Four investigations were conducted to assess the effects of feeding selected novel feed ingredients on the nutrition and health status of ornamental fish. Each dietary ingredient was assessed by determining the effects on growth performance, feed utilisation, haematological status, serological status and immuno-competence of mirror carp, a model ornamental fish species. The first experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding a tropical earthworm meal (Perionyx escavatus) and soybean meal on the haemato-immunological response and growth performance of mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio). Fish were fed diets for a total of 88 days, fishmeal served as the main protein source in the control diet. Two remaining diets consisted of fishmeal fixed at 33 % provision of protein and the remaining 66 % protein was provided by soybean meal (SBM diet) or P. excavatus meal (EW diet). After 60 days of feeding fish fed EW diet showed a significant elevation in final body weight compared to fish fed a fishmeal diet and fish fed a SBM diet. Similar improvements were observed in feed utilisation efficiency. After intraperitoneal injection with heat inactivated Aeromonas hydrophila and 28 days of feeding EW diet to mirror carp showed decrease in some aspects of the innate immune response. Contrary to this, fish fed soybean meal showed signs of inflammation. The second experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding two plant protein concentrates and a combination of whey protein concentrate and casein protein on the growth performance, haematological and serological responses of mirror carp (C. carpio). Fish were fed diets for a total of 84 days, fishmeal served as the main protein source in the control diet. Three remaining diets consisted of fishmeal fixed at 33% provision of protein and the remaining 66% protein was provided by rice protein concentrate (RPC diet), corn protein concentrate (CPC) and a combination of whey protein concentrate (8%) and casein protein (58%) (WPC diet). After 84 days of feeding fish fed WPC diet showed a significant elevation in final body weight compared to fish fed a fishmeal diet and fish fed RPC and CPC diets. Similar improvements were observed in feed utilisation and protein efficiency. At the end of the trial feeding fish fed WPC diet showed a significant elevation in mean corpuscular haemoglobin levels compared to fish fed fishmeal and RPC diets. Serological analysis showed that feeding carp the WPC showed a significant increase in serum albumin and protein concentrations compared to fish fed fishmeal diet. The final experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding selected exotic ingredients on immune responses and expression of immune related genes in mirror carp (C. carpio). Fish were fed diets for a total of 63 days. Fishmeal served as the main protein source in the control diet and two experimental diets consisted of fishmeal fixed at 34% provision of protein and the remaining protein was provided either by earthworm meal (EW diet) or a combination of whey protein concentrate (8%) and casein (58 %) (WPC diet). At the start of the trial fish were injected intraperitoneally with A. hydrophila bacterin. Compared to fish fed fishmeal, a significant increase in mRNA expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β (24 h post injection) and TNFα (at 12 h and 48 h post injection) was observed in fish fed EW. Moreover a similar trend was observed for complement 3 (C3) gene, where fish fed EW showed significant elevations in mRNA expression values at both 12 and 48 h post injection compared to control fed fish. In contrast, fish fed WPC showed a significant decrease in C3 and TNF-α mRNA expression compared to fish fed fishmeal (48 h post injection). Fish fed EW and WPC diet showed a significant increase leukocyte levels compared to fish fed fishmeal 14 days post injection. Fish fed fishmeal presented significantly higher circulatory IgM levels at 7 d post injection compared to fish fed EW and WPC diets. In contrast, fish fed EW and WPC showed a significant increase in IgM levels at 28 d post injection. This study concludes that feeding fish non-plant based feed commodities had a positive effect on carp growth response, feed utilisation and immuno-competence. These findings are both novel and highly relevant for the ornamental industry where high value feed commodities are more acceptable.

