Higher Final Weight Research Articles

Bacillus subtilis supplementation enhances the growth performance, immune indicators, and stability of the intestinal flora of Cherax quadricarinatus

The addition of Bacillus subtilis to the diet can enhance the natural defenses of aquatic creatures and improve their ability to combat diseases. We conducted a study to assess the effects of different concentrations (1.5×106 CFU/g, 1.5×107 CFU/g, and 1.5×108 CFU/g) of B. subtilis on the growth, development, immune response, and gut microbiota of Cherax quadricarinatus over a 45-day period. The highest final weight and growth rate were observed in the group that received 1.5×106 CFU/g of B. subtilis. Furthermore, enzyme activities—including α-amylase, trypsin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and superoxide dismutase (SOD)—were higher in the groups supplemented with B. subtilis compared to those in the control group. Analysis of the gut microbiome through metagenomic sequencing showed consistent levels of α-Proteobacteria but varying levels of Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria. Aeromonas was inhibited during the early stages of culture, leading to enhanced resistance to infection in crayfish that received B. subtilis supplementation. Subsequent infection tests with Aeromonas versonii revealed significantly higher enzyme activities (alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, and SOD) in the experimental groups. The expression of antilipopolysaccharide factor (ALF) and SOD was also notably higher in the experimental groups. Overall, supplementing with B. subtilis showed beneficial effects on the immune response and gut microbiota composition in red claw crayfish.

Evaluating a Polyhouse Pond-based Aquaculture Production System for Cultivating Neolissochilus hexagonolepis (Chocolate Mahseer) in the Agro-climatic Conditions of Meghalaya, Northeast India

This study evaluated a polyhouse pond aquaculture system (PPAS, 200m2) for cultivating chocolate mahseer (Neolissochilus hexagonolepis) under Meghalaya’s agro-climatic conditions. Over two years, chocolate mahseer growth, survival, and biomass production in PPAS were compared against a conventional open pond aquaculture system (OPAS, 200m2). PPAS demonstrated substantial advantages, with fish exhibiting 34.6% higher final weight (112.24 ± 7.10g vs 83.38 ± 9.91g), 34.8% greater daily weight gain (0.31 ± 0.02 g/day vs 0.23 ± 0.03 g/day), 7.8% higher specific growth rate (1.10 ± 0.04 %/day vs 1.02 ± 0.08 %/day), and 16.1% better survival rate (83.85 ± 5.02% vs 72.20 ± 6.85%) compared to OPAS. Consequently, PPAS total fish biomass (941.97 ± 91.20 kg/ha) was 56.5% greater than OPAS (601.84 ± 90.60 kg/ha). PPAS maintained an average 2.4°C higher water temperature, with a 3.2°C difference during winter. Despite higher initial investment (₹ 85,000 vs ₹ 50,000) PPAS net profit (₹ 6,872) was substantially higher than OPAS (₹ 2,432) due to increased biomass. This innovative system mitigates environmental constraints, meriting further research for enhancing economic viability and long-term sustainability in adverse climatic regions.

Evaluation of Black Pepper, Tumeric, Corriander and Their Blend as Supplementary Phytoadditives on Growth Performance and Meat Sensory Assessment of Broiler Chickens

A feeding trial was conducted to determine the effects of black pepper, tumeric, corriander and their blend as supplementary phytoadditives in dosage 1 kg per ton of feed on the growth performance and meat sensory assessment of broiler chickens. A total of three hundred (300) day-old broiler chicks were used for the study. At the starter phase, the chicks were weighed at day old and randomly assigned to five dietary treatments in a completely randomized design (CRD). Feed and water was provided ad libitum during the trial period. The birds were weighed at the beginning of the trial and weekly thereafter. Weight gain, feed intake, left over feeds were measured and recorded, feed conversion ratio and feed cost per kilogramme weight gain were calculated and mortality rate recorded as they occurred. Medication and vaccine administration was carried out as required. Performance parameters calculated include feed intake, weight gain, feed to gain ratio, feed cost per kilogram gain and mortality. For the finisher phase, one hundred and five four weeks old chicks were allotted to five dietary treatments in a completely randomized design (CRD). The treatments were replicated three times with fifteen chicks per replicate. Performance parameters measured were the same as for the starter phase. The experimental study lasted seven weeks. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance using SAS (2008), while the significant differences between treatment means were separated by Duncan Multiple Range Test at a 5% level of significance. There were significant (p<0.05) differences in final weight, weight gain, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, feed cost per gain and mortality. Birds fed corriander supplemented diet (T4) had significantly (p<0.05) higher final weight, weight gain and least cost of production which were at par with birds fed black pepper supplemented diet (T2). The least performance was observed for birds fed black pepper, tumeric and corriander ..........

