Fish Body Weight Research Articles

Effects of including triticale on growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, and growth-related genes of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Triticale is a promising plant ingredient as a source of protein and carbohydrates which is recommended for aquafeed. Therefore, five isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets were formulated to include triticale at 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20% and fed for Nile tilapia (14.4 ± 0.02 g) for 60 days. The obtained results revealed that no significant linear or quadratic effects were observed on the FBW, WG, and SGR due to using triticale in tilapia diets up to 20% level (P > .05). The FCR was also insignificantly affected by triticale incorporation and represented low values ranged between 1.2 and 1.26 kg diet/kg fish body weight. The body moisture, crude protein, and ash compositions recorded linearly and quadratically insignificant differences among the groups fed varying levels of triticale. However, tilapia fed 20% level of triticale displayed significantly increased ether extract in the whole body (P < .05). The activities of amylase, lipase, and protease were decreased considerably by feeding triticale at 20% (P < .05), whereas tilapia fed triticale at 5, 10, and 15% exhibited insignificant differences with fish fed the control diet. The detected hematological and biochemical blood variables indicated that tilapia fed with or without triticale were in a stable health condition (P > .05). The immunity status revealed insignificant differences among the fish fed varying levels of triticale. However, feeding with triticale increased the activities of SOD and GPx (P < .05), while no differences (P > .05) were shown on the activity of CAT and the concentration of MDA. The incorporation of triticale in tilapia diet did not influence the expressions of IGF-1, FAS, LPL, and myostatin in which probably refers to the regular growth of fish under the current trial conditions (P > .05). In conclusion, the obtained results revealed that using triticale at 5–20% has no adverse effects on the growth performance, blood variables, and immune response of Nile tilapia.

The synergistic effects of Spirulina platensis and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens on the growth performance, intestinal histomorphology, and immune response of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Probiotics and herbals are highly recommended in aquaculture; however, little is known about their combined effects. Therefore, the present study evaluated the possible synergistic impacts of Spirulina platensis (SP) and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (BA) on the growth performance, histomorphology, and immune response of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). A control and three test diets were enriched with SP, BA, or both SP and BA and fed for tilapia for 60 days. The obtained results displayed higher final body weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate in fish fed SP or/and BA with respect to the control with the highest being in fish fed both SP and BA (P < 0.05). The feed conversion ratio was lower in fish fed SP or/and BA with the lowest being in fish fed both SP and BA (P < 0.05). In the three intestinal segments, the mucosal length, villi length, and number of goblet cells were increased by dietary SP or/and BA (P < 0.05). The histological structure of the intestinal villi revealed increased length and regular structure which confirm that the tilapia intestine is out of inflammation. The biochemical variables displayed non-significant differences among the groups with normal values. The blood total protein and immunoglobulin M were significantly higher in fish fed BA alone or both SP and BA than fish fed the control (P < 0.05). The mRNA level of TNF-α gene was significantly increased by dietary SP or/and BA with respect to the control group while HSP70 was decreased (P < 0.05). The transcription of SOD was higher in fish fed both SP/BA than the other groups (P < 0.05). The obtained results revealed the importance of including both SP and BA in tilapia diets to enhance the growth rate, intestinal histomorphology, and health status.

Influence of compound feed and water with changed molecular structure on the growth and preservation of Clary catfish

The results of an experiment to study the effect of compound feed and water with a modified molecular structure on the growth and preservation of Clary catfish are presented. Water and feed processing was performed using crystal structures created by a group of Russian scientists. The energy of these crystal structures has a beneficial effect on the biological activity of objects, improving their natural properties. In the course of research, it was found that the greatest increase in body weight and safety of fish was observed in the experimental group, who were in the water with a changed molecular structure and ate feed with a changed molecular structure.

Dataset on the production of predominantly male tilapia progeny using two malawian tilapias, Oreochromis karongae and Oreochromis shiranus.

