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The paper presents the influence of the use of supplementary feedings on the development of bee colonies and venom production. We evaluated the venom production during harvests of rapeseed, acacia and sunflower. The research was carried out in the apiary of the Faculty of Bioengineering of Animal Resources within the ULST. The biological material was represented by 40 colonies of bees (Apis mellifera carpatica), divided into 8 experimental groups, each group consisting of 5 colonies with equal strength and a queen of the same age. During the spring, bee colonies were fed sugar syrup into which we introduced probiotic products and/or essential oils. Counting of brood cells was performed at 7, 14 and 21 days during supplementary feeding. At the end of the additional feeding period, as well as during rapeseed, acacia and sunflower harvests, venom was collected using the BeeWhisper v.5.1 venom collector, model 2016. Regarding venom production, the best results were observed in the case of additional feedings with the products used. Batches using Colobiotic (2.2 g venom), Oregano essential oil (2.1 g venom) and Lacium (2.1 g venom) had the highest amounts of venom.

Bee products have a millennia-old tradition in human apitherapy, thanks to their numerous curative properties. The aim of this study was to perform a physicochemical characterization, including the percentage of water content, dry matter, pH, acidity, impurity content, protein, ash, and macro and micro minerals, and to evaluate the antioxidant activity of apiculture products, including apilarnil, royal jelly, and propolis. Samples were collected from our apiary in the Banat region of Romania in 2022 as well as from the market. Apilarnil and royal jelly were analyzed in pure and freeze-dried form, and propolis in pure and tincture form. Our results show that there is a large variability in the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of the three bee products studied, depending on the form of presentation and source of origin. In the case of commercial bee products, the best results were obtained in terms of chemical composition, including the content of macro and micro nutrients. All the samples analyzed showed acidity, pH, and impurity content values within the limits allowed by the quality standards. Apilarnil from our own apiary recorded the highest values for antioxidant activity, followed by propolis tincture and fresh propolis from own apiary.

European catfish (Silurus glanis) plays an important role in aquaculture due to its fast growth rate, its resistance to different environmental conditions, its adaptability to different rearing systems and the high nutritional and qualitative properties of the meat. Studies by many researchers have proven that coriander (Coriandrum sativum) has beneficial biological effects in fish, but studies regarding its or other phyto-additives influence on the meat quality of European catfish are sparse. The current study aimed to evaluate the influence of coriander seeds powder as phyto-additive (2 and 4%) in dry food pellets given to the European catfish, on chemical composition of its muscle. The coriander seed powder was administered 14 weeks in fish feed in two trials in duplicate: 2% and 4% to one-year-old European catfish. Three hundred fish were randomly selected and stocked into 6 tanks, 50 fish per tank. At the end of the experiment, 5 fish were collected from each tank, euthanized and used for the evaluation of the muscle quality. A piece of epaxial muscle from the highest part of the body was sampled, and subjected to the assessment of the crude protein and fat content, ash and moisture. The results revealed that coriander do not have a significant influence on muscle quality in general, but led to a significant (p£0.01) decrease of crude fat content.

This review focuses on increasing economical efficiency and sustainability of indoor fish farming. Aspects like sustainability and economical efficiency were reviewed. In order to improve man`s health we must reconsider the agricultural sciences, by this we understand that we must develop technologies friendly for the environment. Sustainable indoor fish farming is the farming of the new millennium. Combining aquaculture with hydroponics we obtain a new innovation named aquaponics which respects principles of sustainable agriculture (wastewater biofiltration by plants) and gives us the possibility to increase economical efficiency with an additional production (organic vegetables).

The studies on coypu behaviour are applied in the development of knowledge regarding ethology, in the coypu-breeding technology, animal welfare and, at the moment, they present great importance for animal protection. The biological material studied was consisted of health adult coypus, belonging to the variety Golden Standard with a similar body mass. The indices supervised were: feeding behaviour duration if coypus are fed with barley and carrots according to gender and time slot, the duration of one feeding sequence according to forage consumed and gender and the number of feeding sequences according to forage consumed and gender. For realising the purposed aim, each coypu was monitorized (video), individually, 24 hours a day. The duration of feeding behaviour when coypus are fed with barley and carrots was 4507.88±38.99 seconds for males (5.21% of the behavioural manifestations), and for coypu females, the duration of feeding behaviour was 4576.63±26.01 seconds (5.29% of the behavioural manifestations). The most intense manifestations of the feeding behaviour took place in the time slots 08:00-14:00 and 14:00-20:00, and the lowest intensity of the feeding behaviour manifestations took place in the time slot 02:00-08:00.