Dietary Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) Extract Ameliorated the Growth Performance, Humoral Immune Parameters and Resistance Against Aeromonas hydrophila in Goldfish (Carassius auratus)

Abstract This trial investigated the efficacy of artichoke (Cynara scolymus) extract (AE) on the growth performance, immunity, antioxidant parameters, and resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila of goldfish (Carassius auratus). For this purpose, a total number of 470 goldfish with initial weight 5.70±0.2 g were fed with four experimental diets including 0 (T0), 100 (T1), 150 (T2), and 200 (T3) mg kg−1 diet AE for 8 weeks. At the end of feeding trial, growth performances, serum immune parameters, and mucus antioxidant enzymes were measured. Fish were challenged with A. hydrophila, and the antioxidant and immunity-related gene expression were investigated. Based on the results, the highest final weight (FW) and weight gain (WG) were attained in T2 and T3 (P<0.05). Immune factors including ACH50, lysozyme, and total immunoglobulin in T2 and T3 showed the highest values (P<0.05). The expression of GR, IL1 β, TNF α, HSC70, HSP70, and HSP90 β genes in T1, T2, and T3 were higher than the control (P<0.05). The GST expression was significantly enhanced in T2 (P<0.05). The present study demonstrated that the administration of AE, especially at doses of 150 mg kg−1, could improve the growth, immunity, and antioxidant parameters, as well as enhance disease resistance against A. hydrophila in goldfish.

ROASTING OF BLACK SEED (NIGELLA SATIVA) AND AFRICAN NUTMEG (MONODORA MYRISTICA) NEGATIVELY AFFECT PERFORMANCE OF ARBOR ACRES BROILER STARTERS

Elimination of synthetic antibiotics in animal nutrition has been a global interest. Medicinal plants are relatively cheap and could be considered as alternatives. Nigella sativa (black seed) and Monodora myristica (African nutmeg) are examples and roasting was used to minimize the inherent antinutrients in these plants. Therefore, this study investigated effects of two herbal feed additives in roasted form (black seed and African nutmeg) as growth promoters for broiler starters. A total of 160 one-day old Arbor Acre strain of broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 5 treatments consisting of four replicates with eight birds per replicate in a Completely Randomized Design. The treatments were T1 - control (given antibiotics), T2 - 0.5% black seed (BS), T3 - 0.5% African nutmeg (AN), T4 - 0.25% BS + 0.25% AN and T5 - 0.5% BS + 0.5% AN. Birds in T2 to T5 were not given antibiotics. Feed and water were given ad libitum. Data were collected on growth performance, haematological and serum biochemical parameters which were subjected to ANOVA using SPSS version-21. The roasting of black seed and African nutmeg had detrimental effect (P < 0.05) effect on growth performance. However, broiler starters in control had the highest final weight (1027.81g), daily weight gain (35.68g) with the best feed-to-gain ratio (1.32). Starters in T2 had the highest RBC (2.43×106/µL) and WBC (145.00×103/µL). Haematological and serum biochemical parameters were within the normal ranges. It was concluded that roasting black seed and African nutmeg had depressing effect on performance of Arbor Acres broilers.

Fermented aquatic weed meal (FAWM) as a protein source in Asian Catfish Clarias batrachus diets: Impacts on growth, blood chemistry profile, liver and gut morphology and economic efficiency

