Explore the vast range of titles available.

The present study was conducted for 240 days to evaluate the effects of stocking density based on growth attributes, digestive enzymes, muscular composition, biochemical and physiological responses of Labeo rohita fingerlings in tropical inland open water cages. L. rohita (30.35 ± 1.08 g) were randomly distributed into three treatments, namely low stocking density, LSD (10 m −3 ), medium stocking density, MSD (20 m −3 ) and high stocking density, HSD (30 m −3 ) in triplicates. Fish were fed twice daily with CIFRI CAGEGROW® floating feed (crude protein-28%, crude fat-4%). Fish growth and feed efficiency were higher ( p  < 0.05) in LSD, however, MSD registered a higher yield. Amylase and protease activity reduced whereas lipase activity increased with increasing stocking density. Muscle crude protein and crude fat formed an inverse correlation. The fillet quality deteriorated at higher stocking densities based on Muscle pH, drip loss and frozen leakage rate. The stress biomarkers level (glucose, cortisol, superoxide dismutase and catalase) increased in serum under crowding conditions. Glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase and glutamate pyruvate transaminase in serum were significantly increased in HSD. Serum protein levels decreased with the increase in stocking densities. Body ionic imbalance (Na + , Cl − and K + ) was observed under crowding stress. Based on growth attributes and multiple biomarker responses, L. rohita @ 10 m −3 was found to be the optimum density for inland open water cage culture.

The ornamental fish industry has the potential to enhance profitability through the development of high-value, high-demand species, where value and demand are influenced by factors such as size, coloration, and sex. The aim of this research is to evaluate the combination of 17α-methyltestosterone (MT) and letrozole (LET), an aromatase inhibitor (AI), in inducing masculinization in the rosy barb, Pethia conchonius . The fry of the rosy barb was acclimated to the gel-based diet for 5 days prior to beginning a 90-day experiment in a closed environment. The experimental design included a control (without AI) group and three treatment groups: T1 (M 12.5 +L 150 ), T2 (M 25  + L 100 ), and T3 (M 37.5 +L 50 ) mg/kg feed. The highest percentage of males (86.90 ± 0.59%) was recorded in the M 37.5 +L 50 mg/kg group after 90 days, which was significantly different from the other groups. The histological sections showed suppressed ovarian development with atretic oocytes, while testicular development remained unaffected. Additionally, the concentration of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX), were significantly increased in the control group compared to treated groups ( P  < 0.05). Instrumental color analysis on the basis of L*, a*, and b* values showed fed gel-based feed with M 37.5 +L 50 mg/kg had significantly more vibrant color than those in the control groups ( p  < 0.05). Digestive enzyme activity, such as protein (70 ± 0.52), protease (0.054 ± 0.001), lipase (11.16 ± 0.28), and amylase (8.80 ± 0.78), varied among treatment and control groups. These findings suggest that incorporating AI at a concentration of 37.5 mg/kg + L50 mg/kg within a gel-based feed is a promising approach for masculinizing rosy barbs without significantly impacting their growth, color, or antioxidant activity. This approach holds significant potential for the ornamental fish industry by enabling the production of all-male populations.

Insect based feeds (entofeeds) are emerging as a promising alternative for aquaculture nutrition, offering numerous advantages over conventional feed sources. This review assesses the nutritional composition of entofeeds, highlighting their rich protein content, essential amino acid profiles, healthy lipid compositions, as well as micronutrients. Compared to traditional feeds like fish meal, entofeeds have a great potential in reducing reliance on marine resources while minimizing environmental impacts, including land, water, and energy use. Additionally, their ability to upcycle organic waste supports the concept of circular economy. The review also explores feeding trials in various aquaculture species, demonstrating positive outcomes in growth performance, feed conversion efficiency, and immune health. Despite these advantages, entofeeds face challenges related to regulatory approvals, cost-effectiveness, and consumer acceptance. This review identifies areas for future research, including optimizing entofeeds formulations, scaling production, and enhancing their integration into sustainable aquaculture practices. Ultimately, entofeeds hold significant potential to address current sustainability challenges in aquaculture while shaping the future of animal feed.

