D.Sc. / Please refer to full text to view abstract

M.Sc. / Please refer to full text to view abstract

A carne mecanicamente separada (CMS) de pescado é um produto obtido a partir de uma única espécie, ou mistura de espécies de peixes através do processo de separação mecanizada da parte comestível. O bagre africano (Clarias gariepinus) é produzido principalmente nos países africanos e europeus e recentemente foi introduzido na Índia, China e Brasil, destinados exclusivamente ao consumo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi obter e caracterizar a CMS de bagre africano e avaliar sua estabilidade durante o armazenamento a -18°C. Foi determinado o rendimento do processo de obtenção da CMS e a estabilidade foi acompanhada por seis meses com relação a aspectos microbiológicos e físico-químicos (TBARS, BVT, pH e drip), de três tratamentos (A - CMS sem lavar, B - CMS com uma lavagem e C - CMS com duas lavagens). No início e após 90 e 180 dias de armazenamento sob congelamento, as CMS foram utilizadas para elaboração de fishburgers, os quais foram avaliados microbiológica e sensorialmente. A lavagem promoveu mudanças na composição centesimal da CMS, principalmente o aumento do teor de umidade e diminuição dos teores de proteína bruta. Durante o período de estocagem, as CMS mantiveram-se estáveis independentemente da lavagem. Foi observado rendimento da CMS, de aproximadamente 50% em relação ao peixe inteiro. A CMS com duas lavagens apresentou maior umidade (84,26%) que as CMS com uma lavagem (78,52%) e sem lavar (78,42%), ocorrendo também perda de proteína, lipídeos e cinzas, pela lixiviação desses compostos. Os teores de BVT mantiveram-se estáveis durante o período de armazenamento diferindo apenas entre os tratamentos, sendo que a CMS sem lavar apresentou maior valor médio (15,79 mg BVT/100g) que as CMS com uma (5,46 mg BVT/100g) e duas lavagens (2,61mg/100g). No dia zero, o maior valor de TBARS foi encontrado na CMS sem lavar (0,216 mg malonaldeído/kg), ao passo que nas CMS com 1 e 2 lavagens os valores foram respectivamente de 0,083 e 0,099 mg malonaldeído/kg, indicando que a lavagem causou lixiviação da maior parte dos compostos responsáveis pela oxidação lipídica. A legislação brasileira não indica um limite de oxidação lipídica avaliado pelo método de TBARS para CMS de pescado, porém os valores encontrados no final do período de estocagem (0,405; 0,511 e 0,420 mg malonaldeído/kg) para as CMS sem lavar, com 1 e 2 lavagens respectivamente são baixos e indicam pouca oxidação. Os parâmetros microbiológicos da CMS e do fishburger se mantiveram de acordo com a legislação brasileira. Os fishburgers foram muito bem aceitos pelos provadores e o fishburger elaborado com CMS com uma lavagem foi melhor avaliado quanto à aceitação global. As pequenas alterações ocorridas durante o período de armazenamento não afetaram a qualidade da CMS, indicando viabilidade para formulação de produtos com CMS estocada congelada por 180 dias. O processamento de bagre africano na forma de CMS pode ser uma alternativa para aproveitamento de uma espécie sub-utilizada, gerando produtos da piscicultura com valor agregado. / Minced fish (CMS) is a product obtained from only or sereral fish species through the mechanical separation of edible section. African catfish is produced mainly in African and european countries and recently was introduced in India, China and Brazil, destined exclusively to comsumption. The aim of the present study was obtain and characterize the african catfish minced and evaluate the stability during the period of storage under -18°C. Minced fish process yield was determinated and the stability was measured for six months concerning microbiological and physico-chemical analysis (TBARS, BVT, pH and drip), from three treatments (A CMS unwashed, B CMS washed once and C CMS washed twice). The beginning and after 90 and 180 days of frozen storage, the CMS was utilized for preparation of fishburger, that was evaluated for microbiological and sensorial analysis. The CMS washing process promoted changes in centesimal composition, mainly the increase of the moisture and decrease of total protein. During the storage period, the CMS kept the stability apart of washing process. The minced fish process yield was approximately 50% respecting whole fish. The CMS washed twice showed higher moisture (84,26%) than the CMS washed once (78,52%) and CMS unwashed (78,42%), occuring waste of protein, lipid and ash, by washing. During the storage, the BVT kept stable, disagree between the treatments, and the CMS unwashed exhibit higher mean value (15,79 mg BVT/100g) than CMS washed once (5,46 mg BVT/100g) and CMS washed twice (2,61mg/100g). At the zero day, the bigger value of TBARS was determinated in CMS unwashed (0,216 mg malonaldeído/kg), but in CMS washed once and twice, the values was 0,083 e 0,099 mg malonaldeído/kg respectively, signify that the washing process induced removal the majority part of compounds responsible by the lipidic oxidation. The Brazilian legislation do not indicate a limit of CMS lipid oxidation evaluated by TBARS method, however the values at the end of the storage (0,405; 0,511 e 0,420 mg malonaldeído/kg) for CMS without, with one and with two washing are low and indicate low oxidation. The CMS and the fishburger microbiological parameters kept agreed with Brazilian legislation. The fishburgers was accepted by the samplers and the fishburger elaborated with CMS washed once was better evaluated to general acceptability. The changes occured during the period of storage have not affect on CMS quality, indicating availability to products formulated by CMS with 180 days of frozen storage. The CMS process of african catfish can be a alternative to employment of a specie under-utilized, creating aquaculture products with aggregated value.

