Aquaculture Research最新文献

A two-part study was conducted to evaluate the impact of exogenous protease supplementation on the performance of Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei): a controlled in vivo feeding trial and a systematic review with meta-analysis. In the feeding trial, a 90-day experiment was conducted using diets supplemented with protease, administered to shrimp stocked at 90/m². The experimental design applied was completely randomized, with treatments organized in increasing doses of exogenous protease (0, 125, 250, and 500 g/t) supplemented in “on top” mode in commercial feed with 35% protein, extruded, and with pellets of 1.6 mm in diameter. The results showed a significant increase in performance with the use of exogenous protease in the diet of shrimp grown under a density of 90 shrimp/m². Live weight had a linear increasing effect (p  < 0.001), as did feed intake (p  < 0.001), weight gain (p  < 0.001), and survival (p  < 0.001), while feed conversion ratio (FCR) had a quadratic effect (p = 0.005). The supplementation of exogenous protease showed to have an influence on the control diet, resulting in satisfactory increments when analyzing weight gain indices. The study demonstrates positive effects in the addition of exogenous protease, with significant effects on the performance of shrimp. The meta-analysis included 7,080 shrimps from peer-reviewed studies comparing protease-supplemented and control diets. Three outcome measures were analyzed, daily body weight gain (dBWG), FCR, and survival rate. The database was composed of eight comparisons in weight gain (dBWG, g/shrimp/day), 8 comparisons in feed conversion rate (FCR, g/g), and eight comparisons in survival (survival %). Meta-analysis revealed evidence in the literature that P. vannamei shrimp fed diets supplemented with exogenous protease enzyme or not do not vary in terms of survival rate (p = 0.08437). Feed conversion in P. vannamei shrimp showed significant evidence that P. vannamei shrimp fed diets supplemented with exogenous protease enzyme. A dosage of 175 mg/kg was identified as optimal across the analyzed studies without significant changes in animal survival.

Pharmaceutical residues have emerged as critical emerging contaminants, posing substantial threats to aquatic biodiversity and sustainable aquaculture. However, their sublethal effects on nontarget aquatic species remain underexplored. This study evaluates the comparative toxicity of three widely detected pharmaceuticals: gabapentin (GPT, anticonvulsant), valsartan (VAL, antihypertensive), and codeine (COD, opioid analgesic)—on African catfish (Clarias gariepinus), a species of ecological and aquacultural importance. Fish were exposed for 15 days to environmentally relevant concentrations of GPT (79.86 µg/L), VAL (28.22 µg/L), and COD (5.27 µg/L). Neurotoxicity was assessed via acetylcholinesterase (AChE), monoamine oxidase (MAO), and cortisol levels; immunotoxicity was evaluated through lysozyme (LZM) activity, immunoglobulin M (IgM), and phagocytic activity (PA), while histopathological and histochemical changes were examined in the kidney, intestine, and spleen. All pharmaceutical exposures induced significant neuroendocrine and immune disruptions. AChE activity was reduced, while MAO and cortisol levels increased, indicating neurotoxic stress. Immunosuppression was evidenced by decreased LZM, IgM, and PA. Histological examination revealed tissue degeneration, mucosal damage, and lymphoid depletion, with PAS staining showing glycogen depletion across all treated groups. Among the tested compounds, VAL induced the most severe multisystemic effects, followed by GPT and COD. These findings highlight the overlooked ecological risks of pharmaceutical pollutants, underlining their potential to compromise fish health, disrupt aquaculture productivity, and threaten aquatic biodiversity even at low environmental concentrations.

This study systematically investigated the differences of conventional nutrients, amino acids and fatty acids compositions among three triploid oysters (GG-autotriploid: Crassostrea gigas♀ × C. gigas tetraploid♂, GA-allotriploid: C. gigas♀ × C. angulata tetraploid♂, and GGA-allotriploid: C. gigas♀ × hybrid tetraploid [C. gigas♀ × Crassostrea angulata♂]♂ groups) compared with diploid group (D) C. gigas. The results showed that the D had significantly higher contents of protein and glycogen than triploids (p < 0.05), while triploids exhibited notably higher content of crude fat (p < 0.05). There were 18 amino acids detected across groups. The D presented obviously higher total amino acids (TAAs), essential amino acids (EAAs), and flavor-enhancing amino acids (FEAAs) than triploids (p < 0.05). The GA group possessed the highest contents of TAAs, EAA, and FEAAs among triploids. In the triploid group, the GA group had the highest TAA, EAA, and FEAA content, and the most balanced amino acid composition. This study provides valuable insights for the quality assessment and breeding of nutritious oyster varieties.

RETRACTION: H. Hafsan, D. Bokov, W. K. Abdelbasset, et al., “Dietary Dracocephalum kotschyi Essential Oil Improved Growth, Haematology, Immunity and Resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss),” Aquaculture Research 53, no. 8 (2022): 3164–3175. https://doi.org/10.1111/are.15829.