Le but de cette étude consiste à démontrer l’impact positif d’une supplémentation en glutamine chez des nageurs élites, afin d’améliorer le statut immunitaire et d’évaluer si les changements plasmatiques de la glutamine peuvent expliquer l’incidence d’infections des voies respiratoires (IVRS). En parallèle, ce projet évalue si les apports alimentaires influencent la glutamine plasmatique et l’incidence d’IVRS. L’étude s’est effectuée auprès de 14 athlètes élites (8 hommes, 6 femmes). Chaque athlète a participé aux deux conditions expérimentales : un supplément de glutamine et une solution placebo isocalorique. Les périodes de supplémentation se déroulaient sur sept jours, incluant trois journées consécutives de compétition. Le profil hématologique, après les compétitions, montre qu’un supplément de glutamine n’améliore pas significativement la concentration plasmatique en glutamine ni les niveaux de cytokines comparativement à une solution placebo. Bien que les résultats soient semblables sous les deux conditions, les niveaux post-compétition ont tendance à être supérieurs aux valeurs pré-supplémentation, lorsqu’un apport exogène en glutamine est fourni à l’organisme alors que les concentrations plasmatiques de glutamine tendent à diminuer lorsqu’une solution placebo est administrée (p=0.067). L'incidence d’IVRS ne peut être expliquée par une faible concentration plasmatique de glutamine ni par un apport exogène de glutamine. On observe cependant une augmentation d’IVRS suite aux compétitions, soient de 8 athlètes pour le groupe placebo contre 3 au groupe glutamine. Les athlètes atteints d'IVRS semblent consommer moins d'énergie totale (kcal) et de protéines que les athlètes sains (p=0.060). Les résultats obtenus ne démontrent pas qu’une supplémentation en glutamine améliore le profil immunitaire et ne prévienne l’incidence d’IVRS, mais ils soulèvent l’hypothèse qu’un apport exogène en glutamine stabilise les niveaux plasmatiques de glutamine, permettant aux athlètes de poursuivre leurs entraînements et de récupérer efficacement. / The purposes of this study were to determine the positive impacts of glutamine supplementation upon immune system status and to determine whether changes in plasma glutamine relate to the appearance of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) in elite swimmers. Furthermore, this study evaluated dietary intakes and its influence on immune parameters and URTI incidence. Fourteen athletes (8 men, 6 women) took part of the study. Each athlete participated in both experimental conditions: glutamine supplement and an isocaloric solution placebo. The supplementation period lasted seven day, including three consecutive competing days. Post competing hematologic profils of swimmers show that glutamine supplement does not significantly improve plasma glutamine neither cytokines levels, compared to a placebo solution. Even if plasma glutamine concentrations are similar with both conditions, the post competiting levels tend to be higher than pre competing values, when glutamine is supplemented. Futhermore, plasma glutamine levels show a decreasing trend under control conditions (p=0.060). In this study, URTI can not be explained by low plasma glutamine or supplemented glutamine. However, URTI incidence is higher after competitions, where 8 athletes showed symptoms (control group) and 3 only in the experimental group. Athletes with URTI seem to consume less energy and proteins than healthy athletes (p=0.060). These data does not suggest that glutamine supplementation improves immune function or prevents URTI in highly trained swimmers during competition. However, results support the hypothesis that exogenous glutamine stabilizes plasma glutamine levels, allowing athletes to tolerate training workload and recover properly.

Le but de cette étude consiste à démontrer l’impact positif d’une supplémentation en glutamine chez des nageurs élites, afin d’améliorer le statut immunitaire et d’évaluer si les changements plasmatiques de la glutamine peuvent expliquer l’incidence d’infections des voies respiratoires (IVRS). En parallèle, ce projet évalue si les apports alimentaires influencent la glutamine plasmatique et l’incidence d’IVRS. L’étude s’est effectuée auprès de 14 athlètes élites (8 hommes, 6 femmes). Chaque athlète a participé aux deux conditions expérimentales : un supplément de glutamine et une solution placebo isocalorique. Les périodes de supplémentation se déroulaient sur sept jours, incluant trois journées consécutives de compétition. Le profil hématologique, après les compétitions, montre qu’un supplément de glutamine n’améliore pas significativement la concentration plasmatique en glutamine ni les niveaux de cytokines comparativement à une solution placebo. Bien que les résultats soient semblables sous les deux conditions, les niveaux post-compétition ont tendance à être supérieurs aux valeurs pré-supplémentation, lorsqu’un apport exogène en glutamine est fourni à l’organisme alors que les concentrations plasmatiques de glutamine tendent à diminuer lorsqu’une solution placebo est administrée (p=0.067). L'incidence d’IVRS ne peut être expliquée par une faible concentration plasmatique de glutamine ni par un apport exogène de glutamine. On observe cependant une augmentation d’IVRS suite aux compétitions, soient de 8 athlètes pour le groupe placebo contre 3 au groupe glutamine. Les athlètes atteints d'IVRS semblent consommer moins d'énergie totale (kcal) et de protéines que les athlètes sains (p=0.060). Les résultats obtenus ne démontrent pas qu’une supplémentation en glutamine améliore le profil immunitaire et ne prévienne l’incidence d’IVRS, mais ils soulèvent l’hypothèse qu’un apport exogène en glutamine stabilise les niveaux plasmatiques de glutamine, permettant aux athlètes de poursuivre leurs