A closer look at fish feeding – Introduction

Over the next few posts, I will be putting up notes on fish nutrition.

I’ve invited a colleague of mine, Ms Jessie Poon, to write a few words.

Ms Poon is currently studying nutrition at the RMIT. Subject areas covered in the course includes animal physiology, applied nutrition, toxicology and chemistry for life sciences. Her particular area of interest is health promotion through nutrition and diet, and biological sciences.

Ms Poon works at Boronia Aquarium (http://boroniaaquarium.com.au/), providing the vast variety of fishes, their nutritional needs utilising targeted feeding methods from the wide choice of foods available.

Ornamental fishes have travelled from afar and have undergone periods of fasting during their transit to your local fish shop. She has found that by supporting  them with good nutrition leads to  improved health and well-being of the fishes at Boronia Aquarium.

Article on Hikui – sourced from the Aquatic Vet News – published by World Aquatic Veterinary Medical Association

This is an article from the Aquatic Vet News – FYI.

Hikui – AVN-2011-5(2).pdf

Gill damage to Atlantic salmon caused by common jellyfish – Emily Baxter, University College Cork

Following on from the "kamikaze anemone" post, those who are more "sciencey" may find this article of interest.

The original full paper can found here – www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3072396/pdf/pone.0018529.pdf

Australian & NZ College of Veterinary Scientists – Call for Candidates for Membership exams in Aquatic Animal Health in 2012

From: Dr Richmond Loh <thefishvet>

Date: Wed, Sep 28, 2011 at 3:44 PM
Subject: Australian & NZ College of Veterinary Scientists – Call for Candidates for Membership exams in Aquatic Animal Health in 2012
To:

Dear Fish Vets,

As the Secretary for the Aquatic Animal Health Chapter of the Australian & NZ College of Veterinary Scientists, this email is to notify you that exam time is nearing. I have pasted the message below for those on List-Serves that do not automatically allow attachments. More information can be found on the College website – http://www.acvsc.org.au/

<><

Are there any veterinarians around the world who are thinking of sitting for the membership exams in Aquatic Animal Health in 2012? If yes, then please let us know and we can suggest mentors and organise examiners.

For those unfamiliar with the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (ANZCVS), the principal objects of the ANZCVS are:

a. To advance the study of veterinary science and to bring together members of the veterinary profession for their common benefit

b. to hold, conduct or arrange examinations of professional proficiency for the purpose of determining qualification for Membership of the College and Fellowship of the College.

The College encourages veterinarians in practice, in industry, in government employment, and in other fields to seek to improve themselves; and provides additional post-graduate qualifications as a goal.

Membership of the College signifies that a candidate has demonstrated a high level of interest and competence in a given area of veterinary activity. This is judged by that standard of knowledge and understanding, practical skills, attitude, methodology and communication which would make the person suitable to give professional advice to veterinary colleagues not similarly qualified on problems or procedures often encountered or used in general practice, in the relevant area of veterinary endeavour.

Applications to sit membership need to be in with the College by the end of October (in 5 weeks). They will accept applications until the end of November, but if received after the end of October the applicant will have to pay a AUD$50 late fee.

Further particulars and application forms are available from:

Mrs Elaine Lowe

College Manager

The Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists

Telephone: +61 (0)7 3423 2016

Facsimile: +61 (0)7 3423 2977

Email: admin

The ANZCVS has served the veterinary profession for forty years, playing a pivotal role in veterinary specialisation and advanced education in Australia, New Zealand and beyond.

The ANZCVS advances the study of veterinary science by encouraging veterinarians in practice, industry, government employment, and other fields to seek to improve themselves.

It conducts a two tier examination system to determine qualification for Membership and Fellowship of the College.

Membership level examinations are pitched at a unique level and are undertaken by veterinary practitioners after their fourth year since graduation, to improve their level of knowledge and understanding, and to demonstrate a high level of interest and competence in one of 37 different subject areas of veterinary activity.

