Submitted by (edna.saturno@ufrpe.br) on 2017-04-11T16:02:29Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Elton Lima Santos.pdf: 629199 bytes, checksum: 4a4e2175cbcad51125cd66f7f4ae9359 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-04-11T16:02:30Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Elton Lima Santos.pdf: 629199 bytes, checksum: 4a4e2175cbcad51125cd66f7f4ae9359 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-02-23 / The research was developed in Laboratory of Ponderal Evaluation in aquatic Animals (LaAqua), located in the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture of the UFRPE, with the aim to study the effect of the natural promoter growth additive in feed for Nile tilapia, through the evaluation of the digestibility of the dry matter, crude protein and crude energy of the rations, the performance and the morfometry of the mucosa gut of Nile tilapia. The used natural additives had been the alcoholic extract of propolis and garlic powder in the levels of 0.0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 % and 0.0, 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0% of inclusion in the ration, respectively, arranged in a design randomized with four treatments and six repetitions. In the performance, that was carried through in aquariums of 70L, in a system of closed water circulation with the use of biofilter, the profit of weight, apparent alimentary conversion, consumption of apparent ration, hepatossomatic index, protein efficiency tax, viscerosomatic fat index, digestives somatic index and the morfometry of the mucosa gut had been evaluated, on the basis of the intestinal villus height. In the digestibility experiment had been used 320 juveniles of Nile tilapia with initial average weight of 20,00 ±5,0g The rations hadbeen supplied “ad libitum” (of 45 in 45 minutes) in small portions, in the period of the 8:00 to 17:00 h. The excrements had been collected in the deep one of the aquariums, daily, to each six hours. In the condition where the experiment was carried through, the use of the alcoholic extract of propolis that as additive promoter of growth for Nile tilapia, did not imply in improvement in the performance, however it provided one better energy exploitation of the ration. The garlic powder as additive in rations for youthful the Nile tilapia, did not provide positive effect as promotional of growth, in the studied levels. / Os experimentos foram conduzidos no Laboratório de Avaliação Ponderal em Animais Aquáticos (LaAqua), localizado no Departamento de Pesca e Aqüicultura da UFRPE, com o objetivo de estudar os efeitos da adição de aditivos naturais promotores de crescimento na alimentação de tilápia do Nilo, através da avaliação da digestibilidade da matéria seca, da proteína e da energia das rações, do desempenho produtivo e da morfometria da mucosa intestinal de tilápia do Nilo. Os aditivos naturais utilizados foram o extrato alcoólico de própolis e alho em pó nos níveis de 0,0; 0,5; 1,0 e 1,5,% e 0,0; 1,0; 2,0 e 3,0 % de inclusão na ração, respectivamente, arranjados num delineamento inteiramente casualizado com quatro tratamentos e seis repetições, tanto para digestibilidade, quanto para o desempenho. No desempenho, que foi realizado em aquários de 70L, em um sistema de circulação fechada de água com a utilização de biofiltro, foram avaliados o ganho de peso, conversão alimentar aparente, consumo de ração aparente, índice hepato-somático, taxa de eficiência protéica, índice de gordura viscero-somática, índice digestivo-somático e amorfometria da mucosa intestinal, com base na altura das vilosidades. No experimento de digestibilidade foram utilizados 320 juvenis de tilápia do Nilo com peso médio inicial de 20,00 ± 5,0g. As rações foram fornecidas “ad libitum” (de 45 em 45 minutos) em pequenas porções, no período das 8h às 17h. As fezes foram coletadas no fundo dos aquários, diariamente, a cada seis horas. Nas condições em que foram realizados os experimentos, pode-se concluir que o uso do extrato alcoólico de própolis, como aditivo promotor de crescimento para tilápia do Nilo, não implicou em melhora no desempenho, porém, proporcionou um melhor aproveitamento energético da ração. O alho em pó, como aditivo em rações para juvenis de tilápia do Nilo, não proporcionou efeito positivo como promotor de crescimento, nos níveis estudados.