entraînements et de récupérer efficacement. / The purposes of this study were to determine the positive impacts of glutamine supplementation upon immune system status and to determine whether changes in plasma glutamine relate to the appearance of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) in elite swimmers. Furthermore, this study evaluated dietary intakes and its influence on immune parameters and URTI incidence. Fourteen athletes (8 men, 6 women) took part of the study. Each athlete participated in both experimental conditions: glutamine supplement and an isocaloric solution placebo. The supplementation period lasted seven day, including three consecutive competing days. Post competing hematologic profils of swimmers show that glutamine supplement does not significantly improve plasma glutamine neither cytokines levels, compared to a placebo solution. Even if plasma glutamine concentrations are similar with both conditions, the post competiting levels tend to be higher than pre competing values, when glutamine is supplemented. Futhermore, plasma glutamine levels show a decreasing trend under control conditions (p=0.060). In this study, URTI can not be explained by low plasma glutamine or supplemented glutamine. However, URTI incidence is higher after competitions, where 8 athletes showed symptoms (control group) and 3 only in the experimental group. Athletes with URTI seem to consume less energy and proteins than healthy athletes (p=0.060). These data does not suggest that glutamine supplementation improves immune function or prevents URTI in highly trained swimmers during competition. However, results support the hypothesis that exogenous glutamine stabilizes plasma glutamine levels, allowing athletes to tolerate training workload and recover properly.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar os efeitos da suplementação energético-protéica na contagem de células T e de seus subtipos CD4 e CD8. Os sujeitos eram praticantes de atividade física de carga alta e diária. Foram avaliados em dois momentos: repouso (antes da atividade) e agudo (após a atividade). A contagem de células foi feita por citômetro de fluxo. A atividade física alterou os parâmetros escolhidos e a mesma, associada com a suplementação, alterou mais ainda. Observou-se que a suplementação reduziu a contagem das células T e de seus subtipos, no momento de repouso, indicando possível ação redutora na mobilização celular gerada pelo exercício. Foram levantados indícios que apontam para o fato da proteína de soja ter uma ação potencialmente melhor em relação às proteínas do soro do leite, para os parâmetros estudados. A suplementação com proteína e maltodextrina não se mostrou mais eficaz do que a suplementação com proteínas somente. / The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of energetic-proteic supplementation on T cells counting as well as its CD4 and CD8 subtypes. The subject individuals studied were practitioners of daily high-load physical activities. The evaluations took place in two different moments and respective conditions: at rest (prior to the development of activities) and peak (immediately after performing activities). The physical activity modified the chosen parameters as long it was more effective as associated with the supplementation. At the rest moment, it was observed that the supplementation reduced the counting of T cells and its subtypes, thus indicating possible reducing action in the cellular mobilization generated by the exercise. For the studied parameters, indications were detected that point to the fact of the soy protein as having a potentially better action in relation to whey proteins. The supplementation with protein and maltodextrin did not prove to be more efficient than the supplementation only with proteins.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar os efeitos da suplementação energético-protéica na contagem de células T e de seus subtipos CD4 e CD8. Os sujeitos eram praticantes de atividade física de carga alta e diária. Foram avaliados em dois momentos: repouso (antes da atividade) e agudo (após a atividade). A contagem de células foi feita por citômetro de fluxo. A atividade física alterou os parâmetros escolhidos e a mesma, associada com a suplementação, alterou mais ainda. Observou-se que a suplementação reduziu a contagem das células T e de seus subtipos, no momento de repouso, indicando possível ação redutora na mobilização celular gerada pelo exercício. Foram levantados indícios que apontam para o fato da proteína de soja ter uma ação potencialmente melhor em relação às proteínas do soro do leite, para os parâmetros estudados. A suplementação com proteína e maltodextrina não se mostrou mais eficaz do que a suplementação com proteínas somente. / The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of energetic-proteic supplementation on T cells counting as well as its CD4 and CD8 subtypes. The subject individuals studied were practitioners of daily high-load physical activities. The evaluations took place in two different moments and respective conditions: at rest (prior to the development of activities) and peak (immediately after performing activities). The physical activity modified the chosen parameters as long it was more effective as associated with the supplementation. At the rest moment, it was observed that the supplementation reduced the counting of T cells and its subtypes, thus indicating possible reducing action in the cellular mobilization generated by the exercise. For the studied parameters, indications were detected that point to the fact of the soy protein as having a potentially better action in relation to whey proteins. The supplementation with protein and maltodextrin did not prove to be more efficient than the supplementation only with proteins.