Total Length Gain Research Articles

Optimal dietary lipid requirement of hybrid lemon fin barb (Barbonymus gonionotus ♀× Hypsibarbus wetmorei ♂) larvae

ABSTRACT Hybrid lemon fin barb is a crossed product between silver barb (Barbonymus gonionotus) and lemon fin barb (Hypsibarbus wetmorei). In the present study, the optimum dietary lipid requirement of larval hybrid lemon fin barb was examined using a total of 90 hybrid larvae (L) of 3-day-old (0.36 ± 0.01 mg). The larvae were stocked in triplicated 90 L tanks and fed with micro diets containing 0, 4, 8, 12, and 16% (FO 0, 4, 8, 12 and 16) dietary lipid levels for 20 days. While hybrid larvae fed non-lipid diet showed lowered survival and growth, larvae fed FO12 diet increased (p < .05) in weight gain, total length gain, specific growth rate, and protein efficiency ratio after 20 days. Hybrid larvae’s whole-body lipid content was increased with increasing dietary lipid level. Hybrid larvae consisted of significantly improved (p < .05) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and n-3 fatty acid contents at 12% dietary lipid. Excessive dietary lipids resulted in lipid droplets in enterocytes and swollen hepatocytes. The hybrid larvae fed non-lipid diet had shrunken hepatocytes. In conclusion, the optimum dietary lipid requirement for hybrid lemon fin barb larvae in terms of maximum growth is determined at 13.5% dietary fish oil by second-order polynomial analysis.

Effects of selected dietary plant oils on survival, growth, fatty acid profile, and enzyme activity of a tropical hybrid carp (Barbonymus gonionotus ♀ × Hypsibarbus wetmorei ♂) larvae

Hybrid lemon fin barb is a new tropical carp species developed by crossing silver barb (Barbonymus gonionotus, ♀) with lemon fin barb (Hypsibarbus wetmorei, ♂) to cover the production gap in Malaysian aquaculture, as the tasty wild H. wetmorei is being overexploited. Different plant oils such as crude palm oil (CPO), linseed oil (LO), canola oil, sunflower seed oil and soybean oil were tested for the larval stage of this fast-growing and delicious carp species. Three-day old hybrid larvae were arbitrarily assigned to twenty 5-L tanks with a rate of 50 larvae L−1. After 20 days of the feeding trial, weight gain, total length gain and specific growth rate (SGR) of hybrid larvae fed diets containing CPO and LO were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those of larvae fed with soybean oil. Survival of larvae fed CPO was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those of larvae fed LO, canola oil and soybean oil diets. Total saturated fatty acids (SFAs) reported were high in hybrid larvae fed soybean oil followed by CPO while larvae fed CPO had the highest (p < 0.05) total body monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). Total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) of larvae fed CPO, LO, sunflower seed oil and soybean oil were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) accordingly. The larvae fed the CPO diet had the highest (p < 0.05) docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), arachidonic acid (ARA), total n-3 fatty acids and n-3/ n-6 ratio while dietary CPO and linseed oil increased larval body eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) content. There was a significant interaction (p < 0.05) in dietary linoleic acid (LA) and ARA provided by different plant oils on ARA in hybrid larval body. Moreover, among plant oils used in the experiment, CPO was fetched at the lowest price. In conclusion, the use of dietary CPO in hybrid lemon fin barb larval diets is more economical and feasible.

Weight-for-Height Z-score Gain during Inpatient Treatment and Subsequent Linear Growth during Outpatient Treatment of Young Children with Severe Acute Malnutrition: A Prospective Study from Uganda.