Fellowship level is specialist level (equivalent to Diplomate). Standards for Fellowship training and examinations in 36 different subjects meet or exceed the prerequisites for registration as a veterinary specialist in Australia and/or New Zealand. Prior to examination, a two- three year directly supervised training program is required; along with evidence of case load, scholarship, research and peer-reviewed publications.

The ANZCVS differs from the North American and European Colleges as it covers a wide range of discipline areas through 19 ‘Chapters’ within the one College. Different Chapters are based on subject/discipline areas. Each Chapter has a Chapter Executive and a Chapter Examination Committee but all Chapters are governed by the one central College administration.

The ANZCVS annual meeting is called ‘College Science Week’. It is a three-day, collegiate, cutting-edge, multi-streamed, scientific meeting held at the same venue as the annual oral/practical each year in June/July.

Exams Info 2012.pdf
Mentors.pdf
Call for Candidates for Membership exams in AAH 2012.pdf

Copper sulfate to control fungus in fish eggs

Journal of Applied Aquaculture   Volume 23, Number 3 (July 2011)      Dose-Confirmation of Copper Sulfate for Treating Fungus on Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, Eggs at a Commercial Hatchery        Authors: DavidL. Straus 1     Author Affiliations:

 1: Mississippi State University, Thad Cochran National Warmwater Aquaculture Center

Source: Journal of Applied Aquaculture, Volume 23, Number 3 (July 2011)     Page Numbers: 199 – 206

Abstract: This study at a commercial hatchery was required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to provide independent substantiation of the results of previous laboratory dose-confirmation studies on the use of copper sulfate (CuSO4) to control fungus (Saprolegniaspp.) on the eggs of channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus. The study compared an untreated control group of eggs to eggs treated with 10 mg/L CuSO4 in a flow-through system; mean water temperature was 23.5°C. Eggs were treated once daily until the embryos reached the eyed stage (5 treatments). Hatching was complete by day 11, and fry were counted to determine the percentage of survival in each treatment. Fungus was identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as Saprolegnia spp. The mean survival in the control treatments was 4% and 40% in the CuSO4 treatments; the latter survival was significantly higher, but still lower than normal. This study confirms that 10 mg/L CuSO4is an effective treatment to control fungus on catfish eggs when used daily until the eggs are eyed. However, continued treatment of eggs until hatching occurs may be warranted based on fungal growth rates observed after treatments were discontinued.

Citation: DavidL. Straus . Dose-Confirmation of Copper Sulfate for Treating Fungus on Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, Eggs at a Commercial Hatchery. Journal of Applied Aquaculture, Volume 23, Number 3 (July 2011), pp. 199-206, <http://ejournals.ebsco.com/direct.asp?ArticleID=429FAD4F6F91CDCAF863&gt;

URL: http://ejournals.ebsco.com/direct.asp?ArticleID=429FAD4F6F91CDCAF863

Announcement Aquatic Surveillance Workshop

Begin forwarded message:

From: <Joanne.Slater>
Date: 26 September 2011 9:29:00 AWST
To: <Joanne.Slater>
Subject: Announcement Aquatic Surveillance Workshop

Dear Health Highlights Subscribers,

Please see email below from Charles Caraguel regarding the 2011 Aquatic Surveillance Workshop.

Regards,

Jo Slater

FRDC AAHS Co-ordinator

Dear Aquatic Health colleagues,

It is my pleasure to announce the coming 2011 Aquatic Surveillance Workshop.

The development and organisation of this initiative is funded by the FRDC/DAFF Aquatic Animal Health Training Schemes.

A website has been developed to facilitate the information & application process (here).

What?

Five-day workshop on design, evaluation and implementation of surveillance for aquatic animal diseases.

Where?

School of Animal & Veterinary Sciences, The university of Adelaide, Roseworthy Campus, South Australia, 5371 (

)

When?

Monday 12thto Friday 16th of December, 2011

Who?

