Effect of Different Dietary Protein Levels on Physio-metabolic Response during Stunting of Milkfish, Chanos chanos (Forsskal, 1775) Reared under Pond Conditions

Background: Stunting is a process of suppressing growth from unfavourable conditions. The protein supplementation during stunting gives scope to maintain the nutrient reserves of fish and its quality. Methods: A feeding trial was conducted for eight months to study the effect of three hetero-nitrogenous diets with 25% (control), 30% (T1) and 35% (T2) crude protein (CP) levels on growth and physio-metabolic responses of Chanos chanos fingerlings during stunting. Milk fish fingerlings with a mean body weight of 11.71±0.18 g were stocked in earthen ponds @ 20 no/m2 in each replicate (n=3) was fed @ 2% biomass throughout the experiment. Result: Fish fed with T1 diet showed better specific growth rate (0.64±0.01% d-1), weight gain percentage (362.56±14.95) and protease activity (7.53±0.25 U/mg protein). Whereas, lower activity was observed for the enzyme assay, namely superoxide dismutase (45.41±2.50 U/min/mg protein), aspartate aminotransferase (34.01±1.88 U/min/mg protein) and alanine aminotransferase (39.64±0.64 U/min/mg protein). Hence, it may be concluded that the dietary protein inclusion level of 30% CP showed better growth performance and lower physio-metabolic response in milkfish fingerlings during the stunting.

The effects of extracellular volume and intradialytic peripheral resistance changes on ambulatory blood pressure in hemodialysis patients with and without recurrent intradialytic hypertension

Background Hypertension and extracellular volume (ECV) overload are interrelated mortality risk factors in hemodialysis (HD) patients, but confounding related to changes in ECV and vasoconstriction during and between treatments obfuscate their relationship. We sought to clarify independent contributions of post-HD ECV and intradialytic changes in vasoconstriction on ambulatory blood pressure (BP) in patients with and without recurrent intradialytic hypertension (IH). Methods In this prospective observational study, we obtained measurements of pre- and post-HD ECV with bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS), pre- and post-HD total peripheral resistance index and 44-h ambulatory BP. Linear regression determined associations between post-HD ECV/weight and intradialytic change in total peripheral resistance index (TPRI) with interdialytic BP and slope. Results In fully-adjusted models for participants with complete data, post-HD ECV/weight associated with mean ambulatory BP (β = 133, P = 0.01; n = 52) and ambulatory BP slope (β = −4.28, P = 0.03; n = 42). ECV/weight was associated with mean ambulatory BP in those with recurrent IH (β = 314, P = 0.0005; n = 16) and with ambulatory BP slope in those without recurrent IH (β = −4.56, P = 0.04; n = 28). Interdialytic weight gain percentage and intradialytic TPRI change were not associated with ambulatory BP or slope in any analyses. Conclusion Ambulatory BP in HD patients is more strongly associated with post-HD ECV assessed with BIS than with intradialytic TPRI changes or interdialytic ECV increases. These findings highlight the essential role of recognizing and managing chronic ECV overload to improve ambulatory BP in HD patients, particularly so for those with IH.

Dietary valine levels affect growth, protein utilisation, immunity and antioxidant status in juvenile hybrid grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀ × Epinephelus lanceolatus ♂)

