The Fish Vet's Blog

Journal of Applied Aquaculture
Volume 23, Number 4 (October 2011)
	Effect of Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) on Growth Performance, Feed Utilization, Whole-Body Composition, and Resistance to Aeromonas hydrophilain Nile Tilapia
	Authors:	MohammadH. Ahmad 1
	Author Affiliations:	1: Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University
	Source:	Journal of Applied Aquaculture, Volume 23, Number 4 (October 2011)
	Page Numbers:	289 – 298
	Available Full Text:	Full Text: Subscription Required to view full text Format: PDF Size: unknown Location: Publisher’s Site Authentication: EBSCOhost EJS
	Abstract:	Four isonitrogenous (30% crude protein) and isocaloric (4.40 kcal/g) experimental diets were formulated to contain 0.0% (control), 0.5%, 1.0%, or 1.5% cinnamon. The diet containing 1% cinnamon resulted in significantly greater (P 0.05) contents due to cinnamon supplementation. Blood plasma profile showed an improvement in hemoglobin (HB), red blood cell (RBCS), hematocrite (PCV), total protein, and total lipids, while there was a decrease in creatinin, urea, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and glucose in fish fed 1% cinnamon. Cinnamon was found to have an antibacterial activity antagonistic to Aeromonas hydrophilainfection in fish. Performance and FCR improvement translated into a 10% decrease in feed costs associated with the 1% cinnamon diet.
	Citation:	MohammadH. Ahmad . Effect of Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) on Growth Performance, Feed Utilization, Whole-Body Composition, and Resistance to Aeromonas hydrophilain Nile Tilapia. Journal of Applied Aquaculture, Volume 23, Number 4 (October 2011), pp. 289-298,
	URL:	http://ejournals.ebsco.com/direct.asp?ArticleID=4A95AE27B73BB48D060D

Aquaculture   Volume 321, Number 3-4 (December 2011)     

A non-invasive assay for monitoring stress responses: A comparison between wild and captive-reared rainbowfish (Melanoteania duboulayi)    

Authors: Amina Zuberi, Sinan Ali, Culum Brown     Author Affiliations:

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Source: Aquaculture, Volume 321, Number 3-4 (December 2011)     Page Numbers: 267 – 272      Available Full Text:

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Abstract: The stress response of wild and captive reared rainbowfish (Melanoteania duboulayi) following chasing by a simulated predator was examined. Cortisol release rate was monitored using a flow through system by measuring water borne hormone levels. Tests using known cortisol concentrations revealed that the technique yielded 95% of the cortisol present in the water. Cortisol release rates increased several fold in both populations after being chased but peaked at different time periods. Wild fish showed a typical stress response with release rate rising to (2.29±0.22ngg-1h-1) 2h after exposure followed by rapid recovery. The captive-reared population by contrast showed an atypical response with cortisol release rate peaking 4h post exposure but reaching only half the level of the wild fish (1.19±0.11ngg-1h-1). The implications for the release of hatchery-reared fish for stock enhancement are discussed.      Citation: Amina Zuberi, Sinan Ali, Culum Brown . A non-invasive assay for monitoring stress responses: A comparison between wild and captive-reared rainbowfish (Melanoteania duboulayi). Aquaculture, Volume 321, Numbers 3-4 (December 2011), pp. 267-272, <http://ejournals.ebsco.com/direct.asp?ArticleID=43498EAFD18D5EF408E8&gt;

With spring well under way, breeding will be on the top of your mind… or maybe just on the top of your fishes’ minds.

But what do you do if the males are ready to go, but the females are not quite ripe. Do you know that it is possible to store the milt from the male fish for use later? It’s exactly like the techniques used for artificial insemination in other animals and even in humans!

The abstract below may be relevant for your situation.

