Pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) is a native North American fish that was listed as a federally endangered species in 1990 due to failure in spawning and recruitment, perhaps as a result of human modifications to their habitat. The upper Missouri River basin pallid sturgeon have been shown to be genetically distinct from other pallid sturgeon. Since there has been no natural recruitment in the upper Missouri River for several decades, perpetuation of this genetically distinct unit is reliant on propagation using remaining wild fish as broodstock. The expense associated with acquiring unique individuals from the remaining wild broodstock is causing wild collection to become a less viable option each year. It has been proposed that rearing progeny of wild broodstock fish in a hatchery setting as captive broodstock may be feasible alternative to wild collections. The genetic risks associated with the creation of a captive broodstock need to be investigated and a captive management plan needs to be developed prior to the implementation of a captive broodstock program. The relatedness values and the effective population size for the wild caught founders were determined by genotyping wild upper Missouri River pallid sturgeon at 16 previously developed microsatellite loci. The founding wild broodstock were shown to encompass an ample amount of genetic variation and a sufficiently large effective population size. The broodstock currently housed as Gavin's Point National Fish Hatchery can be exclusively used for the propagation of pallid sturgeon to be stocked in the upper Missouri River with the caveat that descendents from each wild fish will be spawned in the future and that the reproductive variance of the broodstock be controlled to maximize Ne and thus reduce inbreeding.

Gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) is one of the most important species of intensively reared fish in the Mediterranean region. Its short history of domestication, along with the need to develop markets, new products and efficiency in the production process, has resulted in an increased interest in the potential genetic improvement of this species. Little work has so far been directed at establishing the procedures for selective breeding in gilthead seabream at a commercial level, although genetic parameters calculated in other studies have indicated that there is a large potential for improvement in certain traits. Selective breeding of commercial gilthead seabream populations is constrained by aspects of the biology that complicate the production of genetic groups and the maintenance of same-age offspring populations. The aim of this thesis was to develop a protocol for the selective breeding of gilthead seabream, specifically to serve a commercial hatchery and on-growing unit in Cyprus, where the fieldwork was carried out. The hatchery broodstock was monitored over a three-year period to identify the rate of sex reversal in introduced fish and to quantify the sex ratio of the stock over time. The analysis of the egg production records was used to evaluate the success of photoperiod manipulation in each group. Size variation in the larval and juvenile stages is a common problem in the rearing of gilthead seabream, leading to cannibalism and labour-intensive sorting operations. Studies on larval populations, from first feeding through to metamorphosis, indicated the origin of size variation was the differences in early feeding ability. The size advantages could be maintained throughout the larval period. During the juvenile stage of the farm production system, a method to standardise the size sorting of populations by grading was developed in order to counter environmental effects of separating groups of fish. Using this method, grading would be suitable to form the first stage of a selection programme for growth rate. The potential gain of selection for growth rate during the on-growing stage was very high, using a simulated criterion and previous estimates of heritability. Other possible quality traits for selection were also examined and quantified in the hatchery populations. Existing and specifically developed microsatellite markers were used for the assignment of offspring to parents from mass spawning of the hatchery broodstock. The effective population size of single spawning events were found to be low and determined by a high variation in contribution to mass spawning. Contribution was found to be significantly linked to body size, which led to the formation of a replacement policy for the broodstock to maximise spawning performance. Survival of individual families through the larval period was also examined. Based on the results of the experimental work, a two-stage selection programme was designed, along with the presentation of specific procedures for each stage of the production system. This project makes recommendations on various strategies that can increase the effective population size within a selection programme and these are discussed as part of the genetic management of hatchery populations. Significant progress has also been made in the use of genetic markers in monitoring the rate of inbreeding and contribution of individual broodfish, which are considered essential in this species.

