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Abstract Tilapia is one of the most important aquaculture species due to the desirable characteristics as easy reproduction and quick growth in several farming systems, including the recirculating aquaculture systems RAS. In this, the high flow of water to remove waste casually stimulates the fish to swim backset, and growth performance may be improved. Increasing the speed of swimming can improve performance within certain limits, in which however if exceeded can be harmful. Fish may be exhausted leading to impaired growth or even mortality. The objective of this work was to evaluate the growth performance of tilapia juveniles under sustained swimming exercise at different speeds. Additionally, the fish stocking density effect was tested in the sustained swimming exercise condition. In the first experiment, Nile tilapia juveniles were submitted in triplicates to sustained swimming exercise in speeds of control (not exercised), 1 BL/s (body length per second), 1.5 BL/s and 2 BL/s. In the second experiment, two fish stocking densities were tested in triplicates in sustained swimming exercise in speed of 2 BL/s and control not exercised. Fish growth performance was improved by sustained swimming exercise in speeds up to 2 BL/s. No expressive fish mortalities were observed in both experiments. The comparison between the two stocking densities does not allow us to safely say tilapia can be reared at stocking densities in order of 1,000 fish/m3, even under sustained swimming exercise. Other densities need to be tested.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of macronutrients and essential amino acids on digestive process of the freshwater teleost Matrinxã (Brycon amazonicus). Juveniles were fed with diets containing starch plus free amino acids or oil plus free amino acids for 15 days. These fish were compared with others fed with diets containing starch or oil without addition of free amino acids. After the experimental span, 12 fish from each treatment were randomly sampled to collect stomach, pyloric cecum, anterior and posterior intestine for assaying digestive enzymes activity. Increase of gastric proteolysis due to dietary amino acids were observed. Amylolytic, proteolytic and lipolytic activities in intestine sections were also positive related to dietary amino acids. However, proteolytic and lipolytic activities in pyloric cecum were not responsive to dietary changes. Moreover, the absence of starch in the diets resulted in decrease of amylolysis, and very low levels of oil did not change the lipolytic activity. In conclusion, activities of amylase, protease and lipase of Matrinxãare selectively responsive to addition of free essential amino acids concerning the gut section.

Abstract Aims: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of the resistance training (RT) on the lipid profile and metabolism, oxidative stress, and activity of metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in the left ventricle (LV) of diet-induced obesity rats. Methods: Forty males Wistar rats 90 days-old were grouped into four groups (n=10): i) Sedentary group (SED); ii) Obese sedentary group, feed with high-fat diet (Ob-SED); iii) Resistance Trained group (RT), and iv) Obese Resistance trained group (Ob-RT). The LV was assayed to Obesity index, LV lipid content, citrate synthase activity, lipid peroxidation (TBARS), enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems, lipid profile, cardio-metabolic parameters, and activity of MMP-2. Results: High-fat diet was associated with manifestations of the obesity, body mass gain, and increased obesity index, accompanied by an alteration in the lipid profile. On the other hand, RT was able to prevent body weight gain, to reduce the obesity index and to improve the lipid profile, to elevate the activation of the citrate synthase, and to decrease MMP-2 activity in the LV of obese rats. Conclusion: RT positively modulated blood lipid profile and antioxidant enzymes preventing the increased activity of MMP-2 in the left ventricle from rats fed with high-fat diet.

Immune functions in teleosts are straightly influenced by environmental temperature. Low temperatures usually affect negatively the immune status of fishes favoring the incidence of diseases. Immune cells in fishes are protected from peroxidation by dietary vitamin E. Innate immune defenses of Piaractus mesopotamicus were evaluated in fish fed with diets supplemented with vitamin E for 45 days. The fish endured decreases in environmental fluctuations of temperature for 24 and 72 h. The most effects were observed at the 24th hour, in which the level of plasma cortisol increased independently of dietary supplement of vitamin E and a lessening of MNL and a raise of GL counting were observed in fish fed with supplemented diets. The lowest SL variation was observed in fish fed with the maximum level of vitamin E, but the dietary vitamin E decreased the HAC. However, the stressing condition increased HAC. Dietary vitamin E used in the present experimental conditions did not present remarkable effects on the immune frame of pacu to cope with environmental thermal fluctuations but other investigations concerning the vitamin half-life and its association with unsaturated dietary lipids seem to be fundamental.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of stocking density associated with the swimming exercise on the stress responses of Brycon amazonicus. During 70 days, fish were subjected to three stocking densities: LD, low density of 88 fish per cubic meter; ID, intermediary density of 176 fish per cubic meter; and HD, high density of 353 fish per cubic meter. These densities were combined with static water (non-exercised group) or moderate-speed water (exercised group). Chronic stress was observed in HD, and plasma cortisol and glucose increased with the stocking densities. In HD, levels of plasma cortisol were significantly lower in exercised fish (135 ng mL-1) than in non-exercised ones (153 ng mL-1). The greatest hepatic glycogen bulks occurred in fish kept in ID and sustained swimming. Hepatic free amino acids (FAA) increased with the stocking density, particularly in non-exercised fish. The contents of FAA in the liver and of free fatty acids (FFA) in the liver and muscle were mobilized to meet the metabolic demands imposed by exercise and stocking density. The hematological parameters remained stable. The results show that Brycon amazonicus is more resistant to stress when subjected to sustained swimming and high stocking density than to static water.