Orientador: Felix Guillermo Reyes Reyes / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia de Alimentos / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-17T10:10:51Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Sismotto_Marcela_M.pdf: 608581 bytes, checksum: 06d9dc244d3f9c3dfc7c4d6225ed5c95 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011 / Resumo: O resumo poserá ser visualizado no texto completo da tese digital / Abstract: The abstract is available with the full eletronic digital document / Mestrado / Mestre em Ciência de Alimentos

CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeiÃoamento de Pessoal de NÃvel Superior / A larva da tilÃpia do Nilo, Oreochromis niloticus, durante os primeiros dias de vida, supre suas necessidades nutricionais com a reserva vitelÃnica, pois nem a cavidade bucal encontra-se aberta nem o trato intestinal completamente formado. ApÃs o consumo do vitelo, o peixe jà à uma pÃs-larva e sua alimentaÃÃo passa a ser exÃgena e à composta, principalmente, por microalgas e zooplÃncton. O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar a influÃncia da cianobactÃria Spirulina platensis, no desempenho de pÃs-larvas (plâs) da tilÃpia do Nilo, submetidas a diferentes salinidades durante o perÃodo de reversÃo sexual. Na primeira fase da pesquisa, alÃm da S. platensis, tambÃm foi ofertado ,em todos os tratamentos, raÃÃo microparticulada (50% PB) contendo o hormÃnio masculinizante 17-α-metiltestosterona, com o intuito de realizar a reversÃo sexual dos peixes.O delineamento foi inteiramente casualizado e dividido em trÃs tratamentos com trÃs repetiÃÃes cada. Os peixes foram cultivados nas salinidades 0 ,15 e 25 ,apresentaram pesos e comprimentos mÃdios finais 1,547  0,145 g e 4,753  0,209 cm; 1,618  0,154 g e 4,957  0,131 cm e 1,580  0,090 g e 4,844  0,025 cm, respectivamente, apÃs 28 dias de cultivo, onde nÃo foi apresentada diferenÃa estatÃstica (α = 0,05). ApÃs esse perÃodo os peixes da salinidade 15 e 25 foram aclimatados novamente a salinidade 0 e distribuÃdos em caixas de 1000 L na densidade de 0,05 peixes L -1 e cultivados por 35 dias, apÃs esse perÃodo foi avaliado a taxa de reversÃo sexual, o crescimento em peso e comprimento e a taxa de sobrevivÃncia dos animais, nessa fase foi oferecido apenas raÃÃo 35% PB sem hormÃnio. Ao final dessa fase, os peixes apresentaram pesos e comprimentos mÃdios de 11,923 g e 8,888 cm; 12,033 g e 9,716 cm e 12,604 g e 10,001 cm para os peixes oriundos das salinidades de 0 ,15 e 25 , respectivamente. ApÃs a anÃlise gonadal, os Ãndices de reversÃo sexual nÃo apresentaram diferenÃas significativas entre os tratamentos, com mÃdia de 97,3% de indivÃduos machos. Com a realizaÃÃo desse trabalho pudemos concluir que a salinidade da Ãgua nÃo interferiu no crescimento em peso e comprimento, Ãndice de reversÃo sexual e sobrevivÃncia da tilÃpia do Nilo (O. niloticus), durante a reversÃo sexual na presenÃa da microalga Spirulina platensis / The larva of the Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, during the first days of life meets its meets their nutrition needs with the vitelline reserve, because neither the buccal cavity is open nor the intestinal tract is completely formed. After the consumption of the vitellus, the fish is already a post-larva and it s feeding becomes exogenous and mainly composed of microalgae and zooplankton. The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of the cyanobacterium Spirulina platensis, in the performance of post-larvae (pl's) of the Nile tilapia submitted to different salinity levels during the period of sex reversal. In the first phase of the research, besides S. platensis , we also supplied, in all of the treatments, a microparticulate feed (50% of crude protein) containing the masculinizing hormone 17-α-metiltestost erone, with the intention of conducting the sex reversal of the fish. The experimental design was completely randomized and divided into three treatments with three replications per treatment. The fish were farmed in the salinity levels of 0, 15 and 25, and presented weights and final medium lengths of 1,547  0,145 g and 4,753  0,209 cm; 1,618  0,154 g and 4,957  0,131 cm and 1,580  0,090 g and 4,844  0,0 25 cm, respectively, after 28 days of farming, in which there was no statistical difference (α = 0,05). After that period, the fish of the salinity levels of 15 and 25 were acclimatized to 0 (zero) salinity level again and distributed into boxes of 1000 L in the density of 0,05 fish L-1 and farmed for 35 days. After that period, the rate of sex reversal, the growth in weight and length and the survival rate of the animals were evaluated. In that phase, we supplied only a feed of 35% of crude protein without hormone. At the end of that phase, the fish presented average weights and lengths of 11.923 g and 8.888 cm; 12.033 g and 9.716 cm and 12.604 g and 10.001 cm for the fish coming from the salinity levels of 0, 15 and 25, respectively. After the gonadal analysis, the rates of ix sex reversal did not present significant differences among the treatments, with an average of 97.3% of male individuals. The conduction of this work enabled us to conclude that the water salinity did not interfere with the growth in weight and length, the rate of sex reversal and the survival of the Nile tilapia (O. niloticus), during the sex reversal in the presence of the microseaweed Spirulina platensis.