Os transplantes de células germinativas e enxertos de testículo podem ser aplicados na reprodução de espécies comerciais e na conservação de espécies ameaçadas de extinção. No entanto, a maior limitação dos transplantes está na sua limitada eficiência, devido à baixa porcentagem de hospedeiros capazes de gerar gametas derivados do doador e da rejeição de enxertos de testículo alogênicos após poucas semanas de sua implantação. O sistema imunológico dos hospedeiros podem estar envolvidos na baixa de eficiência dos transplantes e na rejeição dos enxertos. Desta forma, este trabalho buscou verificar se a administração de drogas imunossupressoras como o tacrolimus e ciclosporina em emulsão poderiam ser utilizados para prolongar a viabilidade de enxertos de testículo em trutas arco-íris. Na primeira parte, experimentos in vitro com leucócitos do sangue periférico demonstraram que ambos o tacrolimus e a ciclosporina impedem a proliferação celular mesmo sob estímulo proliferativo da concanavalina. Nos ensaios in vivo, ambas as doses de tacrolimus (0,5 e 1,5 mg/kg) e a mais baixa de ciclosporina (20 mg/kg) inibiram significativamente a expressão de il2 no rim cefálico três dias após a injeção. Já a dose de 40 mg/kg de ciclosporina inibiu a expressão de il2 por até sete dias após a injeção. Na segunda parte, enxertos alogênicos de testículo foram realizados em animais tratados semanalmente com emulsões de tacrolimus. As análises histológicas (coloração H.E.) e as de RT-PCR (vasa e txdnc6) demonstraram a presença de espermatogônias na primeira semana e indicaram a presença de espermátides/espermatócitos na quinta semana, respectivamente, em alguns animais do grupo tratado com a dose de 0,5 mg/kg de tracrolimus. No grupo tratado com a dose mais alta de tacrolimus (1,5 mg/kg) e no grupo controle (sem imunossupressor), células germinativas ou marcadores destas não foram detectados. Estes resultados, portanto, fazem do tacrolimus um imunossupressor promissor para utilização em enxertos alogênicos e também em transplantes de células germinativas de truta arco-íris. A administração concomitante de um outro imunossupressor conjugado ao tacrolimus (na baixa dosagem) para inibir duas ou mais vias de ativação do sistema imunológico, conforme utilizado em transplantes de órgãos em humanos, pode ser uma alternativa para otimizar os efeitos imunossupressivos nos animais receptores. / Germ cell transplantation and testis graft can be applied for the reproduction of commercial or endangered species. However, mechanisms of rejection from the host immune system might limit the production of surrogate gametes and progeny after transplantation and induce rejection of testis allografts within few weeks. In this work, we aimed to administer immunosuppressants-containing emulsions in order to verify whether they are capable to prevent immune rejection and promote testis allograft survival in rainbow trout. In the first part of this study, it was demonstrated in vitro that tacrolimus and cyclosporine were able to inhibit leucocyte proliferation even under concanavalin-induced mitotic stimulation. In in vivo experiments, both dosage of tacrolimus (0,5 and 1,5 mg/kg) and a lower of cyclosporine (20 mg/kg) inhibited significantly the expression of il2 in head kidney at three days post-injection. A higher dosage of cyclosporine (40 mg/kg) was able to inhibit il2 expression for up to seven days post-injection. In the second part, testis allografts were conducted in fish treated weekly with tacrolimus-containing emulsions. Histological (H.E. staining) and RT-PCR (vasa and txdnc6) analysis demonstrated the presence of spermatogonias in the first week and indicated the presence of spermatids/spermatocytes in the fifth week, respectively, in some animals treated with 0,5 mg/kg of tacrolimus. In the group treated with the highest tacrolimus dose (1,5 mg/kg) and in the control group (without immunosupressant), no germ cells or their respective markers were detected. These results suggest that tacrolimus comprise a promising immunosuppressant, with applications to testis allografts or germ cell transplantation in rainbow trout. Co-administration combining tacrolimus (at lower dose) with other immunosuppressive drugs for inhibiting more than two activation pathways of the immune system, as done in human organ transplantation, can be an alternative to optimize the immunossupressive effects in host organisms.

