency of sea bream reared at high or low FM and FO dietary level. However, HD seems to reduce feed intake compared to LD mainly in fish fed FM30/FO15. Results of digestive enzyme activity indicated a comparable digestive efficiency among rearing densities and within each dietary treatment even if intestinal brush border enzymes appeared to be more influenced by stocking density compared to gastric and pancreatic enzymes. Plasma parameters related to nutritional and physiological conditions were not affected by rearing densities under both nutritional conditions a similar observation was also achieved through the study of lysozyme, protease, antiprotease and total protein determination in skin mucus, however; in this case lysozyme was slightly reduced at HD. For the first time on this species, the effect of rearing density on gut bacterial community was studied. Different response in relation to dietary treatment under HD and LD were detected. Low FM-FO diet maintained steady the biodiversity of the gut bacterial community between LD and HD conditions while fish fed high FM-FO level showed a reduced biodiversity at HD. According to the results, it seems feasible to rear gilthead sea bream at the on-growing phase at a density up to 36–44 kg m−3 with low or high FM-FO diet without negatively affecting growth, feed efficiency, welfare condition and gut bacterial community.

Evaluation of the effects of different stocking densities on growth and stress responses of juvenile hybrid grouper ♀ Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × ♂ Epinephelus lanceolatus in recirculating aquaculture systems.

This study was aimed at evaluating the physiological and metabolic responses of juvenile hybrid grouper ♀ Epinephelus fuscoguttatus × ♂ Epinephelus lanceolatus to stocking density. Hybrid grouper juveniles (mean ± SE = 25.43 ± 2.36 g live mass) were stocked for 22 weeks in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) under four different densities: low stocking density (LD; 1.03 kg m-3 ), medium stocking density (MD; 2.06 kg m-3 ), high stocking density (HD; 3.09 kg m-3 ) and extra-high stocking density (EHD; 4.11 kg m-3 ). Biometric variables were recorded and plasma, liver, intestine and stomach samples were taken for biochemical analysis at the end of the experimental period. Final stocking densities were 6.27, 16.04, 23.77 and 28.32 kg m-3 , respectively, with significant differences in growth performance. Our results showed that the best growth rates and feed utilisation occurred in the MD group. Higher plasma cortisol and glucose levels and lower triglyceride levels reflected the stress responses in the EHD group. Moreover, the activity of aspartate and alanine transaminases was elevated in the HD and EHD groups due to enhanced gluconeogenesis. The activity of the digestive enzyme pepsin significantly increased in the MD group. We found that 2.06-3.09 kg m-3 is the most suitable starting density for culturing juvenile hybrid grouper in recirculating aquaculture systems.

Pilot study on water quality regulation in a recirculating aquaculture system with suspended growth bioreactors

In situ suspended growth aquaculture systems for oligotrophic species suffer from excess total suspended solids, low dissolved oxygen, and other associated problems. To address these disadvantages, this study designed and tested a closed recirculating aquaculture system containing 3 pilot-scale suspended growth bioreactors (SGBRs) for the water treatment of pollutants. These SGBRs were designed to control extra carbon addition at carbon/nitrogen ratios of 12, 8, and 4, respectively. It was determined that the culture tanks removed total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) and nitrite (NO2−-N) by nitrification, and the SGBRs removed nitrate (NO3−-N) by denitrification and also soluble reactive phosphate (SRP). Concentrations of NO3−-N and SRP in the effluent decreased, as the controlled carbon/nitrogen ratio of the SGBR increased. When carbon was controlled at a carbon/nitrogen ratio of 12, the influent concentrations of NO3−-N (35.41 ± 1.22 mg·L−1) and SRP (4.60 ± 0.67 mg·L−1) were reduced to 7.70 ± 3.58 mg·L−1 and 0.30 ± 0.16 mg·L−1, respectively. Thus, this proposed system had the ability to control simultaneously TAN, NO2−-N, NO3−-N and SRP. The survival rate of Anguilla marmorata was 98.00 ± 1.41%, with a final stocking density of 56.46 ± 0.51 kg·m−3. We suggest that various adjustments in the carbon/nitrogen ratios of SGBRs can be practically controlled according to the concentrations of pollutants in the culture tanks.

