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The aim of this study was to determine the effects of sex and hunting location on carcass characteristics and meat quality of wild-living mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) from Croatia. Twenty-eight mallards (14 ♂; 14 ♀) were hunted at two hunting locations (HL I = 8 ♂, 8 ♀; HL II = 6 ♂, 6 ♀) in the Croatian lowlands. The carcasses were eviscerated, dressed, and dissected, and the individual internal organs and carcass parts were weighed. The breast muscle (m. pectoralis major) was sampled and used to determine color, pH, drip loss, cooking loss, shear force, and proximate chemical and fatty acid composition. Sex and HL had a significant effect on the majority of carcass characteristics analyzed, but they had no effect on the physical meat parameters. The protein and ash content of mallard meat was significantly higher in HL II (23.16% vs. 22.67%; 1.45% vs. 1.36%, respectively) and the moisture content in females (72.40% vs. 71.59%). HL had a significant effect on SFA (II 33.96% vs. I 29.91%), PUFA n-3 (II 3.55% vs. I 2.69%), PUFA/SFA and n-6/n-3 ratios, and all lipid indices. Females had a significantly higher C22:6n-3 content, a higher PI index and a lower n-6/n-3 ratio. The data presented in this study contribute to a better understanding of game-bird meat quality originating from different regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reliance on fish meal can be reduced by incorporating plant-based ingredients, making aquaculture more economical, sustainable and environmental friendly. In this study, the efficacy of plant protein ingredients (PPI) such as mustard oil cake (MOC), soybean meal (SBM) and rice bran (RB) as Partial substitute of fishmeal (FM) was investigated for a commercially important fish, Labeo rohita in cages for 90 days. Three experimental diets, labeled as Diet 1, Diet 2, and Diet 3, were formulated to be isonitrogenous (with protein content ranging from 32.20 to 32.29%) and iso-caloric (with gross energy ranging from 4.12 to 4.17 kcal/g). These diets contained different proportions of PPI (45, 68, and 79%) and FM (46, 23, and 11%, respectively). Square-shaped cages with a volume of 1m3 (1 m × 1 m × 1 m) were stocked with 40 fish/m3 each with an average initial weight of 52.97 g in triplicates. Fish were hand-fed to apparent satiation twice daily for 7 days a week at a feeding rate of 5% in the initial month and 3% for the rest of the culture period. 50% of the caged fish was sampled monthly to monitor growth performance and at the termination of the experiment, all the fish was harvested to measure production economics performance. The results indicated improved growth performance and higher feed utilization at Diet 2, yielding significantly (p < 0.05) higher fish production compared to Diet 3, while these parameters were insignificant with Diet 1. By replacing FM with PPI, the total feed cost compared to Diet 1 was reduced to 20.62 and 32.76% for Diet 2 and Diet 3, respectively. The replacement of 50% FM in Diet 2 also yielded a 15.61% higher total economic net return than the Diet 1 group. However, a higher inclusion rate of PPI in Diet 3 potentially reduced fish growth, with a consequent decline of 41.61% total economic net return compared to the Diet 1 group. In conclusion, the replacement of 50% FM in Diet 2 compared to Diet 1 returned a higher benefit-cost ratio (1.72) among the feeding groups. Therefore, this FM replacement experiment suggested a 50% FM replaced diet as an unconventional, cost-effective, and readily available novel protein source without compromising the inherent nutritional quality of fish and feed in the cage culture of L. rohita. The results could be widely applicable to the fastgrowing approach of cage culture technology across Asia and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract 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.

Reliance on fish meal can be reduced by incorporating plant-based ingredients, making aquaculture more economical, sustainable and environmental friendly. In this study, the efficacy of plant protein ingredients (PPI) such as mustard oil cake (MOC), soybean meal (SBM) and rice bran (RB) as Partial substitute of fishmeal (FM) was investigated for a commercially important fish, Labeo rohita in cages for 90 days. Three experimental diets, labeled as Diet 1, Diet 2, and Diet 3, were formulated to be isonitrogenous (with protein content ranging from 32.20 to 32.29%) and iso-caloric (with gross energy ranging from 4.12 to 4.17 kcal/g). These diets contained different proportions of PPI (45, 68, and 79%) and FM (46, 23, and 11%, respectively). Square-shaped cages with a volume of 1m3 (1 m × 1 m × 1 m) were stocked with 40 fish/m3 each with an average initial weight of 52.97 g in triplicates. Fish were hand-fed to apparent satiation twice daily for 7 days a week at a feeding rate of 5% in the initial month and 3% for the rest of the culture period. 50% of the caged fish was sampled monthly to monitor growth performance and at the termination of the experiment, all the fish was harvested to measure production economics performance. The results indicated improved growth performance and higher feed utilization at Diet 2, yielding significantly (p < 0.05) higher fish production compared to Diet 3, while these parameters were insignificant with Diet 1. By replacing FM with PPI, the total feed cost compared to Diet 1 was reduced to 20.62 and 32.76% for Diet 2 and Diet 3, respectively. The replacement of 50% FM in Diet 2 also yielded a 15.61% higher total economic net return than the Diet 1 group. However, a higher inclusion rate of PPI in Diet 3 potentially reduced fish growth, with a consequent decline of 41.61% total economic net return compared to the Diet 1 group. In conclusion, the replacement of 50% FM in Diet 2 compared to Diet 1 returned a higher benefit–cost ratio (1.72) among the feeding groups. Therefore, this FM replacement experiment suggested a 50% FM replaced diet as an unconventional, cost-effective, and readily available novel protein source without compromising the inherent nutritional quality of fish and feed in the cage culture of L. rohita. The results could be widely applicable to the fast-growing approach of cage culture technology across Asia and beyond.

Trace elements are dangerous to human health and there is a rising concern about the quality of processed foods in some parts of the world, especially in Iraq. The chemical composition (total sold, moisture, and ash) and concentrations of trace elements in canned fish (Skipjack tuna, Sardines, Tuna fish, Sardines, and Mackerel) from the Kalar market, Iraq were determined by using an inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer. The ranges obtained for the elements in mg/kg were as follows: Se (0.025–0.77), As (0.02–1.07), B (0.05–0.7), Ag (0.04–0.83), Ba (0.05–0.975), Mg (29.8–37.5), Mn (0.97–2.09), Cu (0.91–3.09), and Zn (5.12–11.7). The studied canned fishes pose no risk with respect to the estimated daily intake of Se, As, B, Ag, Ba, Mg, Mn, Cu, and Zn. The total target hazard quotients for the studied metals from individual fish species (except Fme, Fma, and Fsh) were more than one, which was responsible for noncarcinogenic risks. The target carcinogenic risk value for arsenic was also higher than the standard (10-4) set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. It revealed that the consumption of canned fish causes a chronic cancer risk to humans.

