Effect of feed quality restriction followed by realimentation on growth, nutrient utilization, biochemical changes and haematological profiles of Indian major carp, rohu (Labeo rohita H.)

To investigate the effect of protein restriction with subsequent re-alimentation on nutrient utilization, hematological and biochemical changes of Indian major carp, Rohu (Labeo rohita H.), 150 acclimatized Rohu fingerlings (average 20.74 ± 0.13 g) divided into five experimental groups (30 fingerlings in each groups with three replications with 10 fingerlings in each) for experimental trial of 90 days using completely randomized design. Control group (T sub(CPR)) was fed with feed having 30% crude protein at 3% of body weight for 90 days trial period. Other experimental groups T sub(1PR) was alternatively 3 days fed with feed having 20% CP and 30% CP at 3% of body weight, T sub(2PR) was alternatively 7 days fed with feed having 20% CP and 30% CP at 3% of body weight, T sub(3PR) was alternatively 15 days fed with feed having 20% CP and 30% CP at 3% of body weight and T sub(4PR) was alternatively 25 days fed with feed having 20% CP and 30% CP at 3% of body weight during 90 days trial period with daily ration in two equal halves at morning and afternoon. It was noticed that retention of different nutrients was almost similar among all treatment groups indicated improvement of digestibility of nutrients might not be the mechanisms for recovery growth in carps. Increased percent feed intake of body weight (hyperphagia) (4.14 ± 0.30 or 4.94 ± 0.46 and 3.33 ± 0.29), improved specific growth rate (1.86 ± 0.09 or 2.26 ± 0.05 and 1.43 ± 0.01), absolute growth rate (1.57 ± 0.08 or 1.84 ± 0.18 and 1.36 ± 0.12), protein efficiency ratio (1.19 ± 0.11 or1.16 ± 0.12 and 1.05 ± 0.09) were the important mechanism showing better performance index (21.60 ± 1.09 or 23.80 ± 0.21 and 19.45 ± 0.37) through which the experimental groups which were protein restricted and re-alimented at 3 or 7 days alternatively during 90 days trial period could able to compensate the growth retardation and to catch up the final body weight of control (128.68 ± 11.53 g/f) but other experimental groups failed to compensate during 90 days trial period. Result of the present study indicated that deprived fish i.e., fish received alternate 3 or 7 days protein restriction and re-alimentation showed recovery growth had still lower values of Hb (10.21 ± 0.02, and 9.88 ± 0.04 g/dl), hematocrit value (30.62 ± 0.05 and 26.64 ± 0.11%), total erythrocytic count (3.40 ± 0.01 and 3.29 ± 0.01 X10super(6) mm³), plasma glucose (126.93 ± 0.20 and 126.67 ± 0.05 mg/dl), total plasma lipid (1.04 ± 0.01 and 1.02 ± 0.01 g/dl) and liver glycogen (290.10 ± 0.80 and 288.99 ± 0.95 mg/kg) in comparison to control (10.56 ± 0.08 g/dl, 31.68 ± 0.24%, 3.52 ± 0.03 X10super(6) mm³, 128.23 ± 0.25 mg/dl, 1.07 ± 0.01g/dl and 292.00 ± 0.23 mg/kg) at the end of 90 days trial but total plasma protein in deprived group was compensated with advancement of trial period. All hematological and biochemical parameters studied were proportionately lowered in the experimental group got higher degree of deprivation. These findings suggested that with the increase of trial length complete compensation of hematological and biochemical profiles of rohu might be achieved. The results indicated that the implementation of alternative 7 days low and high protein diet feeding during aquaculture of carps could make economize the operation through minimizing the feed input cost.

Some biochemical constituents and the calorific values of different regions of the body musculature of pond murrel Channa punctatus Bloch

A study of the distribution of some chemical constituents in the musculature of Channa punctatus Bloch showed it to be fairly heterogeneous. The increase in the levels of protein, fat, ash, total carbohydrates, glycogen, RNA, DNA and cholesterol towards the posterior region of the fillet was the result of increase in the number of cells per unit weight of the sample and in the concentration of myocommata. The distribution of water in the musculature was inversely related to that of the fat. The concentration of protein appeared to be associated with the RNA level. The posterior region of the fillet exhibited more calorific value than the anterior region.

Distribution pattern of some biochemical constituents in muscle of the common cat fish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch)

The quantitative distribution pattern of fat, moisture, protein and ash has been studied in the muscle of the various zones corresponding to the dorsal and ventral regions of the body of a common cat fish, H. fossilis (Bloch). The ventral part of the body showed more accumulation of fat and ash than the dorsal part, while this dorso-ventral gradation was not marked in the case of protein content. All the four constituents also showed an increase from the anterior to the posterior zones, both in the ventral as well as dorsal regions of the body. The distribution of moisture followed an almost opposite pattern, indicating an inverse relationship with fat and ash contents.

Biochemical and biological properties of Trimeresurus jerdonii venom and characterization of a platelet aggregation-inhibiting acidic phospholipase A(2)

Several biochemical and biological activities such as phospholipase A(2), arginine esterase, proteolytic, L-amino acid oxidase, 5'nucleotidase, acetylcholinesterase, thrombin-like, anticoagulant, and hemorrhagic activities were determined for whole desiccated venom of Trimeresurus jerdonii. An acidic phospholipase (named TJ-PLA(2)) was purified by anionic exchange chromatography, gel filtration, and reverse phase HPLC. TJ-PLA(2) had a molecular weight of 16,000 and a pI of 4.8. TJ-PLA(2) was non-lethal to mice up to an i.p. dose of 15 mg/kg body weight and lacked neurotoxicity and myotoxicity. It induced edema in the footpads of mice. The purified enzyme inhibited ADP- and collagen-induced human platelet aggregation in a manner which was both dose- and time-dependent.