ABSTRACTBackgroundLinear catch-up growth after treatment of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) is low, and little is known about the association between ponderal and subsequent linear growth.ObjectiveThe study assessed the association of weight-for-height z-score (WHZ) gain with subsequent linear growth during SAM treatment and examined its modifiers.MethodsThis was a prospective study, nested in a trial (ISRCTN16454889), among 6–59-mo-old children treated for SAM in Uganda. Weight, total length (TL), and knee-heel length (KHL) were measured at admission, weekly during inpatient therapeutic care (ITC), at discharge, and fortnightly during outpatient therapeutic care (OTC) for 8 wk. Linear regression was used to assess the association between WHZ gain during ITC and linear growth during OTC.ResultsOf 400 children, 327 were discharged to OTC and 290 were followed up for 8 wk. Mean WHZ gains were 0.45 in ITC and 1.24 in OTC, whereas mean height-for-age z-score (HAZ) declined by 0.41 during ITC and increased by 0.14 during OTC. WHZ gain during ITC was positively associated with HAZ, TL, and KHL gains during OTC [regression coefficients (β) (95% CI): 0.12 (0.09, 0.15) z-score; 3.1 (2.4, 3.8) mm and 0.5 (0.1, 0.7) mm, respectively]. The regression coefficients were highest for the middle tertile of WHZ gain with respect to HAZ and TL. Admission diarrhea and low plasma citrulline reduced the association between WHZ gain during ITC and HAZ and TL gain during OTC (P < 0.001). In contrast, pneumonia (P = 0.051) and elevated plasma C-reactive protein (P < 0.001) increased the association with TL gain, but reduced the association with KHL gain (P < 0.001).ConclusionsAmong children admitted with SAM, considerable WHZ gain during ITC was followed by very modest linear catch-up growth during OTC, with no indication of a WHZ gain threshold, above which linear growth was higher. To optimize linear growth in these children, early treatment of infections and conditions affecting the gut may be necessary.

GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND GONAD MATURATION OF AMUR CATFISH, Silurus asotus IN CAPTIVITY

This study was aimed to determine the growth performance and gonad maturation of Amur catfish, Silurus asotus reared in captivity. A total of 600 juvenile Amur catfish were reared in a 20-tonne aerated fibreglass tank for 3 months. The changes to body weight (mean ± SD) of Amur catfish at day 14 was 22.59 ± 3.59 g and attained a final average body weight of 110.95 ± 19.72 g. The average body weight gains (%) were 213.50% and gradually decreased to 109.95%. The specific growth rate recorded at 14-day intervals was 5.42%/day and fluctuated to 3.32%/day, 0.39%/day, 0.51%/day, with the corresponding measurements of 15.36 ± 1.07 cm and increments to 24.22 ± 1.34 cm. The final total length the fishes attained was an average of 25.58 ± 1.95 cm. The total length gain recorded was 124.61% and followed by 109.95%. The survival of Amur catfish within the three months was 29.17%. Length-weight relationship of the Amur catfish showed a strong correlation at log W = -2.6797 + 2.3102 log L and the value of the regression coefficient (b) equalled to 2.3102. Three stages of the oocyte (PO = primary oocyte, PVO = previtellogenic oocyte and VO = vitellogenic oocyte) determined histologically indicated that all-female gonad samples were in the developing stage. Matured gonad and spermatozoa were also observed in males. This study concludes that Amur catfish attained good growth performance and fast gonad maturation in captivity and can be a suitable species for aquaculture.

Comparison on growth performance, body coloration changes and stress response of juvenile river catfish, Pangasius hypophthalmus reared in different tank background colour

The effects of different tank background colours (green, black and white) on the growth performance and body coloration of juvenile river cafish, Pangasius hypophthalmus, were examined in this study. The experimental fish with an initial body weight (BW) 0.13 ± 0.05 g and total length (TL) 2.54 ± 0.37 cm were used, and groups of 15 fish per tank were randomly distributed. The experiment was conducted for 20 days as a triplicate for each treatment. Survival, growth in BW, body weight gain (BWG), total length (TL), total length gain (TLG), specific growth rate (SGR), condition factor, feed conversion ratio (FCR), swimming speed, body coloration and stress response were evaluated. River catfish reared in white and green tanks attained significantly higher BW, BWG, TL, TLG and SGR compared to the black tank. The white tank attained significantly better FCR compared to the black tank. River catfish showed the most active swimming behaviour in the green tank (5.49 ± 1.32 cm/s) while the least in the white tank (3.37 ± 0.93 cm/s). Body coloration of river catfish in the black tank showed almost pure black body coloration (75.59 ± 9.08), followed by the green tank (126.23 ± 17.46) and the white tank (148.19 ± 10.51). However, there was no significant difference in the stress level of river catfish reared in white and black tanks and insignificant to those reared in the green tank. The findings in this study showed that the white and green background colour tanks can be used for promoting growth of river catfish culture while the black background colour tank can enhance body coloration that is suitable as ornamental fish.