The study aims were to test the effects of partial or total replacement of dietary fish oil (FO) by palm oil (PO) on growth, antioxidant capacity, lysozyme activity, muscle fatty acid composition, and fillet quality of rohu (Labeo rohita) fingerlings. The rohu fingerlings (3.25 ± 0.13 g) were stocked in 18 circular (water volume 55 L) polyvinyl tanks in triplicate groups (30 fish per tank). Six iso-proteic (400 g/kg) and iso-lipidic (97 g/kg) purified diets were formulated in which FO was replaced by 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100% PO (0 PO, 20 PO, 40 PO, 60 PO, 80 PO, and 100 PO). The diets were fed to the fish for 8 weeks, with meals being given at 8:00, 12:00, and 16:00 h. There were no significant (P > 0.05) treatment effects on growth (19.32–22.58 g gain/fish), feed conversion ratio (1.32–1.68), and protein efficiency ratio (1.48–1.89). However, protein retention efficiency was highest (33.25–34.99%) in fish fed the 0 PO and 60 PO diets, and lipid retention efficiency was highest (53.09%) in the fish fed the 100 PO diet. Muscle eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels and n-3/n-6 ratio were highest in fish fed the 100% FO diet and decreased as increasing proportions of FO were replaced by PO. Serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and lysozyme activity did not change significantly (P > 0.05) up to 60% replacement of FO with PO. Further replacement of FO with PO (80 PO and 100 PO) resulted in decreased serum antioxidant capacity and lysozyme activity. Although muscle atherogenicity and thrombogenicity indices did not change significantly (P > 0.05) among treatments, the highest hypocholesterolaemic-to-hypercholesterolaemic (H/H) ratio and fillet lipid quality (FLQ) were found in fish receiving the 0 PO (with 100% FO and no PO). H/H and FLQ values did not differ significantly up to 60% replacement of FO with PO but decreased upon further replacement of FO with PO. FO can be replaced by PO to a level of 60% without hampering the growth and fillet quality of fingerling rohu provided with such diets for a period of a few weeks, but the long-term effects of FO replacement remain to be studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 61-day growth experiment was carried out to evaluate the potential of a poultry-based protein (PBP) comprising of feather meal (FeM) and poultry meat and bone meal (PMBM), as a fishmeal (FM) substitute in diets of juvenile pikeperch (Sander lucioperca, L.). Pikeperch (initial body weight 113.12 g) were randomly distributed in groups of 250 fish in twelve 1.8 m3 circular recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) tanks, and fed four isonitrogenous (52% crude protein), isolipidic (17% crude lipid), and isocaloric (21.80 KJ/g energy) experimental diets. The feeds contained FM as the primary protein source (PBP0) or PBP replacing 20 (PBP20), 40 (PBP40), or 60% (PBP60) of the FM. Based on appetite and calculated uneaten feed, the feeding rate was initially set at 1.5% and subsequently reduced to 1% of the total tank biomass towards the end of the study. At the end of the experiment, the average feed intake ranged from 1.93 to 2.00 g/fish/day (p > 0.05). No adverse effects on growth and feed efficiency were observed in fish fed diets PBP0, PBP20, and PBP40. Particularly, the final body weight (FBW) (248.73, 240.11 g), feed conversion ratio (FCR) (0.86, 0.91), specific growth rate (SGR) (1.29, 1.35%/day), and protein efficiency ratio (PER) (2.20, 2.12) of fish fed PBP20 and PBP40 were not significantly different from the control PBP0 whose values ranged from 248.11 g, 0.89, 1.27%/day, and 2.18, respectively (p > 0.05). In all treatments, the condition factor (k) (1.31 to 1.33), hepatosomatic index (HSI) (2.35 to 2.70%), visceral somatic index (VSI) (6.87 to 7.19%), and whole-body composition of crude protein (57.77–58.28%) and crude lipid (23.85–26.85%) were not significantly influenced by the dietary PBP inclusion level (p > 0.05). However, whole-body ash content was significantly higher in PBP60 (14.66%) compared to the other treatments (12.57–14.43%) (p < 0.05). Based on the results from this study, up to 40% of FM can be replaced by PBP in diets for pikeperch juveniles without compromising growth performance and feed utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 90-day experiment with 2 × 2 factorial design—2 levels of substrate (with and without) and 2 levels of feeding (with and without)—was carried out in 16-m2 outdoor cement tanks having 5-cm soil base, to evaluate the performance of Labeo fimbriatus in polyculture with Catla catla in periphyton-based culture system with sugarcane bagasse as the substrate. Advanced fingerlings of L. fimbriatus (av. length 19.1 cm and weight 16.81 g) and C. catla (av. length 20.5 cm and weight 11.70 g) were stocked in tanks at a density of 10,000 no./ha in 6:4 ratio. Treatments included no feed, no substrate (NFNS); substrate (S); feed (F); and substrate + feed (S + F) treatments, each tried in triplicates. Sugarcane bagasse was hung vertically at 2 t/ha in S and S + F tanks. Fish in the treatments F and S + F only were fed daily a formulated pelleted feed (25% crude protein and 6% fat) at 5% of fish biomass. Estimation of periphyton biomass and total pigment content was done once in 15 days. Representative fish samples were analyzed for carcass biochemical composition and activity of gut digestive enzyme—total protease, trypsin, chymotrypsin, carboxypeptidase A and B, amylase, lipase, and cellulase—at the end of the growth trial. The weight gains of L. fimbriatus in F (65.05 g) and substrate added tanks (62.75 g in S and 76.48 g in S + F), at the end of the rearing period, was comparable. The weight gain of catla was similar in NFNS (69.17 g) and S treatments (75.25 g) and lower compared to F (100.63 g) and S + F tanks (100 g). While higher moisture and lower crude protein content were observed in the carcass of L. fimbriatus (estimated at harvest) under NFNS treatment, these parameters remained similar with other treatments. In C. catla, S + F recorded the highest crude protein content, with similar values under other treatments. Excepting cellulase in hepatopancreas, the activity of all other enzymes in C. catla showed a pattern corroborating the growth trend, with lower values in NFNS treatment. While the activity of enzymes was higher in fed C. catla compared to the unfed ones, in L. fimbriatus, the activities in all the three treatments were comparable and higher than that recorded in fish under NFNS treatment. The growth performance of L. fimbriatus in polyculture with C. catla in periphyton-enhanced culture system was comparable with those maintained under supplementary feeding, indicating the utility of periphyton enhancement in polyculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potato protein concentrate (PPC) is a potential fish meal (FM) substitute. We replaced FM in greater amberjack diets with low-temperature air-dried PPC (LT-PPC) and high-temperature rotary-dried PPC (HT-PPC) to investigate their effects on growth and feed utilization. Four experimental and one control diet was prepared. The control diet comprised FM, wherein the experimental diets were prepared by replacing 20 and 40% of FM in the control diet with LT-PPC (LP20 and LP40) or HT-PPC (LP20 and LP40). Following an 8-week growth trial, the final mean body weight, specific growth rate, and feed intake of HP40 diet-fed fish were significantly lower than those of control diet-fed fish (p < 0.05). However, these parameters in LT-PPC and HP20 diet-fed fish did not differ significantly from those of the control diet-fed fish (p > 0.05). In vitro relative protein digestibility did not differ between LT-PPC (91.1%) and HT-PPC (89.5%) (p > 0.05); however, the digestion speed