Um terço da captura mundial de pescado não é empregada para o consumo direto na alimentação humana, seguindo para elaboração de rações ou é desperdiçada como resíduo. O ideal seria utilizar a matéria-prima em toda a sua extensão e recuperar os subprodutos, evitando a própria formação do resíduo. Com os objetivos de aumentar a receita e a eficiência de produção da indústria e, conseqüentemente, minimizar os problemas ambientais e de sanidade, provenientes do resíduo de pescado, procedeu-se à elaboração da silagem química do resíduo de beneficiamento da tilápia. A tilápia do Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus) é hoje a espécie mais popular no Brasil. A tilápia é cultivada em 22 estados brasileiros e a sua produção anual está entre 30 e 40 mil t. A tilápia foi uma das primeiras espécies oriundas da aqüicultura a ser beneficiada, sendo atualmente comercializada na forma de filés congelados, tecnologia emergente, porém com rendimento de cerca de 30%. Com isso, há necessidade de se transformar o resíduo gerado com o beneficiamento do filé em subprodutos, diminuindo o impacto ambiental. A silagem foi elaborada após homogeneização em cutter e acidificação da biomassa com 3% de ácido fórmico: propiônico, 1:1, adição do antioxidante BHT e manutenção do pH ao redor de 4,0. Foram realizadas análises para determinação da umidade, proteína, lipídios e cinza. Os aminoácidos foram examinados em auto analisador após hidrólise ácida, à exceção do triptofano determinado por colorimetria. A silagem de tilápias apresentou teores semelhantes ou maiores aos preconizados pelo padrão da FAO para todos os aminoácidos essenciais, com exceção do triptofano. Os valores mais elevados encontrados foram para o ácido glutâmico, leucina e lisina. Os resultados indicam uma possível utilização da silagem, preparada a partir do resíduo de processamento da Tilápia-do-Nilo, como fonte proteíca na formulação de ração para peixes. Entretanto, para o aproveitamento da silagem é necessário que se estabeleçam técnicas para remoção do óleo presente com a finalidade de aumentar a estabilidade do produto e seu valor comercial. A oxidação dos lipídios presentes pode causar a formação de peróxidos que podem complexar as proteínas com conseqüente destruição dos aminoácidos. O presente trabalho buscou, também, estabelecer a melhor via de extração do óleo presente na silagem ácida de tilápia do Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus), bem como caracterizar o óleo obtido. A fração lipídica foi extraída por três métodos de extração, a saber, centrifugação (3500 × G/30 min), Soxhlet (AOAC,1990) e Bligh & Dyer (1969). Os resultados para rendimento e índice de peróxido foram, respectivamente, 65,53% e 0,00 mEq/1000g de O2, 44,27% e 25,00 mEq/1000g de O2, 46,87% e 0,00 mEq/1000g de O2. O óleo de tilápia contém, em mg/100g, 28,60; 16,30 e 3,10 dos ácidos oléico, linoléico e linolênico, respectivamente. A centrifugação demonstrou ser a melhor metodologia de extração, por preservar as características físico-químicas do óleo e propiciar maior rendimento. O conteúdo de lipídios na silagem de tilápias, com base na matéria úmida é de 3,99 g/100g, com a retirada da fração lipídica através da centrifugação, restou na amostra apenas 1,54 g/100g de lipídios, o que é considerado um nível aceitável para inclusão em rações para animais. / One third of the world fishing produce is not directly applied in human consumption. Instead, it is used in the elaboration of feed or wasted as residue. It would be ideal to use the raw material thoroughly and to recover by-products, preventing the generation of residues. With the objectives of increasing the income and the production of the industry, as well as minimizing environmental and health problems from fish residues, chemical silage from Tilapia processing residues was produced. The Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is the most popular species in Brazil today. Tilapia is cultivated in 22 Brazilian states and its annual production is between 30 and 40 thousand tons. Tilapia was one of the first aquaculture species to be processed after harvesting, being currently commercialized in the form of frozen fillets, however, with a yield of about 30%. Thus, there is a need for transforming the residues generated by the fillet processing into by-products, minimizing the environmental impact. The silage was elaborated after cutter-homogenization and acidification of the biomass with 3% formic acid: propionic, 1:1, addition of antioxidant BHT and maintenance of pH at about 4.0. Analyses for the determination of the moisture, protein, lipids and ash were carried