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Conversion Ratio (conversion + ratio)
Kinds of Conversion Ratio Selected AbstractsA review on coal-to-liquid fuels and its coal consumptionINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH, Issue 10 2010Mikael Höök Abstract Continued reliance on oil is unsustainable and this has resulted in interest in alternative fuels. Coal-to-liquids (CTL) can supply liquid fuels and have been successfully used in several cases, particularly in South Africa. This article reviews CTL theory and technology. Understanding the fundamental aspects of coal liquefaction technologies is vital for planning and policy-making, as future CTL systems will be integrated in a much larger global energy and fuel utilization system. Conversion ratios for CTL are generally estimated to be between 1 and 2 barrels/ton coal. This puts a strict limitation on future CTL capacity imposed by future coal production volumes, regardless of other factors such as economics, emissions or environmental concerns. Assuming that 10% of world coal production can be diverted to CTL, the contribution to liquid fuel supply will be limited to only a few mega barrels per day. This prevents CTL from becoming a viable mitigation plan for liquid fuel shortage on a global scale. However, it is still possible for individual nations to derive significant shares of their fuel supply from CTL, but those nations must also have access to equally significant coal production capacities. It is unrealistic to claim that CTL provides a feasible solution to liquid fuels shortages created by peak oil. For the most part, it can only be a minor contributor and must be combined with other strategies. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Impact of microcystin containing diets on physiological performance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) concerning stress and growth,ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY & CHEMISTRY, Issue 3 2010Andrea Ziková Abstract Diets containing Microcystis with considerable amounts of the cyanotoxin microcystin-LR (MC-LR) were fed to determine their impact on the physiological performance of the omnivorous Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) with regard to stress and growth performance. Four different diets were prepared based on a commercial diet (control, MC-5% [containing 5% dried Microcystis biomass], MC-20% [containing 20% dried Microcystis biomass], and Arthrospira-20% [containing 20% dried Arthrospira sp. biomass without toxin]) and fed to female Nile tilapia. Blood and tissue samples were taken after 1, 7, and 28 d, and MC-LR was quantified in gills, muscle, and liver by using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Only in the liver were moderate concentrations of MC-LR detected. The stress hormone cortisol and glucose were analyzed from plasma, suggesting that all modified diets caused only minor to moderate stress, which was confirmed by analyses of hepatic glycogen. In addition, the effects of the different diets on growth performance were investigated by determining gene expression of hypophyseal growth hormone (GH) and hepatic insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I). For all diets, quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) demonstrated no significant effect on gene expression of the major endocrine hormones of the growth axis, whereas classical growth data, including growth and feed conversion ratio, displayed slight inhibitory effects of all modified diets independent of their MC-LR content. However, no significant change was found in condition or hepatosomatic index among the various diets, so it seems feasible that dried cyanobacterial biomass might be even used as a component in fish diet for Nile tilapia, which requires further research in more detail. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:561,568. © 2009 SETAC [source] Routine use of Xeomin® in patients previously treated with Botox®: long term resultsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, Issue 2009D. Dressler Background and purpose:, Based upon large and carefully performed studies Xeomin® was first registered in 2005. However, its real potential can only be assessed, when it is used outside of study design restrictions, in an independent setting, in off-label indications and during continued use. Methods and results:, Two hundred and sixty-three patients (91 with dystonia, 84 with spasticity, 17 with hemifacial spasm and re-innervation synkinesias, 64 with hyperhidrosis, 7 with hypersalivation), who were previously treated with Botox® for at least 1 year under stable conditions, were converted in a blinded fashion to Xeomin® using a 1:1 conversion ratio and identical treatment parameters. Therapeutic