University of Guilan Aquatic Animals Nutrition 2980-8499 10 2 2024 06 21 Effect of diet containing alfalfa (Medicago sativa) powder and leaf extract on hemolymph factors of western whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) under low salinity stress Effect of diet containing alfalfa (Medicago sativa) powder and leaf extract on hemolymph factors of western whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) under low salinity stress 1 19 8107 10.22124/janb.2024.27893.1249 FA Kobra Babanejad-Abkenar Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Marine Sciences and Technology, University of Hormozgan, Bandar Abbas, Iran Arash Akbarzadeh Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Marine Sciences and Technology, University of Hormozgan, Bandar Abbas, Iran Ahmad Noori Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Marine Sciences and Technology, University of Hormozgan, Bandar Abbas, Iran Mohammad Niroomand Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Marine Sciences and Technology, University of Hormozgan, Bandar Abbas, Iran Journal Article 2024 04 02 ntroduction: The western whiteleg shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, is a euryhaline species, but fluctuated salinity can lead to stress. Hemolymph indices, such as total and differential hemocyte counts, are key indicators of immune status in shrimp. Using medicinal plants to feed farmed aquatic animals is a promising approach to enhance production performance and resilience to environmental stress. Alfalfa, Medicago sativa leaves are used in animal and human diets due to high protein content and nutritional value. This study evaluates the impact of alfalfa leaf powder (ALP) and extract (ALE) on the hemolymph indices of L. vannamei in low salinity stress conditions. Materials and methods: Shrimp were fed in seven treatments with three replications, including control (without ALP and ALE), ALP (60, 120, and 180 g/kg), and ALE (6, 12, and 18 g/kg) for nine weeks. Then, the shrimp were subjected to salinity stress at five ppt for 48 hours. Survival rates were recorded at the end of the feeding and stress period, and total and differential hemocyte counts were measured. Results: In non-stress conditions, the number of hemocytes in the control group was significantly lower compared to the other treatments. In the 5 ppt salinity, ALP180 and ALE18 showed significantly higher total hemocyte counts than the control group (p<0.05). In both salinity conditions, the control treatment had a significantly higher number of hyaline cells compared to other treatments. In the control and ALP180 treatments, the numbers of hyaline cells were higher in the normal salinity than in the five ppt (p<0.05). Moreover, in the normal salinity, the number of large granular cells was significantly lower in the control group than in the other treatments. In addition, in the control group, large granular cells in the five ppt were significantly higher than the control group in normal salinity (p<0.05). The survival rate was significantly higher in treatments fed with ALP and ALE in normal salinity compared to the control. In 5 ppt salinity, survival rates were also significantly higher in the ALP180 and ALE18 compared to the control (p<0.05). Discussion: Alfalfa leaves, rich in minerals like copper and iron and active compounds like flavonoids, contribute to increased hemocyte levels. Flavonoids interact with hemocyte cell receptors, promoting effective cell function. Hemocytes are crucial in crustaceans' defense against pathogens. A higher proportion of semi-granular cells in the western whiteleg shrimp indicate a stronger immune response. Additionally, xanthophyll and loliolide in alfalfa have germicidal properties and help to improve the survival rate. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that alfalfa leaf powder and extract positively impact shrimp's survival and immune system function under low salinity stress. ntroduction: The western whiteleg shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, is a euryhaline species, but fluctuated salinity can lead to stress. Hemolymph indices, such as total and differential hemocyte counts, are key indicators of immune status in shrimp. Using medicinal plants to feed farmed aquatic animals is a promising approach to enhance production performance and resilience to environmental stress. Alfalfa, Medicago sativa leaves are used in animal and human diets due to high protein content and nutritional value. This study evaluates the impact of alfalfa leaf powder (ALP) and extract (ALE) on the hemolymph indices of L. vannamei in low salinity stress conditions. Materials and methods: Shrimp were fed in seven treatments with three replications, including control (without ALP and ALE), ALP (60, 120, and 180 g/kg), and ALE (6, 12, and 18 g/kg) for nine weeks. Then, the shrimp were subjected to salinity stress at five ppt for 48 hours. Survival rates were recorded at the end of the feeding and stress period, and