Knowing the behaviour of one species, with interest in animal husbandry science represent a compulsory necessity for the development and improvement of the breeding and exploiting technology for this species. The studies on coypus behaviour are applied in the development of knowledge regarding ethology, coypu breeding technology, animal welfare and, at the moment, this present great importance for animal protection. The biological material studied was consisted of adult coypus, belonging to the variety Golden Standard. The supervised indices were: feeding behaviour duration if coypus are fed with maize grain and fodder beet according to gender and time slot, the duration of one feeding sequence according to forage consumed, gender and time slot and the number of feeding sequences according to forage consumed, gender and time slot. For realising the purposed aim, each coypu was monitorized (video), individually, 24 hours a day. The duration of feeding behaviour when coypus are fed with maize grain and fodder beet was 4921.63±472.64 seconds for males (5.69% of the behaviour al manifestations), and for coypu females, the duration of feeding behaviour was 5450.00±297.94 seconds (6.30% of the behaviour al manifestations). The most intense manifestations of the feeding behaviour occurred in the time slot 08:00-14:00, and the lowest intensity of the feeding behaviour manifestations occurred in the time slot 02:00-08:00. The average total number of males feeding sequences if coypus are fed with maize grain and fodder beet was 51.63 ± 5.54 sequences and the average total number of females feeding sequences was 56.38 ± 2.48 sequences.

The pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) is one of the most valuable carnivorous fish species in Europe, and in Romania as well. In the literature there are no relevant data on growth dynamic and correlation among the main body measurements in pikeperch larvae obtained out-of-season and reared in recirculated aquaculture system (RAS). The aim of this study was to bring information for clarifying some of these aspects. Our results emphasized that correlation coefficient between maximum body high (H) and total length (TL) together with standard length (SL) decrease linear from 10 to 25 DPH. The correlation coefficients between the main length measurements (TL and SL) reveal a very high correlation between the two traits in pikeperch larvae. High correlations between body weight (BW) and the other length measurements were observed.

The aim of the study was to assess the spawning latency period in the hormonal induced reproduction of pikeperch. Spawners were injected with human chorionic gonadotropine - hCG (Pregnyl. Prior to the intraperitoneal injection, eggs were sampled to establish the maturation stage of oocytes. Females were stimulated with a single hormone dose of hcG (600 IU kg–1) and males were stimulated with a dose of 300 IU kg–1. There is a large variance in the spawning latency time of pikeperch.

The pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) is one of the main freshwater fish species recently introduced in intensive aquaculture in Romania, with good perspective for next years. Monitoring of the growth dynamic of the pikeperch reared in controlled conditions has a high importance in fish farm management. The aim of this study is to test if there are linear correlations and functional dependencies between total length, standard length, maximum body depth and body weight in pikeperch fingerlings reared into recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). Our results clearly revealed that any of the 4 measurements could be monitored in pikeperch fingerlings, to accurately evaluate the growth dynamic, the correlations among these being very high (between 0.970329 and 0.998856). The dependencies of the evaluated traits are very high, and with our equations detailed in the paper, 3 of measurements could be calculated based on pikeperch’s body weight.

The aquaculture of the sturgeons from the Danube River basin is a niche approached by more and more Romanian entrepreneurs. The sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus) is a fresh water sturgeon with some useful characteristics that recommend this species to become a good candidate for intensive aquaculture in RAS. The monitoring of the growth dynamic of the sterlet or any other fish species reared in controlled conditions is very important for the fish farm management, especially for setting and adjustment of the technological parameters that directly influence the growth performances. The aim of this study is to evaluate the correlations and functional dependencies between some morphological traits, like total and standard length, maximum body depth and body weight in sterlet fingerlings reared exclusively into recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). Our results clearly demonstrated that any of the four body measurements (total length, standard length and maximum body depth and body weight) could be monitored in sterlet fingerlings, to accurately assess the growth dynamic, the correlations among these being very high (ranging from 0.982296 to 0.999778). Moreover, the dependencies of these traits are very high. Three of measurements could be calculated based on sterlet body weight with our equations.