Seasonal changes in the biochemical composition of liver in Garra mullya (Sykes)

Seasonal changes taking place in the biochemical constituents of liver of G. mullya are reported. An inverse relationship was noticed in the variation of fat and water. Maximum fat contents were observed during june-july. Reserve fat was utilized through gluconeogenesis during the spawning months. Protein and glycogen percentages were comparatively higher in liver than in the muscles and gonads. Decline in the glycogen content was associated with spawning during July to November. Nutritive values have shown more energy contents in the liver during pre-spawning months.

Red and white meat of tuna (Euthynnus affinis): their biochemical role and nutritional quality

The biochemical and nutrient compositions of red and white meat of tuna are reported. Based on the data the biochemical role and nutritional quality of red and white meat are discussed. The results show that red meat is adapted for slow and continuous activity and white meat for quick but occasional activity. In spite of comparatively low lysine content the red meat is adjudged more nutritious than white meat.

Transportation of fish - 3. Biochemical changes in fish during transportation in insulated containers

The changes in the biochemistry of different varieties of iced fish during transportation in thermocole lined second hand tea chests from Veraval to Bombay and Delhi are discussed. The moisture increased for all the varieties except for eel and hilsa at Bombay. TMAN and TVN increased in all cases. Maximum increase of TMAN and TVN was observed in seer fish.

Biochemical investigations on edible molluscs of Kerala 1. A study on the nutritional value of some bivalves

Data on the biochemical constituents and food values of five commercially important edible bivalves of Kerala, Lamellidens corrianus, Corbicuta striatella, Mytilus edulis, Vellorita cohinensis and Ostrea cucullata have been presented. Physiological significance of the variations has been discussed. Present study reveals the bivalves meat compares favourably with the common food fishes with regard to their caloric value and hence would be an excellent and economic source of nutrition for our people.

Biochemical investigations on the edible molluscs of Kerala 2. A study on the nutritional value of some gastropods and cephalopods

Data on the biochemical composition and food value of the edible portions of two gastropods, Pila virens and Achatina fulica and two cephalopods, Sepiella inermis and Loigo indica have been presented. These molluscs possess nutritive meat very rich in protein and minerals, which compare favourably with popular food fishes in caloric value. The significance of the variations met with in the biochemical constituents of the different species has been discussed.

Morphological, biochemical and growth characteristics of Serratia strains isolated from sardine (Sardinella longiceps)

Two aerobic, gram-negative asporogenous, red-pigmented, rod-shaped bacterial strains were isolated from oil sardine (Sardinella longiceps). Their morphological, biochemical and growth characteristics are reported. The pigment was identified to be a prodigiosene. The strains were found to resemble Serratia plymuthica. Effect of temperature and certain carbohydrates on pigmentation was also studied. Iron was found to inhibit pigmentation, and mannitol or sorbitol removed such inhibition.

Freeze drying of fishery products: Part IV - Biochemical changes occurring in prawn muscle during freezing, freeze drying and prolonged storage of the freeze dried product

The changes occurring in water and salt extractable protein and non-protein fractions in prawn muscle of different species during freezing, freeze drying and subsequent prolonged storage have been studied. There is no denaturation of water extractable proteins, whereas salt extractable proteins were rendered insoluble to the extent of 21% due to freeze drying. The freeze dried products remained in good edible condition for 32 months of storage up to which storage characteristics were followed.

Biochemical differences between the red and white meat of tuna and changes in quality during freezing and storage

The differences between the white and red (dark) meat of tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) in chemical, physical and organoleptic aspects and the rate and pattern of spoilage during freezing and subsequent storage are discussed in this communication. In the indices studied distinct difference is seen between the white and red meat as well as in the head, middle and tail portions of the same fish. The characteristic colour of tuna meat is due to the presence of haemoglobin and myoglobin, the concentrations of which are about 5 times more in red meat than in white meat. The shelf-life of the frozen material varies with the type of the pack, that is, whole fish>chunks>fillets; the fillets being adversely affected during frozen storage.

Effect of starvation on the biochemical composition of Clarias batrachus (Linn.)

Marked changes were observed in different chemical constituents of C. batrachus during starvation. The N and protein fractions showed a definite pattern of variations. The highest values of these were recorded on 10th day of starvation and thereafter values declined gradually. On the other hand, the acid soluble phosphorus exhibited a reverse trend, increasing gradually from the first to the 30th day of starvation. These changes have been attributed mainly to the energy and metabolic demands of the starving fish.

A biochemical test for the distinction of fresh fish from frozen and thawed fish

It is observed that the freezing and thawing of fish leads to increase in the total activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AAT) in tissue fluid due to the release of the bound form of mitochondrial enzyme. Electrophoresis of the tissue fluid of fresh unfrozen fish shows only a single fast-moving band of AAT in the anodic region whereas frozen and thawed fish shows an additional slow-moving band corresponding to mitochondrial AAT in the cathodic region. The method can be adopted to distinguish fresh fish from frozen and thawed fish.

Seasonal changes in the biochemical composition of ovary in Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch)

Seasonal changes in the biochemical composition of ovary in H. fossilis are reported. An inverse relationship was noted in fat and water contents. Maximum fat was observed in June and lowest in December. Protein and ash were generally low during winter and high during summer or monsoon months. Variations in the cholesterol content were more or less identical to those of the fat.