A dataset is presented of an experiment that was conducted to compare the proportions of males obtained from hormonal sex reversed pure strain of Oreochromis shiranus and from interspecific hybridization of O.karongae male x O. shiranus female. Part of the data in the dataset were published in a journal article https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aqrep.2020.100274. The data were generated from four SETs of treatments of an experiment that was conducted at the National Aquaculture Center, in Malawi. The first SET of treatment comprised hybrids from interspecific crossing of O.karongae male and O. shiranus female in a pond based breeding hapa 1. SETs 2 and 4 were for fry from hapa spawned pure cross of O.shiranus males and females in a pond based breeding hapa 2. SET 3 comprised fry from pure cross of O. shiranus males and females under controlled temperature (27°C) in an indoor re-circulatory hatchery (Tables 1 to 4). During the first part of the experiment, the fry was raised for 28 days in tanks at three replicates and was fed a fry formulated feed containing 38% crude protein, three times a day. However, for SETs 2 and 3, the feed contained 17α-methyl testosterone at 60mg/kg of feed. The second part of the experiment involved growth performance testing of fry in each SET. The growth experiment was conducted in rearing hapas that were inserted in a common pond for a period of 70 days. The body weight data were collected every 14 days (Tables 1 to 4). On the 70th day, the proportions of males and females in the four SETs was determined using Aceto-carmine staining method (Table 5). The pictures of the stained male and female gonads under compound microscope are presented in the published journal article at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aqrep.2020.100274. Dataset presented in this paper is for body weights of fish from day 0 to day 70 and proportion of males and females in each SET on the 70th day of the experiment (Tables 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5). The data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0. Chi-square goodness of fit test was used to investigate if the observed sex ratios significantly deviated from the expected sex ratios at 5% level of significance. The differences among fish body weights were determined using Analysis of Variance and significantly different means were separated using Duncan's multiple range test at the 5% test level of significance. These data are useful for various stakeholders that are interested in sexing juvenile tilapia and for scientists that conduct tilapia sex reversal experiments. This data can also guide hatchery managers during commercial production of all male tilapias which grow faster than those in the mixed sex tilapia culture.

Excess DHA Induces Cell Cycle Arrest by Activating the P53/Cycling Pathway in Blunt Snout Bream (Megalobrama amblycephala)

Pervious study showed that diets with high levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) cause growth retardation in Megalobrama amblycephala. In order to explore the mechanisms, a feeding trial and a primary hepatocyte culture experiment were designed. In vivo, fish (average weight 26.40±0.11 g) were randomly divided into groups and fed three levels of DHA (0%, 0.2% and 1.6% diets, respectively.) for 8 weeks. The results showed that the final body weight and weight gain of fish fed 1.6% DHA were significantly lower than that of fish fed 0.2% DHA (P < 0.05). P53 gene and protein expression levels were significantly increased (P < 0.05), while expression of downstream Cyclin D1 and Cyclin E1 was significantly inhibited in the 1.6% DHA group when compared with the 0% DHA and 0.2% DHA groups (P < 0.05). In vitro, primary hepatocytes isolated from Megalobrama amblycephala incubated with 500 μM DHA showed significantly increased cell cycle arrest and apoptosis (P < 0.05), significantly increased P53 gene and protein levels (P < 0.05), and significantly decreased Cyclin D1 and Cyclin E1 levels (P < 0.05), when compared with other groups. When primary hepatocytes were incubated with DHA and a P53 inhibitor (pifithrin-α), P53 expression and P53-mediated signaling were inhibited, cell cycle progression recovered and apoptosis was reduced. In summary, high levels of DHA activated the P53/Cyclin pathway to induce cell cycle arrest. Inhibition of P53 activity may be a potential way of reducing the side effects of DHA on the growth of Megalobrama amblycephala.

Effect of supplemental selenium in fish feed boosts growth and gut enzyme activity in juvenile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

The investigations on the role of dietary micronutrient(s), such as selenium, has recently emerged as the fixate of researchers, notably in aquaculture. Our study aimed at investigation of the impact of dietary selenium on growth and digestive enzymes (DE) activity in juvenile tilapia. Three iso-nitrogenous diets with a sequential increase of selenium doses viz. 2 (T1), 4 (T2), and 8 (T3) mg/kg of fish feed, and selenium-deficient (T4) feed were dispensed in independent treatments. The juvenile fish growth and enzyme activities showed direct links to selenium dose. The T1 illustrated significantly higher (P < 0.05) accomplishments in average weight (21.28 ± 5.62 g), length (11.14 ± 1.041 cm), FRC (1.46 ± 0.23), and SGR (2.61 ± 0.07). The intestinal enzymes manifested selenium dose-linked activities with T1 as 2.41 ± 1.34 and 107.66 ± 2.54 of amylase and lipase, respectively. These enzymatic activities approximated with the fish body weight and length gains as well as growth indices (FCR, SGR) in T1. The linear projections further reinforced that selenium dose of 2 mg/kg (T1) is the most suitable dose for sustainable and profitable fish growth and enhanced activity of DE. In conclusion, selenium strongly impacted the juvenile growth, FCR, SGR and enzyme activity.