Submitted by (edna.saturno@ufrpe.br) on 2017-02-21T16:01:43Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Ronaldo Barradas Peregrino Junior.pdf: 4722999 bytes, checksum: 1eee4688f73c6baee7c2fd8cf17981f6 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-02-21T16:01:43Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Ronaldo Barradas Peregrino Junior.pdf: 4722999 bytes, checksum: 1eee4688f73c6baee7c2fd8cf17981f6 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-08-28 / Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico - CNPq / Cobia (Rachycentron canadum) is a neritic and epipelagic fish that presents an active behavior due to the lack of gas bladder. It is naturally found in tropical and subtropical waters of every ocean, except the eastern Pacific. Due to its high growth rate, good commercial value and fine quality meat, it has a great potential for farming. With this in mind, the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), in association with Aqualider Maricultura Ltda., initiated a joint research effort aiming to form a breeding stock based on the capture of wild specimen. Fish were placed in tanks with constant water renewal and/or pure oxygen, and transported to the laboratory (70 km away). Upon arrival at the lab, fish were anesthetized with clove oil (15 to 20 ppm), tagged and their sex was determined through the insertion of a 1 mm cannula. Fish were also bathed in a formaldehyde solution (100 ppt for 30 min) and freshwater (maximum 5 min) against external parasites. Twenty nine fish were captured, from which only seven survived. Deaths were more frequent at the beginning of the study. As tanks were covered and the team acquired more experience, especially in the acclimation procedures and treatment of parasites, a substantial decreased in deaths resulted. Although at the end of the acclimation process the number of breeders was reduced to seven (two females with mean weight of 14-16 kg, four males with around 10 kg each and a specimen with unknown sex), these animals produced 21 fertilized spawns, which resulted in a total of 48.7 million eggs, from which 24 million were fertilized (mean fertilization of 49.3%). Compared to similar attempts to breed wild cobia in captivity, the present results may be considered excellent. It was therefore demonstrated the viability of the methodology employed here in the formation and management of a cobia breeding stock. / O beijupirá (Rachycentron canadum) é um peixe nerítico e epipelágico, de hábito ativo, devido à ausência de bexiga natatória, e com ampla distribuição em águas tropicais e subtropicais de todos os oceanos, exceto no leste do Pacífico. Apresenta um grande potencial para a aquicultura, principalmente pela sua elevada taxa de crescimento, alto valor comercial e carne de ótima qualidade. Em vista disso, o Departamento de Pesca e Aquicultura da Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, em parceria com a Aqualider Maricultura Ltda., iniciou os trabalhos de criação desta espécie por meio da formação de um plantel de reprodutores, a partir da captura de indivíduos selvagens. Os peixes capturados foram colocados em tanques com renovação de água e/ou oxigênio puro, transportados até o porto e, por via rodoviária (cerca de 70 km de distância), até o laboratório da Aqualider, no município de Ipojuca, PE. Após anestesia com óleo de cravo (15 a 20 ppm), foi realizada a identificação com marcas plásticas tipo TAG e o sexo determinado através da inserção de uma cânula de aproximadamente 1 mm no orifício urogenital do peixe. Após a reanimação da anestesia, os peixes foram profilaticamente tratados com solução de formol (100 ppm por 30 min) e água doce (máximo 5 min) para retirada de possíveis ectoparasitos. Vinte e nove exemplares foram capturados, dos quais apenas sete sobreviveram. As mortalidades foram mais frequentes no início das capturas. Com a cobertura dos tanques e a maior experiência da equipe, principalmente no manejo e nos procedimentos de aclimatação e tratamento contra parasitas, foi observada uma diminuição significativa na mortalidade. Apesar do número reduzido de reprodutores ao final do processo de aclimatação (duas fêmeas com peso médio de 14 a 16 kg, quatro machos com peso médio de aproximadamente 10 kg e um exemplar sem sexo definido), estes animais produziram 21 desovas fertilizadas e nenhuma desova infértil, as quais resultaram em um total de 48,7 milhões de ovos, dos quais, 24 milhões foram ovos fertilizados (taxa média de fertilização de 49,3%). Em comparação com estudos similares, os resultados aqui obtidos podem ser considerados excelentes. Fica, portanto, demonstrada a viabilidade da metodologia aqui empregada na formação do plantel e manejo de reprodutores de beijupirá.