out. The amino acids were examined in an auto analyzer after acid hydrolysis, except for the triptophane which was determined through colorimetry. The tilapia silage presented contents that were similar to or higher than the FAO standards for all essential amino acids, except for the triptophane. The highest values found were for lysine and leucine. The results indicate a possible use of the silage prepared from the Nile tilapia processing residue as a proteic source in the manufacturing of fish feed. However For the use of the silage, oil-removing techniques are necessary in order to increase the stability of the product as well as its commercial value. Lipid oxidation may cause peroxide formation, which can produce complex proteins with a consequent destruction of amino acids. The present work tried to determine the best form of extracting the oil from the acid silage of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and to caracterize the silage oil. The lipid fraction was extracted by three extraction methods: centrifugation (3500 × G·30 min-1), Soxhlet (AOAC, 1990) and Bligh & Dyer (1969). The results for yield and peroxide value were, respectively, 65.53% and 0.00 mEq·1000g-1 of O2, 44.27% and 25.00 mEq·1000g-1of O2, 46.87% and 0.00 mEq·1000g-1 of O2. The lipid fraction showed 28,60; 16,30 and 3,10mg·1000g-1 of oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids, respectively. Centrifugation proved to be the best extraction methodology due to the preservation of the physical-chemical characteristics of the oil and greater yield. The lipid content of the tilapia silage, on a fresh matter basis, was 3.99g·100g-1. With the removal of the lipid fraction by centrifugation, only 1.54 g·100g-1of lipids could be found in the sample, which is considered an acceptable level for its inclusion in animal feed.

Por causa da carência de dados sobre a produtividade de tilápias em tanques-rede em escala comercial, produtores e empresários rurais relutam em investir neste sistema de produção. Este estudo objetivou determinar as funções de produção da tilápia do Nilo em tanques-rede; a biomassa econômica de sistemas de produção comercial de tilápias em tanques-rede de diferentes volumes (300 a 400 peixes/m 3 e 500 a 600 peixes/m 3 ); e analisar a influência das condições ambientais no desempenho dos peixes em tanques-rede. Foram estudados 2 casos na região Sudoeste do Estado de São Paulo: (1) represa do Chapadão, 3,3 ha de espelho d’água e profundidade média de 4,00 m, onde foram instaladas nove gaiolas, totalizando 94,50 m 3 de volume útil de produção; e (2) represa da Colônia Nova, 8,8 ha de espelho d'água e profundidade média de 2,60 m, que alojou 27 gaiolas com volume útil total de 235,70 m 3 , ambas localizadas na Usina Paredão, Oriente, SP. De setembro de 2001 a abril de 2002, foram monitorados diariamente o consumo de ração, a mortalidade de cada gaiola e a temperatura da água das represas nos horários das alimentações; pH, oxigênio dissolvido e transparência pelo disco de Secchi foram monitorados quinzenalmente. Foram realizadas biometrias mensais nas gaiolas das duas represas, compreendendo 3% do lote de peixes de cada gaiola. Os peixes foram alimentados com ração extrusada comercial com 32% de proteína bruta, 3 vezes ao dia (09h00m, 13h00m e 17h00m), 7 dias por semana. A taxa de alimentação foi ajustada com base nas biometrias e mortalidade de cada gaiola. Os dados de desempenho foram analisados por análise de variância e regressão. Para a determinação das funções de produção a partir dos dados de campo, foram utilizadas as funções Logística e de Mitscherlich. Não houve diferença de desempenho em relação à biomassa acumulada e peso médio unitário em função do tempo, na densidade de 300 a 400 peixes/m 3, para ambas as represas (P<0,05), possivelmente porque os dois ambientes apresentaram variações dos parâmetros de qualidade de água muito similares e dentro dos limites aceitáveis para a espécie considerada. A densidade de 500 a 600 peixes/m 3 apresentou maior biomassa acumulada e maior eficiência alimentar que a densidade de 300 a 400 peixes/m 3. Não houve diferença significativa (P<0,05) entre o peso médio unitário dos peixes nas duas densidades, mostrando que o aumento na densidade de estocagem não influenciou o crescimento individual dos peixes. Para a densidade de 500 a 600 peixes/m 3, a biomassa que maximizou a lucratividade da produção (biomassa econômica - BE) foi 145 kg/m 3, ponto em que os peixes devem ser despescados ou remanejados. Para a densidade de 300 a 400 peixes/m 3 , a BE foi de 121 kg/m 3. Para a obtenção de peixes com peso médio unitário de 