Metabolic adjustments were studied in channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus exposed to 1.5 mg L-1 of phe nol (10% LC50) for four days and recovered for seven days. Lower triacylglycerol (TGA) stores and increased muscle fat free acids (FFA) suggest fat catabolism in muscle. Remarkable liver FFA decrease (-31%) suggests liver fat catabolism as well. Increased muscular ammonia levels and ASAT (aspartate aminotransferase) and decreased plasma aminoacids suggest higher muscular amino acid uptake. Constant levels of glucose and increased liver glycogen stores, associated with lower amino acids in plasma, indicate gluconeogenesis from amino acids. This is supported by higher hepatic ALAT and ASAT. Higher hepatic LDH followed by lower plasma lactate may indicate that plasma lactate was also used as gluconeogenic substrate. Biochemical alterations were exacerbated during the post-exposure recovery period. Reduction in muscle and plasma protein content indicate proteolysis. A higher rate of liver fat catabolism was resulted from a remarkable decrease in hepatic TGA (-58%). Catabolic preference for lipids was observed in order to supply such elevated energy demand. This study is the first insight about the metabolic profile of I. punctatus to cope with phenol plus its ability to recover, bringing attention to the biological consequences of environmental contamination.

Abstract AIMS To evaluate the acute effects of a resistance exercise session performed on ladder on energy metabolism, stress, and muscle damage in rats. METHODS Male Wistar rats were randomly distributed in Exercise (E) (n=30) and Control (C) (n = 20) groups. The E group performed a resistance exercise session on a vertical ladder with weights on their tails. Blood samples were collected at rest and after each climb to analyze lactate levels and ten minutes after the last climb to analyze lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), and corticosterone levels. RESULTS Blood lactate levels remained stable during exercise. Serum corticosterone, blood glucose, LDH and CK levels increased and glycogen content decreased in the E group, when compared to the C group. CONCLUSION These results suggest that resistance exercise performed on ladder is a model of high-intensity exercise. However, the stabilization of lactate during the session suggests that the aerobic metabolism is an important factor during the intervals between climbs.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of pelletized or extruded diets, with different levels of carbohydrate and lipid, on the gastrointestinal transit time (GITT) and its modulation in pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus). One hundred and eighty pacu juveniles were fed with eight isonitrogenous diets containing two carbohydrate levels (40 and 50%) and two lipid levels (4 and 8%). Four diets were pelletized and four were extruded. Carbohydrate and lipid experimental levels caused no changes to the bolus transit time. However, the bolus permanence time was related to diet processing. Fish fed pelletized diets exhibited the highest gastrointestinal transit time. Regression analysis of bolus behavior for pelletized and extruded diets with 4% lipid depicted different fits. GITT regression analysis of fish fed 8% lipid was fitted to a cubic equation and displayed adjustments of food permanence, with enhanced utilization of the diets, either with extruded or pelletized diets. GITT of fish fed extruded diets with 4% lipid was adjusted to a linear equation. The GITT of pacu depends on the diet processing and is affected by dietary levels of lipid and carbohydrate.

Colomerus Newkirk & Keifer, 1971 is an eriophyid genus described by Newkirk and Keifer about 43 years ago, that contains species from all continents, except Antarctica. They live mostly on dicotyledonous plants. Colomerus novahebridensis Keifer, 1977 was described from coconut (Cocos nucifera L., Arecaceae) fruits from Vanuatu. A description of a Thai population of this species is given in this paper. A revised characterization of Colomerus and a dichotomous key for the separation of the species presently considered to belong to this genus are provided, and a consideration about the importance of Colomerus species is presented.