total and differential hemocyte counts were measured. Results: In non-stress conditions, the number of hemocytes in the control group was significantly lower compared to the other treatments. In the 5 ppt salinity, ALP180 and ALE18 showed significantly higher total hemocyte counts than the control group (p<0.05). In both salinity conditions, the control treatment had a significantly higher number of hyaline cells compared to other treatments. In the control and ALP180 treatments, the numbers of hyaline cells were higher in the normal salinity than in the five ppt (p<0.05). Moreover, in the normal salinity, the number of large granular cells was significantly lower in the control group than in the other treatments. In addition, in the control group, large granular cells in the five ppt were significantly higher than the control group in normal salinity (p<0.05). The survival rate was significantly higher in treatments fed with ALP and ALE in normal salinity compared to the control. In 5 ppt salinity, survival rates were also significantly higher in the ALP180 and ALE18 compared to the control (p<0.05). Discussion: Alfalfa leaves, rich in minerals like copper and iron and active compounds like flavonoids, contribute to increased hemocyte levels. Flavonoids interact with hemocyte cell receptors, promoting effective cell function. Hemocytes are crucial in crustaceans' defense against pathogens. A higher proportion of semi-granular cells in the western whiteleg shrimp indicate a stronger immune response. Additionally, xanthophyll and loliolide in alfalfa have germicidal properties and help to improve the survival rate. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that alfalfa leaf powder and extract positively impact shrimp's survival and immune system function under low salinity stress.

https://janb.guilan.ac.ir/article_8107_fd145d1cf750e9d70c1901a02a29c91e.pdf

University of Guilan Aquatic Animals Nutrition 2980-8499 10 2 2024 06 21 Comparison of the fungal contamination in Rainbow trout feed in farms located in fields and mountains Comparison of the fungal contamination in Rainbow trout feed in farms located in fields and mountains 21 35 8103 10.22124/janb.2024.26738.1234 FA Donya Nikaein Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran Aghil Sharifzadeh Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran Ahmad Erfanmaensh Department of Animal Biological Products, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran Mohammad Sadegh Moradi Department of Animal and Poultry Health and Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Tehran, Iran Mohammadreza Fatahpour Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran Journal Article 2024 03 10 Introduction: The consistent increase in aquatic consumption due to the limitation of marine resources has led to aquaculture development in the sea and on land. Mold contamination of feed decreases feed's nutritional and health quality by changing the composition of nutrients and producing mycotoxin. This study aimed to investigate the fungal contamination of rainbow trout in farm storage of six provinces including Kermanshah, Alborz, Qazvin, Lorestan, Tehran, and Mazandaran. The feed samples were contaminated with aflatoxigenic species at a rate of 78.57%, and the abundance of these species was 22.79%. Materials and methods: After sampling the feed and preparing serial dilutions, surface culture was carried out in YGC medium and the total number of fungal colonies was counted. The genus and species of fungi were identified based on macroscopic and microscopic morphology and biochemical tests. The number of fungal colonies in all samples was lower than the standard level, and a total of 158 fungal isolates from 16 genera were obtained. The feed samples were discovered to be contaminated with the Aspergillus genus at a prevalence of 90.47% and an abundance of 70.25%. Results: The fungal species A. niger and A. fumigatus were found to have the highest contamination levels of 80.95% and 66.66%, respectively in feed samples. These species also comprised 21.52% and 17.72% of the fungal population in the feed. Contaminations of feed samples with Fusarium species and Penicillium species were 4.76% and 23.8%, and their abundance were 1.26% and 6.32%, respectively. Contamination with A. fumigatus, Fusarium species, and Penicillium species were higher in farms located in the plains. Conclusion: Based on the research findings, it is revealed that despite the low number of fungal species in the feed samples, the highest abundance and percentage of contamination is related to the Aspergillus genus, especially species with the capability to produce both aflatoxin and ochratoxin. Introduction: The consistent increase in aquatic consumption due to the limitation of marine resources has led to aquaculture development in the sea and on land. Mold contamination of feed decreases feed's nutritional and health quality by changing the composition of nutrients and producing mycotoxin. This study aimed