STAT1a is an essential signal transduction protein involved in the interferon pathway, playing a vital role in IFN-alpha/beta and gamma signaling. Limited information is available about the STAT protein in fish, particularly in Indian major carps (IMC). This study aimed to identify and characterize the STAT1a protein in (LrSTAT1a). The full-length CDS of LrSTAT1a transcript was identified and sequenced. Phylogenetic analyses were performed based on the nucleotide sequences. The in-vivo immune stimulant poly I: C was used to treat various tissues, and the expression of LrSTAT1a was determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). A 3D model of the STAT1a protein was generated using close structure homologs available in the database and checked using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The full-length CDS of ( ) transcript consisted of 3238 bp that encoded a polypeptide of 721 amino acids sequence was identified. Phylogenetic analyses were performed based on the nucleotide sequences. Based on our findings, other vertebrates share a high degree of conservation with . Additionally, we report that the immune stimulant poly I: C treatment of various tissues resulted in the expression of as determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). In the current investigation, treatment with poly I: C dramatically increased the expression of in nearly every organ and tissue, with the brain, muscle, kidney, and intestine showing the highest levels of expression compared to the control. We made a 3D model of the STAT1a protein by using close structure homologs that were already available in the database. The model was then checked using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Consistent with previous research, the MD study highlighted the significance of the STAT1a protein, which is responsible for Src homology 2 (SH2) recognition. An important H-bonding that successfully retains SH2 inside the STAT1a binding cavity was determined to be formed by the conserved residues SER107, GLN530, SER583, LYS584, MET103, and ALA106. This study provides molecular insights into the STAT1a protein in Rohu ( ) and highlights the potential role of STAT1a in the innate immune response in fish. The high degree of conservation of STAT1a among other vertebrates suggests its crucial role in the immune response. The in-vivo immune stimulation results indicate that STAT1a is involved in the immune response in various tissues, with the brain, muscle, kidney, and intestine being the most responsive. The 3D model and MD study provide further evidence of the significance of STAT1a in the immune response, specifically in SH2 recognition. Further research is necessary to understand the specific mechanisms involved in the IFN pathway and the role of STAT1a in the immune response of IMC.

This study investigated the dietary immunomodulatory effects of Terminalia arjuna bark powder (TABP) in Labeo rohita, a freshwater fish model. Four iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric diets containing graded levels of TABP (0, 1, 10, and 15 g/kg were fed to fish for 90 days, followed by a 10 day challenge with pathogenic bacteria Aeromonas hydrophila and Edwardsiella tarda. An integrated biomarker response (IBR) approach assessed the impact of TABP on hematological, adaptive, and humoral immune parameters, along with liver histomorphology. Dietary TABP at 10 g/kg significantly enhanced (p < 0.05) hematological indices (hemoglobin, red blood cell count, hematocrit), specific immune parameters (lysosomal enzyme activity, phagocytosis, respiratory burst), and non-specific immune parameters (serum lysozyme, alternative complement activity), and exhibited improvements in liver architecture consistent with the enhanced immune response. Broken line regression analysis showed 11.5 g/kg to be an optimum dose. However, at 15 g/kg, a compromised trend was observed in some parameters. These findings suggest an optimal dosage range for TABP’s immunomodulatory effects. The study highlights the potential of TABP as a natural immunomodulator in fish aquaculture. The improved immune response and concomitant liver health observed in Labeo rohita opens avenues for further research on TABP’s applicability in animal health, using fish as a model organism. Additionally, the IBR approach proved effective in evaluating TABP’s immunomodulatory properties, paving the way for similar studies on other natural products in aquaculture.