Administration of commensal Shewanella sp. MR-7 ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced intestine dysfunction in turbot (Scophthalmus maximus L.)

This study was designed to evaluate whether the administration of commensal Shewanella sp. MR-7 (MR-7) could ameliorate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intestine dysfunction in turbot. Fish (body weight: 70.00 ± 2.00 g) were randomly divided into three groups including the control group treated with dough, the LPS group treated with dough plus LPS, and the LPS+MR-7 (LMR) group treated with dough plus LPS and MR-7. These three groups with 24 fish each were force-fed with 1 g dough daily for 7 continuous days. The results revealed that MR-7 administration ameliorated LPS-induced intestinal injury, showing higher intestinal villus and microvillus height. Further results showed that MR-7 could inhibit LPS-induced activation of TLR-NF-κB signaling thus maintaining the normal expression levels of cytokines and finally ameliorate the intestinal inflammatory response in turbot. Compared with the LPS group, LMR group had less goblet cells and lower mucin-2 expression level. Moreover, MR-7 restored LPS-induced down-regulation of tight junction protein-related gene expression (zonula occluden-1, occludin, tricellulin and claudin-3). Further investigations indicated that MR-7 partially counteracted LPS-induced changes in gut microbiota composition, enhanced the beneficial bacteria Lactobacillus and reduced the Pseudomonas, thus maintaining the overall microbiota balance. Taken together, the administration of MR-7 could effectively restore LPS-induced intestine function disorder in turbot by ameliorating inflammatory response, mucosal barrier dysfunction and microbiota dysbiosis.

Growth patterns and condition factor of fish live in Kuala Gigieng waters of Aceh Besar as the basic for sustainable fisheries development

Information on the growth pattern and condition factor is crucial for fisheries management. Hence, the objectives of the present study were to determine the growth patterns and condition factor of three fishes species dominated and harvested in Kuala Gigieng waters, Aceh Besar. The observation was carried out from April to May 2019, and the determination of sampling location was conducted using the random stratified sampling method, which was thought to represent Kuala Gigieng waters. There were three repetitions in each sampling location (station). Based on the results of the study, three dominant fishes species harvested in the Kuala Gigieng waters were belanak (Mugil cephalus), kerong-kerong (Terapon jarbua), and bolo-bolo (Atherinomorus lacunosus) as many as 48, 35, and 54 individuals, respectively. The growth pattern in all three fishes were negative allometric (b<3), which means that the increase in fish body length was faster than the fish body weight. The results also showed the correlation coefficient (r) ranged from 0.716 to 0.852. A high correlation coefficient indicated a close relationship between weight gain and length. The value of the condition factor of the three fishes based on the relative weight value (Wr) was above 100, meant that adequate food availability or low predator density and showed the condition of Kuala Gigieng waters was still in balance environmental condition. Generally, the condition of the Kuala Gigeng waters was relatively good and it could support fish growth as well.

Biosafety, withdrawal and efficacy of anti-parasitic drug emamectin benzoate in Asian Seabass (Lates calcarifer)