The global aquaculture industry is increasingly seeking sustainable alternatives to fishmeal (FM) due to its high price and shortfall in supply. In this context, fermented aquatic weed meal (FAWM) could emerge as a viable plant protein source for aquafeed. Four isoproteic diets [30 % crude protein (CP)] were formulated, incorporating 50 % total protein from FAWM comprising fermented Azolla diet (D1), Pistia diet (D2), and Eichhornia diet (D3). The control diet (D0) did not contain FAWM. At the end of the 90 days feeding trial, their growth performance, whole-body proximate composition, gut microbial load, haemato-biochemical indices, liver and gut health, and economic efficiency were determined. Fish fed with D0 had significantly (p < 0.05) improved growth performance and feed utilization compared to other treatment groups. Meanwhile, the fish supplemented with D1 diet exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) higher final weight (g), specific growth rate (%/day), weight gain (%), total biomass (g), and protein efficiency ratio among the FAWM dietary groups. The D1 group also demonstrated the significantly (p < 0.05) highest whole-body CP (64.27 ± 0.40 %) and lower crude lipid (8.24 ± 0.28 %) compared to other test diets. The total bacteria (TB) and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in the fish gut were found to be significantly (p < 0.05) higher in D1 group. Furthermore, most of the hemato-biochemical indices of fish were significantly (p < 0.05) affected by FAWM inclusions, with few exceptions. The histological findings indicated that amongst the FAWM groups, D1 fish exhibited improved intestinal health. Nonetheless, the gut of the control fish demonstrated substantially (p < 0.05) lower villi width and crypt depth than other treatments. The D1 and D2 diet groups had significantly improved liver health. Moreover, FAWM inclusion enhanced economic efficiency by considerably reducing farm feed cost (US$/kg) and increasing return on investment (%). In summary, dietary inclusion of fermented Azolla pinnata (D1) protein at 50 % in aquafeed promoted feed utilization, growth, health, and farm economics of Asian catfish fingerlings compared to other FAWM diets.

The use of automatic belt feeders in a Penaeus vannamei pilot scale super-intensive nursery and grow-out with biofloc system

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of using automatic belt feeders (BF) on water quality, growth of Penaeus vannamei, and partial budget in super-intensive pilot scale systems with biofloc technology. A nursery phase (2300 shrimp m−2) and a grow-out phase (400 shrimp m−2) were carried out with the following feeding management strategies, all with three repetitions: T1: by hand, T2: by hand + BF12h; T3: BF24h. In the nursery, a spike in total ammonia concentration was observed in the first weeks of the trial in treatment T1, possibly due to nutrients from uneaten feed. Nitrite was higher in T1 treatment than in T2 and T3. Nitrate was lower in the treatment T1 than in T2 and T3. At the grow-out trial, nitrite was higher in treatment T1 than in T2 and T3. These results indicated a slower nitrification process in T1 and more efficient in treatments where automatic feeders were used since an accumulation of nitrate was observed throughout the trials and low concentrations of nitrite were observed both in the nursery and the grow-out. In the nursery and the grow-out, the T3 treatment had a higher final weight and a lower feed conversion ratio. Furthermore, the T3 treatment had a higher yield than the T1 treatment. Treatment T3 had the highest net benefit/cost, considering the entire production cycle (nursery and grow-out). Our results strongly indicate that using automatic belt feeders allows an improvement in water quality, promotes shrimp growth, improves yield, reduces feed use, and improves the net benefits in P. vannamei super-intensive nursery and grow-out with biofloc systems.

GROWTH RESPONSE AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS OF BROILERS FED HEAT TREATED JATROPHA SEED CAKE-BASED DIETS

This study was carried out to determine the performance and carcass characteristics of broilers fed heat treated Jatropha Seed Cake (JSC) in an experiment that lasted for 28 days. 200 seven-day-old Arbor acre broiler chicks were weighed and randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatments consisting of 5 replicates with 10 birds per replicate. Treatment 1 was the basal (corn-soyabean meal diet) with no JSC. Treatments 2, 3 and 4 contained the basal diet and 5, 10 15% JSC respectively. Weekly weight gain, feed intake and percentage mortality of birds were assessed. On day 28, two birds were slaughtered from each replicate, carcass primal cuts and organ weights were harvested and weighed. The highest final weight, weight gain and feed intake were observed in birds on the control diet (0% JSC inclusion). No significant differences (P&gt;0.05) were observed in the final weight and the weight gain-of birds on diets with 5% and 10% JSC based diets. The least final weight (685.38g/b) and weight gain (553.98g/b) were recorded for birds on 15% JSC diet. The feed intake of birds on the control diet was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher (1419.18g/b) than that of birds on JSC diets. Similar feed conversion ratio was observed in birds on the control diet and those on 5 and 10% JSC diets. There was no mortality recorded in birds on experimental diets. There were significant (P&lt;0.05) differences observed in the live weight, wings, breast, drumstick and back of birds on experimental diets. Highest live weight was recorded for birds on the control diet (1002g/b) while the least (685.38g/b) was observed in birds on 15% JSC diet. Resembling trends were observed in the wings, breast, drumstick and back of birds on the control diet. Similar results were observed for wings, breast, and drumstick and back of birds on 10% and 15% JSC diets. Spleens of birds on JSC diets were identical. Thigh, gizzard, liver, pancreas and heart were not significantly (P&gt;0.05) influenced by diets. Meanwhile, bursa of fabricius of birds on the control diet and 5% JSC diet were similar and significantly different from those on 10 and 15% JSC diets.