Antheraea mylitta , non-mulberry silkworm pupae are one of the most significant byproducts of the sericultural silk reeling business. It has gained a great deal of recognition due to its potential nutritional status with the presence of bioactive substances. Most water and fat-soluble vitamins are also present in pupae. The full-fat pupae have detected desirable amounts of macro (Mg, K, Ca) and micro (Zn, Cu) minerals. The anti-nutritional factors (ANFs) namely oxalate, saponin, tannin, and phytic acid were also investigated from the full-fat dried pupae meal. Among the bioactive compound profile, a total 15 flavonoid compounds, including catechin being the highest followed by naringenin, epicatechin, quercetin, and myricetin have been investigated in the full-fat pupae. Among phenolic acid compounds, a total of 18, mainly ferulic acid followed by gentisic acid, 2,4-dihydroxibenzoic acid. Moreover, the bioactive properties of the pupae were also assessed during the study. Antheraea mylitta pupae's vitamin, mineral, anti-nutritional status, and bioactive chemicals showed promise for investigation as nutraceutical and functional foods that may be usefully used in fish or other animal diets for bioconversion.

India is the habitat of many freshwater fish species that make a significant contribution to endemism. However, the native species population is declining at a very fast rate due to pollution, habitat loss or degradation, new species introduction, hydrologic alterations, and overfishing. The minor carp, Labeo gonius , is one of the important fish species in the Indian river systems and holds enormous potential in culture fisheries. Therefore, the precise status of population structure is a prerequisite for the management of the species. In the present study, we assessed the potential of mtDNA ATPase 6/8 and D-loop regions as markers to determine the genetic diversity and phylogeography of L. gonius from Indian rivers. We have selected five major Indian rivers for investigation which could represent geographically distant populations of the studied fish. A total of 210 ATPase 6/8 sequences (842 bp) and 203 D-loop region sequences (683 bp) of L. gonius from the five major Indian rivers were submitted to NCBI. Results revealed that ATPase 6/8 has 17 haplotypes and 70 polymorphic sites with an overall haplotype diversity of 0.560 ± 0.036 and nucleotide diversity of 0.00347 ± 0.00. Furthermore, D-loop analysis revealed 58 haplotypes, 67 polymorphic sites, 0.954 ± 0.006 overall haplotype diversity, and 0.01914 ± 0.00 nucleotide diversity. The hierarchical AMOVA analysis indicated that a high proportion of the genetic variation (76.46% and 70.22% for the D-loop and ATPase 6/8 regions, respectively) was attributed to among-population variation under gene pool-1 (considering all the stocks from Ganga, Brahmaputra, Teesta, Narmada, and Mahanadi as a single pool). Furthermore, in gene pool-2, samples were divided into two groups: group 1 (Himalayan rivers)—Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Teesta; and group 2 (peninsular rivers)—Narmada and Mahanadi. Genetic variations in the D-loop and ATPase 6/8 regions were found among populations within groups at 70.65% and 53.48%, respectively. Haplotype network analysis revealed that there were significant differences in distributions and frequencies. The observed unique haplotypes might be useful for differentiating the stocks. In brief, the present study suggested that the D-loop and ATPase 6/8 regions are potential markers and represent a significant contribution to the genetic characterization of the minor carp L. gonius from major Indian rivers. Moreover, the L. gonius population along the east coast especially in the Himalayan rivers (Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Teesta river basin) is found to be genetically more diverse. The results would provide a scientific basis for the assessment of fisheries resources and management of this important species.

