We examined the effects of the following seven experimental diets that varied in the concentration of inactivated cells of Enterococcus faecalis (Ef) and mannan oligosaccharides (MOS), on Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss: control (C) diet (no Ef and no MOS), diet E0.25% (2.5 g/kg Ef), diet E0.5% (5 g/kg Ef), diet M0.25% (2.5 g/kg MOS), diet M0.5% (5 g/kg MOS), diet EM0.25% (2.5 g/kg Ef + 2.5 g/kg MOS) and diet EM0.5% (5 g/kg Ef + 5 g/kg MOS). Rainbow Trout, initially weighing 36.27 ± 0.42 g (mean ± SD) were distributed into fourteen 60‐L glass tanks at a stocking density of 35 fish per tank. Each diet was hand‐fed to duplicate groups of fish twice daily for a 12‐week period. After the feeding test, an intraperitoneal injection challenge test of Aeromonas salmonicida was conducted over 14 d. Resulting data were submitted to a multivariate analysis of variance. Weight gain increased significantly (P < 0.05) in E0.25%, M0.25%, and EM0.5% experimental groups compared with the control. Specific growth rate was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in fish fed E0.25%, M0.25%, and EM0.5% diets compared with fish fed the C diet. Feed gain ratio and protein efficiency ratio were significantly improved (P < 0.05) in fish fed the EM0.5% diet compared with fish fed the C diet. Feed intake, protein efficiency ratio, protein retention, and the apparent digestibility coefficient recorded slight differences within experimental groups. Hematocrit value and phagocytic activity were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in fish fed E0.25%, E0.5%, M0.5%, EM0.25%, and EM0.5% diets compared with fish fed the C diet. Except for fish in the E0.25% group, fish in all other experimental groups showed a significantly higher (P < 0.05) mucus weight compared with those in the C group. After the challenge test, cumulative mortality and frequency of A. salmonicida were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in all experimental groups compared with the C group. In conclusion, dosage and single or combined supplementation of Ef and MOS are factors that significantly affect fish performance.

No abstract

This research study is focused on the lipid requirements of Petenia splendida (0.65 ± 0.19 g) juveniles. Fish were fed with trout commercial diet (Silver Cup™ - 45% protein and 16% lipids), as control diet - CD (which is usually used to feed this species at commercial scale), and four isoproteic (45% crude protein) diet formulated with different lipid levels (5, 10, 15 and 20%). Diets were administered for 60 days by triplicate per treatment. Our results showed that fish fed with 10, 15 and 20% lipid levels were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in average weight and total length. Same treatments were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in terms of FCR compared to those shown in 5% and CD. However, fish fed 20% lipid level, showed a significant decrease in WG and a significant (P < 0.05) increase in FCR compared to those shown in 15% lipid level. Fish fed with 15% showed the highest weight gain and the lowest FCR compared with the rest of the treatments. Lipid efficiency ratio (LER) showed significant (P < 0.05) differences among experimental groups. Compared to other diets containing lipid levels (5, 10, and 20%) fish fed 15% diet recorded the lowest protein and lipid content in whole body. Additionally, based on second order polynomial regression analysis of WG, it was demonstrated that 16.2% lipid provides an optimal growth for P. splendida.

The aim of this study was to assess quality of SSF (Solid State Fermented) lupin with Lactobacillus plantarum 299v, and its effects (on growth, feed utilization, digestibility and immunity) of juvenile Atlantic salmon (S. salar), when used as fish meal replacer. Five experimental diets were formulated to provide 40% crude protein and 21% dietary lipid (dry matter basis) with the raw or fermented lupin meal-based protein source replacing fish meal at 15% and 30%. Triplicate groups of fish (averaging 3.53 ± 0.05 g) were fed with experimental diets for 8 weeks. Fermentation process modified nutrient profile of lupin meal and enriched it with lactic, citric and acetic acids. Fish in the FL15% group showed a higher (P < 0.05) final body weight, weight gain, FCR, SGR, and PER compared to those of C group. Apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) of protein and Nitrogen-free extract showed a significantly higher values in FL15% experimental group, compared to those shown in C group. Fish in the FL15% group showed a higher (P<0.05) lysozyme activity and leucocyte respiratory burst compared to that shown by fish samples in the C experimental group; phagocytic activity did not record differences among experimental groups. In conclusion, replacement of fish meal by raw or fermented lupin meal did not compromise growth, apparent digestibility coefficients and immune status of juvenile Atlantic salmon and even improve fish performance when supplemented at 15%.