Comparative assessment of natural and synthetic reproductive inhibitors in Oreochromis niloticus

Nowadays, natural sources of sex reversal agents are preferred over synthetic ones in fish farming due to their reliability and economic value. This study compared the effectiveness of 17α-methyltestosterone (MT), Carica papaya seed meal (PSM), and common carp testes (CCT) with tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in terms of sex reversal, hematological parameters, gonadal histology, enzymatic activity, and overall growth. A 90-day trial was conducted with 560 tilapia fry (2- 3 days old) distributed into one control and six treatment aquaria, each with two replicates. Fries were fed with a control diet (T0) or one of six experimental diets (T1-T6) containing different MT, PSM, or CCT levels for 30 days, followed by the control diet for 60 days. MT induced the highest male proportion (85% and 75% in T2 and T1, respectively), while PSM and CCT enhanced tilapia’s growth and carcass composition. Histological analysis revealed gonadal deformities in MT and PSM treatments, which might lead to sterility. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) was reduced in natural treatments as compared with synthetic ones. Hematological parameters did not show any adverse effects of PSM and CCT. Protease and amylase activities were higher in PSM and CCT than in MT, indicating better digestion and feed absorption. PSM and CCT are biodegradable, locally available, and eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic hormones to change sex in tilapia. Natural sources (plant and animal by-products) are preferable to synthetic sources as they are less expensive and control prolific breeding in tilapia.

Physicochemical, structural characterization, and antioxidant activities of chondroitin sulfate from Oreochromis niloticus bones

In this study,chondroitin sulfate was extracted from Oreochromis niloticus bones(OCS)and isolated to three fractions(OCS-1,OCS-2,and OCS-3).The physicochemical properties and structure characterization including monosaccharide,disaccharide compositions,molecular weight(Mw)of OCS were determined by HPAEC,HPLC-SAX,HPGPC,FT-IR spectra,and 1D/2D NMR.Moreover,their thermal properties,crystalline structure,and microstructure were also analyzed.Results showed that their Mw were between 10 kDa and 50 kDa.CS-6 was the predominant disaccharide unit in four OCS,and the CS-4/CS-6 ratios were close to CS from shark cartilage.Besides,the results of antioxidant activity showed that different fractions of OCS had a distinct DPPH radical,hydroxyl radical,and ABTS+radical scavenging activity.OCS-1 has the highest scavenging activities in DPPH and hydroxyl radical compared with other fractions,which showed a higher medicinal value.Those findings may lay some theoretical basis for the potential application development of OCS.

Genetic Characterization of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Strains from Senegal for Sustainable Local Aquaculture Production

The optimization of aquaculture production requires the selection of efficient strains. Thus, genetic improvement has become one of the important levers to boost the development of aquaculture. The objective of this study was to carry out genetic characterization of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus, one of the most cultivated fish species in Senegal, in order to select an efficient strain to optimize local fish production. Thus, fish from five different populations (Richard-Toll, ANA, ITACA, Mbodiene and Sauvage) were analyzed, with 15 individuals per population. Genetic diversity and population structure were assessed using molecular genetic analyses by sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) and microsatellite (SSR) markers. The analyses of the SCARII marker were conducted on four populations (ANA, ITACA, Sauvage and Mbodiene) while microsatellite analyses were conducted on all five populations. The results show high levels of polymorphism of SSR markers, and a high level of observed heterozygosity (Ho), indicating a high within-population genetic variability. These results are in agreement with the AMOVA results, which indicated a high within-population genetic variability (94%). The genetic structure analysis by DAPC indicates that the five populations analyzed are structured into four groups, which are highly heterogeneous because they share common allele individuals. The analysis of the genetic structure by AMOVA showed a low degree of differentiation between the populations (6%), in agreement with the genetic differentiation index (Fst = 0.059). The heterogeneity of studied populations implies a genetic flow over time, which may have existed between the original populations. The overall negative Tajima D values and low genetic differentiation indicate an excess of rare mutations in the populations studied, resulting from a recent population expansion from a limited number of initial breeders isolated in locale hatcheries. Thus, further studies with a much larger panel of markers are required to better differentiate the strains and identify the most efficient ones for sustainable local aquaculture production.