The Hilsa, Tenualosa ilisha , commands a very high value as food fish. The present study was carried out to understand the breeding phenology of T. ilisha in relation to climatic variables. Monthly fish samples were collected from two landing centres, namely, Uzanbazar (Guwahati) and Shri Ramghat, Dhubri, of River Brahmaputra during May 2018 to April 2019. The assessment of gonadosomatic index (GSI) of T. ilisha revealed higher GSI values during October to February, and showed temporal variations with respect to sex. In males, highest GSI value was observed in the month January followed by February, whereas in females, GSI value was found to be highest in November followed by October. GSI (pooled) value was negatively correlated with air temperature, indicating vulnerability of the species to climate change. The highest percentage of mature males was observed during October–February, and mature females during October–December. The length at first maturity was recorded to be 290 mm for female(s) and 259 mm for male(s). The absolute fecundity ranged from 103,164 to 583,456 ova for fishes in the size range of 229–403 mm, with an average of 250,532 ova per female. Relative fecundity was found to range from 306 to 1096 ova per gram body weight, with an average of 791 ova per gram body weight. The diameter of ova of the studied fishes ranged from 414.6 to 738.2 µm, with a mean value of 546.73 ± 7.18 µm. The percentage frequency distribution of mature ova shows a distinct single peak or mode. Sex ratio (male: female) was found to be 1:0.87, indicating dominance of males over females. The chi-square test on observed sex ratio against the hypothetical ratio of 1:1 did not reveal a significant difference ( p > 0.05). The findings of the present study can provide impetus toward successful management of this highly prized, transboundary, and migratory resource of River Brahmaputra, in the context of changing climate.

This study assessed the effects of varying feeding levels per body weight on the growth performance, body composition, digestive and metabolic enzymes, antioxidant capacity, and innate immunity of fingerling Olive barb ( Systomus sarana ) under pond culture conditions. A total of 600 fish (6.7 ± 0.136 g) were distributed across 15 hapas (2 m × 1.5 m × 1.5 m) containing 40 fish per hapa and fed a diet (28% crude protein, 4% crude lipid) at five feeding levels: 0%, 1%, 3%, 5%, and 7% body weight per day (BW/day) for 90 days. Results showed that weight gain (WG: 9.5 g/fish), specific growth rate (SGR: 0.98%), and protein gain (PG: 1.5 g/fish) increased up to 3% BW/day and plateaued. Broken-line regression indicated breakpoints in WG and SGR at 3.67% and 3.23% BW/day, respectively. Maximum carcass protein and minimum moisture content were observed at 3% and 5% BW/day. Digestive enzyme activities, increased with feeding level. Polynomial regression indicated a breakpoint for protease at 3.82% BW/day. Antioxidant activity was highest at 5% BW/day, with a breakpoint in total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) at 4.46% BW/day. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) was highest at 1% BW/day, while catalase activity was similar at 1% and 3% BW/day. Metabolic enzyme activities varied, with maximum malate dehydrogenase (MDH) and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) at 3% BW/day, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) peaking at 7% BW/day. GDH showed a breakpoint at 3.77% BW/day. Innate immunity analysis revealed higher respiratory burst and lysozyme activity at 3% BW/day, and haemoglobin content was highest at 1% BW/day. For optimal growth, a feeding level of 3.67% BW/day is recommended.

Utilizing agro-industrial waste and herbal products to create a circular bioeconomy is becoming increasingly popular. Terminalia arjuna is a significant ethnomedicinal plant that has not yet been exploited in animal feed. In the present study, nutritional Terminalia arjuna bark powder-based fish feed was created and supplied to a candidate fish species Labeo rohita at varied levels: 0% (0 g/kg), 0.5% (5 g/kg), 1% (10 g/kg), and 1.5% (15 g/kg). These treatment groups are denoted as CT, T1, T2, and T3, respectively. Utilizing a contemporary comprehensive biomarker response strategy, the study clarified the genomic influence of dietary herb inclusion. In response to bacterial infection, the immunogenic genes, STAT 1 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 1), ISG 15 (interferon stimulating gene), and Mx “myxovirus resistance gene”, were shown to be elevated. The results of densitometry demonstrated a dose-dependent increase in STAT 1 and ISG 15, with Mx exhibiting maximal values at 1 g/kg TABP (Terminalia arjuna bark powder-based feed). This is the first study to identify TABP as an immunomodulator in fish and established the IBR (Integrated Bio-marker Response) as a reliable marker in evaluating the impact of multiple drivers in a holistic manner. Thus, the present study cleared the path for TABP to be utilized as an effective feed additive which enhances the specific adaptive immune system of the fish for the production of the Green fish product for a sustainable circular bioeconomy.