Effect of graded protein levels on growth performance, survival and feed conversion ratio of Ctenopharyngodon idella from Pakistan

The study was conducted to assess the effect of different levels of protein against control diet on different aspects of growth of Ctenopharyngodon idella fingerlings. Trial period was 90 days. Fingerlings were reared in four ponds of one acre each. Stocking density was 2000/acre. The fingerlings were hand fed @4% of body weight amid morning & evening during trial period six days a week on various diets T1,T2,T3 and T4 (control) with 15%, 20%, 25% crude protein level and rice polish (control) only respectively. Standardized methods were used in the whole trial. Studies showed on average increased & percent increased in live weight & total length gain. Maximum daily growth rate, production, survival and specific growth rate in the fingerlings fed on a diet T2 (20%) as compared to other diets having low or high crude protein. The lowest FCR value (6.64) showed T2 is best feed composition. Ctenopharyngodon idella fed diet having 20% crude showed maximum growth performance, Specific growth rate, production, survival rate in T2 is the best feed composition for optimum growth.

Comparative Studies on Growth Performance of Heterobranchus bidorsalis (Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1809) in Different Culture Facilities

Total catches of fish from the wild reached a plateau in the early 1990s. Capture fishery production for both food and non-food utilization has levelled off. There is need for aquaculture expansion and improved output. The aim of this study was to determine the most productive facility for production of Heterobranchus bidorsalis. H. bidorsalis is the most important species from the genus Heterobranchus. It is endemic to Africa. Seven hundred H. bidorsalis fingerlings were acclimatized for 7 days, 200 fingerlings were randomly selected and stocked in: Earthen ponds, Concrete tanks, and Plastic tanks labelled as T1, T2 and T3 respectively. Each treatment had two replicates, 100 fingerlings in each. The culture facilities were constructed to have water volume which was not significantly different. The earthen ponds, concrete and plastic tanks water volume was maintained at 2,320 litres, 2,304 litres, and 2,331 litres respectively. Fingerlings were fed with 2mm Coppens of 45% crude protein at 5% biomass. Feeding was carried out at 9:00 and 16:00 hours for 56 days. All treatments were given equal care. Final Standard Length, Final Total Length, Total Length Gain, Final weight Gain and Weight Gain recorded were: 13.04±0.57, 13.44±0.75, 32±0.96, 4.45±1.34, 30.36±1.13 and 23.34±2.4 respectively. Growth was significantly higher in T1. In concrete and plastic tanks, observed growth parameters recorded had the following values: 11.75±0.82 and 11.21±0.83, 12.31±0.85 and 11.95±0.89, 3.2±0.96 and 2.84±0.85, 22.24±2.78 and 21.24±5.84, and 14.85±1.7 and 14.99±1.02 for Final Standard Length, Final Total Length, Total Length Gain, Final Weight and Weight Gain respectively. There was no significance difference in growth between T2 and T3. The study did not discourage the use of concrete tanks and plastic tanks for H. bidorsalis culture, but considered earthen ponds as most ideal culture facility for yields optimization in H. bidorsalis.

Magnetically controlled growing rod in early onset scoliosis: a 30-case multicenter study

Preliminary results of magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGR) are encouraging. However, only short case series of MCGR for the treatment of early onset scoliosis (EOS) have been reported. Our aim was to evaluate its effectiveness and complications. We report a 30-case retrospective, consecutive, multicenter series of MCGR. Effectiveness was judged upon: deformity correction and difficulties to achieve desired distraction. Secondary endpoints included complications and revision surgeries. Median age at surgery was 9.1years (5-13). Mean follow-up was 18.4months (12-33.9). Mean Cobb angle was 66° preoperatively and 44° at latest follow-up. MCGR has avoided an average of 2.03 scheduled surgical procedures per patient compared to traditional growing rod (GR). The intended total length gain was 40.1mm per patient (5-140) and the total measured length gain was 21.9mm (45.5% discrepancy). There were 24 complications: 7 proximal pull-outs of the hooks, 3 rod breakages, 6 failures of the lengthening of which 4 complete blockages and 2 complete blockages followed by backtracking, 1 proximal junctional kyphosis, 1 wound dehiscence, 1 superficial infection, 1 deep infection requiring implant removal, 1 pulmonary embolism, 1 pulmonary insufficiency, 1 secondary lumbar scoliosis, and 1 painful outpatient distraction. Eight patients had a gradual loss of effectiveness of distractions. There were 13 revision surgeries in 9 patients. MCGR provides satisfactory deformity correction and avoids repeated surgical procedures for lengthening. However, it has substantial complication rate. Although less frequent than in GR, the law of diminishing returns also applies to MCGR.