The aim of this study was to quantify the effect that the Optima 100 nutritional supplements (protected fats) and CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) administered in the ration of mother sheep during lactation had on blood indices in lambs during lactation. The experimental period began immediately after lambing and lasted for 60 days. 40 sheeps were grouped as follows: The control group (CG) received only the basic ration (BR); In experimental group 1 (EG1) the basic ration was supplemented with 12 g/head/day with the product Optima 100 which represents protected fats; In experimental group 2 (EG2), BR was supplemented with CLA in an amount of 12 g/head/day. The two nutritional supplements were added to BR, each in an amount of 12 g/head/day, to experimental group 3 (EG3). The values obtained in EG1 lambs were significantly (p0.05) for GLU. For the lambs in group EG 2 the parameters were significantly (p0.05) for TP and TBIL. By combining the two supplements for group EG3, the blood parameters were significantly (p

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of polyculture of the sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus) fingerlings with european catfish (Silurus glanis) (20 – 30%) into recirculating aquaculture system on growth dynamic of the fish and tank’s bioproductivity. Two variants of polyculture have been tested during a period of 42 days in duplicate: V1-sterlet with 20% catfish (600 sterlets and 120 catfish); V2-sterlet with 30% catfish (600 sterlets and 180 catfish). The control group (C) contains sterlet in monoculture (600 sterlets). After 42 days of polyculture of the sterlet fingerlings with catfish 20% (V1) or 30% (V2) there were no significant differences (p>0.05) in sterlets’ growth dynamic among the three variants. The bioproductive indices were better in the polyculture variant where sterlets were farmed with 30% catfish. Polyculture of catfish and sterlet could be a good way to positively influence the fingerling sterlet farming in RAS, having a beneficial impact on tank’s bioproductivity. A significant plus of fish biomass (catfish) resulted by means of valorisation of the unconsumed food by the sterlet, was obtained in both polyculture variants.

Researches were carried out in 60 dairy farms rearing 658 Romanian Black and White (RBW) cows. Dairy cows were enrolled in the official performance control, performed by a local association. Farms were categorized by size (number of dairy cows) as small (≤10), medium (11-25) and large (>25), according to the specific conditions in Hunedoara County. Besides the farm size, the influence of calving season and parity was assessed on the milk production indices: milk yield, fat percentage and yield, and protein percentage and yield. Maturity equivalent (ME) milk, fat and protein yields were 50% (p

The purpose of this experiment was to determine the effect of fennel and sage essential oils administered in a dose of 125, respectively 250 mg/kg CF in the feeding of broiler chickens on the bioproductive indices. The biological material was represented by sexed (male) broiler chickens belonging to the ROSS 308 hybrid on which the phasial breeding (1-10d, 11-21d, 22-35d) was practiced, while observing the recommendations from the ROSS 308 Broiler Management Guide, 2014. The chickens were divided into 5 experimental variants (T0, T1, T2, T3, T4), with 3 replications and 10 chickens/replication. The chickens from T0 (control) have received only the basic diet, for T1 and T2 the basic diet+fennel essential oil (125 and 250 mg/kg CF) were administered, and for T3 and T4, the basic diet+sage essential oil (125 and 250 mg/kg CF). During the first breeding period (0-10d), the highest value for the body weight was recorded at T2 (258.93 g), which also had the lowest feed conversion ratio (1.03 kg CF/kg WG). In the period 11-21d, also in T2, the highest body weight (913.80 g) and the lowest feed conversion ratio (1.29 kg CF/kg WG) were recorded. In the finisher phase (22-35d), T2 maintained differences compared to T0, for body weight +8.01% and -10.56%, for FCR. During the entire breeding period 1-35d, the lowest FCR was recorded in T2 (1.45 kg CF/kg WG). The difference between T2 and T0 was statistically ensured, which highlighted the positive effect of the fennel essential oil (250 mg/kg CF) on the bioproductive performance of broiler chickens.