outcome and adverse effects were monitored by neurological examination and structuralised interviews. In 223 patients (all except those with axillary hyperhidrosis) Xeomin® was used continuously throughout a 3 year period. Altogether 1050 injection series were performed. Patients with dystonia received 261.5 ± 141.0 MU Botox®/Xeomin®, patients with spasticity 450.5 ± 177.1 MU, patients with hemifacial spasm and reinnervation synkinesias 44.7 ± 19.5 MU and patients with hyperhidrosis 286.9 ± 141.6 MU. The maximum botulinum toxin dose applied was 840 MU. There were no subjective or objective differences between Botox® and Xeomin® treatments with respect to onset latency, maximum and duration of their therapeutic effects and their adverse effect profiles. Long-term use did not reveal additional safety relevant aspects. None of the patients lost therapeutic efficacy during the observation period. Conclusions:, Xeomin® can be used safely in doses of up to 840 MU. Even when applied in high doses it did not produce secondary therapy failure. There were no diffusion differences between Botox® and Xeomin®. Using a conversion ratio of 1:1 Xeomin® and Botox® can easily be exchanged in a continued treatment. [source] Genetic parameters for dry matter, energy and protein intake, and their relationships with performance and carcass traits in Japanese Black cattleJOURNAL OF ANIMAL BREEDING AND GENETICS, Issue 1 2009M.A. Hoque Summary Genetic parameters for feed intake and performance traits of 514 bulls and carcass traits of 22 099 of their progeny, and the relationships of measures of feed intake with performance and carcass traits were estimated. Feed intake traits were dry matter intake (DMI), concentrate intake (CONI), roughage intake, ratio of roughage intake to DMI, metabolizable energy intake (MEI) and digestible crude protein intake (DCPI). Performance traits included daily gain, metabolic weight, live weight at the end of test, dry matter conversion ratio and residual feed intake. Progeny carcass traits were carcass weight, percentage of meat yield, rib eye area (REA), subcutaneous fat, marbling score, meat colour (MCS), fat colour (FCS) and meat quality grade. All the feed intake and performance traits were moderately heritable. The heritabilities for REA and MCS were moderate, and that for FCS was low, while those for the other carcass traits were high. Selection against DMI, CONI and DCPI would reduce excessive intake of feed, but would have undesirable effects on growth and most of the carcass traits. Selection against MEI would lead to improvements in feed efficiency and growth traits. Selection against DCPI would also improve feed efficiency; however, responses in growth traits would decrease. Results indicate that selection against MEI might be better than any other measures of feed intake to improve feed efficiency with simultaneous improvement in growth and most of the carcass traits. [source] Association of a melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) polymorphism with performance traits in Lithuanian White pigsJOURNAL OF ANIMAL BREEDING AND GENETICS, Issue 1 2006R. Jokubka Summary The melanocortin 4 receptor is expressed in virtually all brain regions of mammals and plays an important role in energy homeostasis. Polymorphisms in this gene may thus be related to growth and obesity. In pigs, a non-synonymous polymorphic site was described (Asp298Asn) and demonstrated to affect cAMP production and to alter adenylyl cyclase signalling. Association studies revealed significant linkage of this mutation with production trait in pigs. In this study, 207 Lithuanian White pigs were genotyped at the MC4R locus and analysed on relationships between genotype and breeding values for several performance traits. The observed allele and genotype frequencies did not deviate significantly from Hardy,Weinberg equilibrium (wildtype allele 0.59; mutant allele 0.41) and are comparable with those described in other Large White populations. The mutant Asn298 allele of the MC4R gene was significantly associated with increased test daily gain, higher lean meat percentage and lower backfat thickness. There was a trend towards an improved feed conversion ratio (p = 0.065) in animals with the mutant allele whereas no significant effect was found on lifetime daily gain. These results indicate that the MC4R polymorphism should be integrated in selection programmes in the Lithuanian White to improve carcass composition. [source] Effects of different dietary phytase activities on the concentration of antioxidants in the liver of growing broilersJOURNAL OF ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY AND NUTRITION, Issue 4 2010F. Karadas Summary One-hundred and fifty male chickens were used to evaluate the effects of different