Background: determination of water velocity for optimum fish growth is fundamental since its duration and intensity can interfere with the metabolic preference for some biochemical paths, resulting in the use of specific substrates for fish growth. Objective: the purpose of this study was to assess the metabolic adjustments of juvenile matrinxã (Brycon amazonicus) reared under various sustained swimming conditions (SS). Methods: fish were subjected to SS for 90 days at five swimming speeds: 0.0 (control), 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 Body Length per second (BL/s). At the end of the experimental period, fish were euthanized; samples of blood, liver, white-muscle, red-muscle and ventral muscle were collected and metabolite concentrations were evaluated. Results: fish reared between 1.0-1.5 BL/s increased the hepatosomatic index (HSI) while those swimming at velocities higher than 1.5 BL/s showed diminished HSI and visceral fat. Fish under moderate swimming utilized visceral fat to supply energy for red muscle contractions while white muscle of fish swimming at higher speeds used carbon backbones from amino acids plus visceral fat. Conclusion: sustained swimming between 1.0-1.5 BL/s enhanced the intermediary metabolism of B. amazonicus, improving fish performance. Future studies linking macronutrient dietary levels and SS should allow adjusting rearing conditions under SS to optimize growth versus metabolic performance.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of sustained swimming and dietary protein levels on growth and hematological responses of juvenile pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus). A completely randomized design was used in a 3x2 factorial arrangement, with three levels of dietary protein (24, 28, and 32% crude protein), two rearing conditions (sustained swimming or motionless water), and 15 replicates. Fish were subjected to sustained swimming at the velocity of two body lengths per second (2 BL s-1), for 45 days. The level of dietary protein and the swimming conditions affected the performance, growth, and hematological profile of pacu. Swimming conditions influenced nutritional factors, increasing daily weight gain, specific growth rate, number of erythrocytes, mean corpuscular volume, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin. Fish under sustained swimming and fed with 24% crude protein showed better growth performance, with higher specific growth rate (4.11±0.88) and higher daily weight gain (2.19±0.47 g per day). Sustained swimming can increase the productive performance of pacu and simultaneously reduce dietary protein levels.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of extruded or pelletized diets on the condition factor, body composition and fatty acid composition of Piaractus mesopotamicus. Eight isoproteic diets (220 gkg-1 digestible protein) were supplied for 90 days ad libtum. The following parameters were evaluated: condition factor, body composition, and fatty acid composition. The condition factor showed different responses according to the type of processing. The body composition of the fish submitted to different diets showed no statistical difference. The pellet diets with 40% carbohydrate consistently showed the highest ratio compared to n3/n6 extruded diets. The fatty acid composition of the fillet showed an interaction of carbohydrate, lipids and processing. The increase in carbohydrate in the extruded diets produced Piaractus mesopotamicus with higher levels of omega-3.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito da natação sustentada sobre a atividade digestiva proteolítica e o crescimento de juvenis de matrinxã (Brycon amazonicus), alimentados com dois níveis de proteína. Foram utilizados 240 peixes, tratados com 28 ou 38% de proteína bruta (PB), durante 60 dias, em duas situações distintas: em natação sustentada à velocidade de uma vez e meia o comprimento corporal por segundo, e em sistema convencional de cultivo, sem movimento forçado. Os peixes em natação sustentada e alimentados com 28% de PB apresentaram melhor desempenho, expresso como maior crescimento, alta taxa de crescimento específico, maior ganho de peso e melhor eficiência alimentar. A natação sustentada proporcionou aumento significativo da atividade digestiva proteolítica alcalina, proporcional ao conteúdo de proteína na dieta. Juvenis de matrinxã alimentados com dietas com 28% de PB e em natação sustentada apresentam melhor aproveitamento dos nutrientes como consequência de ação proteolítica digestiva mais efetiva.

Deleterious changes in metabolism, growth performance and body composition may be observed if fish are constrained to swimming continuously or intermittently at over-speeds. This study evaluates effects of four water speeds on growth, body composition and hematologic profile of juvenile matrinxã, Brycon amazonicus. Fish (33.3 ± 0.9 g and 13.44 ± 0.1 cm) were held for 90 days in five water speeds (0.0 - control, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 body lengths per second - BLAt swimming speeds ranging on 1.0 and 1.5 BL s–1, in fish growth was 20% higher. Hemoglobin and red blood cells at 1.5 BL s–1 increased 24% and 18% respectively; hematocrit was 17% higher in all exercised fish; protein content of white muscle at 1.0 BL s–1 was 2% higher; lipid deposition in red muscle at 1.0 BL s–1 was 22% higher and water retention 3% lower. Crude energy levels enhanced 10% in all exercised fish; liver water retention was 6% lower at 1.0 BL s–1; liver lipid composition was 29% higher than control and 34% higher than 1.5 BL s–1; liver crude energy increased at 1.0 BL s–1 as compared with control and 2.5 BL s–1. Lipid deposition in ventral muscle was 9% higher at 2.0 BL s–1. Although high lipid deposition of matrinxã has been achieved in moderate swimming speeds, lipids may be the main fuel source to maintain the metabolic demands of exercised matrinxã. The best water flow speed for optimized growth of matrinxã ranged on 1.0 and 1.5 BL s–1.Modificações deletérias no metabolismo, rendimento de crescimento e composição corporal podem ser observadas em peixes forçados à natação contínua ou intermitente sob velocidades excessivas. Neste trabalho, os efeitos de quatro velocidades de água no crescimento, composição corporal e perfil hematológico foram avaliados em matrinxãs juvenis, Brycon amazonicus. Os peixes (33,3 ± 0,9 g e 13,44 ± 0,1 cm) foram mantidos durante 90 dias em cinco velocidades de água (0,0 – controle; 1,0; 1,5; 2,0 e 2,5 comprimentos corporais - BL por segundo). As melhores velocidades de nadado estiveram entre 1,0 e 1,5 BL s–1, nas quais o crescimento dos peixes foi 20% maior que nas outras. A hemoglobina e as células vermelhas do sangue em 1,5 BL s–1 aumentaram 24% e 18% respectivamente; o hematócrito foi 17 % maior em todos os peixes exercitados; o conteúdo de proteína do músculo branco em 1,0 BL s–1 foi 2% maior; a deposição de lipídio no músculo vermelho em 1,0 BL s–1 foi 22% maior e a retenção de água foi 3% menor. Os níveis de energia bruta aumentaram 10% em todos os peixes exercitados; a retenção de água no fígado foi 6 % menor em 1,0 BL s–1; a composição de lipídio no fígado foi 29% maior do que o controle e 34% maior do que a 1,5 BL s–1; a energia bruta no fígado aumentou em 1.0 BL s–1 comparada com o controle e 2,5 BL s–1. A deposição de lipídio no músculo ventral foi 9% maior em 2,0 BL s–1. Embora alta deposição de lipídio em matrinxã tenha sido obtida em velocidades moderadas de nado, os lipídios podem ser a fonte de combustível principal para manter as exigências metabólicas de matrinxã em exercício. A melhor velocidade de nado para obter o melhor crescimento em matrinxã está entre 1,0 e 1,5 BL s–1.