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:30:30Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2007-11-30Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:40:32Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 andrade_vxl_dr_jabo.pdf: 876282 bytes, checksum: 809d626e35b8733cf7a4cc806ccbed4e (MD5) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / O presente trabalho objetivou investigar o efeito da adição de de óleo de milho em dietas com diferentes níveis de proteína bruta, para o pintado, Pseudoplatystoma corruscans, no processo de maturação dos gametas quando mantidos em tanques-rede. Para isso foram avaliados: sobrevivência, relação peso vs comprimento, fator de condição e índice gonadossomático. Além dos índices plasmáticos (colesterol, triglicerídeos, lipídios e proteínas totais e ácidos graxos livres) e o perfil de ácidos graxos nos tecidos dessas matrizes. O experimento foi realizado no Pólo Regional, APTA, Pariquera- Açu, SP, de mar/04 a fev/06. Os tratamentos foram: T1: 28% PB; T2: 28% PB + 5% óleo e T3: 40% PB. As dietas não afetaram a qualidade da água nem o crescimento nos 1º e 2º anos de vida. As taxas de sobrevivência foram superiores a 77%. As rações ofertadas não alteraram o processo de maturação gonadal da espécie. Os peixes apresentaram valores elevados de colesterol, triglicerídeos e lipídios totais, quando acondicionados, justificado pelo fato dos animais estarem se adaptando às novas condições. Essa adaptação também levou a um consumo inicial da fração neutra dos SFA nos tecidos, exceto o adiposo. O óleo à dieta provocou aumento nos teores de PUFA n-6 (incluindo o AA) no músculo das fêmeas, importante reserva energética na atividade migratória. Os HUFA e o LA foram incorporados, preferenciamente aos TGs ovarianos, evidenciando função energética aos ovócitos em formação. Fêmeas estão elongando e desaturando os ácidos graxos para formar AA (a partir do LA), DHA e EPA (a partir do LnA). O estudo indicou que a ração de 28% PB, precisa de mais n-3, preferencialmente EPA e DHA em sua composição, uma fez que foram baixos seus teores nos músculo e fígado o que poderiam ter sido mobilizados aos ovócitos em formação ao final da maturação. / The present work aimed to investigate the effect of the addition of C18:2n6, through the corn oil inclusion in diets with different meaning of crude protein, of the surubim, Pseudoplatystoma corruscans, on the process of gamet maturation, for fish maintained in cages. The experiment was conducted in Regional Polo, Pariquera-Açu, SP, mar./04 to feb./06, whith 12 cages distributed in six tanks, with 20 fishes per cage. It was elaborated three treatments, being two repetitions/tank: T1: 28% CP; T2: 28% CP + 5% corn oil and T3: 40% CP. The diets seems not to have affected the water’s quality neither the growth in the 1st and 2nd years old, with a growth superior lightly of the fish of T3. The survival rates were superior to 77%. It can be inferred that the offered diet did not cause hystomorfologic alterations during the process of gonadal maturation of this species. However, the index gonadossomático (IGS) and the condition factor (K) were slightly advanced and superior in the animals fed with the diet enriched with corn oil.

Resumo: O presente trabalho objetivou investigar o efeito da adição de de óleo de milho em dietas com diferentes níveis de proteína bruta, para o pintado, Pseudoplatystoma corruscans, no processo de maturação dos gametas quando mantidos em tanques-rede. Para isso foram avaliados: sobrevivência, relação peso vs comprimento, fator de condição e índice gonadossomático. Além dos índices plasmáticos (colesterol, triglicerídeos, lipídios e proteínas totais e ácidos graxos livres) e o perfil de ácidos graxos nos tecidos dessas matrizes. O experimento foi realizado no Pólo Regional, APTA, Pariquera- Açu, SP, de mar/04 a fev/06. Os tratamentos foram: T1: 28% PB; T2: 28% PB + 5% óleo e T3: 40% PB. As dietas não afetaram a qualidade da água nem o crescimento nos 1º e 2º anos de vida. As taxas de sobrevivência foram superiores a 77%. As rações ofertadas não alteraram o processo de maturação gonadal da espécie. Os peixes apresentaram valores elevados de colesterol, triglicerídeos e lipídios totais, quando acondicionados, justificado pelo fato dos animais estarem se adaptando às novas condições. Essa adaptação também levou a um consumo inicial da fração neutra dos SFA nos tecidos, exceto o adiposo. O óleo à dieta provocou aumento nos teores de PUFA n-6 (incluindo o AA) no músculo das fêmeas, importante reserva energética na atividade migratória. Os HUFA e o LA foram incorporados, preferenciamente aos TGs ovarianos, evidenciando função energética aos ovócitos em