to investigate the fungal contamination of rainbow trout in farm storage of six provinces including Kermanshah, Alborz, Qazvin, Lorestan, Tehran, and Mazandaran. The feed samples were contaminated with aflatoxigenic species at a rate of 78.57%, and the abundance of these species was 22.79%. Materials and methods: After sampling the feed and preparing serial dilutions, surface culture was carried out in YGC medium and the total number of fungal colonies was counted. The genus and species of fungi were identified based on macroscopic and microscopic morphology and biochemical tests. The number of fungal colonies in all samples was lower than the standard level, and a total of 158 fungal isolates from 16 genera were obtained. The feed samples were discovered to be contaminated with the Aspergillus genus at a prevalence of 90.47% and an abundance of 70.25%. Results: The fungal species A. niger and A. fumigatus were found to have the highest contamination levels of 80.95% and 66.66%, respectively in feed samples. These species also comprised 21.52% and 17.72% of the fungal population in the feed. Contaminations of feed samples with Fusarium species and Penicillium species were 4.76% and 23.8%, and their abundance were 1.26% and 6.32%, respectively. Contamination with A. fumigatus, Fusarium species, and Penicillium species were higher in farms located in the plains. Conclusion: Based on the research findings, it is revealed that despite the low number of fungal species in the feed samples, the highest abundance and percentage of contamination is related to the Aspergillus genus, especially species with the capability to produce both aflatoxin and ochratoxin.

https://janb.guilan.ac.ir/article_8103_5477615102cd3c5f783417835cac11ae.pdf

University of Guilan Aquatic Animals Nutrition 2980-8499 10 2 2024 06 21 Effect of dietary lecithin on antioxidant defense of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss broodstock and offspring Effect of dietary lecithin on antioxidant defense of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss broodstock and offspring 37 48 8104 10.22124/janb.2024.27397.1242 FA Fatemeh Jafari Department of Biology and Aquaculture, Artemia and Aquaculture Research Institute, Urmia University, Urmia, West Azerbaijan, Iran Naser Agh Department of Biology and Aquaculture, Artemia and Aquaculture Research Institute, Urmia University, Urmia, West Azerbaijan, Iran 0000-0001-5327-4118 Farzaneh Noori Department of Biology and Aquaculture, Artemia and Aquaculture Research Institute, Urmia University, Urmia, West Azerbaijan, Iran Abdoljabbar Irani Department of Biology and Aquaculture, Artemia and Aquaculture Research Institute, Urmia University, Urmia, West Azerbaijan, Iran Reyhaneh Ravanbakhsh Department of Biology and Aquaculture, Artemia and Aquaculture Research Institute, Urmia University, Urmia, West Azerbaijan, Iran Mahdi Imani Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, West Azerbaijan, Iran Journal Article 2024 04 03 Introduction: Soybean lecithin (SBL) is usually added to aquafeed as a phospholipids source because aquatic animals including crustaceans and fish cannot synthesize phospholipids. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of different levels of dietary soybean lecithin (a source of phospholipid) on the antioxidant defense system of female and male broodstock, ovum, eggs and the first stage swimming larvae of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. Materials and methods: For this purpose, fish were fed four isoproteic and isolipidic diets containing graded levels of soybean lecithin (SBL) as a source of phospholipid (including 0, 2, 4 and 6%) for 190 days. At the end of the experiment, the samples of serum, ovum, egg and larvae were collected for antioxidant activity of CAT, SOD and MDA analyses. Results and discussion: The results obtained showed that 4-6% dietary SBL supplementation significantly increased the antioxidant enzymes activity, including catalase and superoxide dismutase in the fish blood serum, eggs, and larvae compared to the control. On the other hand, MDA level in the control group was higher than in the other treatments (p<0.05). Thus, considering the data on improved the activity of antioxidant enzymes, it is recommended to include SBL at 4-6% in rainbow trout broodstock diet. Conclusion: It is concluded that an optimal lecithin content in the diet of rainbow trout broodstock can lead to improving quality of ova and larval immune system. Funding: This work was supported by the Office of Vice-Chancellor for Research and the Artemia and Aquaculture Research Institute of Urmia University in the framework of the postdoctoral research of Dr. Fatemeh Jafari (grant number 98/A/007). Introduction: Soybean lecithin (SBL) is usually added to aquafeed as a phospholipids source because aquatic animals including crustaceans and fish cannot synthesize phospholipids. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of different levels of dietary soybean lecithin (a source of phospholipid) on the antioxidant defense system of female and male broodstock, ovum, eggs and the first stage swimming larvae of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. Materials and methods: For this purpose, fish were fed four isoproteic and isolipidic diets containing graded levels of soybean lecithin (SBL) as a source of phospholipid (including 0, 2, 4 and 6%) for 190 days. At the end of the experiment, the samples of serum, ovum, egg and larvae were collected for antioxidant activity of CAT, SOD and MDA analyses. Results and discussion: The results obtained showed that 4-6% dietary SBL supplementation significantly increased the antioxidant enzymes activity, including catalase and superoxide dismutase in the fish blood serum, eggs, and larvae compared to the control. On the other hand, MDA level in the control group was higher than in the other treatments (p<0.05). Thus, considering the data on improved the activity of antioxidant enzymes, it is recommended to include SBL at 4-6% in rainbow trout broodstock diet. Conclusion: It is concluded that an optimal lecithin content in the diet of rainbow trout broodstock can lead to improving quality of ova and larval immune system. Funding: This work was supported by the Office of Vice-Chancellor for Research and the Artemia and Aquaculture Research Institute of Urmia University in the framework of the postdoctoral research of Dr. Fatemeh Jafari (grant number 98/A/007).

https://janb.guilan.ac.ir/article_8104_66a757c70549be81059f251465ddbc25.pdf

University of Guilan Aquatic Animals Nutrition 2980-8499 10 2 2024 06 21 Effects of taurine on growth performance, body composition and physiological responses of western white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei broodstock Effects of taurine on growth performance, body composition and physiological responses of western white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei broodstock 49 65 8108 10.22124/janb.2024.27573.1245 FA Vahid Morshedi Persian Gulf Research Institute, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr, Iran Mahmoud Nafisi Bahabadi Persian Gulf Research Institute, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr, Iran; Faculty of Nano and BioScience and Technology, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr, Iran Mansour Torfi Mozanzadeh South Iran Aquaculture Research Centre, Iranian Fisheries Science Research Institute (IFSRI), Agricultural Research Education and Extension (AREEO), Ahwaz, Iran Amin Oujifard Persian Gulf Research Institute, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr, Iran; Faculty of Nano and Bio Science and Technology, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr, Iran Naser Agh Artemia and Aquaculture Research Institute, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran Khalegh Maneii Faculty of Nano and Bio Science and Technology, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr, Iran Ahmad Qasemi Persian Gulf Research Institute, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr, Iran Nehzat Bakhshi Persian Gulf Research Institute, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr, Iran Hadi Ebrahimi Persian Gulf Research Institute, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr, Iran Rezvan Tamadoni Faculty of Nano and Bio Science and Technology, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr, Iran Shirin Hamedi Persian Gulf Research Institute, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr, Iran Reza Bagherpour Faculty of Nano and Bio Science and Technology, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr, Iran Fatemeh Solimani Persian Gulf Research Institute, Persian Gulf University, Bushehr, Iran Journal Article 2024 04 08 Introduction: The white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei has become a popular species for aquaculture worldwide due to its euryhaline nature and commercial importance. In aquaculture, the balance of nutrients in the diet of aquatic animals guarantees optimal growth and health improvement. Taurine (Tau = 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid) is an amino sulfonic acid, which has been proven to be conditionally essential for some aquatic animals when these animals are fed with diets containing high plant protein levels, due to taurine deficiency in plant-based protein sources. Tau has been also implicated in osmoregulation, modulation of neurotransmitters, hormone release, and antioxidation. Materials and Methods: A 30-day feeding study was conducted to determine the effects of supplementing the Tau in the diet of broodstock western white shrimp. Hawaiian domesticated shrimp stocks were transferred to Aquatic Research Laboratory, Persian Gulf University, from a private greenhouse pond (Delvar, Bushehr, Iran). Shrimp broodstock were disinfected with formalin (100 ppm, 30 s). Following two weeks of acclimatization to the husbandry system, the shrimp broodstock were placed in two 4000-L circular fiberglass tanks. A total