Parasitic infestations are frequently reported in brackishwater fish. Hence, prevention and control strategy is paramount for successful brackishwater aquaculture. Emamectin benzoate (EMB) is found to be an effective in-feed treatment for controlling several ecto-parasites in fish. The objective of this study was to understand the biosafety, withdrawal and efficacy of EMB for use in brackishwater reared Asian Seabass (Lates calcarifer) under tropical climate. Biosafety was evaluated at doses of 0, 50, 250 and 500 μg kg−1 of fish body weight (BW) day−1 for 21 days. EMB was administered per os through coated pellet feed. Gross, haematological and histopathological observations were made and found that there were no biologically significant adverse changes between control and treated groups. Withdrawal period was estimated with similar experiment with same doses but for seven consecutive days. Samples were collected on 0th, 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th day of post-medication for QTRAP 4000 LC-MS/MS analysis. The data showed that the level of EMB in whole fish treated with 50, 250 and 500 μg kg−1 of fish BW day−1 were 21.0 ± 0.0, 142.4 ± 0.1 and 209.7 ± 0.1 parts per billion (ppb) on 0th day of withdrawal, respectively. These values were found drastically decreased on 7th day of withdrawal and reached undetectable level by 28th day. For assessing the environmental safety, acute immobilization test was conducted using 24 h old daphnid. The EC50 and LC50 values in daphnids were 107 and 160 times higher than the the treatment dose, respectively. Efficacy was tested with the therapeutic dose on Asian Seabass fingerlings infested with naturally sea louse (Caligus minimus). Medicated pellet feed was fed at 4% BW day−1 divided equally between three feedings. Efficacy trial showed that there was significant improvement in survival (92.0 ± 2.3%; P < .01), reduction in parasitic load (P < .05), percent efficacy (76.2%) and haematological parameters (P < .01; P < .05) on and after fifth day of treatment. Based on the results, it was concluded that there was an adequate margin of safety and 100% efficacy associated with administering EMB-medicated feed to Asian Seabass fingerlings at the proposed therapeutic treatment regimen of 50 μg of EMB kg−1 fish BW day−1 for seven consecutive days.

Plasma biochemistry, gene expression and liver histomorphology in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fed with different dietary fat sources

Demand for omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids has become global challenge for aquaculture and different components have been used to increase nutritional value of fillets. The aim of this study was to evaluate influences of feeds on zootechnical parameters, biochemical plasma parameters, expression of lipid-dependent genes, hepatocyte histomorphologies, and fatty acid profiles in common carp fillets. We compared a control diet (CTRL), mimicking a commercial feed formulation for common carp, with three diets containing blends of vegetable oils and a DHA-rich alga (Schizochytrium sp.) included at 3.125% (CB1) or 1.563% (CB2), and 2.1% salmon oil (CB3). The study revealed no differences in final body weight of fish fed CB1-3 diets in comparison with significantly lower CTRL. Concentrations of all biochemical parameters in plasma increased gradually in fish fed CB1-3 diets when compared to CTRL diet, with exception of triacylglycerol levels. Expression of hepatic fas, elovl-5a and pparα genes increased significantly in fish fed CB1 and CB2. Additionally, eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) accumulation in muscle tissue was directly proportional to the amounts supplied in the diets. Our study revealed that carp fillet profiles can be manipulated for DHA and EPA-contents using enriched diets, depending on the source of fat.

Evaluation of some heavy metals’ residues in tilapia

Heavy metal (Mercury, lead, and cadmium) residues was appraised in various body weights of Tilapia fish gathered randomly from various regions at Cairo and Giza markets utilizing Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The average estimations of mercury, lead, and cadmium residues in tilapia at weight up to 200 gm was 0.07±0.01, 0.1±0.02 and 0.0005±0.0001 ppm, respectively. While, the average values of mercury, lead, and cadmium residues in tilapia at weight 200-400 gm was 0.3±0.05, 0.2±0.02 and 0.03±0.01 ppm, respectively. Whereas, the mean values of mercury, lead, and cadmium deposits in tilapia at weight 400-600 gm was 0.6±0.06, 0.34±0.03 and 0.05±0.01 ppm, respectively. Heavy metal residues are positively correlated with fish size. Lead was the most elevated metal in tilapia up to 200gm. While Mercury was the highest metal in tilapia 200-600 gm. The outcomes were assessed by Egyptian Organization for Standardization EOS (NO. 7136/2010) and the public health hazards of heavy metal residues was debated.

Deep Learning image segmentation for extraction of fish body measurements and prediction of body weight and carcass traits in Nile tilapia