Limb reconstruction in Ollier's disease.

We present our experience of lengthening and correction of complex deformities in the management of patients with Ollier’s dysplasia (multiple enchondromatosis) from 1985 and 2002. All patients were under 18 years with a minimum follow-up time of 2 years (mean 9.6 years, range 2–15 years). There were a total of ten patients of which seven were male and three female. The mean age at presentation was 10.7 years (range 5–17 years; SD 3.7 years). The total length gain was 42.3 mm (range 30–110 mm; SD 28.9 mm). The number of days in external fixation was 164.8 days (range 76–244 days; SD 42.9 days). The bone healing index was 32.5 days/cm (18–50 days/cm; SD 10.3 days/cm). Patients with Ollier’s disease have limb length inequality and angular deformities and require multiple reconstructive procedures owing to a high incidence of recurrence. We identified a tendency for the osteotomy to prematurely consolidate and advise the latency period after surgery to be 4–5 days and for distraction to proceed at a faster rate.

Achondroplasia and limb lengthening: Results in a UK cohort and review of the literature

AimsWe aim to review the results, complications and outcomes of a single surgeon's series of lower limb lengthening in patients with achondroplasia. MethodsTen achondroplastic children underwent limb lengthening. The patients, medical records and radiographs were reviewed. ResultsThe average age at the time of the index operation was 7.8 years. A single surgeon undertook all procedures. The average total length gain was 20.5 cm. The commonest complication was a fractured femur after removal of the frame. ConclusionAlthough complication rates were high (70%), none were left with any long-term sequelae and all were pleased with the results.

Crescimento de juvenis de Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum e Pseudoplatystoma spp. em viveiro

The growth of the fish is an important factor that determines the potential of various species for economic exploitation. The aim this work was evaluates the growth juvenile cachara and hybrid grown in pond. Information was collected of weight and morphometric measures during the experimental period. Total length gain, body height gain, body width gain, weight gain, growth index, morphometric ratios and body percentage were calculated. The methodology of generalized linear models was used, considering Gamma distribution and inverse link function. The variances and averages of variables were submitted tests F of the Snedecor and Chi-Square, respectively. The hybrids gained more weight in second and third biometrics, beyond of presented greater total length gain and body percentage. The head size and head width of cacharas were higher in three biometrics. The variances of hybrids were higher in the second and third biometrics. The hybrids presented better performance, but lesser standardization for traits evaluated than pure specie, confirming the need development genetic improvement programs that performs pure species selection for increased commercial production.

Nanomechanics of the MPMV Capsid-Protein-Binding RNA Fragment

The interaction between RNA and binding proteins plays an important role in the structure, stability, function and dynamics of either molecular species. The Mason-Pfizer monkey retrovirus (MPMV) is an ideal model for investigating RNA-protein interactions, because part of the genomic RNA, called the packaging signal, is influenced by the binding of its capsid proteins. To explore the properties of MPMV RNA, we manipulated individual molecules of the packaging-signal sequence by using force-measuring optical tweezers.The 207-base-long segment of MPMV RNA corresponding to the packaging signal, extended on each side with 1200-base-long indifferent gene segments for mechanical handling, was cloned into a pET28a vector, then expressed in an in vitro transcription system. Complementary DNA strands were hybridized to this RNA in a thermal-ramp protocol so as to obtain RNA/DNA handle ends. The complex was then manipulated in repetitive stretch and relaxation cycles across a force range of 0-80 pN under Mg-free conditions. At a stretch rate of 250 nm/s force increased monotonically and non-linearly. Above 15 pN a two-step transition was typically observed, corresponding to the unfolding of the RNA molecule. The total length gain (∼100 nm) associated with the process is in good agreement with the theoretical contour length. The transitions were not reversible during relaxation with a rate of 250 nm/s, suggesting that the force-dependent refolding kinetics are slow in comparison with that of the experiment. However, upon introducing a ∼30-second pause before the second mechanical cycle, the unfolding transitions reappeared. Our findings suggest that the packaging signal forms a complex, stable secondary structure that unfolds in at least two major steps. Whether the kinetics of the transitions are influenced by the presence of capsid proteins is a subject of further detailed investigations.