formação. Fêmeas estão elongando e desaturando os ácidos graxos para formar AA (a partir do LA), DHA e EPA (a partir do LnA). O estudo indicou que a ração de 28% PB, precisa de mais n-3, preferencialmente EPA e DHA em sua composição, uma fez que foram baixos seus teores nos músculo e fígado o que poderiam ter sido mobilizados aos ovócitos em formação ao final da maturação. / Abstract: The present work aimed to investigate the effect of the addition of C18:2n6, through the corn oil inclusion in diets with different meaning of crude protein, of the surubim, Pseudoplatystoma corruscans, on the process of gamet maturation, for fish maintained in cages. The experiment was conducted in Regional Polo, Pariquera-Açu, SP, mar./04 to feb./06, whith 12 cages distributed in six tanks, with 20 fishes per cage. It was elaborated three treatments, being two repetitions/tank: T1: 28% CP; T2: 28% CP + 5% corn oil and T3: 40% CP. The diets seems not to have affected the water's quality neither the growth in the 1st and 2nd years old, with a growth superior lightly of the fish of T3. The survival rates were superior to 77%. It can be inferred that the offered diet did not cause hystomorfologic alterations during the process of gonadal maturation of this species. However, the index gonadossomático (IGS) and the condition factor (K) were slightly advanced and superior in the animals fed with the diet enriched with corn oil. / Orientador: Elizabeth Romagosa / Coorientador: Maria Beatriz P.P. Oliveira / Banca: Gilberto Moraes / Banca: Gustavo Orlando Bonilla Rodríguez / Banca: Wilson Rogério Boscolo / Banca: Neuza Jorge / Doutor

The main objective of this thesis was to gain new insights in three of Florida’s high value food and stock enhancement finfish nutrition (Common snook, Florida pompano and red drum) to improve larviculture protocols. The main bottleneck in snook production is the extremely low larval survival rate, which hinders subsequent research. This work first focused on the source of the larvae by looking at potential nutritional deficiencies in captive broodstock. The lipid composition of wild and captive common snook broodstock were compared to identify disparities and gain the information necessary for the formulation of a suitable diet for captive stocks. Results showed that captive snook lipid content was significantly higher than that of wild fish. However, cholesterol and arachidonic acid (ARA) levels were significantly lower compared to wild broodstock, with potential impact on steroid and prostaglandin production, reproductive behavior and gametogenesis. Eggs from captive broodstock incorporated high docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) levels and low ARA levels. Consequently, ARA/EPA ratio in captive eggs was more than half of that in wild eggs (2.3 ± 0.6 and 0.9 ± 0.1 respectively), with a probable perturbation in eicosanoid production and adverse effects on embryo and larval development. The large differences observed between wild and captive broodstock most likely contributed to the reproductive dysfunctions observed in captive snook broodstock (e.g. incomplete oocyte maturation, low milt production and poor egg quality). In addition, the presence of hydrocarbons was detected in the liver of most of the wild snook sampled. This requires further investigation to identify the source of the contamination, monitor a potential impact on reproductive performances and protect the species habitat. Another major bottleneck in marine fish rearing occurs during the transition from endogenous feeding to exogenous feeding, with mass mortality events linked to inadequate first feeding diets. To gain insight on the early fatty acid requirements and mobilization of pompano and snook larvae, the pattern of conservation and loss of fatty acids from the yolk sac during the endogenous feeding period and subsequent starvation was studied. In both species, fatty acids were utilized as an energy source after hatching. Mono-unsaturated fatty acids were catabolized, while saturated and poly-unsaturated fatty acids were conserved. High levels of arachidonic acid (ARA) in pompano and snook eggs (respectively 2.44 ± 0.1 and 5.43 ± 0.3 % of total fatty acids), as well as selective retention in the unfed larvae, suggested a high dietary requirement for this fatty acid during the early stages of larval development. The effect of an ARA supplementation was therefore investigated in snook larvae at the rotifer feeding stage. Larvae receiving the supplementation did incorporate higher levels of ARA, and DHA/EPA and ARA/EPA ratios were successfully modified to match those observed in wild eggs. No significant improvements in growth or survival were observed, however the success in fatty