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.

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。

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%.

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.

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.

The Occurrence of Bacteria of the Genus Aeromonas spp.in Oreochromis niloticus(Tilapia)and in the Water of Amateur Sport Fish Ponds and Sensitiveness to Antimicrobials

Since amateur fishing in fishponds has been on the increase in Brazil, there is a great concern on the microbiological quality of fish. One hundred and thirty-eight samples were collected during the dry and rainy periods in ten fish farms. Aeromonas spp. counts and tests for sensitiveness to antimicrobials were performed, coupled to the physical and chemical analyses of water. Tests revealed that 70% of samples were contaminated by Aeromonas spp., with water averaging 2.92 Log CFU/100 mL during the rainy period and 3.16 Log CFU/100 mL during the dry one. Fish contaminated by Aeromonas spp. averaged 2.58 Log CFU/100 mL during the rainy period and 3.53 Log CFU/100 mL during the dry one. Aeromonas spp. samples were multi-resistant to 2 or 8 antimicrobials in 62.5% of the samples. Ampicillin was the antimicrobial with the highest resistance percentage rate. Results showed that fish bred in amateur fish farms constituted a health risk for the population.

Population dynamics of Piscicola geometra (Hirudinea: Rhynchobdellida) on Oreochromis Niloticus (Cichlidae) cultured in a rainforest fish pond, South Eastern Nigeria

The distribution, abundance and intensity of the annelid worm, Piscicola geometra (leeches) infecting Oreochromis niloticus cultured in a rainforest fish pond, South Eastern Nigeria was studied over a 12 months period. Three hundred fish were examined of which 48.3% were infected. Infection occurred throughout the year, with a peak in February. Female fish had a significantly higher intensity of infection( P < 0.05) than males. There was a clear seasonal periodicity in the degree of infection and the distribution of the parasite exhibited an aggregated or contagious model of dispersion. There was a significant positive correlation between the size of the fish and worm burden.

RNA/DNA Ratio and LPL and MyoD mRNA Expressions in Muscle of Oreochromis niloticus Fed with Elevated Levels of Palm Oil

Palm oil is of great potential as one of the sustainable alternatives to fish oil(FO) in aquafeeds.In this present study,five isonitrogenous diets(32% crude protein) with elevated palm oil levels of 0%,2%,4%,6% and 8% were used during an 8-week feeding trial to evaluate its effects on RNA/DNA ratio and lipoprotein lipase(LPL) and Myo D m RNA expressions in muscle of Oreochromis niloticus.The results showed that RNA,DNA content as well as ratio of RNA to DNA were significantly affected(P < 0.05),in each case the highest was recorded in fish group subjected to 6% palm oil level.There was a strong positive correlation between nucleic acid concentration(RNA concentration and RNA:DNA ratio) and specific growth rate(SGR),protein efficiency ratio(PER),while a negative correlation existed between nucleic acid concentration(RNA concentration and RNA:DNA ratio) and feed conversion ratio(FCR).The m RNA expressions of LPL and Myo D in muscle were not significantly affected by the different palm oil levels,although the highest expression was observed in fish fed with 6% palm oil level.There also existed a strong positive correlation between the m RNA expression of LPL,Myo D and SGR,PER,while their correlation with FCR was negative.In conclusion,elevated palm oil affected the RNA,DNA concentration as well as RNA/DNA ratio significantly,although the m RNA expression of LPL and Myo D were not affected significantly by elevated palm oil levels.

Isolation of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) β-actin Promoter and Assay of Its Transcription Activity

Through PCR amplification, 5’ flanking region and partial open reading frame（ORF） of gene of Nile tilapia（Oreochromis niloticus） was cloned by PCR amplification. Sequence analysis showed that no difference was found in known functional regions. This study was to construct and identify the mammalian expression vector of pEGFP-β-actin and to detect whether it could express in HEK 293T cell line. pEGFP-β-actin was transfected into HEK 293T cells with Lipofectamine 2000. The results showed that correct construction of recombinant pEGFP-β-actin has been shown by restriction enzyme digestion. The expression of gene in HEK 293T cells could be observed under microfluoroscope. pEGFP-β-actin could repress EGFP protein in HEK 293T cells. The results showed that β-actin gene promoter possessed effective transcription activities in eukaryotic cells. The work laid foundations for further study on the gene engineering and autotransgenic tilapia.