Intra-cohort cannibalism and aggressive behavior in tropical gar (Atractosteus tropicus) larvae: Effects of stocking density and starvation

Cannibalism in early fish developmental stages is a biological phenomenon affecting aquaculture, so seeding density and feeding schemes play a fundamental role in its optimal control. The objective of this research was to evaluate two initial stocking densities, 0.7 larvae/L (D7) and 1.4 larvae/L (D14), which were fed (F) and not fed (NF) in tropical gar (Atractosteus tropicus) larvae on growth, attacks, survival, and digestive enzyme activity, digestive morphology, and oxidative enzymes and aggressiveness gene expression. A total of 420 larvae (0.022 ± 0.003 g; 1.52 ± 0.10 cm) were placed in 70 L tanks connected to a recirculation system. Treatment F larvae were fed a formulated food. D14F larvae had the highest final weight, total length, and specific growth rate (SGR) (p < 0.05). The highest survival percentage was in D7F larvae (46.19 ± 2.74) (p < 0.05). The highest frequency of attacks occurred in D14F larvae (26.66 ± 0.82) (p < 0.05). The coefficient of variation (CV) and size heterogeneity (SH) were higher in D7F larvae (13.56 ± 1.80; 0.81 ± 0.10) (p < 0.05). The F larvae started attacks at 8 days after hatching (DAH), while the NF larvae showed it at 10 DAH. The difference in weight between the attacker and the attacked was 16.44 ± 9.75% and in total length 12.28 ± 4.57% (p < 0.05). Acid and alkaline protease, trypsin, and lipase activities presented differences between both factors, as well as the interaction between them. D14F larvae presented the highest Glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity (p < 0.05), while D7-NF larvae registered the highest catalase (CAT) activity (p < 0.05). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities only showed differences between F and NF larvae (p < 0.05). The liver presented the highest percentage of area with melanomacrophage centers (MMC) in D7-NF larvae, and hepatocytes with the highest area were recorded in D14F larvae (p < 0.05). In gut, the highest enterocytes were recorded in D14F larvae (p < 0.05). cat, cck, and gpx expression did not show difference between feeding regimes. The expression of sod1 and sod2 in D7F and D14F treatments presented the highest expressions (p < 0.05). D7F larvae presented higher expression of avp1, crh, htr1, sstr1, th and tph1 genes (p < 0.05). Our results show that A. tropicus larvae D14F presented the highest growth and morphometric parameters and decreased CV and SH, which shows a more homogeneous growth. Regarding cannibalism, fed larvae (D7F, D14F) presented cannibalism in a greater proportion than unfed larvae regardless of density, however, it is necessary to analyze other physiological and social factors that could be related to the aggressiveness and cannibalism of the species.

The effects of protein hydrolysates from rainbow trout by-products on growth, digestive and antioxidant enzymes, and liver lysozyme activity in sobaity (Sparidentex hasta) and Arabian yellowfin (Acanthopagrus arabicus) seabream juveniles

An eight-week feeding trial was conducted to elucidate the effects of rainbow trout by-products protein hydrolysates (FPH, 92 % peptides <1 kDa, ∼78.1 % crude protein, ∼2.7 % lipid) on growth and some selected physiological responses in sobaity (Sparidentex hasta) (1.7 ± 0.0 g) and Arabian yellowfin (Acanthopagrus arabicus) (0.9 ± 0.0 g) seabream. Fish meal in a basal diet (∼58 % crude protein, ∼12 % lipid) was replaced with FPH at four levels, including 0 (control), 1 % (FPH1), 2.5 % (FPH2.5), and 5 % (FPH5). Each experimental diet was offered thrice daily to fish in triplicate. At the end of the feeding trial, S. hasta fed with FPH diets showed positive linear and quadratic trends in growth performance, and those fed with FPH5 had the highest final weight (FBW; 9.8 ± 0.4) and better feed conversion ratio (FCR; 0.9 ± 0.0). Regarding A. arabicus it showed positive quadratic trend and fish fed FPH2.5 diet had the highest FBW (6.2 ± 0.3), and better FCR (1.2 ± 0.0) value. Trypsin and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities showed both positive linear and quadratic trends in S. hasta. In A. arabicus, both linear and quadratic trends were observed in the activities of trypsin and total proteases (P = 0.001), while positive quadratic trends in pepsin and ALP activities were noticed. Lysozyme activity significantly increased by supplementing the diet with FPH and showed both linear and quadratic trends in S. hasta, but it did not change in A. arabicus. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in A. arabicus increased and showed both linear and quadratic responses. The catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities in both species increased significantly in response to dietary FPH. This study showed that FPH effects in diet were species-specific and its supplementation levels at 2.5 and 5 % could be recommended in A. arabicus and S. hasta juveniles, respectively.