Effects of sex and stocking density on the performance of broiler chickens in a sub-tropical environment

The current study investigated the effects of sex and stocking density and their interaction on growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens in a semi-arid sub-tropical environment. A total of 1008 day-old Cobb Avian48 chicks, namely 462 males and 546 females, were reared at final stocking densities of 30, 35, and 40 kg bodyweight per square metre (BW/m2) corresponding to 44, 51 and 59, and 52, 61 and 69 chicks per pen for males and females, respectively, during a 42-day production period. The experiment was a 2 × 3 factorial completely randomized design, with each sex-stocking density combination being replicated three times. After the initial weighing, the birds were weighed individually [grams (g)] each week until the 42nd day. At day 42, four birds from each pen were randomly sampled and slaughtered, and carcass characteristics were measured after 48 hours, and expressed as percentages of bodyweight. Growth performance and carcass characteristic parameters were subjected to analysis of variance using the general linear model procedures of Minitab statistical software version 17. Treatment means were compared using Tukey’s test (at α = 0.05). Males gained more weight and were significantly heavier at slaughter age (2649 ± 43.1 g) than females (2270 ± 43.1 g). There was a progressive reduction in feed intake with increasing stocking density, but neither sex nor stocking density influenced feed conversion ratio and mortality rate. Sex significantly affected dressing percentage and carcass parts percentages, namely breast, neck, shank, heart and abdominal fat and thigh, liver and gizzard. On the other hand, stocking density significantly influenced dressing percentage and carcass parts percentages such as breast, thigh, drumstick, neck, shank, liver and gizzard. There was a significant sex x stocking density interaction effect on percentages of thigh and liver. It is therefore suggested that for efficient 42-day production cycles of broilers in the subtropics, Cobb Avian48 males reared at the stocking density of 40 kg BW/m2 could be considered the best option.Keywords: Carcass characteristics, Cobb Avian48, feed conversion ratio, mortality

Growth, biochemical, fatty acid composition, and mRNA levels of hepatic enzymes in genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT,Oreochromis niloticus) (Linnaeus, 1758) at different stocking densities

Investigated were the effects of stocking density on juvenile growth performance, serum biochemistry, fatty acid composition, and mRNA levels of enzymes involved in lipid metabolism in genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT), Oreochromis niloticus. Juvenile fish (n = 900) were distributed into 15 tanks at five initial stocking densities (75, 150, 225, 300, and 375 g/m3 per 800-L tank, represented as D1–D5, respectively). Temperature was maintained at 28 ± 0.3°C, and water flow rate into the tanks was about 8 L/min. The fish accepted floating pelleted feed (crude protein 28%, crude lipid 6%, and gross energy 149.2 KJ/g diet). The feed amount offered was 4%–8% of body weight. At the end of the 60-day experiment, the final stocking densities were 1,454.18, 2,010.60, 2,913.13, 3,819.73, and 4,380.80 g/m3, respectively. Growth and body mass coefficient of variation were significantly affected (p < .05). No differences in feed conversion rate or survival were found (p > .05). Muscle lipid contents decreased with stocking density from D1 to D5. Serum total protein and cholesterol levels were not affected by the stocking density but the D5 group produced the highest serum cortisol and lactate levels and the lowest glucose levels compared to those of the other groups. Lower muscle saturated fatty acid and n−3 polyunsaturated fatty acid contents were observed in the D4 group than in the other groups, whereas the reverse was found in the n−6 polyunsaturated fatty acid content. Hepatic glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, fatty acid synthetase, hormone-sensitive triglyceride lipase, and lipoprotein lipase mRNA levels were significantly upregulated in response to a high density. These data suggest that the GIFT adapted to high-density conditions by altering the composition of muscle fatty acid and stimulating lipid metabolic enzymes. These mechanisms may help fish respond to high stocking density stress in intensive aquaculture systems.