activities (0, 250, 500, 12 500 FTU/kg) of phytase on their performance and antioxidant concentration in the liver. The chicks were housed in 30 cages and were allocated to six replicates of five dietary treatments. All diets were formulated to be adequate in energy and protein (12.90 MJ/kg metabolizable energy, 214 g/kg crude protein), however, the negative control (NC) was lower in available P compared with the positive control (PC) (2.5 vs. 4.5 g/kg diet). The other three diets were the NC supplemented with phytase at 250, 500 and 12 500 FTU/kg (NC + 250, NC + 500 and NC + 12 500 FTU respectively). The concentration of antioxidants in the liver of the birds was determined using HPLC at 21 days of age. Low P diets (NC) reduced weight gain, however, supplementation with phytase improved weight gain to the extent that it was better than the PC at the 12 500 FTU treatment (p < 0.05). Feed conversion ratio was also improved by the high level of phytase supplement more than other treatments (p < 0.05). Feed consumption was not affected either by dietary phosphorus concentration or by different phytase supplementation. The antioxidant data showed that the unsupplemented diet with low phosphorus (NC) decreased the concentration of coenzyme Q10 and retinol-linoleate in the liver compared with that of birds on the adequate phosphorus treatment (PC). Phytase supplementation, especially at the higher doses (500 and 12 500 FTU) increased the level of coenzyme Q10 to the same level as the PC treatment. In addition, the highest dose (12 500 FTU) of phytase increased retinol concentration in the liver of chickens compared with those on the NC treatment. The highest inclusion level of phytase increased the ,-tocopherol level in the liver compared with the lower levels of phytase (NC + 250 and NC + 500 FTU). [source] Effects of adding liquid dl -methionine hydroxy analogue-free acid to drinking water on growth performance and small intestinal morphology of nursery pigsJOURNAL OF ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY AND NUTRITION, Issue 3 2010C. Kaewtapee Summary This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of adding liquid dl -methionine hydroxy analogue free acid (LMA) to drinking water on growth performance, small intestinal morphology and volatile fatty acids in the caecum of nursery pigs. Twenty-four crossbred pigs (Large White × Landrace, BW ,18 kg) were divided into three groups with four replications of two piglets each. The piglets received drinking water without (control), with 0.05 or 0.10% LMA. The results indicated that adding LMA at 0.10% to drinking water significantly increased their weight gain, average daily feed intake (p < 0.05) and tended to improve the feed conversion ratio. Adding LMA to drinking water significantly increased their water intake and significantly reduced the pH of drinking water (p < 0.01), thus total plate count (p < 0.01) and Escherichia coli in drinking water was reduced (p < 0.05), while the total number of bacteria in the caecum was not significantly affected. Liquid dl -methionine hydroxy analogue free acid supplementation in drinking water tended to decrease pH in the stomach, duodenum, jejunum, colon and rectum. Furthermore, adding LMA at 0.10% significantly increased villous height in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum (p < 0.05), and the villous height:crypt depth ratio in the jejunum and ileum (p < 0.01) was higher, whereas acetic acid concentration in the caecum was significantly lower than in the control group. It could be concluded that adding LMA to drinking water improved growth performance of the nursery pigs because of high water quality and high nutrient utilization caused by an improvement of small intestinal morphology (not from nutritional effect of methionine source). [source] Comparison of total tract digestibility, development of visceral organs and digestive tract of Mong cai and Yorkshire × Landrace piglets fed diets with different fibre sourcesJOURNAL OF ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY AND NUTRITION, Issue 2 2009N. T. Len Summary The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of piglet age and dietary fibre source on the development of visceral organs and the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), and on growth performance and total tract apparent digestibility (TTAD) in local [pure-breed Mong cai (MC)] and exotic [Landrace × Yorkshire (LY)] piglets. The experimental diets contained different fibre sources: C (basal diet), RB (basal diet + rice bran), SPVM (basal diet + sweet potato vine meal) and CReM (basal diet + cassava residue meal). The neutral detergent fibre (NDF) content in diet C and the fibrous diets was 8.8% and 17.1%,17.7% respectively (dry matter basis). Collection