of LT-PPC was higher (63.8%) than that of HT-PPC (46.8%) (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the findings demonstrate that LT-PPC and HT-PPC could be used to replace up to 40 and 20% of FM in greater amberjack diets, respectively, without compromising growth performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 60-day feeding trial was conducted to estimate the optimum phosphorus requirement of juvenile bighead carp (Aristichthys nobilis). Fish (initial body weight: 2.42 ± 0.08 g) were hand-fed with six isoproteic (437 g kg−1) and isolipidic (68 g kg−1) diets containing graded phosphorus levels (0.90, 4.40, 8.30, 11.90, 15.50, and 19.30 g kg−1) thrice daily to apparent satiation. Each diet was randomly assigned to triplicate tanks, and each tank was stocked with 30 fish. The highest weight gain rate (WGR, 288.94%) and specific growth rate (2.28% day−1) and the best feed conversion rate (FCR, 1.91) were recorded in fish fed 8.30 g kg−1 phosphorus. The body composition analysis showed that the phosphorus contents in the whole body, muscle, vertebra, and plasma of fish fed the phosphorus-supplemented diets were higher than those of fish fed the control diet, whereas the phosphorus retention rate and crude lipid contents in the whole body and muscle presented the reverse results. The highest activity of lipase (41.97 U g−1 prot) in the intestine was found in fish fed the diet with 11.90 g kg−1 phosphorus. Further, the contents of total protein, albumin, and globulin in plasma were increased as dietary phosphorus levels ranged from 0.90 to 11.90 g kg−1 and then decreased with further increased phosphorus levels. The highest contents of triglyceride (1.85 mmol L−1) and total cholesterol (2.16 mmol L−1) in plasma occurred at dietary phosphorus level of 0.90 g kg−1. Broken-line model analysis based on WGR, FCR, and the phosphorus contents of the whole body and vertebra indicated that the optimal phosphorus requirements for juvenile bighead carp were 7.16, 9.02, 10.88, and 11.04 g kg−1, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 12-week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3) on the growth performance, fatty acid profile and lipid metabolism in coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) alevins. Six diets (47% crude protein and 13.5% crude lipid) were formulated to contain graded levels of EPA (0.04%, 0.47%, 0.94%, 1.40%, 1.85% and 2.27%). Nine hundred alevins (0.395 ± 0.02 g) were randomly assigned to 18 white plastic tanks (50 fish in each tank, 0.8 × 0.6 × 0.6 m, and 240-L/tank). Fish were reared in a freshwater flow-through rearing system and fed to apparent satiation 4 times daily. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) in the 1.40% and 1.85% EPA groups was significantly lower than that in the 0.04% EPA group (P

The need for new alternative oil sources in the ever‐increasing aquaculture of carnivorous species is imperative. We substituted fish oil (FO) with hazelnut oil (HO) in meagre diet at 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100%. Triplicate groups of 40 fish/tank juvenile meagre (ca 15 g) were used. For the reduction of FO level in meagre diet, a 40% substitution by HO is attainable without affecting growth performance. However, higher substitutions appear to have a negative effect on growth performance and feed efficiency, although daily feed intake seems to remain unaffected by the reduction in FO. No effects on whole‐body protein and lipid concentration were observed for fish fed the experimental diets. Whole‐body fatty acid composition reflected the dietary fatty acid composition in all dietary groups. Diets with higher than 40% levels of FO substitution significantly reduce highly unsaturated ω‐3 fatty acids in the fish. Although the metabolic relationship between carbohydrate and fatty acid exploitation is extremely versatile, and thus it is difficult to reach a safe conclusion, it seems that FO substitution by HO activates fish carbohydrate, rather than fatty acids, exploitation machinery. These results support the use of HO in meagre diets up to 40% FO substitution with a future thought for more efficient use of 30% FO substitution by HO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation with cinnamon products on the growth, meat quality, liver structure, and blood composition of striped catfish. All diets were developed using intact protein and formulated to have similar protein (25.5–25.7%) and lipid (7.3–7.9%) contents. The control diet was formulated without cinnamon products (C), while dietary treatments were formulated by adding 1% cinnamon powder (CM), 0.1% cinnamon extract (CE), and 0.1% cinnamaldehyde (CN). Each treatment contained four replications. Striped catfish (n=25, average size of 11.97±0.55 g) were stocked in 2 × 1 × 1.5 m3 cages on 20 × 10 m2 pond and fed until apparent satiation twice a day for 72 days. The results demonstrated the differences among CM, CE, and CN diets compared to C diet based on protein retention (27.77% vs 32.62, 34.39, 34.96%, respectively), lipid retention (71.10% vs 60.96, 52.83, 52.93%, respectively), meat hardness (197.07 gf vs 278.37, 283.87, 248.27 gf), lightness (48.37 vs 52.73, 49.93, 48.62, respectively), muscle lipid (7.74% vs 2.61, 2.72, 3.80%, respectively), muscle protein (13.17% vs 18.75, 18.66, 16.35%, respectively), malondialdehyde (0.13 μmol/L vs 0.07, 0.06, 0.06 μmol/L, respectively), and superoxide dismutase enzyme (3.52 U/g protein vs 7.70, 8.71, 7.92 U/g protein, respectively). The CM, CE, and CN diets also improved the fish liver tissue followed by decreased low-density lipoprotein level in blood plasma (1226.27 mg/dL vs 839.77, 811.52, 849.40 mg/dL, respectively). Therefore, cinnamon products can improve the growth, meat quality, liver structure, and blood composition of striped catfish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dietary effect of lemon essential oil loaded in chitosan nanoparticles (LEO/CNPs) on growth performance, serum biochemical parameters, humoral immune responses, and body composition in rainbow trout was evaluated. Two hundred and forty juvenile fish (4.74 ± 0.14 g) were randomly distributed to four experimental groups with three replicates in 12 fiberglass tanks (140 L; 20 fish per tank). The fish were fed a basal diet (commercial pellet; 50.5% protein and 13.1% fat) supplemented with 0 (control), 0.5, 0.75, and 1% LEO/CNPs for 56 days. At the end of the trial, the highest final weight (32.04 ± 1.22 g), weight gain (27.40 ± 1.36 g), and specific growth rate (3.45 ±0.12% day−1) were observed in 1% LEO/CPN treatment (P < 0.05). Besides, feed conversion rate significantly improved in 1% LEO/CNPs treatment (0.65 ± 0.01) compared to 0.5% LEO/CNPs (0.82 ± 0.07) and the control group (0.79 ± 0.03). Serum aspartate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase values were not affected by dietary LEO/CNPs (P > 0.05), while alanine aminotransferase level (13.21 ± 0.42 U L−1) showed a significant decrease in 1 % LEO/CNPs treatment compared to 0.5% LEO/CNPs and the control group (P < 0.05). The serum cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose were significantly reduced following the oral administration of 0.75 and 1% LEO/CNPs (P < 0.05). Lysozyme activity (32.26 ± 1.14 U mL−1) and complement C3 (39.64 ± 4.76 mg dL−1) significantly increased in the fish treated with 1% LEO/CNPs. The higher and lower contents of crude protein and lipid were obtained in 1% LEO/CNPs, respectively, than the control group. Overall, the synergistic interaction between LEO and CNPs in 1% LEO/CNPs treatment may be responsible for improving the growth performance and immuno-physiological responses of rainbow trout. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was carried out to determine the effect of replacing dietary fish meal protein with earthworm meal protein on growth performance, whole-body composition, and hematology of butter catfish (Ompok pabda). This experiment was conducted in 15 glass aquaria (200 L) with five treatments, each having three replications. Each of the aquaria was stocked with 40 fishes (average weight 0.62 g). The fish were fed with iso-nitrogenous diets having 35% protein (21% protein from fish meal and/or earthworm meal) twice a day up to satiation with the experimental diets, where fish meal protein was replaced by earthworm meal protein at 0% (control), 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% in the treatments E0, E25, E50, E75, and E100, respectively. At the end of the 8-week rearing period, the best growth performances including weight gain (5.23 ± 0.14 g), percent weight gain (844.15 ± 6.38%), and specific growth rate (4.00 ± 0.11% day−1), and best feed utilization parameters, viz., feed conversion ratio (1.57 ± 0.03) and protein efficiency ratio (2.87±0.04), were found in treatment E75, where 75% of fish meal protein in the diet was replaced with earthworm meal protein. The hematological parameters showed no abnormality due to supplementation of earthworm meal in the diets. At the end of the experiment, whole-body carcass composition, viz., protein, lipid, and ash contents (15.93 ± 0.19%, 7.22 ± 0.60% and 2.14 ± 0.10%, respectively), of O. pabda was higher in treatment E75 compared to control (14.8 2± 0.34, 6.16 ± 0.27, 1.89 ± 0.10, respectively). The results imply that earthworm meal can be used as a protein-rich source to replace fish meal, the major protein source, in the diet of O. pabda up to 75% level without compromising growth, immunity, and body composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nine semi-purified diets with three different levels of protein (350, 400, and 450 g/kg diet) and lipid (80, 120 and 160 g/kg diet) were fed ad libitum to Mystus gulio fry (0.16 g) in triplicate groups (20 fish/replicate) for 90 days. Flow-through fiber-reinforced tanks (50 L; water flow rate of 0.5 L/min) were used for rearing the fish. Result of the experiment showed that the dietary protein, lipid, and their interactions affect significantly (P < 0.05) the weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), protein productive value (PPV), energy productive value (EPV), and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Among all the dietary treatment groups, the fish fed diet containing 400 g protein and 120 g lipid/kg resulted in significantly higher (P < 0.05) weight gain (4.62 g), SGR (3.77%/day), PER (1.52), PPV (23.39%), and EPV (64.74%) and lower FCR (1.64). The whole-body protein (15.28%) and lipid (5.33%) contents were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in fish fed diets containing 400 g protein and 120 g lipid/kg diet and 350 g protein and 160 g lipid/kg diet, respectively. Second-order polynomial regression analysis indicates that the optimum protein and lipid requirements of M. gulio fry are 409–411 g protein/kg diet and 122–126 g lipid/kg diet, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of propolis on the growth, body composition, and serum biochemistry of juvenile sea bream (Sparus aurata). Propolis was added to a commercial sea bream feed (45.51% protein, 17.12 lipid %) at (control) 0 (P0), 1.25 (P1.25), 2.5 (P2.5), 5 (P5), 10 (P10), and 20 (P20) g kg−1. The trial used three replicates of 50 fish (ca 12 g initial weight) in 400-L polyester tanks for each feed treatment, with feeding being done twice daily (09:00 and 17:00) by hand to satiation for 10 weeks. Specific growth rate (SGR) and weight gain (WG) varied quadratically with propolis concentration, with maxima at 3.68 g kg−1. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) were not affected by feed treatments (P > 0.05). When body composition was examined at the end of the trial, there were no significant differences between treatment groups in percentage dry matter and lipid, but the highest protein was recorded for group P10 (P < 0.05). Propolis supplementation to the diets showed no effects on glucose (GLU), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in the serum. When the serum biochemical parameters such as total protein (TP), triglyceride (TRIG), and cholesterol (CHOL) were examined, the lowest values were found in the P20 group, while no significant difference was found with the other groups (P > 0.05). The study findings indicated that propolis does not decrease growth rates except at high levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clarias gariepinus growth hormone (CgGH) transgenesis was previously used to develop a population of second-generation (G2) transgenic mutiara catfish (C. gariepinus). The third generation of these fish (1-month old fingerlings) had 2–3 times improvement in growth compared to non-transgenic fish in the commercial feed test for 6 weeks of rearing. We assessed the impact of CgGH transgene expression on growth and protein and amino acid content of the G3 generation of these transgenic mutiara catfish relative to non-transgenic catfish. Since variation in composition of feed mixes can affect protein and amino acid content of fish, we tested three mixtures of commercial feed and boiled tuna (Euthynnus affinis): feed A (50:50 feed to tuna), B (65:35), and C (80:20) to transgenic catfish. Feed A* (50:50) was fed as a control to non-transgenic catfish. Feed efficiency, including feed conversion ratio and protein use efficiency (i.e., protein retention and protein productive value), was assessed. Feed efficiency, protein content, and essential amino acid content in G3 transgenic catfish (feed A and B) were higher than in non-transgenic fish (feed A*). The latter were deficient in lysine and methionine. Transgenic catfish fed with feed C (80:20) showed lysine deficiency and lower growth than fish fed feeds A and B. Feed B (65:35) was the optimal feed mixture utilized; it increased growth, protein levels, and feed conversion efficiency in G3 catfish. The growth of transgenic fish was higher than non-transgenic fish when supported by feeding with balanced nutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In China, the yield of the hybrid of blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala) and topmouth culter (Culter alburnus) is very high, but the requirement for protein in the feed of these hybrids is still unknown. Thus, a 12‐week feeding trial was conducted to determine the optimal protein requirement in diets for juvenile backcross variety, M. amblycephala ♀ × (M. amblycephala ♀ × C. alburnus ♂) ♂. Five experimental diets containing 25%, 30%, 35%, 40% and 45% crude protein (being abbreviated as P25, P30, P35, P40, P45) were formulated by adjusting the percentage of fish meal and starch was used as the fish meal replacer to give feeds that were iso‐lipidic and iso‐caloric. Fifty juveniles with the same sizes (initial weight, 6.50 ± 0.05 g) were reared in 15 concrete ponds (5 treatments in triplicate groups) and fed the test diets to apparent satiation two times a day. Weight gain (WG) in fish fed with P30 and P35 was significantly higher (p <.05) than those fed with P25 and P45. Fish fed with P45 diet had the lowest WG. Based on the quadratic curve model, the maximum WG and the minimum feed conversion ratio (FCR) of backcross juveniles were observed at 33.89% and 33.50% protein levels, respectively. The optimal dietary protein levels for backcross juveniles were estimated to be 33.69%. Protein content of dressed carcasses was highest at P35 and lipid content decreased significantly (p <.05) from P30 to P45. Furthermore, intestinal protease activity increased significantly (p <.05) from P25 to P35 and then stabilized from P35 to P45. In line with the trend of protease