Individual measurement of traits of interest is extremely important in aquaculture, both for production systems and for breeding programs. Most of the current methods are based on manual measurements, which are laborious and stressful to the animals. Therefore, the development of fast, precise and indirect measurement methods for traits such as body weight (BW) and carcass weight (CW) is of great interest. An appealing way to take noninvasive measurements is through computer vision. Hence, the objectives in the current work were to: (1) devise a computer vision system (CVS) for autonomous measurement of Nile tilapia body area (A), length, height, and eccentricity, and (2) develop linear models for prediction of fish BW, CW, and carcass yield (CY). Images from 1653 fish were taken at the same time as their BW and CW were measured. A set of 822 images had pixels labeled into three classes: background, fish fins, and A. This labeled dataset was then used for training of Deep Learning Networks for automatic segmentation of the images into those pixel classes. In a subsequent step, the segmentations obtained from the best network were used for extraction of A, length, height, and eccentricity. These variables were then used as covariates in linear models for prediction of BW, CW, and CY. A network with an input image of 0.2 times the original size and four encoder/decoder layers achieved the best results for intersection over union on the test set of 99, 90 and 64 percent for background, fish body and fin areas, respectively. The overall best predictive model included A and its square as predictor variables and achieved R2 of 0.96 and 0.95 for fish BW and CW, respectively. Overall, the devised CVS was able to correctly differentiate fish body from background and fins, and the extracted area of the fish body could be successfully used for prediction of body and carcass weights.

Utilization of Telang Leaf Meal as Antioxidant Source in Feed of Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

Aims: This study aimed to determine the effective percentage of telang leaf meal on feed to increase antioxidant levels in tilapia liver feed.&#x0D; Study Design: A total of 12 aquariums with sizes 60 x 40 x 40 cm3and volume 96 L prepared and filled with 30 L water. Heater was installed and the temperature was raised slowly until it reached 34℃. Feed in the form of a mixture of telang leaf flour and commercial feed was given 3 times a day according to treatment and with the provisions of 3% of body weight of fish per day. Analysis of antioxidant levels was analyzed from the content of the superoxide dismutase enzyme as an antioxidant bioindicator in the body of the fish.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The cultivation was carried out at Ciparanje Hatchery and Fisheries Area, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Universitas Padjadjaran and Dismutase Superoxide Level Analysis was carried out at the Central Laboratory of Universitas Padjadjaran in June and July 2019.&#x0D; Methodology: This research was carried out by giving high temperatures as a source of stress, for 40 days. Tilapia were given a mixture of telang leaf meal as a source of anti-oxidants. At the end of research, Test liver fish taken superoxide dismutase levels were observed and analyzed descriptively. Daily growth and survival rate of fish were analysed using F test at 5% level, and if there were significant differences, Duncan's test was performed.&#x0D; Results: By giving heat stress continuously for 40 days the result is obtained the highest average superoxide dismutase level in treatment B (telang leaf meal 5%) as much -0.92 inhibition and lowest in treatment D (telang leaf meal 15%). A decrease in SOD levels identifies a decrease in antioxidant activity in the body of Tilapia. Daily growth rate obtained showed no significant difference. The fish will continue to grow but not as rapidly, because tilapia utilize protein up to 40% of commercial feed used to repair cells damaged during stressful periods and as a source of energy. Survival of fish decreases with increasing concentration of telang leaf flour, where the feed given has been mixed and resulted in the fish's response to the feed decreases, consequently not only the fish adapted to the environment, fish also adapt to new types of feed.&#x0D; Conclusion: Based on the results of research that has been done then conclusions can be drawn that the addition of telang leaf mealup to 15% in commercial feed by giving heat stress since the beginning of the culture period does not provide an effect of increasing antioxidant levels.

Effect of dietary carbohydrate to lipid ratio on performance of Nile tilapia and enhancement of natural food in pond aquaculture

This study tested the effect of two diets differing in carbohydrate to lipid (CHO:LIP) ratio (4.7 vs. 19.5 g/g) on the contribution of natural food and the total fish production in tilapia ponds. Eight ponds, each divided into three equally sized compartments, were assigned to one of the two diets, which differed in CHO:LIP ratio but had the same digestible protein to digestible energy (DP:DE) ratio (15.5 and 15.6 g/MJ). Ponds were fed equal amounts of crude protein. Three feeding levels (no, low and high) were nested in each pond in a split plot design. Average body weight of fish at stocking was 90 g, and the duration of the experiment was 42 days. Increasing the CHO:LIP ratio had no impact on tilapia production. However, the feeding level influenced both biomass gain, specific growth rate and survival. The apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) for fat and carbohydrate was influenced by dietary CHO:LIP ratio but ADC for energy was unaffected. Proximate analysis of fish body composition showed no effect of diet except for levels of ash. Diet had no effect on the organic matter composition of the faeces, and the contribution of natural food to fish nitrogen gain. Therefore, we postulate that changing the dietary non-protein energy source from lipid to carbohydrate does not have any impact on tilapia culture in semi-intensive ponds.