of 180 shrimp broodstock with mean initial weight of 30.37 ± 2.36 g, were stocked into 18 black circular polyethylene tanks with a capacity of 250 L. Six isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets were supplemented with graded amounts of Tau including 0 (control), 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 g/kg (T2, T4, T6, T8 and T10 respectively). To evaluate the effects of Tau on growth, body composition, digestive enzymes, and haemolymph biochemical parameters, sampling was taken at the end of the experiment. Results and discussion: The results showed that final weight, specific growth rate, weight gain, condition factor, and survival of shrimp fed with the supplemented diets with Tau had no significant differences than the control group (p>0.05). The protein content in the shrimp muscle of T6 was higher than T4 and the control group (p<0.05). The obtained results showed that hyaline cells in the haemolymph of T10 upraised, while semi-granular rate (%) decreased compared to the control group (p<0.05). However, other haemolymph indices and metabolites in the treatments fed with Tau-supplemented diets did not show significant differences compared to the control group (p>0.05). The present results showed that lipase activity upraised by increasing Tau levels in the treatments (p<0.05). The results show that the growth performance of broodstock was not influenced by dietary Tau during the shrimp maturation process. It may be attributed to the preference of the broodstock shrimp for gonadal growth rather than for somatic growth. Conclusion: The obtained results indicated that supplementing the broodstock diet with 6-10 g/kg Tau has beneficial effects on the protein content in the muscle and haemolymph biochemical indices, especially hemocyte cells and digestive enzyme activities of white shrimp broodstock during the maturation process. Introduction: The white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei has become a popular species for aquaculture worldwide due to its euryhaline nature and commercial importance. In aquaculture, the balance of nutrients in the diet of aquatic animals guarantees optimal growth and health improvement. Taurine (Tau = 2-aminoethanesulfonic acid) is an amino sulfonic acid, which has been proven to be conditionally essential for some aquatic animals when these animals are fed with diets containing high plant protein levels, due to taurine deficiency in plant-based protein sources. Tau has been also implicated in osmoregulation, modulation of neurotransmitters, hormone release, and antioxidation. Materials and Methods: A 30-day feeding study was conducted to determine the effects of supplementing the Tau in the diet of broodstock western white shrimp. Hawaiian domesticated shrimp stocks were transferred to Aquatic Research Laboratory, Persian Gulf University, from a private greenhouse pond (Delvar, Bushehr, Iran). Shrimp broodstock were disinfected with formalin (100 ppm, 30 s). Following two weeks of acclimatization to the husbandry system, the shrimp broodstock were placed in two 4000-L circular fiberglass tanks. A total of 180 shrimp broodstock with mean initial weight of 30.37 ± 2.36 g, were stocked into 18 black circular polyethylene tanks with a capacity of 250 L. Six isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets were supplemented with graded amounts of Tau including 0 (control), 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 g/kg (T2, T4, T6, T8 and T10 respectively). To evaluate the effects of Tau on growth, body composition, digestive enzymes, and haemolymph biochemical parameters, sampling was taken at the end of the experiment. Results and discussion: The results showed that final weight, specific growth rate, weight gain, condition factor, and survival of shrimp fed with the supplemented diets with Tau had no significant differences than the control group (p>0.05). The protein content in the shrimp muscle of T6 was higher than T4 and the control group (p<0.05). The obtained results showed that hyaline cells in the haemolymph of T10 upraised, while semi-granular rate (%) decreased compared to the control group (p<0.05). However, other haemolymph indices and metabolites in the treatments fed with Tau-supplemented diets did not show significant differences compared to the control group (p>0.05). The present results showed that lipase activity upraised by increasing Tau levels in the treatments (p<0.05). The results show that the growth performance of broodstock was not influenced by dietary Tau during the shrimp maturation process. It may be attributed to the preference of the broodstock shrimp for gonadal growth rather than for somatic growth. Conclusion: The obtained results indicated that supplementing the broodstock diet with 6-10 g/kg Tau has beneficial effects on the protein content in the muscle and haemolymph biochemical indices, especially hemocyte cells and digestive enzyme activities of white shrimp broodstock during the maturation process.