Effect of Organic or Inorganic Fertilization on Microbial Flocs Production in Integrated Cultivation of Ulva lactuca with Oreochromis niloticus and Penaeus vannamei

Different fertilization regimes in biofloc systems influence the predominance of distinct bacterial populations, impacting water quality and organism performance. This study evaluates the growth and nutrient absorption of the macroalgae Ulva lactuca when cultivated in an integrated system with Penaeus vannamei and Oreochromis niloticus in chemoautotrophic and heterotrophic systems. The experiment lasted 45 days and comprised two treatments, each with three replicates: chemoautotrophic—utilizing chemical fertilizers; heterotrophic—employing inoculum from mature biofloc shrimp cultivation, supplemented with organic fertilizers. Each treatment consisted of three systems, each containing a 4 m3 tank for shrimp, 0.7 m3 for tilapia, and 0.35 m3 for macroalgae, with continuous water circulation between tanks and constant aeration. Water quality analyses were carried out during the experiment, as were the performances of the macroalgae and animals. The data were subjected to a statistical analysis. Results revealed an increase in macroalgae biomass and the removal of nitrate (57%) and phosphate (47%) during cultivation, with a higher specific growth rate observed in the chemoautotrophic treatment. Nonetheless, the heterotrophic treatment exhibited higher levels of protein in the macroalgae (18% dry matter) and phosphate removal rates (56%), along with superior maintenance of water quality parameters. Tilapia performance varied across treatments, with a higher final weight and weight gain recorded in the heterotrophic treatment. The recycling of water from an ongoing biofloc cultivation with organic fertilization demonstrated viability for macroalgae cultivation within an integrated system involving shrimp and fish.

Influence of complex enzyme drug and phytase on growth, digestibility and use of nutrients of wheat and soya compound feed and mineralization of the drumstick in broiler chickens

Plant feeds contain anti-nutritional factors. Thus, non-starchy polysaccharides are poorly digested and can serve as a barrier to enzyme access to nutrients. Phytate can form a complex with other divalent cations (Ca, Mn, Mg, Fe, Zn), amino acids. Phytate is the largest reserve of phosphorus in plants, but this compound cannot be effectively absorbed by poultry, which requires the inclusion of expensive inorganic sources of phosphorus in feed. The purpose of the research was to evaluate the possible effects of separate and combined inclusion of the complex enzyme drug Sunzyme (matrix as an ingredient) and the phytase-containing enzyme drug Sunface 5000 (matrix in nutritional value) on the digestibility and absorption of nutrients of wheat and soybean compound feed by broiler chickens. During the experiment, 204 day-old broiler chickens were divided according to the principle of analogues into 4 groups of 51 heads in each. The broiler chickens of the control group received compound feed without enzyme drugs, the 1st experimental group received compound feed with Sanzyme (matrix as an ingredient), the 2nd experimental group received compound feed with Sanzyme (matrix as an ingredient) and Sunface 5000 (matrix in nutritional value), the 3rd experimental group received compound feed with Sunface 5000 (matrix in nutritional value). Compound feeds were fed from one day to 42 days of age. In order to determine the digestibility of the main nutrients in compound feeds of broiler chickens aged 35–42 days, a physiological experiment was carried out based on the results of which a animal science analysis of the fed compound feeds and litter was carried out using generally accepted methods. When studying feed and litter, the mass fraction of dry matter, crude protein, crude fat, fiber, nitrogen-free extractives, ash, calcium and phosphorus were determined. It was found that compared with the control group broiler chickens received Sunzyme and Sunface 5000 had higher coefficients of digestibility and nutrient utilization of wheat and soybean compound feeds and as a result achieved a high average final live weight with low feed intake per unit of gain during the rearing period.