Seasonal Dynamics of Biological Indicators of the European Flounder Platichthys flesus Linnaeus, 1758 in the Central Part of the Kola Bay in 2018

The data on the seasonal dynamics of biological indicators of European flounder are presented for the central part of the Kola Bay for the year of 2018. In particular, the size-age and population sexual structure, feeding, and distribution density of European flounder were considered. The constants of the power equation of the dependence of the fish body weight on its length were obtained, the peculiarities of the fish growth were revealed. It is assumed that European flounder is one of the important components of the coastal ecosystems of the Kola Bay.

Intestinal microbiota modulation in juvenile Pacú (Piaractus mesopotamicus) by supplementation with Pyropia columbina and β-carotene

The aim was to evaluate the effects of diet supplementation with red seaweed Pyropia columbina or β-carotene on the intestinal microbiota of juvenile Pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus). Three hundred and fifteen fish (body weight 12.4 ± 2.8 g) were stocked in nine 300-L tanks with 35 fishes per tank and fed for 62 days with a basal feed (BG) or the same feed added with P. columbina (35 g kg−1) (AG) or supplemented with β-carotene (225 g kg−1) (β-CG). From fecal samples of three fishes slaughtered per group at 20th, 41th, and 62th days, plate counts of bacterial populations (enterobacteria, lactic acid bacteria—LAB, total aerobes, and psychrotrophs) and DGGE were made. Enterobacteria counts were lower in AG-group than the other groups throughout the experience (p = 0.016). LAB/enterobacteria ratio was greater in fishes supplemented with AG on 20th day, showing a greater amount of beneficial bacteria than non-beneficial ones. DGGE profiles resulting from the microbiota of β-CG at 62th day were clustered and separated from the rest of the profiles with a difference of 91%. Margalef richness (p = 0.049) and Shannon diversity index (p = 0.044) were lower in β-CG than in AG at 62th day. Taxonomic characterization showed the presence of three phylum: Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Fusobacteria. This is the first study in which the microbiota of juvenile Pacu fed with biofunctional diets was evaluated. Future interventions that modify the bacterial ecosystem could improve the productive performance and ensure the safety of the pacu meat intended for consumption.

The relationship between biotic factors and the content of chosen heavy metals (Zn, Fe, Cu and Mn) in six wild freshwater fish species collected from two lakes (Łańskie and Pluszne) located in northeastern Poland

The effect of biotic factors as species, condition factor, body weight and total length of fish on concentrations of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and manganese (Mn) in organs of Rutilus rutilus (L.), Abramis brama (L.), Coregonus lavaretus (L.), Esox lucius (L.), Perca fluviatilis (L.) and Tinca tinca (L.) from reservoirs of Warmia and Mazury region (northeastern Poland) were determined. Differences in the content of metals were observed between species (P ≤ 0.05). Some metals demonstrated specific affinity for particular tissues. The lower content of metals found in muscles and ranged as follows: Zn 3.427-9.950, Fe 1.297-2.550, Cu 0.133-0.279 and Mn 0.050-0.162 (expressed mg/kg wet weight). The highest content of Fe (33.49-123.6) and Cu (3.994-27.14) (except for copper in perch) in liver (P ≤ 0.05) is related to detoxification, whereas high concentration of Mn (1.366-5.113) and Zn (15.91-135.0) (except for Zn in tench) in gills may be associated with excretion processes or uptake (P ≤ 0.05). The two organs (gills and liver) may be used as bioindicators of metal contamination aquatic environments. Studies on the size and condition factor dependency of heavy metal concentrations have showed that, although the relationship is performed, in most cases was not statistically significant for organ. Metal Pollution Index (MPI) in organs of fish examined was 1.503 < MPI < 3.575. Daily consumed a 34 g portion of fish examined (per capita) is 0.317-0.624% of Fe, 1.174-3.408% of Zn, 0.455-0.955% of Cu and 0.085-0.278% of Mn of the RDA reference dose.

Effect of pre-supplementation with Pleurotus sajor-caju crude extracts on body weight and consequence responses of leukocytes and immune organs in fancy carp following inoculation with Aeromonas veronii.