O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar o efeito da densidade de estocagem associada ao exercício de natação moderada no desempenho e na composição corporal de juvenis de matrinxã (Brycon amazonicus). Foram utilizados peixes com comprimento e peso médio inicial de 12,3±0,5cm e 18,4±0,1g, os quais foram distribuídos ao acaso em dois grupos: o primeiro grupo de peixes foi estocado em três densidades correspondendo a 88, 176 e 353 peixes m-3 e foi condicionado a nadar a uma velocidade de 1,0cc s-1 (comprimento corporal por segundo) em tanques circulares de 250L, durante 70 dias. O segundo grupo de peixes foi mantido nas mesmas densidades em água parada (sem exercício) perfazendo no total seis tratamentos com três repetições. Foram estimados parâmetros de desempenho e da composição corporal, particularmente do músculo branco e do músculo vermelho de ambos os grupos. Os resultados mostraram que o exercício e a densidade afetaram significativamente o crescimento e a composição dos músculos do matrinxã. O grupo de peixes criados sob exercício moderado na densidade de 176 peixes m-3 apresentou melhor desempenho (PThe aim of the present study was to gauge the effect of stocking density associated to the sustained swimming on the performance and body composition of matrinxã (Brycon amazonicus) juveniles. The fish were initially sized at 12.3±0.5cm length and 18.4g±0.1g weight. They were distributed randomly in two groups: the first was arranged into three densities of 88, 176 and 353 fish m-3 and conditioned to swim at 1.0BL sec-1 in circular tanks of 250L for 70 days; the second was arranged in the same fish densities but in static waters performing six treatments with three repetitions. Performance and body compositions were estimated in white and red muscles for both groups. The results express the growth and muscle composition change in response to the exercise and fish density. The fish maintained in moderate swimming at 176 fish m-3 depicted the best performance (P

The present work evaluated several aspects of the generalized stress response [endocrine (cortisol), metabolic (glucose), hematologic (hematocrit and hemoglobin) and cellular (HSP70)] in the Amazonian warm-water fish matrinxã (Brycon amazonicus ) subjected to an acute cold shock. This species farming has been done in South America, and growth and feed conversion rates have been interesting. However, in subtropical areas of Brazil, where the water temperature can rapidly change, high rates of matrinxã mortality have been associated with abrupt decrease in the water temperature. Thus, we subjected matrinxã to a sudden cold shock by transferring the fish directly to tanks in which the water temperature was 10ºC below the initial conditions (cold shock from 28ºC to 18ºC). After 1h the fish were returned to the original tanks (28ºC). The handling associated with tank transfer was also imposed on control groups (not exposed to cold shock). While exposure to cold shock did not alter the measured physiological conditions within 1h, fish returned to the ambient condition (water at 28º C) significantly increased plasma cortisol and glucose levels. Exposure to cold shock and return to the warm water did not affect HSP70 levels. The increased plasma cortisol and glucose levels after returning the fish to warm water suggest that matrinxã requires cortisol and glucose for adaptation to increased temperature.O presente trabalho avaliou as principais respostas fisiológicas e celulares [endócrino (cortisol), metabólico (glicose), hematológico (hematócrito and hemoglobina) e celular (HSP70)] ao estresse de um peixe de águas tépidas, o matrinxã (Brycon amazonicus ), quando submetido a um choque térmico frio abrupto. Essa espécie vem sendo amplamente cultivada na América do Sul por apresentar excelentes índices zootécnicos de crescimento e conversão alimentar. Entretanto, os produtores rurais encontram limitações no manejo do matrinxã, quando criado em regiões mais frias que sua região de origem, a Bacia Amazônica. Assim, o matrinxã foi submetido a um choque frio através da transferência direta dos peixes para tanques com água fria a 18ºC. Após 1h, esses peixes retornaram a suas caixas de origem a 28ºC. O manuseio de peixes necessário para conduzir o choque térmico experimental foi também imposto aos grupos controle, sendo, entretanto, evitada a água fria. O matrinxã demonstrou claros sinais de estresse fisiológico durante os procedimentos experimentais. Porém, essas respostas não foram associadas ao choque frio, mas sim ao choque quente por ocasião da volta dos peixes para as caixas de origem. As respostas primárias e secundárias de estresse foram evidentes através das análises plasmáticas de cortisol e glicose. Já o hematócrito, a hemoglobina e as expressões da proteína de estresse, HSP70, não foram afetadas. Nossos resultados sustentam que o matrinxã falhou em responder ao choque térmico frio, mas não ao choque térmico quente, que é um estressor evidentemente associado à origem natural dessa espécie de águas de elevadas temperaturas.