of faecal samples to determine TTAD was carried out for five consecutive days before the experiment was finished (63 days). The piglets were killed at the age of 10 days (before being given the same solid feed), 30 days (weaning, 20 days after solid feed introduced) and 63 days (33 days after being given the different fibrous diets) when the length of intestinal segments, weight of organs (liver, heart, kidneys) and empty weight of the GIT (stomach, small intestine, caecum and colon + rectum) were measured. As the age of animals increased, the relative weight of organs and the length of intestines (expressed on a mass-specific basis) decreased (p < 0.05), and the weight of GIT increased (p < 0.001). The piglets fed fibrous diets had heavier GIT than those fed diet C with the highest values in CReM (p < 0.05). The colon + rectum length was not significantly different among C, RB and SPVM, but was shorter than in CReM (p < 0.05). Coefficient of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) of nutrients in the fibrous diets was lower than in C (p < 0.01). Average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) in C, RB and CReM were not different and were better than in SPVM (p < 0.01). There were no significant differences in the weights of organs between the two breeds at day 10, 30 and 63 (p > 0.05). The weight and length of GIT were not significantly different between the two breeds at day 10 and day 30, but were greater for MC at day 63. The caecum and colon + rectum at 10 and 30 days were longer in MC than in LY (p < 0.001). The relative development of GIT post-weaning was higher than pre-weaning, the difference being most apparent in MC. As a result at 63 days, MC had heavier visceral organs and GIT, and longer intestines on fibrous diets than LY (p < 0.05). The MC at 63 days had higher CTTAD of organic matter, gross energy, crude fibre and NDF (p < 0.001) and ether extract and crude protein (p < 0.05), but lower ADG and poorer FCR than LY (p < 0.001). It can be concluded that the GIT of the MC piglets developed more rapidly than LY when they were introduced to solid feed, and that the difference was more marked on the fibrous diets and after weaning, which resulted in higher total tract digestibility of nutrients in MC compared with LY. Cassava residue meal was better digested than RB and SPVM, and supported higher live weight gains. [source] Sand intake by laying hens and its effect on egg production parametersJOURNAL OF ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY AND NUTRITION, Issue 4 2008J. Van Der Meulen Summary Soil intake may be the most prominent source of environmental contaminants for free range and organic hens, but there are no quantitative data concerning soil intake by domestic hens. Consumption of soil of 14,32 g a day can be estimated from literature, but such a dilution of nutrient intake seems incompatible with high productivity. In this study laying hens were fed pelleted diets with 0%, 10%, 20%, 25% and 30% of sand addition to determine its effect on productivity. Feed intake, feed and nutrient (feed minus sand) conversion ratio, egg production, egg weight and body weight gain were measured over a 4-week period. Acid insoluble ash concentration in the faeces was measured to determine the accuracy of estimating the soil ingestion by the soil-ingestion equation for wildlife as a way to determine soil ingestion of free range and organic hens under practical circumstances. The hens were able to compensate the dilution of the diet with 20%, 25% and 30% of sand by increasing their feed intake. Feed intake increased significantly and feed to egg conversion ratio decreased significantly with increasing sand levels in the diet. The nutrient to egg conversion ratio of the diet without sand tended to be worse than for the diets with sand, presumably due to the total absence of coarse material in the diet. There were no differences in egg production and egg weight between hens fed the different diets but body weight gain was significantly lower for the hens fed the diets with 20%, 25% and 30% of sand. Estimation of sand ingestion was done by the soil-ingestion equation for wildlife. Provided that the actual dry matter digestibility coefficient of the nutrient part of the diet is taken into account, estimating the soil ingestion according to the soil-ingestion equation for wildlife seems an appropriate way to determine soil ingestion for free range and organic hens under practical circumstances. [source] Weaning pig performance and faecal microbiota with and without in-feed addition of rare earth elementsJOURNAL OF ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY AND NUTRITION, Issue 9-10 2006M. Kraatz Summary Two 6-week feeding trials were conducted on a total of 112 newly