The above article, published online on 17 March 2022 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the authors and John Wiley & Sons Ltd. The retraction has been agreed after an investigation into concerns raised by N. H. Wise, Alexander Magazinov and Hoya camphorifolia on PubPeer [1–3].

The authors were unable to provide their raw data and ethics documentation, or confirm that their article is compliant with Wiley’s authorship policy. As such, they requested a retraction. Authors, Walid Kamal Abdelbasset and Hasan Sh. Majdi, claim that they were listed as authors without their consent.

This systematic literature review and meta-analysis synthesizes empirical findings regarding the application of vaccines against Streptococcus infections in tilapia culture. Beyond systematically assessing advances and future directions in anti-Streptococcus vaccination, we examined vaccine effects on prechallenge immunomodulation and postchallenge protection in tilapia. Injectable vaccines remain the standard but present logistical and technological challenges, while oral and immersion vaccines require formulation improvements. Innovations in delivery systems show promise in boosting vaccine coverage. However, challenges persist, including variability in study methodologies, limited field trials, and the need for cross-protective vaccines. Prechallenge vaccine administration generally led to a significant (p < 0.05) increase in antibody titer, lysozyme activities, and immune gene regulation, while postchallenge survival based on meta-analysis indicated significantly (p < 0.05) higher survival in vaccinated fish compared to the control nonvaccinated. A comparison of the relative percentage survival (RPS) of the main vaccine types indicated that the attenuated vaccine had the highest mean RPS, followed by the ghost vaccine, while the DNA vaccine had a significantly (p < 0.05) lower RPS. There were no significant (p > 0.05) differences observed among the inactivated, subunit, attenuated, and ghost vaccine groups, indicating comparable survival rates. These findings support vaccination as a viable strategy for Streptococcus management in tilapia culture. Further research should focus on optimizing vaccine formulations, enhancing long-term field efficacy, and analyzing the cost-effectiveness of vaccine application in fish culture.

This study evaluated the effect of photoperiod as a productive strategy during the larviculture of the neotropical species Trachelyopterus galeatus. A total of 560 postlarvae, with an average total length and weight of 6.61 ± 0.33 mm and 2.36 ± 0.10 mg, respectively, were randomly assigned to seven photoperiod treatments, each four replicates: (0L:24D) 0 h light and 24 h dark; (4L:20D) 4 h light and 20 h dark; (8L:16D) 8 h light and 16 h dark; (12L:12D) 12 h light and 12 h dark; (16L:8D) 16 h light and 8 h dark; (20L:4D) 20 h light and 4 h dark; and (24L:0D) 24 h light and 0 h dark. Larvae were fed Artemia franciscana nauplii three times daily over a 30-day experimental period. At the end of the trial, fish were measured and weighed to assess productive and zootechnical performance. To evaluate immune resistance, 20 individuals from each treatment were redistributed into four aquaria at a density of five fish L⁻¹ and subjected to a sublethal infection. Fish were exposed by immersion in production water to 1.2 × 10⁸ colony-forming unit (CFU) L⁻¹ of Aeromonas hydrophila for 96 h of observation. Data were tested for normality and homoscedasticity using the Shapiro–Wilk and Bartlett tests, respectively, followed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and mean comparisons via Tukey’s test (5%) in BioEstat and PAST software. Results showed that shorter photoperiods (0L:24D, 4L:20D, and 8L:16D) promoted better growth performance and batch uniformity, as well as enhanced immune resistance when challenged with the pathogen. Therefore, strategic photoperiod control represents a viable tool to optimize the productive performance and immunity of T. galeatus in aquaculture.

This study evaluated the potential use of saline groundwater for inland aquaculture in Hokkaido, Japan, by assessing hydrological characteristics such as the spatial distribution and depth of saline groundwater and the suitability of water quality for aquaculture purposes. For this study, data were collected and analyzed from groundwater surveys conducted and published by public institutions in Japan over the past 60 years. Consequently, 244 saline groundwater sources were extracted for this study. The characteristics of saline groundwater were classified into two types based on well depth. Saline groundwater shallower than 500 m is situated in coastal lowlands and has low salinity (<18.2: one-third of seawater). Depth deeper than 500 m is situated both on the coast and inland, and has high salinity ranging from 18.2 to 35.9 (seawater). Fisheries insights showed that the temperature of saline groundwater at depths shallower than 500 m and the salinity of saline groundwater at depths greater than 500 m were suitable for inland aquaculture. Although other water quality parameters, such as nitrogen, iron, and manganese, fail to meet the strict quality standards for aquaculture, saline groundwater could be used for aquaculture purposes after appropriate water treatment. This study emphasizes that integrating saline groundwater into aquaculture systems could offer a sustainable alternative to marine-based aquaculture, mitigating environmental risks and supporting fisheries impacted by global warming.