Preservation Potentials of Essential Oils of Ocimum basilicum and Ocimum gratissimum from Two Agro-Ecological Zones on Freshwater Smoke-Dried Oreochromis niloticus Fish Sold in Some Local Markets in Cameroon

Dried fish are susceptible to bacteria and fungi attack and are liable to chemical changes which cause losses in quality and reduction of shelf-life. It is important therefore to maintain the quality of fish because continuous consumption of contaminated fish and their products may predispose consumers to health hazards. Maintenance of high quality fish therefore calls for adequate and effective preservation techniques. The study examined the effectiveness of essential oils of Ocimum basilicum and Ocimum gratissimum from two Agro-ecological zones of Cameroon in limiting the microbial proliferation and preserving the quality of smoke-dried Oreochromis niloticus fish stored at 25˚C for two months. The plant materials were harvested from the Western Highlands and Monomodal Humid Forest agroecological zones of Cameroon. Extraction of the essential oil from the plants was done by hydro-distillation. The fish species (Oreochromis niloticus) used in this study was chosen based on a survey study on the most consumed species of freshwater smoke-dried fish in the Western Highlands and Monomodal Humid Forest Agro-ecological zones of Cameroon. Heterotrophic bacteria counts, fungi counts and Enterobacteriaceae counts were used to assess the level heterotrophic bacteria, fungi and Enterobacteriaceae respectively in the fish samples during storage and were done by culture techniques using total plate count agar, potato dextrose agar and violet red bile glucose agar respectively. Total volatile basic nitrogen, peroxide value, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance assays were used as spoilage indices to assess the nutritional quality of the fish during storage. From the survey study, Oreochromis niloticus was the most consumed smoke-dried fish in the Western Highlands (35.45%) and Monomodal Humid Forest (34.55%) agroecological zones. All the EOs caused a significant reduction in the microbial loads, total volatile basic nitrogen, peroxide value, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance of smoke-dried Oreochromis niloticus as storage progressed. However, the reduction in these values was more pronounced in samples treated with essential oils of O. gratissimum from the Western Highlands, with heterotrophic bacteria, fungi and Enterobacteriaceae counts being 5.89, 6.97 and 4.59 log10 cfu/g respectively at the end of the storage period. This was followed by essential oils of O. gratissimum from the Monomodal Humid Forest with heterotrophic bacteria, fungi and Enterobacteriaceae counts being 6.11, 7.79 and 4.86 log10 cfu/g respectively at the end of the storage period. Also, essential oils of O. gratissimum from the Western Highlands was more effective in preserving the fish quality as lowest total volatile basic nitrogen (12.29 mg/100g), peroxide value (2.79 mEq O2·Kg−1) and thiobabituric reactive substance (1.695 mg MDA/Kg) values were observed for fish samples treated with this extract at the end of the storage period. This was followed by essential oils of O. gratissimum from the Monomodal Humid Forest with total volatile basic nitrogen (14.95 mgN/100g), Peroxide value (3.23 mEq O2·Kg−1) and thiobabituric reactive substance (2.354 mg MDA/Kg) at the end of the storage period. From the results obtained, essential oils from O. gratissimum were more effective than that from O. basilicum in the two agroecological zones and should be considered as natural alternative to chemical preservatives for further application in food preservation.

Effects of Garcinia kola “Bitter Kola” Powder on Sex Reversal, Survival and Growth Performance of Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.)