activity, expression of protease genes (TRY, CTRL1, ELA1, CPA2) was initially up‐regulated significantly (p <.05) and then stabilized from P35 to P45. The intestine showed the best morphology with increasing villus height, width and muscular layer thickness at P35, which was closest to the optimum feed protein level of 33.69% based on the maximum WG and minimum FCR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of water temperature (WT) and dietary protein levels on growth, body composition and blood biochemistry of GIFT tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus; initial average body weight: 38.75 ± 0.61g, n = 20). The fish were fed with six diets contained graded levels of protein (209.6, 251.0, 302.4, 354.3, 401.9 and 456.8 g/kg) and raised in each of WT (22°C, 28°C and 34°C) for 8 weeks. Results showed that the growth, feed utilization and protein efficiency were significantly increased with the increase of dietary protein level and followed by the latter platform at each WT. The fish raised at 28 and 34°C showed similar growth performance, and their values were significantly higher than the fish raised at 22°C (p < 0.05). The lipid contents in whole body were decreases with the increase of dietary protein level at each WT. However, the whole‐body protein, ash and moisture contents were not affected by dietary protein level or WT (p > 0.05). The values of serum biochemical indices (ALP, ALT, AST and TCHO) were all decreased with the increase of dietary protein. The optimal dietary protein requirement for GIFT tilapia to achieve maximal growth performance is 374.4, 301.7 and 304.9 g protein/kg diet at 22, 28 and 34°C, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the effects of tributyrin supplementation in soybean oil (SO)-based diet, three equal-protein (50%) and equal-lipid (12%) experimental diets were formulated: the fish oil (FO) diet, the SO diet, and the tributyrin (TB) diet with 0.20% tributyrin supplemented in the SO-based diet. Each diet was randomly fed to triplicate tanks with 20 fish (initial weight, 9.00 ± 0.02 g) per tank (300 L). Fish were fed to apparent satiation twice daily for 56 days. The whole body, muscle, and intestine tissue samples were collected for analysis. The results indicated that tributyrin partly reversed the final body weight (TB [39.92 ± 0.33 g] versus SO [35.12 ± 0.55 g]) and feed efficiency rate (TB [0.99 ± 0.01] versus SO [0.92 ± 0.01]) decrease and the whole body crude lipid content increase, caused by the replacement of dietary FO by SO. A significant increase in the polyunsaturated fatty acid proportion was observed in the muscle tissue of fish fed the tributyrin diet. The improvement of growth performance mediated by tributyrin supplementation may be attributed to the significant improvement of the intestinal morphology, as indicated by the morphology structure section and molecular parameters. Dietary tributyrin may decrease the SO-induced pro-inflammatory response, characterized by significantly decreased expression of a pro-inflammatory gene (IL-6) and significantly increased expression of an anti-inflammatory gene (IL-10) (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary 0.20% tributyrin supplementation in the SO-based diet improved growth performance, affected muscle fatty acid composition, and improved intestinal histology structure in the juvenile yellow drum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saccharomyces cerevisiae biomass generated as a by-product in industrial processes and other biomasses grown in industry waste waters like Spirulina platensis and Rubrivivax gelatinous can be used in aquafeed, thus reducing the costs of discard and minimizing environmental damage. In this study, 840 male Nile tilapias (Oreochromis niloticus; 26.8 ± 1.03 g average weight) were distributed among 21 tanks (40 fish/tank, 1.07 kg/m3). Fish were fed to satiation three times a day throughout the trial (72 days). A completely randomized design experiment with 7 treatments (control group and 6 different diets, 3 replicates per treatment) was conducted to investigate the effects of these three microbial biomasses (added at 0.25 and 0.5% into an isoproteic/isoenergetic tilapia diet) on the growth and visceral indexes of the fish and on the composition and texture of the fillets. Feed conversion ratio was significantly lower in fish fed 0.5% R. gelatinosus than that in the control group, but no difference was detected among the treatments either for the other growth indicators or for the organs' indexes. Including microbial biomass in the diet did not significantly affect either fillet pH or texture parameters. However, the use of microbial biomass increased the protein content and decreased the n-6/n-3 ratio of the fillets compared with that of the control group. So, it was concluded that the dietary intake of low concentrations of S. cerevisiae, S. platensis and R. gelatinosus biomasses did not affect the growth performance of tilapias, increased the nutritional quality and preserved the texture features of the fillets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mannan oligosaccharide (MOS) is prebiotic with high functionality in aquaculture. The current study investigated the potential roles of MOS on the growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, carcass composition, and blood chemistry of Thinlip grey mullet (Liza ramada). Four tested diets with 34.49% crude protein and 6.29% of total lipids were prepared and fortified with 0, 0.5, 1, and 2% MOS. Fish of initial weight = 5.14 ± 0.11 g/fish were distributed in 12 hapas (0.5 × 0.5 × 1 m) at 15 fish per hapa (triplicates) and fed the test diets to the satiation level two times a day (08:00 and 15:00) for eight weeks. At the end of the trial, all fish were weighed individually for growth performance calculation. Blood was collected to check blood chemistry traits, and intestines were dissected for digestive enzyme analysis. Fish treated with MOS had marked enhancement in the final body weight, feed conversion ratio, protein gain, and protein retention regardless of inclusion dose (p < 0.05). The weight gain, specific growth rate, and protein efficiency ratio were meaningfully enhanced by including MOS at 0.5 and 1%, followed by fish fed with 2% MOS, while the lowest values were in the control group (p < 0.05). Insignificant influences of MOS were seen on the chemical composition of carcass components (moisture, crude protein, total lipids, and ash) (p > 0.05). Fish treated with MOS at 0.5 and 1% had marked enhancement in the amylase, lipase, and protease activities regardless of inclusion dose (p < 0.05). The blood total protein and albumin levels were meaningfully enhanced by including MOS at 0.5 and 1%, followed by fish fed with 2% MOS, while the lowest values were in the control group (p < 0.05). The blood globulin was significantly enhanced in fish fed 1% MOS than fish treated with 0, 0.5, and 2% of MOS (p < 0.05). The blood lysozyme activity was meaningfully enhanced by including MOS at 1%, followed by fish treated with 0.5 and 2%, while the lowest values were in the control group (p < 0.05). Phagocytic activity and phagocytic index were markedly improved in fish treated with 1 and 2% MOS, followed by those fed 0.5% compared with fish fed MOS-free diet (p < 0.05). Superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were markedly improved in fish treated with 1, and 2% MOS, followed by those fed 0.5% compared with fish fed MOS-free diet (p < 0.05). Dietary MOS (0.5, 1, and 2%) meaningfully enhanced catalase activity while decreased the malondialdehyde concentration (p < 0.05). In summary, dietary MOS is required at 0.5–1% for enhancing the growth rate, feed efficiency, digestive enzyme activity, blood chemistry, and antioxidative capacity of grey mullet.