O matrinxã (Brycon amazonicus) é uma espécie de interesse comercial. Porém, este peixe movimenta-se em excesso durante práticas de manejo, podendo sofrer ferimentos e perdas de escamas que, muitas vezes, resultam em taxas elevadas de mortalidade. O eugenol, principal componente do óleo de cravo, tem sido bastante utilizado como umanestésico alternativo para peixes por ser um produto natural e de baixo custo. Entretanto, estudos que tratam de respostas metabólicas, em peixes tropicais expostos a diferentes anestésicos, são ainda necessários. Dentro deste intuito, o presente trabalho avaliourespostas metabólicas do Brycon amazonicus ao eugenol, em simulações de banhos anestésicos. A demanda metabólica do matrinxã foi suprida principalmente pelo catabolismo de aminoácidos. Respostas típicas ao estresse foram detectadas por causa do manuseio imposto aos peixes para a realização dos banhos anestésicos. O eugenol não reduziutotalmente essas reações ao estresse. Por outro lado, esse anestésico não provocou estresse adicional em virtude de sua presença em exposições curtas de até 60 mg L-1 por 10 min. O eugenol proporciona segurança aos trabalhadores durante práticas de manejo, sem maioresprejuízos ao matrinxã.Matrinxã (Brycon amazonicus) is a commercial fish that presents excessive movements during handling. This characteristic predisposes the animals to injuries and losses of scales that may result in high mortality rates. Eugenol, the main component of clove oil, has been reported as an alternative fish anesthetic because it is a natural product and cheap. However, studies remain necessary about the metabolic responses of tropical fishes to anesthetics. The present work evaluated metabolic responses of Brycon amazonicus to eugenol in simulated anesthetic baths. The fish metabolic demand was supplied mainly by amino acids catabolism. Typical metabolic stress responses to handling were detected but eugenol could not totally reduce them. On the other hand, the anesthetic dissolved in the water did notprovoke any extra charge of stress during short-term exposures up to 60 mg L-1 for 10 min. Eugenol provides safety to the workers in handling of matrinxã.

Eugenol, the main component of clove oil, has been proposed as an alternative fish anesthetic with no apparent toxic effects to people and environment. In addition, anesthesia may reduce stress and risk of trauma to fish during handling. Therefore, the use of anestheticsmay reduce fish mortality. However, studies are required on short-term exposures to eugenol to assure the target animal safety of this product. The present work reports evaluation of biochemical responses of Nile tilapia to handling with concurrent two environmental concentrations of eugenol. Based on the results of this study, eugenol appears to be a safe anesthetic for use in this species.O eugenol é o principal componente do óleo de cravo, sendo proposto como anestésico alternativo para peixes, pois aparentemente não apresenta características tóxicas aos trabalhadores e ao meio ambiente. Ainda, o uso de anestésicos durante o manejo de peixes pode reduzir o estresse e riscos de acidentes pela movimentação excessiva dos animais. Portanto, a anestesia em peixes pode evitar mortalidade durante o manejo. Entretanto, ainda são necessários estudos sobre os efeitos do eugenol em peixes, o que pode assegurar a sua viabilidade de uso. O presente trabalho avaliou as respostas bioquímicas da tilápia do Nilo submetida ao manuseio e a duas concentrações de eugenol. Os resultados indicam esse produto como seguro para uso nessa espécie.

Fish transport is one of the most stressful procedures in aquaculture facilities. The present work evaluated the stress response of matrinxã to transportation procedures, and the use of clove oil as an alternative to reduce the stress response to transport in matrinxã (Brycon cephalus). Clove oil solutions were tested in concentrations of 0, 1, 5 and 10 mg/L during matrinxã transportation in plastic bags, supplied with water and oxygen as the usual field procedures in Brazil. Clove oil reduced some of the physiological stress responses (plasma cortisol, glucose and ions) that we measured. The high energetic cost to matrinxã cope with the transport stress was clear by the decrease of liver glycogen after transport. Our results suggest that clove oil (5 mg/l) can mitigate the stress response in matrinxã subjected to transport.O transporte de peixes vivos é certamente um dos principais estímulos adversos à homeostase dos peixes nas condições de criação em cativeiro. O presente trabalho mensurou o estresse do matrinxã (Brycon cephalus), quando submetido ao transporte em sacos plásticos, bem como avaliou os efeitos do uso do anestésico óleo de cravo nessa etapa do manejo. Foram testadas as concentrações de 0, 1, 5 e 10 mg/L de óleo de cravo em bolsas plásticas preenchidas com água e oxigênio, de acordo com as práticas comumente utilizadas no Brasil. O óleo de cravo reduziu algumas das principais respostas ao estresse (cortisol, glicose plasmática e íons) mensuradas. O alto gasto de energia para o matrinxã tolerar o transporte foi evidenciado pela diminuição dos valores de glicogênio hepático. Os resultados sugerem que o óleo de cravo em concentração de 5 mg/L pode atenuar as principais respostas de estresse do matrinxã durante o transporte.