This study was carried out in 2022 at the Itato agriculture community estate of fish hatchery in eastern Senegal with the aim of finding an alternative method to 17-α-methyl testosterone (MT) by using Garcinia kola “Bitter kola” powder to obtain Oreochromis niloticus male sex populations. 1800 fry of average size between 0.01 and 0.02 g were distributed in 12 aboveground tanks of 1 m3 each at a rate of 150 individuals/tank, following 6 duplicate treatments. The negative (B1 and B2) and positive (B3 and B4) control diets, to which between 0 and 60 mg/kg of 17alpha-methyl testosterone had been added respectively, were mixed with industrial feed containing 40% protein;the tank diets (B5 and B6), (B7 and B8), (B9 and B10) and (B11 and B12) contained 10 g, 20 g, 30 g and 40 g of Garcinia kola powder respectively for 1 kg of industrial feed con-taining 40% protein. These different treatments resulted in high proportions of males in the order of 97.03%;98.09% for the hormone and proportions of 94.03%;93.26% for 20 g of Garcinia kola extracts. In terms of weight growth, the best average weights for the hormone and Garcinia kola were 0.896 g and 0.980 g respectively. With regard to fish survival, the following results were recorded: 95.53% and 94.56% respectively for additions of 20 g and 30 g of Garcinia kola extracts to the feed supplied to the fish. On the other hand, a significant difference in the mortality rate of 35% and 5% respectively for the conventional hormone and 20 g of Garcinia kola extracts was observed. To conclude the study, it is recommended that further studies be carried out to determine the quality of the flesh, their life stages and the profile of the amino acids present in their proteins.

Growth Rate and Chemical Muscle Composition of Oreochromis niloticus Fish Cultured in Drainage Water and Fed Antioxidant Supplemented Diet

Irrigation of fish farms with agricultural drainage water may affect cultured fish species. So, the present study utilizes antioxidants supplemented diet to overcome deterioration of drainage water and its negative effect on fish. The studied groups are fish cultured in dechlorinated tap water as control group or drainage water and fed commercial basal diet. While, the other studied groups represented by Oreochromis niloticus fish cultured in drainage water and fed either commercial diet supplemented with vitamin C (5 g/kg diet) or fennel (5 g/kg diet) for 12 weeks. Results of the water physico-chemical parameters of all studied treatments revealed deterioration of the drainage water with a decrease in dissolved oxygen and an increase in pH, total hardness, total alkalinity, salinity, ammonia, nitrite and heavy metals (Cu, Pb and Cd) with significant differences (P ≤ 0.01) in comparison to that of the control dechlorinated tap water group. Data clarified also that Oreochromis niloticus cultured in drainage water showed a decrease in growth rate accompanied by deterioration of fish meat quality. However, fish reared in the same drainage water for the same exposure period and fed vitamin C or fennel supplemented basal diet (5 g/kg diet) recorded values of the studied parameters more or less similar to that of control group fish. Data of the present study, empowered aquaculturist to supplement fish rations with fennel or vitamin C as antioxidants to improve fish growth rate, meat quality as well as protect fish against heavy metals toxicity that could threat Human Being.

Possible genetic reproductive isolation between two tilapiine genera and species:Oreochromis niloticus and Sarotherodon melanotheron

Successful crossbreeding between Oreochromis niloticus and Sarotherodon melanotheron to produce a commercial hybrid has been difficult.The karyotypes and isoenzyme of these two species and their reciprocal hybrids（O.niloticus ♀ × S.melanotheron ♂,S.melanotheron ♀ × O.niloticus ♂,the last not included in the isoenzyme study） were investigated via metaphase chromosomes obtained from head kidney cells and electropherogram of lactate dehydrogenase（LDH） isoenzymes from the liver,kidney,white muscle,heart,and eye balls.The diploid chromosome number（2n=44） and the fundamental number（NF=50） of the four tilapia genotypes were the same.However,the karyotype of O.niloticus had three pairs of sub-metacentric（sm）,twelve pairs of sub-telocentric（st）,and seven pairs of telocentric（t） chromosomes,while S.melanotheron had one pair of metacentric（m）,two pairs of sm,12 pairs of st,and seven pairs of t chromosomes.The reciprocal hybrids both showed a mixed karyotype range between their parents：0.5 pair of m,2.5 pairs of sm,12 pairs of st,and seven pairs of t chromosomes.In view of the electropherogram of isozymes,only the LDH of the kidney showed significant clear bands,with five bands in O.niloticus,three bands in S.melanotheron,and duplicated six bands in the hybrids.The bands varied depending on their activities and mobilities.We considered that the differences in karyotype and isoenzyme were related to the genetic mechanism for post-mating isolation,and provided some additional basic genetic background of their taxonomy.