Penentuan Lokasi Optimal Cabang Bisnis Kursus EEC Pematang Siantar Menggunakan Metode Analytical Hierarchy Process

Business opportunities are increasing, determining strategic locations as a way to optimize profits. One of them, of course, is that EEC Siantar needs to expand, choose an optimal new location based on the criteria: rental price, capacity, distance to school, competitors, accessibility, distance to the pemilik's house, and population density. This study is to determine the optimal branch location of EEC with AHP. This study uses AHP to select optimal EEC Pematang Siantar course branch locations using pair comparison and priority criteria. The optimal location is selected based on the highest priority value and logistical consistency (CR &lt; 0.1). Ease of accessibility has the highest weight (0.379), followed by buildings (0.379), closest distance to school (0.272), competitors (0.179), distance to homepemiliks (0.085), and population density (0.052). Ease of accessibility is an important factor in determining the location of a new branch. Alternative 3 has the highest final weight (0.413), ahead of Alternative 1 (0.303) and Alternative 2 (0.284). This shows that Alternative 3 has the most optimal combination of subcriteria for new branch locations. This study helps the EEC industrial course select the best new branch locations with the AHP method, increasing the market and profits.

Evaluation of spray-dried blood meal for application in commercial-like feed for juvenile swimming crab (Portunus trituberculatus)

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of replacing fish meal (FM) with spray-dried blood meal (SDBM) on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, digestive enzyme activity, tissue Fe content, gene expression related to inflammation, and the TOR pathway in juvenile swimming crab (Portunus trituberculatus). Four isonitrogenous (47.0% protein) and isolipidic (9.0% lipid) diets were formulated to contain different levels of SDBM, with FM replaced by SDBM at 0, 10%, 20%, and 30%, respectively. The results showed that crabs fed diet SDBM30 exhibited the lowest survival among all treatments, and crabs fed the SDBM20 diet had the highest final weight, percent weight gain, specific growth rate and feed efficiency among all treatments. In addition, the protein content of the crab hepatopancreas decreased significantly and the lipid content increased significantly as SDBM replaced FM in the diets. Compared to other diets, crabs fed the SDBM30 diet had the lowest activities of antioxidant enzymes and the highest concentration of malondialdehyde in the hepatopancreas and hemolymph. The Fe contents in hepatopancreas and gill increased significantly, and the color of the hepatopancreas got darker as replacement of FM with SDBM increased from 0% to 30%. The expression of genes related to TOR (tor, akt, s6, and s6k1) and antioxidant (gpx) pathways in the hepatopancreas were down-regulated significantly with increased replacement of dietary FM with SDBM. In contrast, expression levels of genes related to protein translation (4ebp1, eif4e1a, eif4e2, and eif4e3) and inflammation pathways (myd88, traf6, relish, and irak4) were up-regulated significantly in crabs fed diets with SDBM supplementation. In summary, replacing FM with less than 20% of SDBM can promote the growth, but can darken the hepatopancreas, negatively affect antioxidant capacity, and induce an inflammatory response.

Nutrient composition of Sorghum-Based Rations and their effect on growth of Improved Indigenous Chicken in Western Kenya

Improved indigenous chicken contributes to the nutrition of farmers in rural communities. The use of maize as an energy source in chicken diets is becoming unacceptable due to competition from humans, resulting in high feed costs. Alternative energy sources like low-tannin sorghum can be grown in Western Kenya. The objective of the study was to determine the nutrient composition of sorghum-based diets and the growth of improved indigenous chicken in Busia and Siaya Counties. Dietary treatments consisted of 50% (T1), 75% (T2) sorghum inclusion, and control (commercial diet) (T3). Farmers on semi-intensive were provided dietary treatments, and free-range (T4) was not provided. Feed samples were subjected to laboratory analysis for proximate composition, amino acids, and tannin content. Growth characteristics were collected biweekly. Data were subjected to analysis of variance, and then means that differed significantly were separated using Tukey’s test in Genstat 14th edition. For proximate composition, dry matter was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in T2 (91.9%) and T3 (92.1%) compared to T1 (91.4%). Crude fat was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in T2 (9.54%) than in T1 (6.84%) and T3 (6.57%). The crude fibre was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in T3 (14.3%) compared to T1 (3.37%) and T2 (3.62%). Crude protein was significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher in T2 (15.8%) and T1 (15.2%) compared to T3 (12.6%). Metabolisable energy was significantly (p&lt;0.05) lower in T3 (2723 Kcal/Kg) compared to T1 (3569 Kcal/Kg) and T2 (3684 Kcal/Kg). Amino acids (lysine, methionine, cysteine, and tryptophan) content in diets T2 and T3 were significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher than T1. The tannin content of the sorghum variety C26 was 1.24%. T1 had a significantly high (p&lt;0.05) mean final weight (970 g), body weight gain (804 g), daily weight gain (14.4 g), and feed conversion ratio (5.57). Mortality was highest at T4 (17.1%). It was concluded that the inclusion of 50% low tannin sorghum meets chicken feed nutritional requirements and is best for growth performance. The study recommended that farmers rearing chicken should plant low tannin sorghum to be utilized as feed ingredient to cut the cost of production