https://janb.guilan.ac.ir/article_8108_c62c192ce1eb7297d9080201a0781623.pdf

University of Guilan Aquatic Animals Nutrition 2980-8499 10 2 2024 06 21 FTIR: A novel method for identifying fish gut contents FTIR: A novel method for identifying fish gut contents 67 80 8105 10.22124/janb.2024.28059.1254 FA Abolfazl Aminimehr Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Natural Resources, Behbahan Khatam Alanbia University of Technology, Behbahan, Khuzestan, Iran Mohammad Amini Chermahini Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Natural Resources, Behbahan Khatam Alanbia University of Technology, Behbahan, Khuzestan, Iran Laleh Moosavi Dehmoordi Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Natural Resources, Behbahan Khatam Alanbia University of Technology, Behbahan, Khuzestan, Iran Journal Article 2024 03 01 Introduction: If the composition of ingested food changes along the digestive tract in such a way that fish feces reflect the initial composition of the consumed food, there would be no need to sacrifice fish to identify the contents of their gut. Instead, one could determine the fish's diet in nature or fish farms simply by analyzing their feces. The aim of this study was to investigate different foods and their composition alterations along the digestive tract using FTIR spectroscopy for the first time, to evaluate the possibility of determining an index to identify the consumed food using the resulting feces. Materials and methods: Five different types of food were used to feed tilapia: common carp-formulated feed, Gammarus, bloodworm, a combination of bloodworm-Gammarus (1:1), and wheat. Ten fish were placed in each tank. Feeding was conducted for 10 days, twice daily. After 7 hours of the last feeding, the fish were euthanized using clove powder. The feces were collected from the end of the intestine, preserved in liquid nitrogen, then freeze-dried and homogenized. The samples were analyzed using the ATR-FTIR. Results and discussion: By comparing the obtained wavelengths, specific patterns were identified between the ingested food and the resulting feces. The ratio of fats in the feed and the resulting feces showed the least change, making fats as one of the groups that can be used to distinguish samples. Based on the results, foods of animal- or plant-origin, i.e., bloodworm, Gammarus, and wheat, and the feces resulting from them, can be easily distinguished from each other and from the formulated feed. However, the formulated feed, which is a mixture of various plant and animal-derived materials, and its resulting feces were not as distinguishable. Conclusion: According to the results, it seems that the FTIR will be practical and reliable method to identify foods used by fish in aquaculture or nature using fish feces. Probably, in the latter case, it will be easier to identify, because in nature, more uniform food items (plant or animal sources) are usually consumed. Introduction: If the composition of ingested food changes along the digestive tract in such a way that fish feces reflect the initial composition of the consumed food, there would be no need to sacrifice fish to identify the contents of their gut. Instead, one could determine the fish's diet in nature or fish farms simply by analyzing their feces. The aim of this study was to investigate different foods and their composition alterations along the digestive tract using FTIR spectroscopy for the first time, to evaluate the possibility of determining an index to identify the consumed food using the resulting feces. Materials and methods: Five different types of food were used to feed tilapia: common carp-formulated feed, Gammarus, bloodworm, a combination of bloodworm-Gammarus (1:1), and wheat. Ten fish were placed in each tank. Feeding was conducted for 10 days, twice daily. After 7 hours of the last feeding, the fish were euthanized using clove powder. The feces were collected from the end of the intestine, preserved in liquid nitrogen, then freeze-dried and homogenized. The samples were analyzed using the ATR-FTIR. Results and discussion: By comparing the obtained wavelengths, specific patterns were identified between the ingested food and the resulting feces. The ratio of fats in the feed and the resulting feces showed the least change, making fats as one of the groups that can be used to distinguish samples. Based on the results, foods of animal- or plant-origin, i.e., bloodworm, Gammarus, and wheat, and the feces resulting from them, can be easily distinguished from each other and from the formulated feed. However, the formulated feed, which is a mixture of various plant and animal-derived materials, and its resulting feces were not as distinguishable. Conclusion: According to the results, it seems that the FTIR will be practical and reliable method to identify foods used by fish in aquaculture or nature using fish feces. Probably, in the latter case, it will be easier to identify, because in nature, more uniform food items (plant or animal sources) are usually consumed.