Journal of Applied Aquaculture
Volume 23, Number 4 (October 2011)
	Short-Term Storage of Semen of Rainbow Trout: Interactions of Time, Antibiotic, and Activator
	Authors:	Hamid Niksirat 1
	Author Affiliations:	1: Department of Fisheries and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran
	Source:	Journal of Applied Aquaculture, Volume 23, Number 4 (October 2011)
	Page Numbers:	358 – 366
	Available Full Text:	Full Text: Subscription Required to view full text Format: PDF Size: unknown Location: Publisher’s Site Authentication: EBSCOhost EJS
	Abstract:	This study was designed to examine the main effects and interactions of time, presence of antibiotics, and type of sperm activators on the fertilization capacity (eyeing rate) of refrigerated semen of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. The semen samples were stored in the presence or absence of 250 IU ml-1penicillin and 250 µg ml-1streptomycin sulfate. Freshwater and a saline solution were used as sperm activators. The semen samples were stored at 2–3°C and fertilized after 0, 6, 8, 12, 19, and 25 days of storage. Fertilizing capacities of semen samples stored in the presence of antibiotics (63.8 ± 5.6%) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than those stored in the absence of antibiotics (46.2 ± 6.7%). Also, the fertilizing capacities of stored semen samples activated using saline solution (70.7 ± 5.7%) had significantly (p < 0.05) higher values than those activated using freshwater (39.3 ± 5.9%). Semen samples stored in the absence of antibiotics completely lost fertilizing capacity within 19 days of storage. After 25 days of storage in the presence of antibiotics, induction of fertilization using freshwater and saline solution resulted in 0% and 79.8 ± 1.7% fertility, respectively.
	Citation:	Hamid Niksirat . Short-Term Storage of Semen of Rainbow Trout: Interactions of Time, Antibiotic, and Activator. Journal of Applied Aquaculture, Volume 23, Number 4 (October 2011), pp. 358-366,
	URL:	http://ejournals.ebsco.com/direct.asp?ArticleID=4E5183DC4350DC322E76

Is it breeding season in Brazil?

http://www.news.com.au/travel/news/piranhas-attack-swimmers-in-brazil/story-e6frfq80-1226198527131

Dr Loh with Dr Rob Johnson, Taronga Zoo Veterinarian.

> BID TO CUT FISH DISCARDS
> http://www.fishupdate.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/16562
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> The Scottish Government is seeking support from the EU and Norway to expand its innovative scheme that cuts cod discards while allowing fishermen to land more fish. >
> An expansion of catch quotas for 2012 is dependent on the outcome of the annual negotiations with Norway, during which fishing quotas for the shared fish stocks between the EU and Norway – including North Sea whitefish which is of vital importance to Scotland – will be agreed. >
> The catch quota scheme provides an alternative to traditional quotas, when vessels have set limits and are forced to throw excess fish back in the sea, dead. Under catch quotas, fisherman land more fish whilst catching less – in return for landing all cod without discards. >
> Senior Scottish Government officials are taking part in the first round of the negotiations, which get underway in Brussels tomorrow (November 15). >
> Scottish Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead said: “Discards are enforced on our fishermen by a failing Common Fisheries Policy and are a shocking waste of a precious food resource. We want to see our fishermen land all they catch and command a price for each fish – in return for taking less out of the sea in the first place. >
> “That is what catch quotas help to achieve. For 2011 we were able to expand the scheme to 23 vessels, around a quarter of the whitefish fleet. However, many more skippers wanted to join, which is why I am seeking agreement to allow all Scottish vessels who wish to take part to do so. >
> “As the European Commission has acknowledged, catch quotas can form an important of the solution as we build towards a discard-free fishery. We now need the Commission and Norway to back our efforts and agree to an expanded scheme next year.” >
> The first round of the annual EU-Norway fishery negotiations is from November 15 to November 18. The key shared fishery quotas to be agreed are cod, haddock, whiting, saithe and herring. A second round of negotiations is planned to take place at the end of this month. >
> Following successful catch quota trials in 2010 involving 17 Scottish boats, an expanded 23 vessel scheme took place in 2011. >
> Under catch quotas vessels can land, rather than be forced to discard, an extra amount equal to 12 per cent of the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for cod. This is less than the amount fishermen are estimated to have discarded under the traditional quota system. To ensure there are no discards, the fishing practices of participating vessels is fully documented through on-board cameras. >
> In 2009, Scottish vessels were forced by the Common Fisheries Policy to discard almost 28,000 tonnes of fish, around a quarter of the whitefish catch, valued at 33 million pounds.

Fish Vetting Essentials has sold out!

Another print run is underway. They will be available in the next few weeks.

Apologies for the wait, but you won’t be disappointed.