尼罗尖吻鲈(Lates niloticus L．)的形态和生物学特性

解剖观察自埃及引进的尼罗尖吻鲈（Lates niloticus L．），对其形态特征做了详细记录，并在养殖过程中对生物学特性做了观察。尼罗尖吻鲈体延长，侧扁；DⅦ-Ⅷ，10—14。前鳃盖下缘有强棘；鳃盖后缘呈锯齿状，有一硬棘。被鳞为栉鳞，中等大小，侧线清晰与体背缘平行，具侧线鳞60—80枚。尾鳍圆滑不分叉。成鱼鱼体银白色，并有暗色条纹，幼鱼背部大多有青黑色斑块，下半部银色。消化道粗短，与体长之比约为0．66。尼罗尖吻鲈是热带种类，肉食性，适宜生长温度为26～32℃，生长速度快，一般2—3年性成熟。

Prediction of B Cell Epitope of DMRT Protein in Oreochromis niloticus

[Objective] The research aimed to predict the B cell epitope of DMRT protein in Oreochromis niloticus. [Method] The secondary structure of amino acid sequence of DMRT protein was revealed by Garnier-Robson, Chou-Fasman and Karplus-Schulz methods. The hydrophilicity plot, surface probability and antigenic index were obtained by Kyte-Doolittle, Emini and Jameson-Wolf methods, respectively. Based on the above results, the B cell epitopes for DMRT were predicted. [Result] Both the prediction results from Garnier-Robson, Chou-Fasman methods indicated that the α-helix centers of DMRT protein in O. niloticus were in the N terminal No. 31-56, 68-75, 110-116, 209-211 and 239-243; the β-sheet centers of DMRT protein in O. niloticus were in the N terminal No. 95-99, 177-183, 225-234 and 251-254. With the assistant of Kyte-Doolittle, Emini and Jameson-Wolf methods, the B cell epitopes for DMRT were located in or nearby the N terminal No. 13-16, 35-38, 47-54,84-93, 101-109, 127-156, 166-177 and 198-201. [Conclusion] These results are helpful for preparing the antibody of DMRT protein and revealing the sex determination mechanism of O. niloticus.

仿生态条件下星洲红鱼(Singapore red tilapia)和奥尼罗非鱼(Oreochromis niloticus)生长和肌肉营养特性的比较研究

为比较星洲红鱼(Singapore red tilapia)和奥尼罗非鱼(Oreochromis niloticus)的生长和肌肉营养特性,实验利用两种鱼的不同体色将其混养在同一池塘中,在相同的环境条件和养殖管理下研究其生长特性,并分析肌肉营养成分。结果表明:两种罗非鱼生长在前60 d无差异,60 d后星洲红鱼的体长、体质量日增长和特定生长率均大于奥尼罗非鱼,且差异显著(P<0.05)。据此得到了星洲红鱼和奥尼罗非鱼的体长(L)、体质量(W)生长与养殖天数(d)的回归方程。星洲红鱼含肉率高于奥尼罗非鱼9.65%(P<0.05),肌肉水分高于奥尼罗非鱼,蛋白质、粗脂肪和灰分含量均低于奥尼罗非鱼,其中脂肪含量差异显著(P<0.05),其他不显著。两种罗非鱼肌肉的氨基酸组成全面,氨基酸组成均符合FAO/WHO的理想模式,除精氨酸含量有差异外,其他氨基酸含量稍有差异但不显著。星洲红鱼和奥尼罗非鱼肌肉EAA/TAA、EAA/NEAA、DAA/TAA和EAAI分别为41.04%和40.95%,70.00%和69.34%,40.71%和39.08%,67.46%和67.08%,差异不显著。星洲红鱼、奥尼罗非鱼肌肉∑SFA和∑UFA分别为28.03%和28.60%,63.87%和61.38%,各脂肪酸含量除C14:0和C18:2外,其他含量差异不显著。研究表明,星洲红鱼和奥尼罗非鱼生长快、营养丰富、食用价值高,是优质淡水鱼类养殖品种,其中星洲红鱼含肉率高,生长快,养殖效益明显。