283g, considerando a BE de 145 kg/m 3 , a densidade de 500 a 600 peixes/m 3 possibilitou otimização do espaço e tempo de produção, melhor eficiência alimentar, maior produção por m 3 de tanque-rede, sendo portanto mais rentável economicamente que a de 300 a 400 peixes/m 3. / Cage farming of tilapia is an excellent alternative to utilize lakes, dams and reservoirs inadequate to conventional aquaculture. Low investment on cage or pond farming of tilapia is credited to the lack of reliable production and economical data for commercial scale farming. This study aimed to determine the production functions of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus in cages; the economic biomass at stocking densities of 300-400 fish/m 3 and 500-600 fish/m 3 commercially produced tilapia in cages of different volumes; and the influence of environmental conditions in fish performance in cages. Two cases in São Paulo State south-west region were studied: (1) reservoir Chapadão (Usina Paredão , Oriente, SP), 3.3 ha of surface area, 4.00 m deep, with 9, 94.50 m 3 cages; and (2) reservoir Colônia Nova (Usina Paredão, Oriente, SP), 8.8 ha of surface area, 2.60 m deep, with 27, 235.70 m 3 cages. Feed intake, survival rate and water temperature were monitored daily during scheduled feedings from September 2001 - April 2002. Dissolved oxygen, pH and transparency of water were monitored each 15 days. Fish growth was evaluated by measuring and weighing 3% of fish of each cage. Caged tilapia fed on commercial, floating pellets (32% crude protein) at 0900, 1300 and 1700 h, 7 days for a week. Feeding rate was adjusted based on sample weight and survival rate. Data were analyzed statistically by ANOVA and regression analysis. The Logistic and Mitscherlich functions were chosen to elaborate the production functions. Carrying capacity of both stocking densities 300-400 fish/m 3 and 500-600 fish/m 3 was 200 kg/m 3. No differences were observed in fish performance regarding accumulated biomass and individual average weight over time between both reservoirs for the stocking density of 300-400 fish/m 3 . The stocking density of 500-600 fish/m 3 presented larger accumulated biomass and better feeding efficiency than the stocking density of 300-400 fish/m 3. No significant differences between individual average weight of fish of both densities were observed (P<0.05), meaning that increasing stocking density didn't influence the individual growth of fish. The biomass that maximized the profit to the stocking density of 500-600 fish/m 3 was 145 kg/m 3. Economic biomass (BE) for stocking density of 300-400 fish/m 3 , was 121 kg/m 3. This density had worse feed conversion than 500-600 fish/m 3. Stocking density of 500-600 fish/m 3 , up to individual average weight of 283 g, present many advantages: optimization of space and production time, better feed efficiency, higher fish production per m 3 of cages, and is more profitable than 300-400 fish/m 3.

The aim of the current thesis was the analysis of the genetics of sex determination of farmed fish with sexual dimorphism, using Next Generation Sequencing. Three different species of farmed fish with sex-determining systems of varying complexity were studied. Both full-sibs and more distantly related specimens of Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus), Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) were used for this study. Application of Restriction-site Associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq) and double digest Restriction-site Associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD-seq), two related techniques based on next generation sequencing, allowed the identification of thousands of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs; &gt; 3,000) for each of the above species. The first SNP-based genetic maps for the above species were constructed during the current study. The first evidence concerning the location of the sex-determining region of Atlantic halibut is provided in this study. In the case of Nile tilapia both novel sex-determining regions and fine mapping of the major sex-determining region are presented. In the study of European sea bass evidence concerning the absence of a major sex-determining gene was provided. Indications of putative sex-determining regions in this species are also provided. The results of the current thesis help to broaden current knowledge concerning sex determination in three important farmed fish. In addition the results of the current thesis have practical applications as well, towards the production of mono-sex stocks of those species for the aquaculture industry.