Nitrite leads to many physiological and hematological disturbances followed by lethality. This work reports the lethal concentration of nitrite to juvenile matrinxã. Experiments were done at 24ºC, pH 6.7-7.0 under natural photoperiod. Fish were exposed to 0.2- 0.5- 1.0 and 2.0mg L-1 of nitrite N-NO2 for 96h. The 96-h LC50 of nitrite-N was calculated by the trimmed Spearman-Karber method (0.86±0.05mg L-1; 0.57-1.30 to 95%CI) and it was concluded that matrinxã is very sensitive to environmental nitrite. Therefore, care must be taken to prevent accumulation of nitrite in intensive culture systems of matrinxã.

Many chemicals have been used as anaesthetics in fish farms and fish biology laboratories to keep the fish immobilized during handling procedures and to prevent accidents and animal stress. In Brazil, tricaine methane sulfonate (MS 222), quinaldine sulfate, benzocaine, and phenoxyethanol are the most common fish anaesthetics used to prevent fish stress during handling, but many side effects such as body and gill irritations, corneal damage and general risks of intoxication have been reported. Clove oil is a natural product proposed as an alternative fish anaesthetic by many researchers and it has been used in many countries with great economic advantages and no apparent toxic properties. In this work, we assessed the suitability of clove oil to anaesthetize matrinxã. Sixty-three juveniles of matrinxã were exposed to seven anaesthetic batches of clove oil (pharmaceutical grade) namely 18, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70 mg/L. The times to reach total loss of equilibrium and to recover the upright position were measured. Clove oil concentration about 40 mg/L was enough to anaesthetize the fish in approximately one minute and the recovery time was independent in regard to anaesthetic concentration.Diversos produtos químicos têm sido empregados como anestésicos para peixes nas estações de piscicultura e laboratórios de biologia de peixes para a devida imobilização dos organismos, afim de se prevenir acidentes e ferimentos na superfície do corpo dos próprios peixes, que podem ficar susceptíveis a patógenos e taxas altas de mortalidade. A tricaina metano sulfonato (MS 222), a quinaldina, a benzocaina e o phenoxyethanol têm sido amplamente utilizados no Brasil, mas alguns efeitos colaterais são observados como perda de muco, irritação nas brânquias e olhos, e também alguns incômodos aos trabalhadores como a necessidade do uso de luvas. Dessa forma, o óleo de cravo é proposto como um anestésico alternativo por ser um produto natural de custo acessível e sem riscos aparentes de intoxicações. No presente trabalho estudamos a possibilidade do uso do óleo de cravo como anestésico para juvenis de matrinxã, utilizando-se 63 peixes, expondo-os a banhos anestésicos nas concentrações de 18, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 e 60 mg/L, de forma que foram mensurados os tempos necessários para que os peixes atingissem a perda total de equilíbrio e a incapacidade de retornar a posição normal de nado. A concentração de 40 mg/L foi suficiente para anestesiar juvenis de matrinxã em aproximadamente 1 minuto, sendo a recuperação independente da concentração do anestésico.

Portadores da Síndrome de Down estão sob estresse oxidativo endógeno e crônico que pode ser resultado do excesso de atividade da SOD-1. Este trabalho descreve alguns indicadores e adaptações das defesas frente aos danos oxidativos. Observamos que, nas pessoas com Síndrome de Down, a presença de estresse oxidativo (aumento de 48% na atividade da SOD-1) induziu várias adaptações no metabolismo eritrocitário, sendo que a redução da meta-hemoglobina, via aumento da atividade da meta-hemoglobina redutase (29%), garantiria a eficiência do transporte de oxigênio, enquanto o aumento da GSH (61%) propiciaria a integridade funcional do eritrócito. A diminuição dos valores de concentração de hemoglobina e hematócrito, possivelmente, resulta do aumento de atividade da enzima Glicose-6-fosfato desidrogenase e redução da meia-vida eritrocítica. Os efeitos destas adaptações sob a oxigenação do sangue merecem maiores investigações.

With the objective of evaluating the seasonal litter fall of a Mixed Araucaria Forest, in September 98, an experiment was installed at the UFPRs experimental station in São João do Triunfo, Parana State. This station is divided in 30 blocks of 1 ha each. Twenty-seven litter collectors were installed in 3 blocks (9 sampling points per block ). At every 45 days the litter were collected, always attempting to the end of the season. The collected material was conditioned in plastic bags, which were identified with the numbers of the collector and the block where it was installed. After air drying, the material was separated in three fractions (leaves , branches and miscellany ) and then, it was taken to dry kiln at 65ºC until reaching constant weight, in order to determine the dry weight of each litter fraction. The results obtained so far demonstrate that the spring season showed the greatest litter fall, followed by the winter, summer and autumn with the average values (in kg/ha) of 2,433.31; 2,164.79; 1,799.71 and 1,399.00, respectively. The leaves fraction was the main component representing 57% of the total litter fall weight, followed by the branches fraction with 27% and miscellany with 16%.