Morphological Measurement and Analysis of Gymnarchus Niloticus

Gyrnnarchus niloticus swims by undulations of a long-based dorsal fin, while its body axis is in many cases held straight during swimming. This paper provides a brief relevant introduction to Gyrnnarchus niloticus, which belongs to the African freshwater electric eels but can inspire our bionic interests in propulsion besides its abilities in electric sensing. A special larva of Gyrnnarchus niloticus was morphologically measured by photographing it with a piece of scale-calibrated paper as the background. Then we analyzed the data by a CFD-aided approach. Detailed flow patterns around the larva and a NACA0012 hydrofoil were respectively calculated and visualized at the Reynolds number of 7350 or so. The results show that the profile of Gyrnnarchus niloticus is well streamlined.

CFD Validation of the Optimal Arrangement of the Propulsive Dorsal Fin of Gymnarchus niloticus

Gymnarchus niloticus, a typical freshwater fish, swims by undulations of a long-based dorsal fin aided by the two pectoral fins, while commonly it holds its body rigid and straight. The long flexible dorsal fin is the main propulsor of G niloticus; it has also considerable influence on the streamline profile. This paper proposes a CFD approach to validate that the natural arrangement of the propulsive dorsal fin is optimal. Using morphological data and a smoothness-keeping algorithm, the dorsal fin is ‘virtually＇ moved forward and backward with several displacements from the natural location. For each case, we reconstruct geometry, generate CFD grids, and calculate the pressure, viscous and total drag coefficients respectively. The results show that the pressure and total drag coefficients increase whether the dorsal fin is displaced forward or backward, and that greater displacement from its original position leads to greater pressure and total drag coefficients. This suggests that the natural position of the dorsal fin is significant for maintaining the fish＇s streamline profile and reducing drag.

Chitosan Extends the Shelf-life of Filleted Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) During Refrigerated Storage

Shelf-life extension of aquatic products is of significant economical importance. To determine the potential effect of chitosan on the shelf-life of filleted tilapia, this study analyzed the bacterial community diversity in fresh and spoiled tilapia fillets stored at (4 ± 1)℃ and examined the antimicrobial activity of chitosan against relevant bacteria isolates. Results showed that Pseudomonas (20%) and Aeromonas (16%) were abundant in fresh tilapia fillets, whereas Pseudomonas (52%), Aeromonas (32%) and Staphylococcus (12%) were dominant in the spoiled samples. Chitosan showed wide-spectrum antibacterial activity against bacteria isolated from tilapia and 5.0 g L-1 chitosan was selected for application in preservation. We further determined the shelf-life of chitosan-treated, filleted tilapia stored at (4 ± 1)℃ based on microbiological, biochemical and sensory analyses. Results showed that the shelf-life of chitosan-treated, filleted tilapia was extended to 12 d, whereas that of untreated, control samples was 6 d. These indicate that chitosan, as a natural preservative, has great application potential in the shelf-life extension of tilapia fillets.

Antibacterial Effects of Chinese Herbal Medicines against Streptococcus iniae in Oreochromis niloticus