weaned piglets to examine the recently reported growth promoting effects of dietary rare earth elements (REE) in European pig production. Rare earth element-diets were supplemented with a REE-citrate premix of lanthanum and the light lanthanoides cerium, praseodymium and neodymium at 200 mg/kg for 6 weeks after weaning. Overall for both trials, growth performance of REE-citrate and control fed piglets did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). An early enhancive tendency for REE-citrate in trial 1 (feed conversion ratio, FCR ,3%, p = 0.15) proved irreproducible in trial 2. In the late period of trial 1, in-feed addition of REE-citrate significantly impaired piglet performance (FCR + 8%, p =0.01). A cultivation-independent molecular approach, polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis was further applied to assess REE induced alterations in the predominant faecal microbiota from weaning pigs. Calculation of various ecological characteristics does not indicate (p > 0.05) an often discussed selective effect on local microbial composition of dietary REE. [source] Growth performance and health status in weanling piglets fed spray-dried porcine plasma under typical Northern European conditionsJOURNAL OF ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY AND NUTRITION, Issue 1-2 2002A. J. VAN DIJK The effect of inclusion of spray-dried porcine plasma (SDPP) in diets for weanling piglets was studied. The objectives were to determine whether SDPP would have positive effects on post-weaning piglet performance and health under typical Northern European conditions. In experiment 1, 160 weanling piglets were assigned randomly to a control diet or a diet containing 3% SDPP, which was added at the expense of both fishmeal and dried skim milk. In experiment 2, 264 weanling piglets were assigned to a control diet containing whey protein, a diet without whey protein but with SDPP or a diet containing both whey protein and SDPP. In essence, SDPP was added to the test diets at the expense of either whey protein or fishmeal. Piglets were fed the diets for 3 weeks. In experiment 1, the piglets fed the SDPP diet had a 7% higher average daily gain (ADG) and a 4% lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) (p < 0.05) during the first 3 weeks after weaning than did those fed the control diet. There were no differences in leucocyte counts or ,-globulin. In experiment 2 there were no significant differences in ADG and FCR among the dietary treatments. It is concluded that low amounts of SDPP in weanling diets can have positive effects on growth performance under Northern European conditions. [source] l -carnitine supplementation and lipid metabolism of rats fed a hyperlipidaemic dietJOURNAL OF ANIMAL PHYSIOLOGY AND NUTRITION, Issue 3 2000K. Eder Summary Until now, there has been no clear knowledge about the effect of dietary carnitine supplementation on lipid metabolism. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the effect of a dietary l -carnitine supplementation (500 mg/kg) onx the lipid metabolism of adult rats. Rats fed a hyperlipidaemic basal diet containing 15% lard and 1% cholesterol were used as an animal model. The feeding period was 6 weeks. As parameters of lipid metabolism, the concentrations of individual lipids in plasma, lipoproteins and liver and the fatty acid composition of liver and erythrocyte total lipids were determined. There were no significant differences between the control group and the group receiving the diet supplemented with carnitine on parameters of animal performance (daily body weight gains and feed conversion ratio). As expected, plasma, very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) and liver exhibited high concentrations of cholesterol. Concentrations of triglycerides and phospholipids in plasma and individual lipoproteins as well as the concentrations of triglycerides, cholesterol and phospholipids in the liver were not significantly altered by dietary carnitine supplementation. The concentration of cholesterol in plasma and liver was increased by dietary carnitine. The fatty acid composition of liver and erythrocyte total lipids was not influenced by dietary carnitine supplementation. In conclusion, this study does not indicate a lipid-lowering effect of dietary carnitine supplementation in hyperlipidaemic rats. Probably, the essential functions of carnitine in metabolism were realized by carnitine which was synthesized endogenously. [source] Dietary arginine requirement of fingerling Indian major carp, Labeo rohita (Hamilton) based on growth, nutrient retention efficiencies, RNA/DNA ratio and body compositionJOURNAL OF APPLIED ICHTHYOLOGY, Issue 6 2009S. F. Abidi Summary To quantify the optimum dietary arginine requirement of fingerling