As características hematológicas do jundiá Rhamdia quelen Quoy & Gaimard, 1824 (Osteichthyes: Pimelodidae), oriundo de cativeiro foram estudadas. Determinou-se o valor médio da contagem de eritrócitos, taxa de hemoglobina, hematócrito, volume corpuscular médio (VCM), concentração de hemoglobina corpuscular média (CHCM) e distribuição percentual de células sangüíneas de defesa orgânica. As células sangüíneas de defesa orgânica (leucócitos e trombócitos) foram identificadas e caracterizadas morfologicamente. Trombócitos e linfócitos foram as células sangüíneas de defesa orgânica mais freqüente nas extensões sangüíneas do R. quelen. A análise de regressão mostrou correlação linear negativa entre o percentual de trombócitos e linfócitos. Os resultados deste estudo fornecem valores sangüíneos normais em R. quelen, em cultivo intensivo, que poderão servir de comparação com dados dessa espécie em outras situações de cultivo.The present paper describes haematological characteristics of jundiá Rhamdia quelen Quoy & Gaimard, 1824 (Osteichthyes: Pimelodidae), reared in captivity. The average values of red blood cells count, hematocrit, hemoglobin rate, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and defense blood cells (leukocytes and thrombocytes), were determined. Identification and morphology of organic defense blood cells were reported. Thrombocytes and lymphocytes were the most frequent cells in slides blood of R. quelen. Linear regression analysis showed negative correlation between thrombocytes and lymphocytes percentual. The present results furnish normal blood values of R. quelen reared intensively, that assist in comparison to the other culture conditions.

Hyper motility is a negative factor in fish handling procedures due to the risks of damages to the animals. Chemicals are widely used to anesthetize fish during biometry and many other handling procedures. 2-Phenoxyethanol is largely employed, but many studies are necessary about tropical fish responses. The present research evaluated the anesthesia induction time for juvenile matrinxã submitted to eight different levels of 2-phenoxyethanol. The range of 2-phenoxyethanol concentration was 250-600mg liter-1. Induction time of anesthesia decreased as a function of 2-phenoxyethanol concentrations. Fish were safely anesthetized approximately after one minute of exposure to 2-phenoxyethanol batches in concentrations above 400mg/liter, and the recover period was about one minute for all anesthetic concentrations. 2-Phenoxyethanol is a safe anesthetic for juvenile matrinxã even in exposures up to 600mg liter-1 being recommended for many field procedures of fish handling.

O transporte é uma prática de manejo necessária em todas as estações de piscicultura. Entretanto, tal evento é um estímulo adverso e agudo, que interrompe o equilíbrio dos animais com o ambiente, de forma a promover o estresse. Alguns peixes de importância comercial, como o matrinxã (Brycon amazonicus), apresentam movimentação excessiva durante o manejo em geral, o que pode ocasionar consequências indesejáveis como perda de muco, de escamas, ferimentos e mortalidade. No presente trabalho, foi testado o anestésico benzocaína adicionado à água de transporte, como forma de reduzir estresse. Foram testadas duas concentrações de benzocaína, 10 e 15mg/L. Os resultados não mostraram efeitos de diminuição de estresse, apesar de a utilização da benzocaína ter reduzido a movimentação dos animais durante o transporte. As concentrações testadas podem ter aumentado o estresse por sofrimento respiratório, entretanto, o equilíbrio hidroeletrolítico não foi alterado, com sugestão de ação do anestésico sobre a liberação de catecolaminas.Transport is a necessary procedure in fish farming. However, it is an adverse and acute stimulus that breaks the balance between fish and environment, starting the stress condition. Some economic relevant species, as “matrinxã” (Brycon amazonicus), present excessive movements in handling, which may result in the unwanted consequences as loss of mucus, scales, injuries and death. In this work, the addition of the anesthetic benzocaine to the transport water was evaluated in juvenile “matrinxã”, in order to still the fish and possibly reducing stress. Two concentrations of benzocaine (10 and 15mg/L) were tested. The results did not show any diminution of indices related to stress, notwithstanding the use of benzocaine during transport. Concentrations tested increased the stress responses by respiratory affliction, however, hydro-electrolytic balance was unaltered, being suggested some effect of the anesthetic on the catecholamine releasing.

