The Potential of Fermented Water Spinach Meal as a Fish Meal Replacement and the Impacts on Growth Performance, Reproduction, Blood Biochemistry and Gut Morphology of Female Stinging Catfish (Heteropneustes fossilis)

Abstract

The identification and development of a new plant-based feed ingredient as an alternative protein source to FM have gained the interest of the aquafeed industrial players. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the physical, biochemical, and bacteriological properties of dietary FWM and the impacts on the growth and reproductive performances of farmed female stinging catfish, H. fossilis broodstock. Five experimental diets were formulated with different FWM inclusion (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%). Fatty acid profiles such as 4:0, 10:0, 20:0, 21:0, 22:0, 24:0, 20:1n9, 18:3n6, 20:3n6, 20:4n6, and 22:6n3 were found in higher levels in FWM compared to the water spinach meal (WM). Meanwhile, there were no significant differences in the physical properties of the FWM experimental diets (p > 0.05). Furthermore, the experimental feed with 0, 25, 50, and 75% FWM were more palatable to the broodstock than 100% FWM. The number of total bacteria (TB) and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in catfish diets exhibited a rising trend with an increase in FWM, while 50% of FWM-fed fish intestines had a significantly (p < 0.05) higher TB and LAB than other treatment groups. The growth, feed utilization, and reproductive variables of H. fossilis were significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by FWM inclusion at various levels. Moreover, the significantly (p < 0.05) highest oocytes weight, fertilization, egg ripeness, and ovipositor diameter were observed in the treatment of 50% FWM diet treatment group. In addition, the spawning response was 100% in all treatments except for the control group (66.67%). Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found in the hematological and serum biochemical indices in most treatment groups. In addition, the histological analysis of H. fossilis midintestinal tissue indicated that the fish fed with a 50% FWM diet had an unbroken epithelial barrier with more goblet cell arrangements and a well-organized villi structure and tunica muscularis compared to other treatment groups. These outcomes suggested that FWM at 50% inclusion is an adequate protein supplement for fish feed, resulting in better growth, reproductive performance, and health of H. fossilis broodstock development.

Comparative study of ovarian development in wild and captive-reared long-whiskered Sperata aor (Hamilton, 1822)

“…After that, each broodstock’s body cavity was opened, and the liver, viscera, ovary, and fat were taken out and separately weighed. Oocytes, ovary weight, oocyte weight, relative fecundity, and oocyte ripeness were measured according to Kabir et al [ 11 ] and Nandi et al [ 19 ]. Moreover, the fish biometric and reproductive parameters were evaluated by using the following formulae:…”

“…Previous studies [ 17 , 18 ] stated that protein and amino acid are crucial bimolecular components, regulating key metabolic pathways and serving as precursors for the synthesis of biologically active substances for oocytes or eggs formation in the ovary of broodstock. Moreover, protein and lipid are the main components of egg yolk, which are actively utilized by broodstock as nutrient sources for reproductive development and early embryogenesis [ 11 , 19 ]. Amino acid groups, especially isoleucine, leucine, glutamic acid, valine, alanine, lysine, serine, and aspartic acid, have a significant role in broodstock reproductive development, as reported by previous researchers [ 11 , 15 , 20 , 21 ].…”

Ameliorative Effects of Different Dietary Levels of Fish Protein Hydrolysate (FPH) on Growth and Reproductive Performance, Feed Stability, Tissues Biochemical Composition, Haematobiochemical Profile, Liver Histology, and Economic Analysis of Pabda (Ompok pabda) Broodstock

“…Subsequently, the liver, gonad, and viscera were extracted from each fish and weighed individually. The growth, reproductive, and egg quality parameters were calculated using methodologies and formulae outlined by Nandi et al [6] and Kabir et al (iv) Feed conversion ratio ðFCRÞ ¼ the liver, intestine, muscle, and oocyte samples were obtained from three randomly selected fish from each cage and stored at −20°C until further examination. The crude protein content was determined using the Kjeldahl technique (calculated as 6.25 × % N), while the crude lipid content was assessed using the n-hexane extraction method via a Soxhlet apparatus.…”

“…However, FM demand has skyrocketed up to 300% [2], limiting the supply and increasing the costs of this feed ingredient [3]. The high prices and limited availability of FM, coupled with concerns about overfishing, have led the stakeholders to explore alternative and sustainable protein sources [4][5][6]. Alternative proteins in fish diet ensure long-term sustainability by reducing reliance on wild fish stocks, offering nutrition, and fostering environmentally friendly aquaculture practices.…”

Evaluation of locally available feed resources for Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in Rwanda

“…), water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes) and duckweed (Lemnoideae spp.) (Das et al, 2018;Thy et al, 2008;Nandi et al, 2023). However, high replacement rate of fishmeal with aquatic plants results in poor fish growth performance (Das et al, 2018).…”