Traditionally, fish oil (FO) has been used extensively in aquafeeds. The stagnation in global fish oil production coupled with an increased demand for its use in aquaculture feeds, especially salmonid feeds, has greatly inflated fish oil prices. Therefore, in order to sustain the rapid growth of the tilapia industry, the dependence on these commodities in feeds should be reduced through use of cheaper and more sustainable sources of dietary lipids, such as palm oil. This study therefore investigated several, previously poorly understood, effects of palm oil on reproductive performance of the commercial tilapia species, Oreochromis niloticus; which currently ranks as second most popular species in world aquaculture. In the present study broodstock were fed on experimental diets at full and half ration regimes throughout their entire life cycle from exogenous feeding. Studies were conducted in standardised and controlled hatchery conditions, thereby reducing the potential influence of environmental variations. First feeding O. niloticus fry were fed on four diets, cod liver oil (D 1), palm oil (D 2), mixed palm and cod liver oil (D 3) (9:1 ration) and a commercial trout diet as control (D 4) (Skretting, U.K.) on a reducing ration based on fish size. The present study investigated the effect of dietary lipid sources on (1) growth performance, (2) biochemical composition of eggs (total lipid and fatty acid composition), (3) morphological parameters of eggs (total and relative fecundity, egg size, egg weight and EW:BW), (4) larval quality (larval length and weight) and (5) oocyte recruitment and its associated sex steroid hormones. Experimental diets and feeding ration significantly influenced (p<0.05) the growth performance over a period of 120 days. Total lipid and fatty acid composition of eggs originating from broodstock fed on palm oil, mixed palm and cod liver oil (9:1) or a control diet were not significantly different (P>0.05) when fed at either full (3% BWday-1) or half ration (1.5% BWday-1). The present study, however, confirmed that fatty acid composition of fish eggs reflected the fatty acid composition of the diet, although specific fatty acids were selectively utilized or retained in the eggs. The mean inter-spawning interval (ISI) increased with increasing fish size and averaged 14, 19 and 24 days for fish fed on palm oil, mixed palm and cod liver oil or control diets, respectively. The shortest ISI observed was 7 days for fish fed a palm oil diet. Total fecundity ranged from 660 - 820 eggs/clutch. Mean total fecundity was 750, 820 and 660 eggs/clutch for fish fed a palm, mixed palm and cod liver oil or a control diet, respectively, but these differences were not significant (P>0.05). However, relative fecundity and egg weight to body weight rates as a percentage (EW: BW) were found significantly differ (p<0.05) between fish fed the control diet and experimental diets. Mean egg diameter (2.2 mm) was not significantly influenced (p>0.05) by experimental diets. The egg volume, egg dry and wet weight, fertilisation and hatching rate were also not significantly different between fish fed the experimental diets. Oocyte development was classified into distinct stages based upon oocyte size, biochemical properties and structure. The recrudescence to these stages was not significantly influenced by broodstock fed experimental diets either at full or half ration. Steroid hormones and histological analyses provided valuable data concerning the oocyte development and recruitment in this species. Levels of 17ß-oestradiol (E2) and testosterone (T) peaked within 6 days of spawning, suggesting that vitellogenesis began as early as day 2 or 3 post-spawning. By day 6, ovaries were dominated by large late-vitellogenic/maturing oocytes (stages 6 & 7) occupying about 70% of the ovary. Gonadosomatic index (GSI) reached maximal levels by day 6. It is suggested that pre-vitellogenic oocytes are recruited into vitellogenic growth immediately after spawning and complete vitellogenesis on day 6 post-spawning. Finally, the present study investigated the effect of food restriction at two rations (full and half) on broodstock reproductive performance. Oreochromis niloticus were rationed from first feeding and throughout their life-cycle. The dietary regime, full ration (3%) and half ration (1.5%), influenced fish size but despite this variation no significant differences (p>0.05) were detected in total lipid and fatty acid composition in the eggs, total fecundity, egg diameter, total egg volume and larval size. These results suggested that despite large differences in food availability throughout their life cycle, investment in reproduction had remained remarkably consistent. It appeared that during food restriction, O. niloticus sacrificed body weight and growth so as to maintain reproductive investment. In summary, this study provides valuable information using a novel experimental design on the effects of dietary lipid sources on reproductive performance of female O. niloticus. Substituting palm oil for fish oil as the dietary lipid source and reducing ration by half (1.5% BWday-1) had no significant effect on reproductive performance. Therefore it is suggested that under controlled conditions, lipids of non-marine origin, such as palm oil, can be successfully substituted for broodstock diets. Halving feed requirement should also increase profitability of seed production. KEYWORDS: Tilapia; O. niloticus; palm oil; diet; fecundity; spawning periodicity; oocyte recruitment; reproductive performance.