A 6-week growth trial was conducted to evaluate the influences of dietary valine (Val) levels on growth, protein utilisation, immunity, antioxidant status and gut micromorphology of juvenile hybrid groupers. Seven isoenergetic, isoproteic and isolipidic diets were formulated to contain graded Val levels (1·21, 1·32, 1·45, 1·58, 1·69, 1·82 and 1·94 %, DM basis). Each experimental diet was hand-fed to triplicate groups of twelve hybrid grouper juveniles. Results showed that weight gain percentage (WG%), protein productive value, protein efficiency ratio, and feed efficiency were increased as dietary Val level increased, reaching a peak value at 1·58 % dietary Val. The quadratic regression analysis of WG% against dietary Val levels indicated that the optimum dietary Val requirement for hybrid groupers was estimated to be 1·56 %. Gut micromorphology and expression of growth hormone in pituitary, insulin-like growth factor 1, target of rapamycin and S6 kinase 1 in liver were significantly affected by dietary Val levels. In serum, fish fed 1·58 % dietary Val had higher superoxide dismutase, catalase, lysozyme activities and IgM concentrations than fish fed other dietary Val levels. Fish fed 1·58 % dietary Val had higher expression of NF-E2-related factor 2 in head kidney than fish fed other dietary Val levels. Generally, the optimum dietary Val requirement for maximal growth of hybrid groupers was estimated to be 1·56 % of DM, corresponding to 3·16 % of dietary protein, and dietary Val levels affected growth, protein utilisation, immunity and antioxidant status in hybrid groupers.

Effect of supplementation with organic acids on productive and reproductive parameters in guinea pigs

Guinea pig production systems demand organic alternatives to improve their productivity, due to the increased demands of this type of livestock operations. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of organic acids on the productive and reproductive indices in reproductive Guinea pigs in an intensive breeding farm in Lima. 60 pools were used with 10 Guinea pigs in each one (9 females and one male). They were randomly divided into 4 treatment groups: T1: 1mL/L, T2: 2mL/L, T3: 4mL/L; all with 15 pools in total (5 pools each with dosage of 5, 10 and 15 days, respectively), and T4: Control (15 pools without dosage); the observation period was 3 months. No significant difference was found (p> 0.05) between treatments for weight gain, percentage of maternal mortality, percentage of abortions, percentage of pregnancy, number of offspring born and percentage of viability. For the percentage of mortality of pups and average weight of the offspring, a significant difference was found (p <0.05), demonstrating that T3 reached a higher weight index at birth of offspring (T3: 147.7 / 142.7 / 146.8g) and lower percentage of mortality in rabbits (T3: 0 / 1.8 / 3.0%). No significant difference was found in terms of dosing days. It is concluded that supplementation with organic acids with T3 (4mL/L) improved the weight at birth of the offspring and the mortality percentage in kits.

Net energy and protein utilization in fish by introducing the objective criteria ` Clarc of energy distribution ` and ` Clarc of protein transformation `

AIM: To introduce the indicators Clarc of energy distribution (CED) and Clarc of protein/amino acid transformation (CPT) and adapt the methodology for their calculation in aquaculture. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A 50-day experiment was carried out with juvenile carp fish (C. carpio L.) reared in net cages. The following characteristics were reported: fodder (nutritional) coefficient, digestible energy, and crude protein intake per unit of weight gain, percentage of the boneless fillet, the chemical composition of the fillet. The methodology for calculating the respective Clarcs was described. RESULTS: The following values ​​of the newly introduced indicators were established: Clarc of energy distribution (CED) – 0.0866 (8.66%); Clarc of protein transformation (CPT) – 0.1052 (10.52%).

Effect of feeding frequency on growth, feed utilisation and cannibalism in climbing perch Anabas testudineus (Bloch 1792) fry

A 35 days experiment was conducted to study the effect of different feeding frequencies on growth and feed utilisation in climbing perch Anabas testudineus (Bloch 1792) fry. Four different feeding frequencies in triplicate viz., 2 (T1), 3 (T2), 4 (T3) and 5 (T4) times a day were evaluated. Fry (144 nos.) of climbing perch were randomly distributed in 12 glass aquaria (50 l) containing 25 l of filtered and well aerated freshwater. Formulated pellet feed was prepared and fed @ 6% body weight to all the experimental groups at different feeding frequencies as mentioned above. At the end of the experiment, fishes were sampled to determine weight gain percentage (WG %), specific growth rate (SGR), food conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), survival percentage (%) and partial cannibalism rate (%). Results revealed that the WG% (112.80±2.25), PER (1.65±0.03) and SGR (2.15±0.03) were significantly higher (p<0.05) in T3 group. FCR (1.55±0.03) was lowest in T3 group. Partial cannibalism rate (%) was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the treatment group T1 (6.33±0.88) whereas the survival rate (%) was lowest in T1 (91.66±4.81). The results therefore, indicated that feeding frequency of 4 times a day (T3) could be the ideal feeding frequency for better growth and feed utilisation during fry rearing of climbing perch.