https://janb.guilan.ac.ir/article_8105_69f83de1ae73e1fd02ebf8e73e99e579.pdf

University of Guilan Aquatic Animals Nutrition 2980-8499 10 2 2024 06 21 Alterations in physicochemical parameters of water and the growth performance of juvenile beluga Huso huso in earthen ponds Alterations in physicochemical parameters of water and the growth performance of juvenile beluga Huso huso in earthen ponds 81 98 8106 10.22124/janb.2024.27924.1250 FA Hashem Noferesti Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture Sciences and Natural Resources, Gonbad Kavous University, Gonbad Kavous, Golestan, Iran Hojatollah Jafaryan Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture Sciences and Natural Resources, Gonbad Kavous University, Gonbad Kavous, Golestan, Iran Rahman Patimar Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture Sciences and Natural Resources, Gonbad Kavous University, Gonbad Kavous, Golestan, Iran Mohammad Farhangi Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture Sciences and Natural Resources, Gonbad Kavous University, Gonbad Kavous, Golestan, Iran Hossein Adineh Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture Sciences and Natural Resources, Gonbad Kavous University, Gonbad Kavous, Golestan, Iran Journal Article 2024 03 24 Introduction: Sturgeon, renowned for its prized caviar, plays a vital role in aquatic ecosystems and holds significant economic value. Breeding sturgeon is a delicate process that necessitates specific conditions for success. Factors such as temperature, dissolved oxygen levels, pH, and ammonia concentration in water quality substantially impact sturgeon breeding outcomes. Ensuring the ideal water quality is critical for sturgeon populations' health and successful breeding. Understanding and efficiently controlling these factors is crucial to guaranteeing the long-term viability of sturgeon populations and the preservation of this symbolic animal. This study investigates the growth indices and physicochemical water parameters in earthen ponds to raise juvenile beluga, Huso huso. Materials and Methods: Four earthen ponds, each covering an area of 2 hectares with an average depth of 2 meters and a rectangular shape, were utilized for rearing beluga at the Shahid Marjani Breeding Center, Northeastern Iran. The test period lasted 45 days. The growth performance and water physicochemical parameters were measured during six weekly treatments from mid-March 2013 to mid-April 2014. Fish sampling was carried out using a trawl net at specific time intervals of the experiment. The length and weight of the fry were recorded, followed by the dissection of the fish. The length and weight of the digestive tract were measured in both full and empty states. Water samples were collected weekly, and physicochemical parameters were analyzed using standard methods. Results and Discussion: Temperature (12.5 to 16.6°C), turbidity (0.50 to 50.92 NTU), dissolved oxygen (10.90 to 6.25 mg/L), pH (7.62 to 8.92), alkalinity (160 to 223 mg/L), phosphate (0.17 to 0.73 mg/L), nitrate (0.24 to 1.67 mg/L), and electrical conductivity (1240 to 1342 µmhos/cm) levels for the growth of beluga were within the optimal ranges. Additionally, the growth pattern of the sturgeon juveniles was characterized by negative allometry, indicating that as the fish grew, their weight increased at a slower rate compared to their length. There was a significant elevation in total length and weight over time, demonstrating effective growth conditions during the study period. The total length and weight of the fingerlings showed significant upraise over time (p<0.05). The highest total length (36.70 ± 7.47 mm), weight (2674.54 ± 678.04 mg) and gastrosomatic weight (431.35 ± 75.97 mg) of fingerlings were recorded during the sixth sampling period. However, the highest condition factor (0.94 ± 1.11) was measured during the second sampling period (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results indicated that precise water quality management and continuous monitoring of its parameters, especially