A carne mecanicamente separada (CMS) de pescado é um produto obtido a partir de uma única espécie, ou mistura de espécies de peixes através do processo de separação mecanizada da parte comestível. O bagre africano (Clarias gariepinus) é produzido principalmente nos países africanos e europeus e recentemente foi introduzido na Índia, China e Brasil, destinados exclusivamente ao consumo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi obter e caracterizar a CMS de bagre africano e avaliar sua estabilidade durante o armazenamento a -18°C. Foi determinado o rendimento do processo de obtenção da CMS e a estabilidade foi acompanhada por seis meses com relação a aspectos microbiológicos e físico-químicos (TBARS, BVT, pH e drip), de três tratamentos (A - CMS sem lavar, B - CMS com uma lavagem e C - CMS com duas lavagens). No início e após 90 e 180 dias de armazenamento sob congelamento, as CMS foram utilizadas para elaboração de fishburgers, os quais foram avaliados microbiológica e sensorialmente. A lavagem promoveu mudanças na composição centesimal da CMS, principalmente o aumento do teor de umidade e diminuição dos teores de proteína bruta. Durante o período de estocagem, as CMS mantiveram-se estáveis independentemente da lavagem. Foi observado rendimento da CMS, de aproximadamente 50% em relação ao peixe inteiro. A CMS com duas lavagens apresentou maior umidade (84,26%) que as CMS com uma lavagem (78,52%) e sem lavar (78,42%), ocorrendo também perda de proteína, lipídeos e cinzas, pela lixiviação desses compostos. Os teores de BVT mantiveram-se estáveis durante o período de armazenamento diferindo apenas entre os tratamentos, sendo que a CMS sem lavar apresentou maior valor médio (15,79 mg BVT/100g) que as CMS com uma (5,46 mg BVT/100g) e duas lavagens (2,61mg/100g). No dia zero, o maior valor de TBARS foi encontrado na CMS sem lavar (0,216 mg malonaldeído/kg), ao passo que nas CMS com 1 e 2 lavagens os valores foram respectivamente de 0,083 e 0,099 mg malonaldeído/kg, indicando que a lavagem causou lixiviação da maior parte dos compostos responsáveis pela oxidação lipídica. A legislação brasileira não indica um limite de oxidação lipídica avaliado pelo método de TBARS para CMS de pescado, porém os valores encontrados no final do período de estocagem (0,405; 0,511 e 0,420 mg malonaldeído/kg) para as CMS sem lavar, com 1 e 2 lavagens respectivamente são baixos e indicam pouca oxidação. Os parâmetros microbiológicos da CMS e do fishburger se mantiveram de acordo com a legislação brasileira. Os fishburgers foram muito bem aceitos pelos provadores e o fishburger elaborado com CMS com uma lavagem foi melhor avaliado quanto à aceitação global. As pequenas alterações ocorridas durante o período de armazenamento não afetaram a qualidade da CMS, indicando viabilidade para formulação de produtos com CMS estocada congelada por 180 dias. O processamento de bagre africano na forma de CMS pode ser uma alternativa para aproveitamento de uma espécie sub-utilizada, gerando produtos da piscicultura com valor agregado. / Minced fish (CMS) is a product obtained from only or sereral fish species through the mechanical separation of edible section. African catfish is produced mainly in African and european countries and recently was introduced in India, China and Brazil, destined exclusively to comsumption. The aim of the present study was obtain and characterize the african catfish minced and evaluate the stability during the period of storage under -18°C. Minced fish process yield was determinated and the stability was measured for six months concerning microbiological and physico-chemical analysis (TBARS, BVT, pH and drip), from three treatments (A CMS unwashed, B CMS washed once and C CMS washed twice). The beginning and after 90 and 180 days of frozen storage, the CMS was utilized for preparation of fishburger, that was evaluated for microbiological and sensorial analysis. The CMS washing process promoted changes in centesimal composition, mainly the increase of the moisture and decrease of total protein. During the storage period, the CMS kept the stability apart of washing process. The minced fish process yield was approximately 50% respecting whole fish. The CMS washed twice showed higher moisture (84,26%) than the CMS washed once (78,52%) and CMS unwashed (78,42%), occuring waste of protein, lipid and ash, by washing. During the storage, the BVT kept stable, disagree between the treatments, and the CMS unwashed exhibit higher mean value (15,79 mg BVT/100g) than CMS washed once (5,46 mg BVT/100g) and CMS washed twice (2,61mg/100g). At the zero day, the bigger value of TBARS was determinated in CMS unwashed (0,216 mg malonaldeído/kg), but in CMS washed once and twice, the values was 0,083 e 0,099 mg malonaldeído/kg respectively, signify that the washing process induced removal the majority part of compounds responsible by the lipidic oxidation. The Brazilian legislation do not indicate a limit of CMS lipid oxidation evaluated by TBARS method, however the values at the end of the storage (0,405; 0,511 e 0,420 mg malonaldeído/kg) for CMS without, with one and with two washing are low and indicate low oxidation. The CMS and the fishburger microbiological parameters kept agreed with Brazilian legislation. The fishburgers was accepted by the samplers and the fishburger elaborated with CMS washed once was better evaluated to general acceptability. The changes occured during the period of storage have not affect on CMS quality, indicating availability to products formulated by CMS with 180 days of frozen storage. The CMS process of african catfish can be a alternative to employment of a specie under-utilized, creating aquaculture products with aggregated value.