Aim:The present study aimed at highlighting the effects of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus sajor-caju), as a dietary supplement on growth performance, differential leukocytes population, and histological changes of melanomacrophage centers (MMCs) in spleen and kidney of fancy carp on bacterial infection.Materials and Methods:A total of 60 fancy carp were allocated into four groups according to feed formulations including; (1) basal diet with 2% crude extract of P. sajor-caju, (2) basal diet with 2% b-glucan, whereas Group 3, and Group 4 were positive and negative control, which were fed only basal diet. Diets were provided for 30 days, thereafter, fish of Group 1 to Group 3 were intraperitoneally injected with Aeromonas veronii (1.8×109 CFU), whereas Group 4 was injected with normal saline. At day 7 post-bacterial inoculation, all fish were weighed, whole blood was collected for differential white blood cell count, and two visceral organs, posterior kidney and spleen, were collected from euthanized fish to observe histological changes, particularly MMCs.Results:No significant differences in body weight were found (p>0.05) at 1st week of the experiment; however, fish body weight was significantly increased from week 2 to week 4 of the experiment. Increased monocyte number was found in carp fish fed with the P. sajor-caju or b-glucan supplemented diets compared to the control groups (p<0.05). The proliferation of monocyte in fish was consistent with increased number and size of MMCs in hemotopoietic organs, posterior kidney and spleen, especially in fancy carp fed with of P. sajor-caju crude extract and commercially available b-glucan before bacterial inoculation in fish.Conclusion:These findings indicate that crude polysaccharide from P. sajor-caju can be potentially used as a feed additive that might promote innate immune function in fish.

The Effect of Pond Soil Types and Stocking Weight of Mugil capito Fingerlings Reared in Poly-culture System on Production Performance

The present study is aimed to study the effects of pond soil types (sand and clay) and initial body weight of Mugil capito fingerlings on their growth performance, survival, production and profitability. It was used in the rearing poly-culture system of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) with carp's species (common, silver and grass carps). Water quality results revealed that the T °C, salinity, pH ammonia and DO for SSP and CSP were in the appropriate limits Moreover, the water quality in CSP was better in quality and quantity of phytoplankton and zooplankton, were total numbers of phytoplankton community and zooplankton populations were higher in water samples collected from CSP stocked with M.capito SIW comparing with those collected from SSP, while the highest value recorded in CSP stocked with LIW. Fish performance parameters revealed that the final fish body weight, individual weight gain, average daily gain, specific growth rate, survival percentage and fish production were better in CSP than SSP. Moreover, results detected that the all growth parameter were the highest in CSP under stocking LIW of M.capito than SIW. The evaluation economic efficiency showed that CSP achieved the best revenue and the best growth and production performances. It can be concluded that, the all ponds are economically profitable and the revenue could cover the costs of production, but the LIW M.capito culture in CSP possessed the best economical profitability parameters than SIW fish culture in CSP and SSP.

PSII-6 Deep Learning image segmentation for extraction of body measurements and prediction of body weight in Nile tilapia

Abstract Individual measurement of traits of interest is of great importance for breeding and management decisions in animal production systems. However, measurements are often taken manually, which is laborious and also stressful for the animals. Therefore, the development of fast, precise and indirect measurement methods is paramount. An appealing way for such a task is through computer vision systems (CVS). Hence, the objectives of the current work were: 1) Devise a CVS for autonomous measurement of Nile tilapia body area, length, height, and eccentricity; and 2) Evaluation of linear models for prediction of body weight (BW). The pixels of 822 RGB images of live fish were labeled into background, fish fins or body using the “MTurk” crowdsourcing service. This dataset was then split into training (60% of data) and testing sets for the development of Deep Learning Networks for image segmentation into the three pixel categories. The networks differed in input image size (10 to 40% of original size) and number of encoder/decoder layer stacks (1 to 5). An independent dataset with 831 images was used for validation of the linear predictive models. The results for intersection over union (IoU) show that a network with input of 20% of the original size and 4 encoder/decoder stacks achieved the best results, with IoU on the test dataset of 99, 90 and 64% for background, fish body and fin, respectively (Figure 1). Predicted segmentation from this network on randomly selected images is shown in Figure 2. From the linear models evaluated, the one considering only area as input showed predicted R2 of 0.92 for fish BW (Table 1). In conclusion, the devised CVS was able to correctly separate fish body from background and fins, and a linear model using fish body area as input provided good predictive quality of Nile tilapia BW.