Organochlorine Contaminants in Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus 1758) in Densely Populated Areas of South-Western Kenya

Concentrations of OCP(Organochlorine Pesticide)residues were determined in cultured Nile tilapia(Oreochromis niloticus)fish in target stations within 1st order wetland of River Kuja,Kenya,between February-November,2017.The aim was to assess the residue levels in wild and pond cultured fish within a heavily populated agricultural area of South Western Kenya.Biota samples were analysed for selected HCHs(Hexachlorocyclohexane)isomers,DDT(Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)and metabolites and cyclodienes pesticide residues using GC-ECD(Gas Chromatography Equipped with Electron Capture Detector).Most of OCPs observed were BDL(Below Detection Limit)to detectable levels.Larger percentages(>50%)of DDTs and HCHs were BDL and exhibited consistency,with significant(p<0.05)differences in mean contamination levels in fish within the wetland,with average muscle tissue pesticides concentrate ranging between 0.229-2.541mg/kg for Nile tilapia.Most dominant isomer in target species was Lindane(g-HCH)(3.417±0.983mg/kg)and Endosulfans.Mean Endosulfan sulfate was 2.499±0.071mg/kg d.w.and most frequently detected,and Methoxychlor(2.235±1.459mg/kg),respectively.Mean Aldrin and Dieldrin was 2.028 and 0.574mg/kg d.w.Concentration for DDT and its metabolites was 0.27-3.71mg/kg for p,p’-DDE(DichlorodiphenylDichloroEthene),BDL-1.098 for p,p’-DDD(DichloroDiphenylDichloroEthane),and 0.105-3.518mg/kg for p,p’-DDT with significant differences in mean values and ranges whose levels were below the WHO(World Health Organization)maximum acceptable thresholds of 0.2,2,20 and 5.0mg/kg in fish and sea food.Interventions and monitoring need up-scaling in minimizing public health risks posed by consumption and exposure.

Evaluations of the Sensory Quality Indices and Freshness Assessment of Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus Fillets Fed Recycled Food Waste Materials

This study was designed to evaluate the sensory quality indices, freshness assessment and safety of eating Nile tilapia fed recycled food waste materials [food industry waste （FIW） and soy sauce waste （SSW）] for 32 weeks using K values, IMP content and microbial viable cell count. Five experimental diets were formulated at 0% and 20%-22% inclusion level of recycled food wastes. The diets were designated as D 1： 0% of recycled food waste, D2： 20% inclusion of FIW, D3： 20% inclusion of FIW and SSW, D4： 20% inclusion of FIW and tryptophan, and D5： 22% inclusion of SSW. The result from the body composition shows that D I had higher carcass protein, while D3 had the highest lipid content and there was no significant difference in the carcass moisture and ash contents among all treatments. The results of microbial viable cell counts showed that no significant differences were observed among the dietary treatments and all the fish fed experimental diets still remained fresh four days after refrigerated storage at 5 ~C. In addition, no significant differences were noted among the K value concentrations of all the fish fed the experimental diets. From the result of this study, we concluded that using 20% inclusion of recycled food waste materials （FIW and SSW） in the diet of tilapia had no negative effect on the flesh of the fish; hence, recycled food waste could be a good alternative ingredient to aquaculture.

Population Dynamics and Condition Factor of Oreochromis niloticus L. in Two Tropical Small Dams, Tigray （Northern Ethiopia）

Several dams have been constructed in Ethiopia, East Africa to support electricity and/or irrigation. Fishes were introduced to some of these dams. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the dynamics and condition factor of Oriochromis niloticus in Korir and Lailay Wukro Dams, Northern Ethiopias. The study was conducted by deploying two gill net, every month in the littoral and pelagic zones of the two dams from August 2011 to May 2012. A total of 524 O. niloticus, 278 from Lailay Wukro and 246 from Korir dams were collected. The monthly catch per unit effort （CPUE） showed significant variation among months, the highest catch was in May and the least was in January 2012 （P 〈 0.000）. Catches of fish encountered higher in the littoral （69.1%） than in the pelagic zones （30.9%） （P 〈 0.000）. The condition factor of O. niloticus in the two reservoirs remains high, in Korir 2.05 and in Lailay Wukro 1.65 （P 〈 0.000）. In these small tropical dams, O. niloticus mature as they are smaller in size （Ls0： TL average 22.5 cm）. The ratio of male to female was 1.3：1 （P 〈 0.016）. The two dams have favorable condition for high production of O. niloticus. This high potential for fish production in the dams may be sustainable if the local authorities set a regulation to control the illegal fishing activity.