A panel of 4 experts with international, national and local perspective in aquatic surveillance will instruct the workshop:

Dr. Angus Cameron, a renowned veterinary epidemiologist, specialized in surveillance programs including for aquatic diseases and co-director of AusVet,

Dr. Larry Hammell, a renowned aquatic epidemiologist from Canada, co-author of the OIE (World Organisation for Animal Health) guidelines on aquatic surveillance and co-director of the OIE Collaborative Centre for Epidemiology and Risk Assessment of Aquatic Animal Diseases,

Dr. Barbara Nowak, a renowned aquatic animal health scientist from the School of Aquaculture, University of Tasmania, with a extensive experience in research and design of aquatic surveillance program in Australia with a main focus on Tasmanian aquaculture,

Dr. Marty Deveney, a renowned aquatic animal health expert from SARDI, with great experience in implementation of aquatic surveillance in the South Australia aquaculture industry.

I will also be helping during the workshop but I do not consider myself as an expert.

Scope?

An intended program of the workshop is available for consultation here.

Cost?

The cost of the workshop is covered by the FRDC/DAFF Aquatic Animal Health Training Schemes and will be free of charge for the participants. However, personal needs including travel, accommodation and food are at the participant own charge. Some convenient and low cost accommodation on the Roseworthy Campus will be available.

Application?

The maximum capacity of the workshop is 25 participants. Applications are now open and available through the workshop website and will have to be submitted before October 10th, 2011.

Priority to participate to the workshop will be given to:

• State and Territory Departments of Fisheries/Primary Industries;

• AAHL;

• State aquatic animal health laboratories;

• Universities with significant aquatic animal health interest;

• Consultants and private veterinarians and working in fisheries and aquaculture.

Feel free to contact me if you required any further information.

Sincerely yours,

Charles.

Dr Charles Caraguel DVM MSc PhD

Veterinary Epidemiology & Aquatic Population Health

School of Animal & Veterinary Sciences

Leske Building G6

Roseworthy Campus, The University of Adelaide, SA, AUSTRALIA 5371

Work : +61 (0) 8 8313 1245

Mobile: +61 (0) 4 6773 1441

Fax : +61 (0) 8 8303 7956

e-mail: charles.caraguel

CRICOS Provider Number 00123M

Bug lights to help supplement pond fish diets?

Read an interesting article – abstract provided below.

In summary, although bug lights cannot be used on a commercial scale to grow fish for human consumption, it would be a handy supplement for night feeding fishes.

Journal of Applied Aquaculture
Volume 23, Number 3 (July 2011)
Can Reduced Stocking Rates and Bug Lights Produce Market-Sized Catfish From Fingerlings in One Growing Season?
Authors: CharlesC. Mischke 1
Author Affiliations:
1: Mississippi State University, Thad Cochran National Warmwater Aquaculture Center
Source: Journal of Applied Aquaculture, Volume 23, Number 3 (July 2011)
Page Numbers: 271 – 278
Available Full Text:
Full Text: Subscription Required to view full text
Format: PDF
Size: unknown
Location: Publisher’s Site
Authentication: EBSCOhost EJS
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of growing marketable channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus,from pond-run fingerlings (15.9 g/fish) using low stocking densities (7,413 or 14,826 fish/ha) and electrified bug lights to enhance natural forage available to fish. Even at low stocking densities, fish only averaged 0.2 kg at the end of the growing season. Because marketable sizes of fish were not reached over the growing season, stocking small fingerlings at these rates would not be practical under most commercial production scenarios. Nutritionally, captured insects from electrified bug lights were near a complete diet for catfish, but bug lights did not capture sufficient quantities of insects to affect fish production in either stocking density. Stocking small fingerlings at low stocking rates does not produce market-sized catfish during one growing season; commercially available bug lights did not provide adequate amounts of natural forage to affect production variables.
Citation: CharlesC. Mischke . Can Reduced Stocking Rates and Bug Lights Produce Market-Sized Catfish From Fingerlings in One Growing Season?. Journal of Applied Aquaculture, Volume 23, Number 3 (July 2011), pp. 271-278,
URL: http://ejournals.ebsco.com/direct.asp?ArticleID=4039B2B0911D2DA0F9D2