acid profile modification suggest a possible impact of the supplementation on a longer period of time and a possible effect on stress resistance. Probiotics have been shown to enhance larval performances of several species and this strategy was therefore investigated to evaluate a potential impact on Florida pompano, red drum and common snook larvae. The effect of a commercial mix of Bacillus sp. was studied on larval survival, growth and digestive enzyme activities. Larvae were fed either live feed enriched with Algamac 3050 (Control), Algamac 3050 and probiotics (PB), or the previous diet combined with a daily addition of probiotics to the tank water (PB+). Microbiological analyses were performed at the end of the pompano trial. Numbers of presumptive Vibrio sp. were low and not statistically different between treatments, therefore no additional microbiological analyses were performed on the system. At the end of the pompano and snook trial, standard lengths of larvae from the PB and PB+ treatments were significantly greater than for the control larvae. For both pompano and snook, trypsin specific activity was higher in PB and PB+ larvae compared to the control larvae. Similarly, alkaline phosphatase activity was higher for the pompano larvae fed the PB and PB+ treatments and for the snook larvae fed the PB+ treatment compared to the control larvae. No enhancement of growth or digestive enzymes activities was observed in red drum larvae. Yet, no negative effects were noticed and a longer trial period and the study of additional parameters could reveal different effects. In all three species, survival was not affected by the supplementation; however, stress exposure should be further investigated as the supplementation may strengthen the larvae, especially pompano and snook larvae where the Bacillus sp. supplementation appears to promote growth through an early maturation of the digestive system. Another key challenge in marine fish larval rearing resides in weaning the larvae onto dry micro-diets. This step is commonly concurrent with larvae metamorphosis into juveniles, with extensive morphological and physiological changes that are likely to influence nutritional requirements. In the present project, three microdiets were tested on weaning of Florida pompano larvae: Otohime, Gemma and a reference diet LR803. The experimental system was stocked with 11-day-old larvae, which were co-fed micro-diets and live food from 11 dph to 17 dph then micro-diets only until 28 dph. Survival from 11 dph to 28 dph was similar for all treatments, with an average of 33 %. At the end of the trial, the Gemma larvae were significantly longer and heavier than larvae fed the other diets. Fatty acid composition of the diets and larvae varied significantly between treatments. The Gemma larvae incorporated the lowest amount of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA). However, they presented the highest DHA/EPA and ARA/EPA ratios, supporting the concept that the proportions of polyunsaturated fatty acids are of greater importance than their absolute amount. Results from the enzyme analysis showed that fishmeal is a suitable main source of protein for Florida pompano larvae and demonstrated the full functionality of the pancreas at 16 days post hatch. These results provide the basis of a suitable weaning diet for pompano larvae and indicate the possibility of a weaning time prior to 16 days post hatch, which is of high interest in commercial production. Overall, this research provides new data on common snook, pompano and red drum nutritional requirements with results that can be directly applied to help overcome major bottlenecks in the hatchery phase and improve rearing protocols.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:22:24Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2009-08-28Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:28:43Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 pereira_ts_me_jabo.pdf: 705001 bytes, checksum: e772d11fd7b63b032989b0836a8266ad (MD5) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) / Os minerais são essenciais para a reprodução dos peixes, no entanto, as exigências para as espécies tropicais de peixes ainda são pouco conhecidas. Portanto, o presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o desempenho reprodutivo, o diâmetro do ovo e a qualidade espermática de reprodutores de tilápia-do-nilo (Oreochromis niloticus) alimentadas com dietas suplementadas com selênio orgânico. Foram utilizados 80 peixes adultos, com peso médio de 121,7 g, previamente sexados e identificados. Os animais foram marcados individualmente e divididos em grupos de quatro peixes (3 fêmeas e 1 macho) e estocados em 20 tanques de 