Indian major carp, Labeo rohita (4.10 ± 0.04 cm; 0.62 ± 0.02 g), an 8-week growth trial was conducted in eighteen 70-L indoor circular aqua-coloured troughs provided with a flow-through system at 28 ± 1°C. Isonitrogenous (40 g 100 g,1 crude protein) and isocaloric (4.28 kcal g,1 gross energy) amino acid test diets containing casein and gelatin as intact protein sources with graded levels of arginine (0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25, 1.50 and 1.75 g 100 g,1 dry diet) were fed to triplicate groups of fish to apparent satiation at 07:00, 12:00 and 17:30 hours. Growth performance of fish fed the above diets was evaluated on the basis of absolute weight gain (AWG), specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), protein retention efficiency (PRE) and energy retention efficiency (ERE). Maximum AWG (2.61), SGR (2.80), best FCR (1.35), highest PER (1.85), PRE (37%) and ERE (76%) were recorded at 1.25 g 100 g,1 dietary arginine. Maximum body protein (18.88 g 100 g,1) and RNA/DNA ratio (5.20) were also obtained in a 1.25 g 100 g,1 arginine dry diet. Except for the reduced growth performance in fish fed arginine-deficient diets, no other deficiency signs were apparent. Based on the broken-line and second-degree polynomial regression analysis of the AWG, SGR, FCR, PER, PRE and ERE data, the optimum arginine requirement for fingerling Labeo rohita was found to be in the range of 1.22,1.39 g 100 g,1 of the dry diet, corresponding to 3.05,3.47 g 100 g,1 of dietary protein. [source] Effects of dietary l -carnitine supplements on growth and body composition in beluga sturgeon (Huso huso) juvenilesJOURNAL OF APPLIED ICHTHYOLOGY, Issue 6 2008M. Mohseni Summary The effects of dietary l -carnitine on growth performance, whole body composition and feed utilization were studied in beluga, Huso huso. Fish were randomly allocated in 15 tanks (30 fish per tank) and triplicate groups were fed to satiety during 84 days one of five isonitrogenous (41% CP) and isoenergetic (20 MJ kg,1) diets, each differing in l -carnitine content [0 (control), 300, 600, 900 and 1200 mg kg,1 diet]. At the end of the trial, fish grew from 19- to 23-fold in weight, from 8.4 g to a maximum of 191 g. Fish fed 300,600 mg l -carnitine had the highest specific growth rate (SGR, 3.69 and 3.72% day,1) and protein efficiency ratio (PER, 0.95 and 0.99), and the lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR, 1.4 and 1.3) than the other groups (P < 0.0001). SGR, PER and FCR were the poorest for fish fed 1200 mg l -carnitine, while fish fed the unsupplemented and 900 mg l -carnitine supplemented diet showed intermediate performance. Body lipid concentration decreased significantly from 5.8 to 5.1% (P < 0.0001) with dietary l -carnitine supplementation increasing from 0 to 300 mg. Energy content was significantly lower in fish fed the 900 and 1200 mg l -carnitine diet (5.8 MJ kg,1), when compared with the other treatment groups (6.4,6.6 MJ kg,1). The results indicated that feeding sturgeon on diets supplemented with 300 mg l -carnitine kg,1 diet improved growth performance, and stimulated protein-sparing effects from lipids. [source] Nutritional evaluation of fermented black gram (Phaseolus mungo) seed meal in compound diets for rohu, Labeo rohita (Hamilton), fingerlingsJOURNAL OF APPLIED ICHTHYOLOGY, Issue 1 2007S. Ramachandran Summary Six isonitrogenous (approximately 35% crude protein) and isocaloric (approximately 4.0 kcal g,1) diets were formulated incorporating raw and fermented black gram, Phaseolus mungo, seed meal at 20%, 30% and 40% levels by weight into a fishmeal-based control diet fed to rohu, Labeo rohita, fingerlings (mean weight, 1.81 ± 0.21 g) for 80 days for a study of fish performance. A particular bacterial strain (Bacillus sp.) isolated from the intestine of adult common carp (Cyprinus carpio) reared in the wild having significant amylolytic, cellulolytic, lipolytic and proteolytic activities was used for fermentation of seed meal for 15 days at 37 ± 2°C. Fermentation of P. mungo seed meal was effective in significantly reducing the crude fibre content and antinutritional factors such as tannins and phytic acid, and enhancing available free amino acids and fatty acids. In terms of growth, feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio, the 30% fermented black gram seed meal incorporated diet resulted in a significantly (P < 0.05) better performance of rohu fingerlings. In general, growth and feed utilization efficiencies of diets containing fermented seed meal were superior to diets containing raw seed meal. The apparent protein digestibility (APD) values decreased with increasing levels of raw seed meal in the diets. The APD for raw seed meal was lower at all levels of inclusion in comparison to those for