A Represa Billings apresenta águas eutrofizadas em decorrência da grande quantidade de esgoto proveniente da área urbana próxima, e como conseqüência, os peixes podem representar um problema de saúde pública. As brânquias e o fígado tornam-se órgãos alvo para a ação dos poluentes existentes no meio aquático podendo se manifestar em vários níveis de organização biológica. Estas respostas biológicas ao estresse provocado pelos poluentes podem ser utilizadas para identificar sinais iniciais de danos aos peixes e podem ser denominadas biomarcadores. Desse modo, o presente projeto teve como objetivo a análise histológica de brânquias e fígado de Tilápias do Nilo, por meio de mensurações, Índice de Alterações Histológicas e Valor Médio de Avaliação; também foi realizada a análise da freqüência de micronúcleo. Verficou-se que as Tilápias do Nilo apresentam alterações histológicas das brânquias e do fígado classificadas como moderada a grave, além da presença de micronúcleo. Os resultados permitem um melhor monitoramento ambiental e o controle da qualidade dessa espécie. / The Billings dam shows eutrophic waters due to the large amount of sewage from urban occupation neaby, and consequently, the fish can be a public health problem. The gills and liver become target organs for the action of pollutants in the aquatic environment and may present several levels of biological organization. These biological responses to stress caused by pollutants can be used to identify early signs of damage to fish and can be called biomarkers. Thus, this project aimed to analyze the histological gills and liver of Nile Tilapia, by means of measurements, Histological Alterations Index and Assessment Medium Value; the frequency of micronuclei was done. We observed histological alterations in gills and livers of Nile Tilapia classified as mild to severe, and the presence of micronucleus. The results enable better environmental monitoring and quality control of this species.

Atualmente, as perdas econômicas são uma realidade devido ao problema de off flavor em pescado, ocasionados pela qualidade da água dos criatórios e pelo manejo empregado no cultivo, nem sempre satisfatórios. Buscou-se a avaliação microbiológica, físico-química e sensorial dos peixes, com a finalidade de detectar prováveis alterações que estivessem comprometendo a qualidade do pescado. Com o objetivo de detectar e controlar o off flavor em tilápias cultivadas foi sugerido a depuração antes da distribuição e venda e a utilização da defumação como meio de mascarar este problema. O monitoramento da qualidade do pescado iniciou-se com as análises microbiológicas, físico-químicas e biológica da água dos tanques de cultivo e de depuração. Os peixes provenientes de área de cultivo do Estado de São Paulo, região de Artur Nogueira, da espécie tilápia do Nilo, Oreochromis niloticus, foram submetidos à depuração (3, 5 e 7 dias) e a seguir foram eviscerados e filetados. Os peixes submetidos à depuração e o controle foram comparados entre si para posterior escolha do melhor tempo para depuração; estes, não apresentaram diferenças significativas (p>0,05) para composição centesimal, nitrogênio não protéico - NNP, bases nitrogenadas voláteis totais - BNVT e pH nos tempos de depuração. O processo de depuração provocou perda de peso mais intensa nos três primeiros dias de depuração. Através das análises sensoriais verificou-se que os peixes, que corresponderam ao controle, apresentaram maior intensidade de off flavor quando comparados aos demais. A depuração por 3 dias para o atributo odor apresentou eficiência semelhante, estatisticamente (Teste F), ao tratamento por 5 dias porém, foi considerada diferente do tratamento por 7 dias. Para o atributo sabor os tratamentos de 3, 5 e 7 dias não diferiram, estatisticamente, entre si. A água do tanque de cultivo apresentou problemas de eutrofização e presença de geosmina, ao contrário da água do tanque de depuração que apresentou-se límpida e ausente de geosmina. Os peixes que não sofreram depuração (controle), foram submetidos à defumação. Os filés de peixe in natura e os defumados foram comparados entre si, quanto a composição centesimal e verificou-se que estes foram afetados significativamente (Teste F). Para o nitrogênio não protéico - NNP, as bases nitrogenadas voláteis totais - BNVT e o pH não houve alteração significativa (p>0,05) quanto aos tratamentos. Através das análises sensoriais verificou-se que os peixes in natura apresentaram maior intensidade de off flavor quando comparados aos defumados. Para os atributos odor e sabor houve diferença significativa (p>0,05) entre os tratamentos. O processo de depuração permitiu bons resultados quanto a eliminação de off flavor da tilápia, pois, através das análises realizadas, pode-se aferir o tempo ideal de 5 dias de depuração conduzida em um tanque com água corrente e limpa. Quando se comparou o pescado defumado com o pescado in natura, o primeiro recebeu uma maior aceitação pelos degustadores. O processo de defumação é uma forma de mascarar a presença do off flavor; é um processo simples, pouco oneroso e que pode ser adotado prontamente pelos produtores como forma de agregar valor ao pescado. / Currently, economic losses are a reality due to the fish off flavor provoked by the handling used in the culture and by the water quality of the fish tanks, which are not always satisfactory. Microbiological, physical-chemical and sensory evaluations of the fish were carried out in order to detect probable alterations that would compromise the fish quality. The off flavor detection, as well as, the suggestion for depuration before distribution and sale, and the use of the smoking as a way of