In this study, the antibacterial effects of Chinese herbal medicines against Streptococcus iniae in Oreochromis niloticus were investigated by drug sensitiv- ity test. The results indicated that Streptococcus in/ae was extremely sensitive to Calla Chinensis, Fructus Hippophae and Fructus Murne, highly sensitive to Sappan Lignum, Pericarpium Granati, Folium Eucalypti and Radix Scutellariae, moderately sensitive to Rh/zoma Coptidis, Radix et Rhizoma Rhei, Flos Caryophyllata, Cortex phellodendri and Rabdosia serra （ Maxim. ） Hara, and insensitive to Herba Portulacae , Herba Houttuyniae , Polygonum hydropiper L. , Herba Menthae , Radix Glycyrrhizae , Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae , Herba Andrographitis and Rhizoma Acori Tatarinowii. Chinese medicinal herbs which Streptococcus iniae was extremely sensitive or moderately sensitive to were selected and prepared into three Chinese herbal medicine formulae for medicated bath of Oreochromis niloticus infected arti- ficially with Streptococcus iniae. The results showed that medicated bath elicited therapeutic effects on infected Oreochromis niloticus. Formula II exhibited the best therapeutic effect with an effective percentage of 90%.

Locomotion of Gymnarchus Niloticus: Experiment and Kinematics

In addition to forward undulatory swimming, Gymnarchus niloticus can swim via undulations of the dorsal fin while the body axis remains straight; furthermore, it swims forward and backward in a similar way, which indicates that the undulation of the dorsal fin can simultaneously provide bidirectional propulsive and maneuvering forces with the help of the tail fin. A high-resolution Charge-Coupled Device （CCD） imaging camera system is used to record kinematics of steady swimming as well as maneuvering in G. niloticus. Based on experimental data, this paper discusses the kinematics （cruising speed, wave speed, cycle frequency, amplitude, lateral displacement） of forward as well as backward swimming and maneuvering. During forward swimming, the propulsive force is generated mainly by undulations of the dorsal fin while the body axis remains straight. The kinematic parameters （wave speed, wavelength, cycle frequency, amplitude） have statistically significant correlations with cruising speed. In addition, the yaw at the head is minimal during steady swimming. From experimental data, the maximal lateral displacement of head is not more than 1% of the body length, while the maximal lateral displacement of the whole body is not more than 5% of the body length. Another important feature is that G. niloticus swims backwards using an undulatory mechanism that resembles the forward undulatory swimming mechanism. In backward swimming, the increase of lateral displacement of the head is comparatively significant; the amplitude profiles of the propulsive wave along the dorsal fin are significantly different from those in forward swimming. When G. niloticus does fast maneuvering, its body is first bent into either a C shape or an S shape, then it is rapidly unwound in a travelling wave fashion. It rarely maneuvers without the help of the tail fin and body bending.

Effects of phenanthrene on hepatic enzymatic activities in tilapia(Oreochromis niloticus ♀×O.aureus ♂)

The effects of phenanthrene（Phe） on hepatosomatic index（HSI） and hepatic enzymatic activities in hybrid tilapia（Oreochromis niloticus ♀× O.aureus ♂） were investigated via the static freshwater exposure at dosage of 50,100,and 400 μg/L for 4-14 d.Compared with the control group,HSI was significantly decreased（P 〈 0.05） at 400 μg/L at day 14.Increased enzymatic activities（P 〈 0.05） were observed for catalase（CAT）,glutathione peroxidase（GPx） and superoxide dismutase（SOD） at either 100 or 400 μg/L at day 8 and 14,as well as for CAT at 50 μg/L at day 14,except for GPx at 400 μg/L at day 8.Ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase（EROD） activity was significantly increased（P 〈 0.05） at all dosage at day 4 as well as at 50 μg/L at day 8,but significantly decreased at either 100 or 400 μg/L at day 14（P 〈 0.05）.Glutathione-S-transferase（GST） activity was not affected.The results suggest that CAT,GPx,SOD and EROD,as well as HSI in tilapia may be used as the biomarkers or indexes for evaluating or monitoring the pollution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons（PAHs） such as Phe.