Northern shrimp (Pandalus borealis) protein hydrolyzate and oil promote flesh pigmentation and growth in post-smolt Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

ABSTRACT This study investigated the use of alternative ingredients obtained from Pandalus borealis by-products on flesh pigmentation and growth in post-smolt Salmo salar (initial weight of ~ 300 g). Four experimental diets were fed to fish in triplicate tanks for 16 weeks: a control diet and three other diets containing either synthetic astaxanthin, shrimp hydrolyzate, or shrimp oil. Fish that were fed the shrimp hydrolyzate diet exhibited higher red hue (based on L*a*b* data) when compared to fish fed the two other pigmented diets and had higher final weight. In addition, shrimp oil was found to be as efficient as artificial astaxanthin to increase the intensity of flesh pigmentation in Atlantic salmon. The shrimp hydrolyzate tested in our study provides an excellent source of astaxanthin and protein for Atlantic salmon. Likewise, shrimp oil could also constitute a natural source of astaxanthin and oil to this species.

Effects of Background Color on Growth, Stress, Biochemical, Hematological, and Immunological Responses, and Expression of Growth-Related Genes in Oscar Fish (Astronotus ocellatus)

The aim of the current study was to assess the impacts of tank color on the growth, stress, biochemical, hematological, and immunological responses, and expression of growth-related genes in juvenile Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus). Therefore, a total of 120 fish (9.14 ± 0.34 g) were distributed into 12 aquariums (60 × 50 × 35 cm) and divided into four treatments (aquariums with blue, white, yellow, and red colors) in three replicates (10 fish per aquarium). The fish were daily hand-fed ad libitum in three meals at 7:00, 12:00, and 17:00 hr for 56 days. Results showed that Oscar fish cultured in the red aquariums had higher final weight and weight gain and lower feed conversion ratio. Plasma cortisol, glucose, and lactate values of fish were significantly higher, and the amount of white blood cells was lower in the blue aquariums compared to other tank colors. Plasma triglyceride values were significantly higher in the white and yellow groups than the blue aquariums. Moreover, fish cultured in yellow and red aquariums had significantly higher melatonin levels than the blue aquariums. Plasma cholesterol, total protein, albumin, complement 3, and total immunoglobulin values were highest in Oscar fish cultured in the red aquariums. Also, lysozyme and alternative complement (ACH50) activities and complement 4 values of fish cultured in yellow and red aquariums were meaningfully higher compared to blue and white groups. Growth hormone relative gene expression levels were meaningfully higher in Oscar fish cultured in white, yellow, and red aquariums than the blue aquariums. Furthermore, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) relative gene expression levels were significantly higher in fish cultured in yellow and red aquariums compared to those cultured in blue and white tank colors. Thus, the most suitable tank color for rearing juvenile A. ocellatus is red, while blue tank color is unsuitable.

Efficiency of protein combinations in diets for Rhamdia quelen: growth, digestive and metabolic biochemistry and nutrient deposition.