The polyculture of two or more fish species is very common in ponds, this fish culture technique being relatively newly applied in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of polyculture of the sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio) (30-60%) into recirculating aquaculture system on growth dynamic of the fish and tank’s bio-productivity. Two variants of polyculture have been tested during a month in duplicate: V1 - sterlet with 30% carp (200 sterlets and 60 carps/ 1 m3 tank); V2 - sterlet with 60% carp, (200 sterlets and 120 carps/1 m3 tank). The control group (C) contains sterlet in monoculture (200 sterlets/ 1 m3 tank). The polyculture for 28 days of the sterlets with carps 30% (V1) or 60% (V2) did not significantly (p>0.05) influence the sterlets’ growth dynamic. Bio-productive parameters were better in the polyculture variant where sterlets were farmed with 30% carps. Polyculture could be a good way to positively influence the fingerling sterlet farming in RAS, having a beneficial impact on tank’s bio-productivity. A significant plus of fish biomass (carp) resulted by valorisation of the pellets unconsumed by the sterlet, was obtained in both polyculture variants.

Apiculture products are natural substances secreted or produced by bees, which can be used in aquaculture through food, intramuscular administration or direct in water, in order to improve health due to the antioxidant, antifungal and antimicrobial effect that these products have and also improve growth and reproductive performance of the fish species of economic interest. In this review, we aim to highlight the main studies conducted so far on the use of bee products in aquaculture in order to be able to present an overview of this topic of interest.

Phyto-additives have been used in fish diet with very promising results for sustainable aquaculture. Coriander or cilantro (Coriandrum sativum), is an annual herb, cultivated worldwide primarily as a spice and medicinal plant. It is well known for its healing properties for humans and animals as well. It was proved that coriander has beneficial biological properties on fish. Various effects of coriander supplementation in fish, including enhanced growth performance, improved feed utilization, strengthened immune response, reduced oxidative stress and antimicrobial properties, were reviewed in this paper. In addition, the possible biological mechanisms responsible for these benefits, such as the modulation of serum and blood parameters, immune responses, and antioxidative pathways were investigated as well. Ultimately, this knowledge can pave the way for more sustainable and effective practices, enhancing the overall health and productivity of fish populations while minimizing environmental impact.

Aquaculture plays a substantial role in global food security as an important source of protein which could alleviate worldwide poverty levels. Furthermore, this sector also supplies ecosystem services such as bioremediation, habitat restoration, and wastewater treatment, including replenishing wild fish populations. The challenge of the aquaculture sector is mainly driven by being prone to diseases triggered by versatile pathogenic microorganisms, which contribute to increased mortality levels of fish, reduction of growth performance, which leads to economic loss and the requirement for antimicrobial treatment usually accompanied by antibiotics. Currently, antibiotics are under restrictions in the aquaculture sector, and vaccination demonstrated a relatively low efficiency in combating bacterial and parasitic fish infections. Several alternative approaches have been suggested to prevent disease outbreaks, promote the fish performance and limit the usage of veterinary drugs in aquaculture, such as plant functional feeds and phyto-additives supplements. The present review highlights the current state of phyto-additives supplementation in important aquaculture fish species, evidenced through the attribution of growth stimulation, tackling and resistance against bacterial diseases, augmentation of antioxidant defence and stress tolerance. Filling the performance, immunology and disease knowledge gaps of plant feed additives emphasized here will assist in reducing aquaculture losses in the future.

The alarming decline in sturgeon populations doubled by growing demands for sturgeon products, urge us to prevent the loss of these species. Fish stocking in natural habitats and developing fish farms are viable solutions, which can be successfully implemented with the help of reproductive biotechnologies. Despite the fact that semen cryopreservation is admittedly an important step for saving the Russian sturgeon, a reproducible standard method with good results has yet to be identified. Sperm quality assessment is essential for quantifying the impact of cryopreservation on spermatozoa. The purpose of our study was to provide additional information regarding semen cryopreservation and semen quality evaluation for the Russian sturgeon. Our study method is based on the use of two yolk-free extenders (with different cryoprotectants: DMSO and methanol) for freezing semen, using a simple freezing protocol. Parameters such as volume, concentration, motility, morphology and membrane integrity were evaluated. In conclusion, cryopreservation of Russian sturgeon spermatozoa using an extender containing methanol as cryoprotectant led to high egg fertilization percentages (72.67 ± 5.4%) even if the total motility values recorded for thawed semen were quite low (18–25%). Additionally, we identified two optimal stains for morphological studies and morphometry (Spermac stain kit and Trypan Blue Solution).