Induction of testis-ova in nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) exposed to 17β-estradiol

The efficacy of Endocrine Disrupting Compounds (EDCs), 17β-estradiol was tested on the fish Oreochromis niloticus in order to understand the intersex relationship of fish, in which sequential hermaphrodism can consist of a male changing into a female (protandry) or a female changing into a male (protogyny). The fish were equally divided into 3 groups. The first group was the control group;the second and third groups were treated with 10 and 100 mg L-1 of 17β-estradiol, respectively, for 30 days. The overall result in this experiment had no significant effect on the growth parameters. Among the two treated groups, the low concentration group shows results similar to those of the control groups. The high concentration group shows changes to the male reproductive system with the appearance of the testis-ova present resulting in an intersex condition of the male gonads. With this experiment, it can be concluded that 17β-estradiol at high concentration reveals positive changes towards the male reproductive system of the fish, Oreochromis niloticus.

Effects of Copper and Manganese on Hemocyte Apoptosis and Antagonism of Iron and Zinc in Oreochromis niloticus

This study aimed to investigate the effects of copper and manganese on hemocyte apoptosis and the antagonism of iron and zinc in Oreochromis niloticus The heavy metal contents in fish blood and feed were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and the hemocyte apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry. A total of 360 tilapias were selected, and they were divided randomly and evenly into 12 groups. In the challenge groups, the tilapias were fed with con stant-level copper sulfate（0, 200 mg/kg） and manganese sulfate（0, 120 mg/kg）; in the antagonism groups, the tilapias were fed with constant-level zinc sulfate（20320 mg/kg） and iron sulfate（150, 350 mg/kg）. After 20-week aquaculture, the hemocyte apoptosis rates in the copper and manganese groups were significantly increased; with the increased addition levels of iron and zinc, the hemocyte apopto sis rates in the iron and zinc groups were significantly reduced, but they were stil higher than that in the control group. In conclusion, excessive copper and manganese can cause apoptosis in hemocytes of O. niloticus. However, the toxic effects of copper and manganese can be antagonized by iron and zinc.

Effect of Ammonia-Nitrogen Stress on Non-specific Immunity of Hybrid Tilapia(Oreochromis niloticus× Oreochromis areus)

The juveniles of hybrid tilapia （ Oreochromis niloticus x Oreochromis areus） were exposed to ananonia-nitrogen （N） （0, 2.5, 5, 10 and 20 mg/L） for 0, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h to evaluate the effect of ammonia-N stress on their non-specific immunity. Results show that the activity of serum lysozyme decreased signifi- candy with extension of stress time （P 〈 0.05）. The total antioxidant capacity （T-AOC） and activity of antioxidase in liver were significantly affected. The activi- ty of T-AOC and total superoxide dismutase （T-SOD） of fish exposed to ammonia-N were initially decreasing then increasing （ P 〈 0.05 ）. Activities of catalase （CAT） and glutathione peroxidase （GSH-Px） were correlated with concentrations of ammonia-N. Fish exposed to lower concentrations （2.5 mg/L or 5 mg/L） showed decreased CAT activity within 24 h （P 〈 0.05 ）, while those exposed to higher concentrations （10 mg/L or 20 mg/L） initially showed increased then decreased activity of CAT. Except for the highest concentration groups, fish exposed to ammonia-N showed inductive activity of GSH-Px （ P 〈 0.05 ）. Under the ex- perimental conditions, non-specific immunity of tilapia was affected by ammonia-N stress, and the impact was increased with increased concentration and extension of time.

Evaluation of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Wastes Produced by Nile Tilapia (<i>Oreochromis niloticus</i>L.) Fed <i>Azolla</i>-Diets in Earthen Ponds

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) wastes produced by Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus L. fed Azolla, an aquatic atmospheric nitrogen fixing fern, was evaluated for 90 days in pond experiment. Six isonitrogenous (29.2% crude protein) and isoenergetic (16.9 Kj·g–1) diets A0, A10, A20, A30, A40 and A50, containing 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% of Azolla meal (AM) respectively, as partial fishmeal (FM) substitutes, was provided to experimental fish. The Azolla-free diet A0 served as a control. Fish specific growth rate (SGR) was higher with the control diet, the lower values being obtained in A50-fed fish (P Azolla could be used in diet to sustain Nile tilapia growth and as “environmentally-friendly” ingredient to limit P loss, while providing N to the field, beneficially in tropical marshland pond where this nutrient is already limiting.