This study was conducted to determine the best combination of protein sources in diets for jundiá, based on growth, metabolism, and nutrient deposition. Five protein combinations were tested: casein + fish meal (control), casein + gelatin, casein + albumin, casein + albumin + fish meal, and albumin + fish meal, in diets containing 370 g Kg-1 of crude protein and 13.4 MJ Kg-1 of digestible energy. The fish (9.38 ± 0.12 g) were allocated in a water recirculation system at a density of 3.35 g L-1 per experimental unit and fed until apparent satiety for 40 days with the diets. The fish fed with the control diet had the highest final weight, specific growth rate, protein and feed efficiency ratio, protein retention, and best apparent feed conversion. On the other hand, fish that received casein + albumin and albumin + fish meal diets showed worse results in growth and body protein retention, low trypsin and chymotrypsin activity, and high intestinal amylase activity. Therefore, the combination referred to as control (casein + fish meal) conclusively provides the best rhythm for nutrient digestion and metabolism processes, enabling fish to reach greater growth and retention of body protein with low whole-fish fat content.

PERFORMANCE AND DIGESTIBILITY RESPONSE BY RABBITS FED DIETS CONTAINING COWPEA HAULMS (Vigna unguiculata) REPLACING RICE OFFAL AT GRADED LEVELS

An 84-day feeding trial was conducted with weaner rabbits to investigate the feeding value of cowpea haulms (Vigna unguiculata) on growth performance and nutrients digestibility. Thirtysix (36) weaner rabbits with initial live weight range of 427.33 – 474.50g were randomly allocated to six (6) dietary treatments and each treatments replicated six (6) times in a complete randomized design. Each treatment was made up of three (3) males and three (3) females with each as a replicate. The rabbits were fed diets with cowpea haulms replacing rice offal at 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% levels according to treatments T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, and T6 respectively and T1 with 0% cowpea haulms as the control diet. The result of proximate composition and energy values of experimental diets revealed a crude protein value of 16.62% for T2 less than a similar value of 17.50% for T3, T4, T6 and T1 and T5 with a value of 18.38%. Crude fibre values ranged 12.43 to 21.00% increased across T1 –T6 as cowpea haulms (CH) level increased in the diet. Ether extract however decreased from T1 –T6 with increase in the level of CH with moisture following no particular trend. Ash was seen to decrease with increase in the diet CH, dry matter values 89.91% (T1) to 91.77% (T5) and NFE values 56.28 (T1) to 62.82 (T4) were in no particular trend. Also, ME values 3139.59 (T4) to 2731.32% (T1) did not follow a definite trend among the experimental treatments. The final weight (FW) was shown to decrease across the treatments with T1 having the highest final weight. T4 and T6 had the similar final weights. The nutrient digestibility across the six treatments revealed significant (P0.05) different. With these results from this study, it was concluded that, the bulky wastage of cowpea haulms after the seed harvest could be reduced by replacing rice offal with cowpea haulms in rabbit diets as a major crude fibre source. Cowpea haulms had no negative effects on the general growth performance of rabbits. Therefore, it is safe for farmers and feed manufacturers to include cowpea haulms to replace 100% of rice offal as a major source of crude fibre in rabbit diets.

Effect of betaine hydrochloride as feed additive on growth performance of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)

The current experiment was conducted in the Fish Laboratory belonging to Aquaculture Unit - College of Agriculture. It in-cluded the study of the effect of betaine (peptine hydrochloride BeHCl) on the growth performance of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.). Five fish were used in three replicates for each treatment in the experiment with an average weight of 18.49 ± 1.08 g after acclimation for seven days. Fishes were fed on di-ets of C (0% additive), T1 (0.20% BeHCl) and T2 (0.25% BeHCl). The experiment lasted for 42 days and all fish were weighed in each replicate every two weeks in order to estimate daily feed. The results showed that the highest final weight (30.06 g) and weight gain (10.80 g) were achieved by fish fed on a diet containing 0.20% BeHCl, followed by the diet con-taining 0.25% BeHCl, while the lowest weight gain (7.46 g) was achieved in the control diet with a significant difference (P≤0.05) among all treatments, as the fish fed a diet containing 0.20% BeHCl outperformed the rest. Also fish fed 0.20% BeHCl was superior in the daily, relative and specific growth rate, as it reached 1.29 g/day, 56.10 % and 1.06 %/day respec-tively. The results indicated that the best feed conversion rate was 3.23 for fish fed on a diet containing 0.20% BeHCl, while the other treatments showed conversion rates of 3.66 and 4.35 for 0.25% treatment and control respectively, as well as the highest protein efficiency recorded in fish fed on diet contain-ing 0.20% BeHCl amounted to 0.93, followed by the diet con-taining 0.25% BeHCl (0.82). Statistical analysis of the results proved that the above differences between the treatments were all significant (P≤0.05).