Insights into organic farming of European sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax and gilthead sea bream Sparus aurata through the assessment of environmental impact, growth performance, fish welfare and product quality

The organic farming of sea bass and sea bream was investigated in a commercial farm by assessing environmental impact, growth performance, fish welfare and product quality in a multidisciplinary approach. Organic and conventional juveniles were reared in four circular 3.800m3 floating sea cages at a maximum final stocking density of 15kg/m3 and fed on organic or conventional commercial feeds. Conventional farming was started simultaneously and monitored as the reference condition. Environmental and biological samplings were performed after 16months at the first fish harvesting. No environmental impact was observed in the organic farming area, whereas a significant increase in total phosphorus concentration in the sediment and some changes in the structure and species composition of benthic assemblages were detected just beneath the conventional sea cages with no impact 25m from the cages. Organic fish showed a better growth performance consistent with the lower feed conversion ratio and higher metabolic status, as evidenced from the protein and energy profiles, compared with conventional fish. No dietary influence on stress and immune response was observed. A higher incidence of fin splitting occurred, probably due to nutritional factors and/or to the larger size of organic fish.Similar good morphological, physical and sensory traits between organic and conventional fish were observed, as denoted by the high fillet yield, low flesh lipid content, long freshness and shelf life both in sea bream and in sea bass. Conversely, the fillet fatty acid composition was different, being poorer in n-3 PUFA and richer in linoleic acid (C18:2 n-6) in organic versus conventional fish, mirroring the fatty acid profile of the diet.The organic farming of sea bass and sea bream exhibited an overall good performance. Husbandry and feeding practices did not produce any evident environmental impact although long-period investigations covering several full production cycles are needed. Organic fish grew well, displayed an overall state of well-being and had good quality features despite a lower EPA and DHA content. Improvement of organic feed formulation and quality of feed ingredients emerge as important issues to be addressed to optimize the nutritional quality of organic sea bass and sea bream.

Environmental impact assessment of an Italian vertically integrated broiler system through a Life Cycle approach

Poultry meat represents one of the most popular meat products in the world and its production is expected to increase significantly in the next decades. The Italian broiler sector is characterized by a vertically integrated intensive production system and a high final weight of broilers in comparison to the other European countries. The Life Cycle Assessment method was used to estimate environmental impacts (Global Warming Potential; Acidification; Eutrophication; Terrestrial ecotoxicity; Non-renewable fossil energy) of 1 kg of broiler carcass weight at slaughterhouse gate in an Italian integrated broiler group. Moreover, the effects of final live weight and stocking density on the impacts were studied. Broiler fattening resulted the most impactful phase for all the impact categories, contributing on average for 87% of impacts. Conversely, the hatchery, breeder rearing and slaughtering phases moderately concurred to impact categories. Heavy broilers (roasters) showed the higher impacts per kg live weight compared to light and medium live weight broilers mainly due to the worse feed conversion ratio. The main contribution to environmental impacts in the fattening phase was feed production and processing; in particular purchased protein feeds, mainly soybean meal, were the greatest single contributor to all impact categories. The reduction of final live weight of Italian broilers from 2.6 kg to 1.6 kg could lower the total Global Warming Potential of the Italian broiler sector by about 12%. In the scenario analysis the increasing stocking density up to the maximum allowed determined only slight effects on the environmental impacts per kg carcass weight.

Suitability of artisanal fishery discards as feed for juvenile tub gurnard (Chelidonichthys lucerna L.) reared in sea bottom cages in the mid Adriatic Sea

The suitability of using discards from artisanal fisheries as feed for wild-caught Chelidonichthys lucerna (L.) reared in submerged cages in the Adriatic Sea was investigated. Three-hundred juvenile tub gurnard (72.9 ± 11 g, 18 ± 1 cm) were captured and separated into four circular 35.3 m3 submerged cages. Two stocking densities were used: two cages contained 60 fish each (1.7 fish m-3; CG-L) and two cages contained 90 fish each (2.55 fish m-3; CG-H). Growth performance and survival rates were recorded over a 240 day period during which tub gurnard were fed with a variety non-target fishery discards, including common crab, sardine, Atlantic chub mackerel, anchovy, and salema. The survival rate was approximately 90% in both groups (CG-L = 91% and CG-H = 90%), with final stocking densities of 0.32 kg m-3 and 0.49 kg m-3 for the CG-L and CG-H groups, respectively. There were no significant differences in final mean body weight or length between the CG-L group (206 ± 23 g, 24.6 ± 2 cm) and the CG-H group (215.5 ± 32 g, 24.8 ± 2 cm). The condition index was similar between the two groups (1.38 and 1.42 for CG-L and CG-H, respectively). The feed conversion ratio was high in both the CG-H (2.39) and CG-L (2.32) cages. These results demonstrate that viable growth rates of tub gurnard may be obtained by feeding recycled fishery discards and rearing in cages placed on the seabed, which allows for the natural benthic behavior of this species.