BACKGROUND: Atmospheric cold plasma (ACP) has emerged as a potential alternative to traditional methods for non‐thermal food decontamination. However, few data are available about ACP treatment for seafood. In this study, dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) was applied to generate CP, and the aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of DBD‐ACP on improving the quality of chub mackerel on the basis of chemical, microbial and sensory characteristics. RESULTS: The effect of DBD‐ACP on the quality of chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus) during storage was examined. Results revealed that the optimal voltage level and exposure time of this treatment were 60 kV and 60 s respectively, and such conditions exhibited excellent inactivation efficacy and weak influence on proximate chemical compositions. Variations in total viable count (TVC), sensory scores and total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N) indicated that ACP treatment extended the shelf life of chub mackerel to 14 days, whereas samples without this treatment exceeded the limits of the three parameters after 6 days. The slow development rates of peroxide value (PV) and thiobarbituric acid (TBA) value implied that lipid oxidation was also effectively retarded by ACP exposure. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed that CP could effectively delay the degradation of myofibrillar proteins and enhance the stability of tissue structures. CONCLUSION: The excellent antimicrobial efficacy of ACP treatment makes it a potential and promising alternative to other seafood preservation technology. This is the first report on the application of ACP to seafood, which is essential to perishable food storage. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In present study, proximate chemical composition and tocopherol content were evaluated for estimation of food quality. The maize genotypes with promising agronomic parameters were analyzed for their biochemical composition and further guidance for maize crop improvement with respect to quality traits. Twelve (12) genotypes (n= 60) of maize (Zea mays L.) cultivated at Maize and Millet Research Institute, Yousafwala, Sahiwal, Punjab, Pakistan were evaluated for diversity based on protein, crude fiber, moisture contents, oil contents and tocopherol. The results showed that the crude protein contents were ranged from 1.75 to 5.25%, crude fiber 2.12 to 2.55%, fat contents 2.83 to 5.20%, moisture contents 9.75 to 11.95% and total tocopherol 1971 to 9382 µg/g -tocopherol was found in maximum concentration and crude fiber in minimum percentage. These findings will be helpful to produce quality products from the maize and valuable to protect human beings against degenerative processes, such as cancer and cardiovascular diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An 8-week feeding trial was carried out to determine the dietary arginine requirement of oriental river prawns (Macrobrachium nipponense). Prawns of initial tank biomass (10.0 g) were fed isonitrogenic (ca 38% protein) and isolipidic diets (ca 7.5% lipid) with incremental concentrations of arginine (0.75, 1.19, 1.61, 2.02, 2.46, and 2.81%). The prawns were randomly assigned into 24 cylindrical polypropylene tanks (1000 L), with 50 prawns in each tank replicated four times in a completely randomized design, and were fed three times daily to apparent satiation. Muscle samples were used to analyze the amino acid profiles. Hepatopancreas were collected for antioxidant activity and immune-related gene expression. The results indicated that the survival, growth performance and feed utilization were significant higher (p < 0.05) in prawns fed with 2.02% dietary arginine than in other treatments except the treatment with 2.46% dietary arginine. The highest biomass increase (25.5 ± 0.5 g), protein efficiency ratio (1.05 ± 0.08) and survival (87.0 ± 2.7%) were found in prawns fed with dietary 2.02%, and the lowest feed conversion ratio (2.53 ± 0.18) was observed in the same group. Whole-body crude protein content (15.4 ± 0.1%), lipid content (2.5 ± 0.1%) and muscle arginine content (1.47 ± 0.03%) significantly increased in prawn fed with dietary 2.02% arginine compared with other groups except dietary 2.46% arginine (p < 0.05). With increased dietary arginine supplementation up to 2.02%, the activities of hepatopancreas superoxide dismutase (25.07 ± 0.64 U/mg prot) and glutathione peroxidase (461.89 ± 8.79 U/mg prot) were increased (p < 0.05); nevertheless, the glutathione content (23.45 ± 3.47 μmol /mg prot) in the 2.02% dietary arginine group was similar with that of the control group (p > 0.05). Moreover, the hepatopancreas gene expressions of Toll-like receptor , dorsal , immune deficiency , and relish were significantly upregulated in the prawn fed with1.61% dietary arginine (p < 0.05). Broken-line, quadratic and cubic regression models are used to evaluate the optimal arginine requirements. The broken-line regression of biomass increase, based on the highest R2 value, showed that the optimum arginine requirement of oriental river prawns was 2.12% of dry matter (5.61% dietary protein). The optimum dietary arginine requirement, according to the cubic regression analysis for superoxide dismutase activity, was 2.27% of dry matter (6.01% of dietary protein). The ideal arginine concentration for antioxidant enzymes activity was thought to be higher than that for growth. • Broken-line regression analysis of biomass increase on dietary arginine level (0.75–2.81%) revealed that the optimum arginine requirement of oriental river prawn (Macrobrachium nipponense) is 2.12% of dry diet. • Cubic regression analysis of hepatopancreas superoxide dismutase activity indicated that the optimum dietary arginine requirement of oriental river prawn is 2.27% of dry diet. • Optimum dietary arginine improves the growth, feed utilization and antioxidant activity of oriental river prawn. • Excessive level of arginine over 2.46% tends to decrease growth and antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This trial investigated the effect of the dietary inclusion of Hermetia illucens (H) and Tenebrio molitor (T) fats as alternative lipid sources for growing rabbits, and assessed the carcass characteristics; proximate composition; lipid peroxidation, and fatty acid profile of the meat, as well as consumer acceptance. At weaning, 200 crossbred rabbits (1051 ± 138 g initial body weight) were allotted to five isolipidic (4% dry matter (DM)) dietary treatments: a control diet (C) containing 1.5% of soybean oil, and four experimental diets in which soybean oil was partially (50%) or totally (100%) substituted by H (H50 and H100) or T (T50 and T100) fats. The carcass characteristics, the meat quality traits, and the consumer acceptance of the cooked meat were not affected. The fat content of Longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle of the rabbits was 1.1% on average. In the case of rabbit fed the H diets (average of diets H50 and H100), the same muscles revealed a higher saturated fatty acid proportion (47.1% vs. 39.7% and 40.8%, respectively) and a lower polyunsaturated fatty acid proportion than the rabbits fed the C and T diets (average of diets T50 and T100) (26.5% vs. 31.7% and 29.7%) (p < 0.001). The meat of the rabbits fed the diets containing insect fat (average for H and T diets) was less susceptible to oxidation (0.24 vs. 0.39 mg malondialdehyde/kg meat in the C group; p < 0.01).