disguising this problem were the objectives of this research. Microbiological, physical-chemical and biological analyses of the waters in the fish and the depuration ponds were performed to monitor the quality of the fish. The fish- Nile Tilapias (Oreochromis niloticus) from the area of Arthur Nogueira, in the State of São Paulo - was submitted to the depuration (3, 5 and 7 days). The fish submitted to the depuration and the control fish were compared in order to find the best depuration period. No significant differences (p>0.05) for centesimal composition, non-protein nitrogen - NNP, total base volatile nitrogen BNVT, and pH were found among the depuration periods. The depuration process provoked a more intense weight loss in the first three days for depuration. Through the sensory analyses, we could verify that the control fish presented a greater off flavor intensity than the others. The three-day depuration showed a similar statistical efficiency (F Test) than that of the five-day treatment, but differed from that of the 7-day treatment. As for the flavor attribute, the 3, 5, and 7-day treatments did not show a significant difference, statistically. The water in the fish pond presented eutrophization problems and presence of geosmine, whereas the water in the depuration pond was clear and geosmine-free. The fish that did not go through depuration (control) were submitted to smoking. Fresh fish fillets were compared to the smoked ones. As to the centesimal composition, we verified that they were significantly affected (F Test). As to non-protein nitrogen - NNP, total base volatile nitrogen - BNVT and pH, there were no significant changes (p>0.05) either among the treatments. Through sensory analysis, we verified that the fresh fish presented a more intense off flavor than the smoked ones. As to odor and flavor, there was a significant (p>0.05) difference among the treatments. The depuration process was efficient in the elimination of the off-flavor in the tilapia, for, according to our analyses, we could conclude that the ideal period for this elimination was 5 days of depuration, carried out in a pond with clean running water. When compared to the fresh fish, the smoked fish was better accepted by the panelists. The smoking process is a way of disguising the off flavor; it is a simple, inexpensive process, which can be readily adopted by producers a way of adding value to the fish.

Stressors in the aquaculture environment can lead to negative impacts on growth and immune health, resulting in susceptibility to infectious diseases. These stressors are expected to increase as the growth of aquaculture continues to rise to meet demands for quality fish protein. Isoflavones, as a crude extract or as a pure isolate, may be effective in modulating the stress response, promoting growth and immunity. The objective of these studies was to examine the effect of various pure isoflavone isolates and crude isoflavone extracts on stress, growth, and immunity. Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) were stressed by adding hydrocortisone to the feed. In a 7-week study, pure isoflavone isolates of genistein and puerarin were evaluated to determine their respective effects on stress, growth, and immunity. A separate 10-day physiological and 6-week growth study focused on crude isoflavone extracts from kudzu (Pueraria lobata), red clover (Trifolium pratense), and soybean (Glycine max) was performed to determine their respective effects on stress, growth, and immunity. Numerous physiological parameters of the fish were measured (serum cortisol concentration, blood glucose concentration, hematocrit, hepatosomatic index, plasma protein concentration, lysozyme activity, and spleensomatic<br>index) to determine the effects of these pure isoflavone and crude isoflavone extracts on the modulation of stress and immunity. Many growth parameters were examined (length, weight, condition factor, weight gain, specific growth rate, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and protein efficiency ratio) as well to determine the effects of these pure isoflavones and isoflavone extracts on growth. The addition of isoflavone and crude isoflavone extracts to the diet of Nile tilapia ameliorated some of the negative consequences of stress. Compared to stressed fish fed commercial feed, genistein and puerarin added to the diet appeared to improve serum cortisol concentrations, which resulted in increased plasma protein, albeit at different durations of stress. Puerarin, as well as all three crude isoflavone extracts, significantly increased spleen-somatic index compared to non-supplemented stressed fish, although the crude isoflavone extracts did not appear to improve serum cortisol concentrations. Crude isoflavone extracts also showed overall increases in lysozyme activity compared to non-supplemented stressed fish, although this was not significant. Genistein, puerarin, and red clover showed increased growth rates, feed conversion ratio, and protein efficiency. Overall, pure isolates of isoflavone appear to be more effective in modulating stress, immunity, and growth than the crude isoflavone extracts, although red clover extract showed promises in the ability to modulate the stress response and improve growth and immunity. There are likely substantial interactions between the isoflavones in the crude extracts that cannot be fully understood by measuring the effects of single isoflavones. Regardless, isoflavone supplementation (pure or crude) appeared to generally have an overall positive impact on stressed Nile tilapia, requiring more research to better understand the effects and mechanisms behind these isoflavones.