In my diploma thesis I was tested six types of feed. I tested in 3 repetitions in the recirculating system with biological treatment of water. Tested fishes african catfish (Clarias gariepinus) weighted between 200 ? 800 g per piece, were deployed into 18 aquariums with volume of 190 litres per aquarium. The whole experiment took place in five partial 3-week periods in the intensive breeding of the laboratory - controlled reproduction of fishes FROV JCU. The average water temperature during the experiment was 27 °C. The main objective of the thesis was to observe production efficiency of tested types of feed, speed of the growth of fishes, feed rates and financial costs. Afterwards, determinativ of yield and organoleptic evaluation was determined, followed by laboratory examination of composition of meat. The results of production indicators (Specific Growth Rate, Relative Growth Rate, Food Conversation Ratio) were most favorable for 3 types of feed ? Haltáp (SGR=0,81 %; RGR=126 %; FCR=1,45), Coppens TROCO SUPREME-22 (SGR=0,73 %; RGR=105 %; FCR=1,19), Coppens TROCO PRIME-18 (SGR=0,68 %; RGR=97 %; FCR=1,26). The lowest costs for 1 kg of fish increment were achieved for these specific types of feed Haltáp and Aller Aqua Focus (45 Kč a 46 Kč). In the organoleptic analysis was found positive evaluation of meat of all tested fishes. Chemical composition of meat was (in term of proteins and fats content) most favorably documented for the hungarian feed called Haltáp (proteins=19,22 % and fats=4,85 %).

Water resources are frequently under inspection as pollution increases. Therefore an urgent need has arisen for sensitive bio-monitoring tools in toxicant impact assessment to indicate the effect of pollution on fish health in polluted aquatic ecosystems. Histopathological assessment of fish tissue allows for early warning signs of disease and detection of long term injury in cells, tissues or organs. Various biochemical and biological studies of fish have been used to assess the consequences of environmental toxicants on fish, but histology is able to enhance and add quality to the research carried out by identifying cellular alterations and quantifying the results. The aim of this study was to assess the degree of pollution in the Marais Dam (MD) and Rietvlei Dam (RVD) in the Rietvlei Nature Reserve (RNR) by determining the health status of the sharptooth catfish, Clarias gariepinus, using fish histology as a bio-monitoring tool.The MD and RVD situated within the Sesmyl Spruit serve to provide the area with water and are separated by a natural wetland. The dams were chosen for their elevated levels of toxicants. Four sampling surveys, two low flow and two high flow, were carried out over a period of two years. During each survey twenty fish were sampled per dam. Water and sediment were sampled for metal and endocrine disrupting chemical analysis. A standardized health assessment protocol employed to determine the effects of the toxicants included analysis of blood constituents, fish necropsy, calculation of condition factor and organosomatic indices, and a qualitative and quantitative histological assessment of three target organs: the gills, liver and gonads. These organs were removed and processed according to standard techniques for histological assessment. Histopathological alterations of each organ were identified (qualitative assessment) and subsequently quantified by means of a standard methodology of criteria to assess and compare fish health (quantitative assessment). The total index (Tot-I) values from the quantitative histological assessment were statistically analyzed using the ANOVA method. Potential endocrine disrupting chemicals and metals in the water of both dams were present at levels that could be toxic. The degree of pollution was more severe in MD than RVD. Examination of tissue from the gills, liver and gonads revealed marked histopathological alterations. The quantitative histological assessment indicated that fish collected from MD were in a significantly more severe histopathological condition than those of RVD. These results indicate that the wetland may still function as a natural filter. The qualitative and quantitative histological assessment objectively compared C. gariepinus specimens from MD and RVD and the effects of the toxicants on the health of the fish. / Dr. G.M. Pieterse