1500 litros. Os peixes foram alimentados com dietas isocalóricas e isoprotéicas contendo cinco diferentes níveis de suplementação com selênio orgânico (0,0; 0,25; 0,50; 0,75 e 1,0 mg/kg-1). Durante o período experimental (84 dias) as fêmeas de todas as unidades experimentais foram capturadas a cada três dias para coletar os ovos da boca e os machos capturados mensalmente para a coleta de sêmen. O delineamento experimental aplicado para o estudo do desempenho reprodutivo foi inteiramente casualizado com cinco tratamentos e quatro repetições. A análise estatística dos resultados foi realizada com a utilização do programa estatístico SAS 9.0. Ao final do período experimental foi observado que a suplementação com selênio orgânico nos níveis estudados não apresentou diferenças estatísticas (p>0,05) paro o desempenho reprodutivo, assim como, para a qualidade espermática e o diâmetro dos ovos / The minerals are important for the fish reproduction. However, the requirements for tropical fish aren’t defined. The aim of this study was evaluate the reproductive performance, the sperm quality and the diameters eggs of Nile tilápia broodstocks (Oreochromis niloticus) fed with supplemented diets contained differents levels of organic selenium. Were utilized eighty adult fishes of Nile tilapia with mean weight of 121,7 g, previously identified and sexed. The animals were marked individually and divided into groups of four fish (3 females and 1 male) and stocked in 20 tanks of 1500 liters. The fish were fed with isocaloric and isoproteic diets contained five differents levels of supplemented with organic selenium (0; 0,25; 0,5; 0,75 and 1,0 mg/kg). During the experimental period (84 days) the females of all tanks were caught the each three days to collect the egg and males captured monthly for the collect of semen. The experimental design was evaluated with experimental design entirely randomized, contained five treatments and four replicates. Statistical analysis of results was performed using the statistical program SAS 9.0. After 84 days it was observed that supplementation with organic selenium did not affect (p> 0.05) reproductive performance, the sperm quality and egg diameter. Based on these results can be concluded that supplementation with organic selenium not affects apparently the reproductive performance of Nile tilapia matrices

Made available in DSpace on 2017-07-10T17:48:32Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Silia_Maria_de_Negreiros_Sousa.PDF: 2393965 bytes, checksum: 2141d53619fac032628eddd0a98157dc (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-02-24 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of different levels of digestible protein (DP) and energy (DE) over growth, breeding performance and offspring quality in females of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Nine food formulae were evaluated using a combination of three DP levels (28, 34 and 40%) and three DE levels (2,800, 3,400 and 4,000 kcal.kg-1) in three repetitions. Fish were kept in net cages along a naturally carved tank. Temperature was measured daily while pH and dissolved oxygen values were taken weekly. The breeding management was carried out in 260 days (September 2010 to April 2010) using a sex ratio of 3 females: 1 male with ten days of resting and four days of mating. Mean weight, standard length, weight gain, condition factor, specific growth rate, feed conversion and survival rate were evaluated in females each 14 days. As for breeding performance, the analyzed parameters were: mean egg weight, egg diameter, absolute fecundity, relative fecundity and mean larval weight at hatching. For that, eggs were collected from oral cavity after mating for subsequent artificial incubation. In January 2011, offspring samples were collected and raised up to 30 days of age to evaluate growth parameters during sex reversal stage. A broodstock sample was dissected to measure visceral-somatic, hepatosomatic and gonadosomatic indexes. Water quality remained adequate to maintain this fish species, but temperature was lower than that recommended for broodstock. The tested food formulae influenced female growth (p<0.05) throughout the experimental period, as well as the visceral-somatic index in the selected month (p<0.05). In relation to reproductive features, the treatments had no effects on egg production (p>0.05). Nonetheless, energy levels affected relative fecundity (p<0.05) and protein levels influenced both egg and larval weight (p<0.05). No differences in the growth of offspring derived from broodstock fed on distinct formulae were detected (p>0.05). Thus, food formulae containing 28% of DP and 2,800 kcal of DE.kg of food -1 are indicated to Nile tilapia once they