Em estudos realizados com variação no teor de proteína na ração para peixes, foi demonstrado o aumento das atividades de protease alcalina, protease ácida, tripsina e quimiotripsina do trato digestório de jundiá (Rhamdia quelen). Esses fatos sugerem que produtos liberados pela digestão na luz desse trato podem influenciar a síntese e a secreção de enzimas digestivas. A secreção destas enzimas pelo pâncreas, em vertebrados, responde à influência neural e humoral. No presente trabalho, foram testadas quatro concentrações (0, 3, 6 e 12%) de uma mistura de aminoácidos (treonina, fenilalanina, leucina, valina, arginina e triptofano em iguais proporções) em dietas isocalóricas contendo 3.500 kcal de energia digestível kg-1 de ração, e dietas isoproteicas contendo 20% de proteína, em juvenis de jundiá. Foram utilizados dez animais por tratamento, sendo os peixes estocados num sistema fechado com recirculação de água e temperatura controlada. Os peixes submetidos a estes tratamentos apresentaram atividade da protease alcalina na região anterior do intestino, responsiva aos diferentes níveis aminoácidos da alimentação. Todavia, as atividades protease alcalina do fígado e amilase do fígado e intestino anterior não foram detectadas. Estes resultados sugerem que a atividade protease alcalina do intestino anterior seja induzida por aminoácidos liberados na luz do trato digestório.

O matrinxã (Brycon amazonicus) é uma espécie de interesse comercial. Porém, este peixe movimenta-se em excesso durante práticas de manejo, podendo sofrer ferimentos e perdas de escamas que, muitas vezes, resultam em taxas elevadas de mortalidade. O eugenol, principal componente do óleo de cravo, tem sido bastante utilizado como um anestésico alternativo para peixes por ser um produto natural e de baixo custo. Entretanto, estudos que tratam de respostas metabólicas, em peixes tropicais expostos a diferentes anestésicos, são ainda necessários. Dentro deste intuito, o presente trabalho avaliou respostas metabólicas do Brycon amazonicus ao eugenol, em simulações de banhos anestésicos. A demanda metabólica do matrinxã foi suprida principalmente pelo catabolismo de aminoácidos. Respostas típicas ao estresse foram detectadas por causa do manuseio imposto aos peixes para a realização dos banhos anestésicos. O eugenol não reduziu totalmente essas reações ao estresse. Por outro lado, esse anestésico não provocou estresse adicional em virtude de sua presença em exposições curtas de até 60 mg L-1 por 10 min. O eugenol proporciona segurança aos trabalhadores durante práticas de manejo, sem maiores prejuízos ao matrinxã.

O eugenol é o principal componente do óleo de cravo, sendo proposto como anestésico alternativo para peixes, pois aparentemente não apresenta características tóxicas aos trabalhadores e ao meio ambiente. Ainda, o uso de anestésicos durante o manejo de peixes pode reduzir o estresse e riscos de acidentes pela movimentação excessiva dos animais. Portanto, a anestesia em peixes pode evitar mortalidade durante o manejo. Entretanto, ainda são necessários estudos sobre os efeitos do eugenol em peixes, o que pode assegurar a sua viabilidade de uso. O presente trabalho avaliou as respostas bioquímicas da tilápia do Nilo submetida ao manuseio e a duas concentrações de eugenol. Os resultados indicam esse produto como seguro para uso nessa espécie.

ABSTRACT Sustained swimming (SS) usually promotes beneficial effects in growth and feed conversion of fishes. Although feed efficiency is improves at moderate water velocity, more information is required to determine the contributions of this factor on growth and body composition. Body composition and efficiency responses to the use of nutrients were determined in juvenile matrinxa Brycon amazonicus (Spix and Agassiz, 1829) fed with two dietary amounts of protein, 28 or 38% of crude protein (CP), and subjected to sustained swimming at a constant speed of 1.5 body lengths s−1 (BL s−1) or let to free swimming. The fish body composition under SS and fed with 28% of dietary protein showed 22% of increased in bulk protein and a 26% of decrease in water content in the white muscle. Red muscle depicted 70% less water content and a 10% more lipid. Nutrient retention was enhanced in fish subjected to SS and a higher gain of ethereal extract sustained was observed in the white muscle of exercised fish fed with 38% CP. The interaction between swimming and dietary protein resulted in a larger bulk of lipid in red muscle. Fish fed with 28% CP under SS at 1.5 BL s−1 presented the best utilization of dietary nutrients and body composition. Thus, this fish farming procedure is proposed as a promising management strategy for rearing matrinxa.

In fish, studies on a wide variety of physiological effects of exercise have been reported since a long time. It has been attributed special attention to some types of exercise, however, its application as a healthful practice in the rearing and welfare of farming fish is rising in last few years. In this particular, long-term intermittent sustained swimming (ISS) has been not yet explored. In this work, the freshwater fish Brycon amazonicus was submitted to (ISS) for 30 days at velocity of 1.0 body-length sec-1 for 12h interspaced by 12h under still water. Hematology and metabolism were evaluated. Exercised fish decreased 30% the erythrocyte number and hemoglobin was unvaried. The stores of liver glycogen and muscular triacylglycerol (TAG) were increased and the metabolic profile was typically aerobic. The slight decrease of liver (TAG) plus the full metabolic and hematic trait allow investing in this kind of exercise a beneficial practice in the rearing of fish species