M.Sc. / This study aims to assess the potential impacts of intense feedlot activity on the aquatic freshwater environment, with reference to three feedlots, ranging in production size and all situated in the upper Vaal catchment area. Field assessments were done over a high flow and low flow period, while controlled exposures were also done to quantify a potential stress reaction to growth hormone exposure (using Clarias gariepinus as test organism). It was ascertained that water quality variables contributing towards differences between upstream and downstream environmental conditions are NH4 concentrations pH and conductivity. Lead concentrations were also periodically higher downstream from feedlot activity, in comparison with upstream. Taking the sediment assimilation potential of growth hormones into consideration, it was determined that Feedlot C showed the highest assimilation potential, while Feedlot A reflected the lowest. Alterations on family level invertebrate community structures indicated a categorical decline in abundances and species richness at sites situated downstream from feedlots. However, some clear seasonal influences were also observed. Further community and diversity analyses reflected alterations in invertebrate community structures that were not reflected in SASS 5 scores. With regards to the biomarkers applied in this study, it was noted that there was a significant (p<0.05) difference in the cellular energy allocation (CEA) between control and hormone exposed groups. The total amount of energy available (Ea) increased significantly for test organisms exposed to Diethylstilbestrol (DES), while there was a significant increase in energy consumption (Ec) of test organisms exposed to Trenbolone acetate (TBA). In addition to CEA, metabolic profiling of blood plasma was also performed, which indicated a definite ordination in metabolic constituents after fifteen days of exposure. This was established by subjecting the data to principle component analysis (PCA), which accounted for 83 % variance observed. The impacts and biotic responses identified in this study were contextualised with known literature on the effects of feedlot activity and growth hormone exposure on the aquatic environment. Finally, conclusions were drawn and recommendations made with regard to improving feedlot operational activities. The results obtained in this study contribute towards an integrated framework for the environmental management of feedlot activities.

M.Sc. (Zoology) / Please refer to full text to view abstract

Thesis (MSc. (Human Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences))--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references.

M.Sc. / The tigerfish, Hydrocynus vittatus member of the Alestidae, are ferocious and fierce predators capable of consuming prey up to 40% of their size. In South Africa H. vittatus can be found in the major east-flowing rivers from the Limpopo River to the Phongolo River flowing into the Pongolapoort Dam making up the southernmost population. The Pongolapoort Dam also known as Lake Jozini is located in the high-rainfall subtropical region of northern KwaZulu-Natal. The Pongolapoort Dam wall was completed in 1973 to make it the fifth largest dam in South Africa with a total surface area of 2 445.9 x 106 m2. It was primarily built for the irrigation of sugar-cane in the surrounding regions. The Fish Health Assessment Index is used as a quantitative index that identifies morphological alterations and assigns them a score for statistical comparison. The main purpose of the macroscopic Fish Health Assessment Index is to detect gross changes in the health of fish populations through necropsy early enough for remedial actions to be put into place. Histopathology is used as an important diagnostic tool for detecting infectious and non-infectious diseases and can therefore be used to assess the health of fish populations by analysing selected target organs. Catch and release (C&R) angling has become a very widely promoted conservation tool as sport angling continues to increase. Anglers release their fish under the assumption that the fish will survive; however, the end results have been shown to vary greatly, from death of the fish to sub-lethal end points such as exhaustive exercise, injury and/or air exposure which will affect the fitness of the fish. The first aim of the study was to determine the health status of H. vittatus and C. gariepinus from the Pongolapoort Dam by means of a histology-based fish health assessment protocol applied to a total of 45 H. vittatus specimens collected in February 2009 (n = 30) and July 2009 (n = 15) and a total of 19 C. gariepinus specimens collected in October 2009 (n = 10) and April 2010 (n = 9). In the H. vittatus specimens DDT was found in the axial muscle; the concentrations of these in February 2009 (5 403.9 ng∙g-1 lipid) and July 2009 (5 537.4 ng∙g-1 lipid). The Mean Index values showed that the Kidney Index (IK), Gill Index (IG) and Fish Index (IFISH) were higher in fish from the February survey while the Liver Index (IL) was higher in those collected during July. Liver alterations identified included intercellular oedema, granular degeneration, vacuolation, nuclear pleomorphism and lymphocyte infiltration. Kidney alterations included dilation of the glomerulus capillaries, vacuolation and hyaline droplet degeneration. Gill alterations identified included telangiectasia and hyperplasia of the secondary lamella, congestion, and rupture of pillar cells.