assure a higher egg production per gram of female without affecting offspring performance / O trabalho visou analisar o efeito entre os diferentes níveis de proteína (PD) e energia digestíveis (ED) sobre o crescimento, desempenho reprodutivo e qualidade da prole de fêmeas de tilápia do Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus). Foram avaliadas nove rações a partir da combinação entre três níveis de PD (28, 34 e 40%) e três níveis de ED (2.800, 3.400 e 4.000 kcal.kg ração-1) com três repetições. Os peixes foram acomodados em tanques-rede distribuídos em tanque escavado sob condições naturais. Diariamente verificou a temperatura e semanalmente o pH e oxigênio dissolvido. Os animais foram submetidos a um manejo reprodutivo com dez dias de descanso e quatro dias de acasalamento, com 3 fêmeas para 1 macho durante 260 dias (setembro de 2010 a abril de 2011). As fêmeas foram avaliadas, a cada 14 dias, quanto ao peso médio, comprimento padrão, ganho de peso, fator de condição, taxa de crescimento específico, conversão alimentar e sobrevivência. Quanto ao desempenho reprodutivo, verificaram-se os parâmetros de peso médio dos ovos, diâmetro dos ovos, fecundidade absoluta, fecundidade relativa e peso médio das larvas no momento da eclosão. Para isso, após o período de acasalamento, foi realizada coleta de ovos da cavidade bucal que foram submetidos a incubação artificial. No mês de janeiro de 2011, amostras da prole foram coletadas e mantidas em sistema de criação até os 30 dias, e verificados os parâmetros de crescimento durante a fase de reversão sexual. Uma amostra de matrizes foi dissecada para mensuração dos índices víscerossomático, hepatossomático e gonadossomático. A qualidade da água permaneceu dentro dos níveis ideais para a espécie, porém a temperatura manteve-se abaixo do recomendado para reprodutores. As rações testadas mostraram influência no crescimento das fêmeas (p<0,05) ao longo do período experimental, assim como para o índice viscerossomático no mês de coleta (p<0,05). Para os aspectos reprodutivos, as matrizes não apresentaram maior produção de ovos de acordo com os tratamentos (p>0,05). Porém, sofreram efeito dos níveis energéticos para fecundidade relativa (p<0,05) e dos níveis protéicos para peso dos ovos e das larvas no momento da eclosão (p<0,05). As proles provenientes dos reprodutores alimentados com as diferentes rações, não evidenciaram diferença no seu crescimento (p>0,05). Rações contendo 28% de PD e 2.800 kcal de ED.kg de ração-1 são indicadas para tilápia do Nilo para garantir maior produção de ovos por grama de fêmeas sem afetar o desempenho da prole

Cleaner fish, including ballan wrasse (Labrus bergylta) have been proposed as a sustainable solution to sea lice infestations affecting farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) globally. However, in order to become sustainable, ballan wrasse need to be farmed. This thesis investigated the establishment of captive broodstock and protocols to optimise hatchery performance and productivity of ballan wrasse. High throughput sequencing was used to develop a panel of novel single nucleotide polymorphic markers (SNPs). These SNPs were used to investigate the phylogeographic structuring of ballan wrasse populations within northern geographic ranges including the UK and Norway. Results indicated fine scale population structuring within the UK suggesting that founder broodstock should be sourced locally to minimise the risk of genetic introgression with wild ballan wrasse. Secondly, captive breeding was benchmarked from harems to determine total egg production over the spawning season. Data quantified the spawning periodicity and seasonal changes in egg quality parameters. In addition, microsatellite markers identified the parental contribution to each spawning event of captive broodstock. Results confirmed, for the first time, the repeat-batch spawning behaviour and suggested that spawning events were single-paired matings. Furthermore, bottlenecks in commercial production were investigated including the benthic adhesive eggs and complex spawning behaviours of ballan wrasse within broodstock tanks. Experiments were conducted to optimise the spawning dynamics and egg productivity using fragmented spawning zones and coloured substrates. Finally, an effective bath treatment for removal of the adhesive gum layer of eggs using the proteolytic enzyme alcalase® was found to assist in egg disinfection and incubation. Overall, this research provides important baseline data on the management of broodstock and the optimisation of hatchery protocols to improve the commercial productivity and performance of ballan wrasse for use as a biological control of sea lice of farmed Atlantic salmon.