Aquaculture Volume 321, Number 3-4 (December 2011)

Efficacy of marine yeasts and baker’s yeast as immunostimulants in Fenneropenaeus indicus: A comparative study

Authors: P.J. Sarlin, Rosamma Philip Author Affiliations:

no affiliations available

Source: Aquaculture, Volume 321, Number 3-4 (December 2011) Page Numbers: 173 – 178 Available Full Text:

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Abstract: Efficacy of marine yeasts Debaryomyces hansenii(S8) and Candida tropicalis(S186) as immunostimulants to Indian white prawn Fenneropenaeusindicuswas estimated in comparison with Saccharomyces cerevisiaeS36. Biomass of yeast strains was prepared using Malt Extract Agar and incorporated into a standard diet to prepare yeast diets of varying concentrations. F. indicuswere fed these diets for a period of 14days and then challenged orally with white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) and immune assays like total hemocyte count, phenol oxidase, NBT reduction, alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase were performed. Generally yeast diets provided better protection to F. indicusagainst WSSV compared to control. Marine yeast diet was found to support maximum immunostimulation evidenced by enhanced shrimp immunity. The study showed that marine yeasts D. hansenii(S8) and C. tropicalis(S186) are effective immunostimulants in F. indicusand they perform better than the baker’s yeast, S. cerevisiae.

Citation: P.J. Sarlin, Rosamma Philip . Efficacy of marine yeasts and baker’s yeast as immunostimulants in Fenneropenaeus indicus: A comparative study. Aquaculture, Volume 321, Numbers 3-4 (December 2011), pp. 173-178,

Aquaculture Volume 321, Number 3-4 (December 2011)

Replacement of fish meal with a matrix of organic plant proteins in organic trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) feed, and the effects on nutrient utilization and fish performance

Authors: Ivar Lund, Johanne Dalsgaard, Hanne Tolderlund Rasmussen, Jørgen Holm, Alfred Jokumsen Author Affiliations:

no affiliations available

Source: Aquaculture, Volume 321, Number 3-4 (December 2011) Page Numbers: 259 – 266 Available Full Text:

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Abstract: This study examined the effects on nutrient utilization and fish performance when replacing 16, 31, and 47% of fish meal protein (corresponding to replacing 15, 29 and 44%, respectively, of total dietary protein) with a fixed matrix of organic pea, horsebean and rapeseed plant protein concentrates (PPC) in a ratio of 1.07:1.00:0.66. Four iso-energetic and iso-nitrogenous diets were produced to include 0, 136, 274 or 410gkg-1of the organic PPC matrix, respectively. The organic protein ingredients were chosen based on their high protein content, and the matrix was established to mirror the amino acid composition of fish meal. The plant ingredients were dried, dehulled, grinded and air classified in accordance with the European Union Commission Regulation on organic aquaculture production, increasing the protein concentrations up to 577gkg-1dry matter. Two experiments were carried out using juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): 1) a digestibility study to examine the apparent digestibility of protein, lipid, nitrogen-free extract (NFE), total phosphorus and phytate-phosphorus, followed by a water sampling period to determine the output of nitrogen and phosphorus and enabling the setup of nitrogen and phosphorus mass-balances; and 2) a 57day growth study including 3 growth periods each of 19days and using pit-tagged fish. Substituting fish meal with organic PPC significantly increased the apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) of protein and lipid (P<0.008) at the highest PPC inclusion level, while there was a significant (P<0.044) decrease in the ADC of NFE with increasing PPC inclusion level. The apparent digestibility coefficient of phytate-phosphorus was significantly lower (P<0.005) at the highest PPC inclusion level compared to the fish meal control diet. The mass-balances revealed a significant increase in the excretion of ammonium-nitrogen (NH4N, P<0.017) at the two highest PPC inclusion levels and a decrease in phosphorus (P<0.009) excretion at the highest organic PPC inclusion level. There was no overall effect on the specific growth rates (SGRs) or feed conversion ratios (FCRs). The study thus demonstrated that it is possible to replace fish meal by 47% organic PPC without compromising rainbow trout performance. However, the results also indicated that it will be difficult to replace much more than this as long as supplementation with synthetic amino acids and exogenous phytase is not allowed in organic feed.

Citation: Ivar Lund, Johanne Dalsgaard, Hanne Tolderlund Rasmussen, Jørgen Holm, Alfred Jokumsen . Replacement of fish meal with a matrix of organic plant proteins in organic trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) feed, and the effects on nutrient utilization and fish performance. Aquaculture, Volume 321, Numbers 3-4 (December 2011), pp. 259-266,

Please watch this program.
http://www.abc.net.au/iview/#/view/851259