Rohu (Labeo rohita) is a major aquaculture species in Bangladesh, but poor broodstock management has compromised seed quality and growth performance. To address this, WorldFish launched a genetic improvement program in 2012, yet the on-farm performance of the widely available third generation (G3) rohu remains poorly studied. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the growth and profitability of G3 rohu and commercial local rohu under typical smallholder pond polyculture systems in Bangladesh. A total of 120 ponds across two locations were randomly assigned to Selected (30 per location, G3 rohu) or Control (30 per location, local rohu), with rohu stocked at an average of 2470 ha⁻¹ in typical smallholder polyculture systems alongside 5287 ha⁻¹ of other cocultured species. The study was conducted over a full production cycle from July 2023 to March 2024, and differences in performance were assessed using multivariate regression and ANOVA models. Water quality remained within acceptable ranges for aquaculture, despite fluctuations. The Selected rohu demonstrated significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) harvest weight, weight gain, survival rate, and specific growth rate (SGR), growing 32.6% faster than Control rohu. Productivity of cocultured species did not differ significantly (p ≥ 0.05) between ponds with Selected or Control rohu. Furthermore, G3 rohu yielded significantly higher returns per ha than local rohu, with total productivity, gross revenue, gross margin, net margin, and benefit–cost ratios (BCRs) all significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) in ponds with Selected rohu. Regression analysis identified pond size, commercial feed use, inorganic fertilization, and stocking density as positive drivers of rohu productivity, whereas pond age had negative effects. Findings are based on data from two districts in southern Bangladesh and may vary elsewhere depending on local farming intensity and management practices. These results suggest that wider dissemination of genetically improved fingerlings, coupled with improved pond management, could enhance smallholder productivity and profitability in Bangladesh.

The aquaculture industry is seeking sustainable feed alternatives to enhance the health and growth of farmed fish during their early life stages. Live feed, such as the annelid worm Enchytraeus albidus, has been shown to increase growth in marine fish species. This study evaluates E. albidus as a potential starter live feed for rainbow trout fry (Oncorhynchus mykiss), focusing on growth, health, and fatty acid composition. Fry were fed one of three diets: standard dry feed (DF), live E. albidus (EF), or a combination (DF/EF) for 21 days, followed by a transition to DF for the following 22 days. Fry initially fed with EF exhibited higher growth rates compared to those on DF, and they maintained superior size even 3 weeks after being transitioned to DF. At the end of the experiment, the fish fed EF had a 10% higher mass than fish fed DF. No significant differences were found in health indicators across the treatment groups, which all demonstrated good health and low mortality. The fatty acid profiles differed between treatments, with lower essential fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels in fish fed EF. However, despite the lower body levels, critical DHA levels seemed to be preserved in the neural tissues of the fry. These findings highlight the potential of E. albidus as an effective starter feed for rainbow trout fry.

This study with two feeding trials evaluated low-fish meal (FM) diets containing alternative protein sources on growth performance, feed utilization, body composition, innate immune, and blood biochemical parameters of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). In the first trial, two diets were formulated to contain 60% (FM60) and 30% FM (FM30). FM30 diet was prepared by replacing 50% of FM from the FM60 diet with 11% meat meal (MM), 11% chicken byproduct meal (CBM), 5% krill meal (KM) and 5% soy protein concentrate (SPC). Atlantic salmon averaging 300 ± 1.51 g, were fed FM60, FM30, and a commercial diet for 16 weeks. Growth performance of fish-fed FM30 diet was significantly reduced compared to that of FM60 group (p < 0.05). Feed utilization was not significantly affected. Viscerosomatic index (VSI) was significantly higher in FM30 group (p < 0.05). Muscle omega-3 level was significantly higher in FM60 group and monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) were significantly higher in FM30 group (p < 0.05). The second trial was conducted to evaluate commercial scale extruded pellets. Three diets (FM60, FM40, and FM30) were formulated with slight modification compared to the first trial. FM40 diet contained 40% FM with MM, CBM, KM, and soybean meal. Atlantic salmon averaging 766 ± 1.51 g were fed three diets and two other commercial diets for 33 weeks. Growth performance, feed utilization, and survival were not significantly affected by the experimental diets. Plasma alkaline phosphate (ALP) level of fish-fed FM30 diet was significantly higher than the FM60 and FM40 groups (p < 0.05). Muscle fatty acids were not significantly affected by the experimental diets except for the significantly higher stearic acid (18:0) acid level in FM30 group (p < 0.05). Muscle color and carotenoid levels were not significantly affected by experimental diets. Therefore, The FM30 diet formulated in the second trial can be used in commercial Atlantic salmon aquaculture without significant negative effects compared to a diet containing 60% FM.