Effect of Locally Manufactured Niger Seed Oil on Lipid Profile Compared to Imported Palm and Sunflower Oils on Rat Models

Background. Different types of dietary lipids have been shown to affect lipid metabolism and lipid profile differently. Objective. This study aims to assess the effect of local niger seed oil on serum lipid profile compared to palm oil and sunflower oil in rats. Methods. The effect of the 15% plant oils on serum lipid profile, body weight gain percentage, and feed efficiency ratio was assessed after 8 weeks of experimental period. Results and Conclusion. The 15% niger seed oil showed decrease and increase in the level of lipid profile as compared to rats fed with 15% palm oil and sunflower oil (except Triacylglycerol), respectively. The 15% niger seed oil showed significant decrease and increase in body weight gain percentage as compared to the 15% palm oil and 15% sunflower oil, respectively. The feed efficiency ratio was significantly higher and lower in the 15% niger seed oil compared to rats fed with 15% sunflower oil and control group and the palm oil fed rats, respectively. The current study concluded that consumption of locally manufactured niger seed oil decreased the blood lipid profiles, body weight gain percentage, and feed efficiency ratio as compared to palm oil. Utilization of oils containing more unsaturated fatty acids like niger seed oil is recommended to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Evaluation of Different Live Foods on Growth and Survival of Seahorse Fish (Hippocampus kuda, Signathidae) Ponies

Seahorse (Hippocampus kuda,Signathidae) ponies were reared for 15 days at the laboratory of Marine Biological Research Station, Ratnagiri (India) using three types of live food viz Artemia nauplii, rotifers (Branchionus plicatilis) and a combination of both. The experiment was conducted in all glass aquaria (0.30 m x 0.30 m x 0.30 m). Seahorse ponies (10 + 0.27 mm) were stocked at 2 L-1 and fed with nutritional live food ad libitum. After 15 days of rearing, the ponies were counted and their individual lengths and weights were recorded. Significantly higher (P< 0.05) weight gain percentage (128.92 + 1.27%) of seahorse ponies, length gain percentage (57.4 + 0.82%), SGR percentage per day (5.53 + 0.04% day–1) and survival percentage (100%) of seahorse ponies were observed in the combination of Artemia nauplii and rotifers as food compared with Artemia nauplii or rotifer alone. Rotifers as live food resulted in poor growth and survival of seahorse ponies under this experimental condition.

Oxidation Process of FeNi42Cr6 Alloy Array Materials

In this paper, the oxidation process of the VFD array material in wet hydrogen at high temperature was studied. By the aid of SEM, EDAX, and XRD, the effect of temperature, duration, volume and dew point of hydrogen flow during oxidation on weight gain, percentage of the oxide phase, constitution and morphology of oxide scale were investigated, and a suitable oxide technology was obtained, it was as follows: 950°C, 40 ~ 60 min, D.P. 35°C, 8 l/min.

Influence of Dietary Intake of Levamisole on Growth and Survival of Macrobrachium rosenbergii (Palaemonidae, de Man)

An inclusive indoor experimental trial was carried out to determine the influence of levamisole, an antihelminthes, as a growth facilitator in the culture of scampi (Macrobrachium rosenbergii, Palaemonidae). A purified diet was prepared with 40% protein, containing levamisole at 0 mg (as control), 125 mg and 250 mg·kg-1 dry weight. Nine plastic tanks were stocked with a group of 32 animals (PL20-30) each and fed the trial diet for three months. Animals were regularly weighed at the end of each month. No significant difference was noticed in mean growth and survival (P > 0.05) of the animals between treatments. However, significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed in the growth parameters like percentage of weight gain, percentage of SGR and FCR among the control and levamisole treated animals. Survival percentages of the animals treated with levamisole were better than the control.