At the present research, the differences between proximate chemical composition, color parameters, and functional properties of “Fenugreek” and “Soy” flours were studied. Also the effect of pH changes on protein solubility, foaming capacity and stability, as well as emulsifying capacity and stability of two flours were investigated. Protein and fat content of defatted fenugreek flour were determined to be 51.4% and 1.24%, respectively; while in defatted soy flour they were measured to be 66% and 7.13%, respectively. The protein solubility and emulsifying capacity of soy flour was lower than fenugreek flour due to the high amount of fat content in defatted soy flour, and the difference between protein type in two flours. There was no significant difference (P

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This study evaluated the potential use of several Thai seaweed species for ethanol production. The high biomass of the green algae Ulva intestinalis and Rhizoclonium riparium and the red algae Gracilaria salicornia and Gracilaria tenuistipitata in an earthen pond culture led us to select these species for our study. The seaweed species were analyzed for chemical composition, resulting in ash contents of 37.62 ± 0.15 % and fiber of 11.93 ± 0.16 %, with the highest values in R. riparium. Low lipid values were found in all species, with the highest value ( p < 0.05) in G. salicornia (1.69 ± 0.07 %) and the lowest in R. riparium (0.28 ± 0.01 %) and G. tenuistipitata (0.26 ± 0.01 %). The highest carbohydrate contents were found in G. tenuistipitata (54.89 %), and the lowest were in R. riparium (29.53 %). G. tenuistipitata (8.58 ± 0.36 %) and U. intestinalis (8.24 ± 0.28 %) had higher sulfate contents compared with G. salicornia (4.69 ± 0.04 %) and R. riparium (1.97 ± 0.20 %). The monosugar algal tissue components were analyzed by HPLC; rhamnose, xylose, fucose, arabinose, mannose, glucose, and galactose were used as reference sugars. Total sugar was found to be highest in G. tenuistipitata (98.21 %). Arabinose, glucose, and galactose were the main sugar components in all species. Glucose obtained from G. tenuistipitata (6.55 %) and R. riparium (6.52 %) was higher than in G. salicornia (0.27 %) and U. intestinalis (2.78 %). G. tenuistipitata fermentation gave a higher yield of ethanol (4.17 × 10 g ethanol g sugars; 139.12 μg ethanol g glucose) than R. riparium (0.086 × 10 g ethanol g sugars; 33.84 μg ethanol g glucose), U. intestinalis (0.074 × 10 g ethanol g sugars; 9.98 μg ethanol g glucose), and G. salicornia (0.031 × 10 g ethanol g sugars; 1.43 μg ethanol g glucose). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proximate chemical composition and fatty acid (FA) profile of different parts and sexes of ray (Raja clavata) were compared. The proximate values of liver samples significantly differed from other body parts(p < 0.05). Pectoral fin had the highest moisture, protein, and ash contents (78.6, 20.5, and 1.2%, respectively). The highest fat content (39.7%) was observed for liver samples. A significant variation was also observed between sexes in terms of proximate and FA values(p < 0.05). The levels of saturated (SFA), monounsaturated (MUFA), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) varied between 27.1–32.1, 14.9–19.0, and 34.3–39.5%, respectively, in total fatty acid methyl esters (FAME). The highest total PUFA and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) values were observed in the edible portion of liver for both sexes due to high contents of fat, despite the low values of % total FAME in comparison with other body parts. Significant variations among FA levels were observed for different body parts(p < 0.05). The highest DHA and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) values were found in the edible portion of the liver and calculated as 6.8 and 2.3 g/100 g, respectively, indicating the importance of utilizing the liver of this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigated the proximate chemical composition of whiting roe from October to April. The highest water content (83.99%) was found in March, while the lowest (72.40%) was found in December. The highest protein (14.54%) and lipid contents (9.71%) were found in December, while the lowest protein content (7.35%) was found in January and the lowest lipid content (0.38%) in April. Crude ash content of whiting roe changed from 0.86 to 1.49%. The highest (154 kcal/100 g) and lowest energy values (64 kcal/100 g) were determined in December and April, respectively. Whiting roe can be used as a source of valuable nutrients for human nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Muscularis Iongissimus dorsi of eight blue wildebeest (Connochaetus taurinus), collected at Sandveld Nature Reserve, South Africa, were analysed for biochemical and physical characteristics and chemical composition. The initial (6.60) and final (5.41) pH, drip loss (4.91%), cooking loss (39.42%) and maximum Warner-Bratzler shear force (4.91 kg/ 1.27 cmo) were comparable to values found in meat from several other African game species (black wildebeest, blesbok, duiker, impala, red hartebeest, reedbuck, springbok, warthog). Like other wild ungulates, blue wildebeest meat had a higher crude protein (22.28%) and lower lipid (1.06%) content compared to beef, which makes it a healthy alternative to traditional red meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flour was prepared from peeled and unpeeled banana Awak ABB. Samples prepared were subjected to analysis for determination of chemical composition, mineral, dietary fibre, starch and total phenolics content, antioxidant activity and pasting properties. In general, flour prepared from unpeeled banana was found to show enhanced nutrition values with higher contents of mineral, dietary fibre and total phenolics. Hence, flour fortified with peel showed relatively higher antioxidant activity. On the other hand, better pasting properties were shown when banana flour was blended with peel. It was found that a relatively lower pasting temperature, peak viscosity, breakdown, final viscosity and setback were evident in a sample blended with peel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of seasonal variations on the proximate chemical compositions and fatty acid profiles of chub mackerel ( Scomber japonicus) and horse mackerel ( Trachurus trachurus) captured in the north-eastern Mediterranean Sea were investigated. Protein fluctuations were observed in two species for all seasons. The lipid content of both species was lower in winter than in autumn and spring. In all seasons, the major fatty acids in both species were observed to be palmitic acid (16:0), stearic acid (18:0), oleic acid (18:1 ω9), eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5 ω3) and docosahexaenoic acid (20:6 ω3). Chub mackerel and horse mackerel exhibited seasonal fluctuations in their fatty acid contents. The fatty acid profile of the two species had a higher degree of unsaturation during winter. The levels of EPA in chub mackerel in winter, spring and autumn were 5.96%, 4.86% and 4.33%, respectively, while those of DHA were 24.94%, 18.75% and 17.12%, respectively. The levels of EPA in horse mackerel in winter, spring and autumn were 5.42%, 5.03% and 4.86%, respectively, while those of DHA were 14.96%, 13.31% and 11.10%, respectively. The PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acids) values and ω3/ω6 ratios in the two species were highest in winter. The results indicate that chub mackerel and horse mackerel captured in the north-eastern Mediterranean Sea, which are among the most important fish in Turkey and of international commercial value, are a good source of nutrition for human consumption in terms of their proximate chemical composition and fatty acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of gender on the physical and chemical properties of the M. longissimus dorsi et lumborum of mountain reedbuck ( Redunca fulvorufula) was examined. The mean live weights of ten male (28.58 kg) and nineteen female (30.58 kg) mountain reedbuck did not differ ( P>0.05), and the mean cold carcass weight was 16.36 kg for both genders. Gender had no influence ( P > 0.05) on any of the physical characteristics (pH, drip loss, cooking loss, shear force, colour) investigated. For the proximate chemical analysis of the M. longissimus dorsi et lumborummuscle, the effect of gender was only significant for the protein content, where the females (24.51%) displayed a higher percentage of protein compared to the males (23.68%). Neither the amino acid nor the mineral content differed significantly between the two genders. Glutamic acid (11.35 g/100 g) was the most abundant amino acid, followed by aspartic acid (2.94 g/100 g), glycine (0.86 g/100 g) and serine (0.66 g/100 g). The mineral content of mountain reedbuck indicated that meat derived from this species is high in phosphorus (206.47 mg/100 g), high in iron (4.19 mg/100 g), a source of zinc (1.80 mg/100 g), and low in sodium (4.19 mg/100 g). No significant differences between the genders for total saturated fatty acids (38.09%), total