in sturgeon farming, are essential and can help improve growth conditions and reduce mortality rates. Ensuring optimal environmental conditions, particularly in earthen ponds, can increase productivity in the sturgeon fish farming industry. Funding: This research did not receive a specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. Conflicts of interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. Acknowledgments: The authors would like to express gratitude for the valuable assistance provided by the officials and employees of the Shahid Marjani Sturgeon Propagation Centre. Introduction: Sturgeon, renowned for its prized caviar, plays a vital role in aquatic ecosystems and holds significant economic value. Breeding sturgeon is a delicate process that necessitates specific conditions for success. Factors such as temperature, dissolved oxygen levels, pH, and ammonia concentration in water quality substantially impact sturgeon breeding outcomes. Ensuring the ideal water quality is critical for sturgeon populations' health and successful breeding. Understanding and efficiently controlling these factors is crucial to guaranteeing the long-term viability of sturgeon populations and the preservation of this symbolic animal. This study investigates the growth indices and physicochemical water parameters in earthen ponds to raise juvenile beluga, Huso huso. Materials and Methods: Four earthen ponds, each covering an area of 2 hectares with an average depth of 2 meters and a rectangular shape, were utilized for rearing beluga at the Shahid Marjani Breeding Center, Northeastern Iran. The test period lasted 45 days. The growth performance and water physicochemical parameters were measured during six weekly treatments from mid-March 2013 to mid-April 2014. Fish sampling was carried out using a trawl net at specific time intervals of the experiment. The length and weight of the fry were recorded, followed by the dissection of the fish. The length and weight of the digestive tract were measured in both full and empty states. Water samples were collected weekly, and physicochemical parameters were analyzed using standard methods. Results and Discussion: Temperature (12.5 to 16.6°C), turbidity (0.50 to 50.92 NTU), dissolved oxygen (10.90 to 6.25 mg/L), pH (7.62 to 8.92), alkalinity (160 to 223 mg/L), phosphate (0.17 to 0.73 mg/L), nitrate (0.24 to 1.67 mg/L), and electrical conductivity (1240 to 1342 µmhos/cm) levels for the growth of beluga were within the optimal ranges. Additionally, the growth pattern of the sturgeon juveniles was characterized by negative allometry, indicating that as the fish grew, their weight increased at a slower rate compared to their length. There was a significant elevation in total length and weight over time, demonstrating effective growth conditions during the study period. The total length and weight of the fingerlings showed significant upraise over time (p<0.05). The highest total length (36.70 ± 7.47 mm), weight (2674.54 ± 678.04 mg) and gastrosomatic weight (431.35 ± 75.97 mg) of fingerlings were recorded during the sixth sampling period. However, the highest condition factor (0.94 ± 1.11) was measured during the second sampling period (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results indicated that precise water quality management and continuous monitoring of its parameters, especially in sturgeon farming, are essential and can help improve growth conditions and reduce mortality rates. Ensuring optimal environmental conditions, particularly in earthen ponds, can increase productivity in the sturgeon fish farming industry. Funding: This research did not receive a specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. Conflicts of interest: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. Acknowledgments: The authors would like to express gratitude for the valuable assistance provided by the officials and employees of the Shahid Marjani Sturgeon Propagation Centre.

https://janb.guilan.ac.ir/article_8106_34a0f5c9f3c307803a93abc765416027.pdf