Influência da primeira alimentação na larvicultura e alevinagem do yamú Brycon siebenthalae (Characidae)

Two experiments were carried out at Instituto de Acuicultura de Los Llanos/Universidad de Los Llanos (Villavicencio, Colômbia) to evaluate first feeding influence on yamú larval rearing. In the first experiment, the following prey types were tested to first feeding for yamú larvae during 24 hours: Artemia sp. nauplii, wild zooplankton and pirapitinga (Piaractus brachypomus) larvae. In the control yamú larvae were subjected to starvation. Pirapitinga larva was the prey item that offered the best results for weight and total length gain (p < 0.05). In the second experiment, yamú larvae performance was compared when stocked into fertilized ponds during 15 days either at the onset feeding or after first feeding with pirapitinga larvae prey item. Survival rate was lower in the larvae that were stocked into rearing ponds at the onset of feeding (13.4%) when compared to survival of yamú larvae that were stocked after receiving pirapitinga larvae (74.1%). These results indicate that the use of pirapitinga larvae at first feeding increases performance of yamú larval rearing.

Manejo de la primera alimentación del bocachico (Prochilodus magdalenae)

En el Centro de Investigación Piscícola de la Universidad de Córdoba se realizaron dos experimentos; en el primero, el objetivo fue evaluar el efecto de diferentes presas en el manejo de la primera alimentación del bocachico Prochilodus magdalenae y en el segundo, con la mejor presa del ensayo anterior, determinar el tiempo mínimo de manejo de la primera alimentación. En ambos casos las post-larvas fueron sembradas a 50/ L en acuario de 5 L. En el primer experimento se evaluaron las siguientes presas: nauplios de Artemia (NA), cistos descapsulados de Artemia (CA), zooplancton silvestre tamizado entre 125-160 μm (Z125-160) y zooplancton silvestre tamizado entre 250-400 μm (Z250-400), ofrecidas durante cinco días a razón de 5 Presa/mL. Además, un grupo de post-larvas fue sometida a ayuno. Las mayores ganancias de peso y longitud total la registraron las post-larvas alimentadas con NA (2.0±1.8 mg, 1.8±0.9 mm) y Z250-400 (2.0±1.1 mg, 1.6±0.5 mm). La sobrevivencia de las post-larvas alimentadas con NA (73.2±10.7%) fue mayor a las registradas en los demás tratamientos (P&lt;0.05). La baja sobrevivencia de las post-larvas alimentadas con Z250-400 μm (49.9±23.8%) se debió a la mortalidad ocasionada por la presencia de copépodos predadores en el zooplancton ofrecido (Mesocyclops sp, Thermocyclops decipiens ). El pobre crecimiento de las post-larvas alimentadas con Z125- 160 (0.8±0.4 mg, 1.1±0.2 mm) y CA (0.5±0.9 mg, 0.7±0.5 mm) fue debido en el caso del zooplancton porque resultó pequeño para la abertura bucal del bocachico (671±12.8 mm) y por tanto ineficiente en el balance energético; mientras que en el caso de CA este se comportó como un alimento inerte que no estimuló su consumo. En el segundo ensayo se ofreció NA durantes diferentes periodos: 1, 3, 5 y 7 días, a razón de 5 presas/mL. No se observaron diferencias significativas en la sobrevivencia final entre los diferentes tratamientos; la cual osciló entre 86.0±9.8% (1 día) y 91.1±7,7% (3 días). Las post-larvas alimentadas por 7 días presentaron la mejor ganancia en peso (5.3±3.8 mg) y ganancia en longitud (2.8±1.6 mm). Las post-larvas alimentadas entre 3 y 5 días no presentaron diferencias significativas en la ganancia en peso (P&gt;0.05). Mientras que la tasa de crecimiento específico (G) osciló entre 17.1 (5 días) y 22.3 %/día (3 días), sin observarse diferencias estadísticas significativas (P&gt;0.05). Las post-larvas alimentadas durante 3, 5 y 7 días presentaron las mejores sobrevivencias (92.2±6.2, 93.3±4.3, 95.6±3.9% respectivamente) cuando fueron sometidas a la prueba de resistencia al estrés. Las post-larvas alimentadas por un solo día mostraron la menor sobrevivencia al ser sometidas a esta prueba (87±1%). Los resultados del estudio sugieren que nauplios de Artemia o zooplancton silvestre en el rango de 250-400 mm, libre de predadores, son presas adecuada para el manejo de la primera alimentación al menos durante 3 días antes de ser sembradas en estanques en tierra.