mono-unsaturated fatty acids (18.04%) or total polyunsaturated fatty acids (43.74%) were noted. The mean polyunsaturated:saturated fatty acid ratio for mountain reedbuck was 1.15 and the mean n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio 2.08. The extent of the influence of gender on physical and chemical characteristics of meat was found to be of limited practical value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus is an important aquaculture species in China, which is fed mainly macroalgal powder. The algae Sargassum polycystum and Sargassum thunbergii are the most commonly used, however, these resources have decreased in recent years. In order to find new algae species as substitute for Sargassum , a 60-day experiment was conducted to examine the effects of different algae ingredients (S. polycystum , S. thunbergii , Sargassum horneri , Enteromorpha prolifera , Macrocystis pyrifera , and the residue of M. pyrifera) on the growth, body composition, and digestive enzyme activities of sea cucumbers. They were fed with six types of diets with either one of the five macroalgae or M. pyrifera residue mixed with sea mud. The results showed that the body weight of sea cucumbers fed on each diet increased significantly during the trial (P < 0.05). Sea cucumbers had higher specific growth rate (SGR) when fed with S. horneri (1.31% day−1), S. thunbergii (1.25% day−1), S. polycystum (1.04% day−1), or E. prolifera (0.83% day−1) than when fed with the M. pyrifera (0.55% day−1) or M. pyrifera residue (0.50% day−1). The ingestion rate (IR) was much higher when fed with M. pyrifera (1.1 g g−1 day−1) or M. pyrifera residue (1.5 g g−1 day−1) than when fed with S. thunbergii (0.48 g g−1 day−1), S. polycystum (0.5 g g−1 day−1), S. horneri (0.58 g g−1 day−1), or E. prolifera (0.65 g g−1 day−1). The nutritional compositions and digestive enzyme activities in the body of A. japonicus reflected those of corresponding diets, but the content of essential amino acid kept in a relatively constant state among different treatments. S. horneri and E. prolifera are novel supplementary nutrient sources for sea cucumbers and may be used by aquacultures. • Sea cucumbers had high SGR when fed with S. horneri , S. thunbergii , S. polycystum , or E. prolifera. • S. horneri and E. prolifera can be used as substitute for the traditional macroalgae in sea cucumber feeds. • M. pyrifera and M. pyrifera residue after alginate extraction should be improved in order to used in sea cucumber breed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Sustainable aquaculture requires natural alternative substances with high potential in enhancing the performance and wellbeing of aquatic animals. In this regard, the present study tested the possibility of using mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) in the diets of grey mullet as functional additives. For 8 weeks, fish were fed with enriched diets containing 0, 0.5, 1, and 2% MOS. The results showed marked improvements in the growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, blood chemistry, and antioxidative capacity. In conclusion, dietary MOS at 0.5–1% is required to enhance the productivity of grey mullet. Mannan oligosaccharide (MOS) is prebiotic with high functionality in aquaculture. The current study investigated the potential roles of MOS on the growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, carcass composition, and blood chemistry of Thinlip grey mullet (Liza ramada). Four tested diets with 34.49% crude protein and 6.29% of total lipids were prepared and fortified with 0, 0.5, 1, and 2% MOS. Fish of initial weight = 5.14 ± 0.11 g/fish were distributed in 12 hapas (0.5 × 0.5 × 1 m) at 15 fish per hapa (triplicates) and fed the test diets to the satiation level two times a day (08:00 and 15:00) for eight weeks. At the end of the trial, all fish were weighed individually for growth performance calculation. Blood was collected to check blood chemistry traits, and intestines were dissected for digestive enzyme analysis. Fish treated with MOS had marked enhancement in the final body weight, feed conversion ratio, protein gain, and protein retention regardless of inclusion dose (p < 0.05). The weight gain, specific growth rate, and protein efficiency ratio were meaningfully enhanced by including MOS at 0.5 and 1%, followed by fish fed with 2% MOS, while the lowest values were in the control group (p < 0.05). Insignificant influences of MOS were seen on the chemical composition of carcass components (moisture, crude protein, total lipids, and ash) (p > 0.05). Fish treated with MOS at 0.5 and 1% had marked enhancement in the amylase, lipase, and protease activities regardless of inclusion dose (p < 0.05). The blood total protein and albumin levels were meaningfully enhanced by including MOS at 0.5 and 1%, followed by fish fed with 2% MOS, while the lowest values were in the control group (p < 0.05). The blood globulin was significantly enhanced in fish fed 1% MOS than fish treated with 0, 0.5, and 2% of MOS (p < 0.05). The blood lysozyme activity was meaningfully enhanced by including MOS at 1%, followed by fish treated with 0.5 and 2%, while the lowest values were in the control group (p < 0.05). Phagocytic activity and phagocytic index were markedly improved in fish treated with 1 and 2% MOS, followed by those fed 0.5% compared with fish fed MOS-free diet (p < 0.05). Superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were markedly improved in fish treated with 1, and 2% MOS, followed by those fed 0.5% compared with fish fed MOS-free diet (p < 0.05). Dietary MOS (0.5, 1, and 2%) meaningfully enhanced catalase activity while decreased the malondialdehyde concentration (p < 0.05). In summary, dietary MOS is required at 0.5–1% for enhancing the growth rate, feed efficiency, digestive enzyme activity, blood chemistry, and antioxidative capacity of grey mullet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Changes in the proximate chemical composition and calorific value. of muscle during storage of O. punctatus were investigated. The storage of fish was characterized by a gradual decline in the concentrations of protein and water, and a rise in the fat content. The muscle ash content was not found to follow any speeific pattern of variations. The loss in calories, in terms of protein value, was relatively greater in the fishes kept at the higher temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Insect lipids are an interesting, potential feed ingredient for animal farming and maybe a suitable alternative to less eco-friendly fat sources (i.e., soybean, palm kernel, coconut, and fish oil). The possible utilization of insect fats in rabbit diets has been poorly investigated so far, and only a few papers that show encouraging results, in terms of growth performance, diet digestibility, and the intestinal morphology of rabbits, are available. The present study evaluated the effect of a partial (50%) or total (100%) substitution of soybean oil by two insect fats (Black soldier fly, H and Yellow mealworm, T) on the characteristics, proximate composition, lipid peroxidation, and fatty acid profile of the meat of rabbits, as well as on consumer acceptance. The results are encouraging as the meat of the rabbits fed the diets containing insect fats was less susceptible to oxidation, while the meat of the rabbits given diets with H fat had higher concentrations of saturated fatty acid rate and a lower polyunsaturated fatty acid rate than those fed the diets with soybean and T fat. Overall, these results highlighted the possibility of replacing soybean oil with H and T fats in rabbit diets without affecting consumer acceptance. This trial investigated the effect of the dietary inclusion of Hermetia illucens (H) and Tenebrio molitor (T) fats as alternative lipid sources for growing rabbits, and assessed the carcass characteristics; proximate composition; lipid peroxidation, and fatty acid profile of the meat, as well as consumer acceptance. At weaning, 200 crossbred rabbits (1051 ± 138 g initial body weight) were allotted to five isolipidic (4% dry matter (DM)) dietary treatments: a control diet (C) containing 1.5% of soybean oil, and four experimental diets in which soybean oil was partially (50%) or totally (100%) substituted by H (H50 and H100) or T (T50 and T100) fats. The carcass characteristics, the meat quality traits, and the consumer acceptance of the cooked meat were not affected. The fat content of Longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle of the rabbits was 1.1% on average. In the case of rabbit fed the H diets (average of diets H50 and H100), the same muscles revealed a higher saturated fatty acid proportion (47.1% vs. 39.7% and 40.8%, respectively) and a lower polyunsaturated fatty acid proportion than the rabbits fed the C and T diets (average of diets T50 and T100) (26.5% vs. 31.7% and 29.7%) (p < 0.001). The meat of the rabbits fed the diets containing insect fat (average for H and T diets) was less susceptible to oxidation (0.24 vs. 0.39 mg malondialdehyde/kg meat in the C group; p < 0.01). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]