the fermented seed meals. The maximum deposition of protein in the carcass was recorded in fish fed the diet containing 40% fermented seed meal. The results indicate that fermented black gram seed meal can be incorporated in carp diets up to the 30% level compared to the 10% level of raw seed meal. [source] Phosphorus requirements and optimum calcium/phosphorus ratio in the diet of mrigal Cirrhinus mrigala (Ham.) fingerlingsJOURNAL OF APPLIED ICHTHYOLOGY, Issue 4 2004B. N. Paul Summary An experiment was conducted to investigate phosphorus requirements and the optimal calcium/phosphorus (Ca/P) ratio on growth and carcass tissue composition of mrigal Cirrhinus mrigala (c. 6 g). Five purified diets were formulated to contain Ca/P ratios of 1 : 0 (0.35 : 0), 1 : 1 (0.35 : 0.35), 1 : 2 (0.31 : 0.63), 1 : 3 (0.24 : 0.71), and 1 : 4 (0.19 : 0.75), respectively. Growth performance and feed conversion ratio of mrigal responded significantly (P < 0.01) to the Ca =0.19 : P = 0.75 diet. Carcass protein, lipid, and P percentage also increased significantly with the higher P level. Based on this study, it may be concluded under the given conditions that the optimum Ca : P ratio in mrigal feed is 0.19 : 0.75. [source] Mutual influence of protein and lipid feed content on European catfish (Silurus glanis) growthJOURNAL OF APPLIED ICHTHYOLOGY, Issue 2 2004E. Has-Schön Summary We wished to determine protein and lipid content in pelleted raw fish food, necessary for optimal growth of European catfish (Silurus glanis). Experiments were set up in 20 cages, each holding 30 young catfish. Fishes in each cage received a different food combination over a 98-day period at favourable physical and chemical water conditions. Food protein content varied between 37.5 and 45%, while lipid content, added in the form of soybean oil, varied between 3 and 11%. The oil contained an adequate , -fatty acids concentration, necessary for fish growth. The main growth indicators determined at the end of experiment were total body gain, specific growth rate and feed conversion ratio. There was a high statistical difference among the experimental groups receiving variable food combinations for each growth parameter (P < 0.001). Both protein and lipid food content affected growth parameters, but in a different manner. Further analysis , percentage of change depending on lipid to protein ratio and bivariate surface analysis , allowed us to recognize the most economical combination: 39.5% protein + 9% lipid content. The addition of 9% soybean oil to the fish food reduces the necessary protein concentration by 5.5%, with resulting identical catfish growth effects. [source] Kinetics of the arginine metabolism of malolactic wine lactic acid bacteria Lactobacillus buchneri CUC-3 and Oenococcus oeni Lo111JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 3 2000R. Mira de Orduña The excretion of citrulline, a precursor of carcinogenic ethyl carbamate, formed from arginine degradation by malolactic bacteria in wine is of toxicological concern. The arginine metabolism of resting cells of Lactobacillus buchneri CUC-3 and Oenococcus oeni Lo111 was examined. The citrulline excretion rate was found to be linearly correlated to the arginine degradation rate. It was possible to calculate an arginine to citrulline conversion ratio which could be used to predict the amount of citrulline expected after the degradation of a known quantity of arginine. The conversion ratios determined in this study were similar to data calculated from other authors for fermentations in wine and ranged between 4·0% and 7·7%. Ribose, fructose and glucose inhibited the degradation of arginine in Lact. buchneri CUC-3, and inhibition of arginine degradation by glucose correlated with higher arginine to citrulline conversion ratios. The work presents new results of arginine metabolism in malolactic bacteria and gives starting points for investigations in wine. [source] Over-expression of glycerol dehydrogenase and 1,3-propanediol oxidoreductase in Klebsiella pneumoniae and their effects on conversion of glycerol into 1,3-propanediol in resting cell systemJOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY, Issue 4 2009Li Zhao Abstract BACKGROUND: Glycerol dehydrogenase [EC.1.1.1.6] and 1,3-propanediol oxidoreductase [EC.1.1.1.202] were proved to be two of the key enzymes for glycerol conversion to 1,3-propanediol in Klebsiella pneumoniae under anaerobic conditions. For insight into their significance on 1,3-propanediol production under micro-aerobic conditions, these two enzymes were over-expressed in K. pneumoniae individually, and their effects on conversion of glycerol into 1,3-propanediol in a resting cell system under micro-aerobic conditions were investigated. RESULTS: In the resting cell system, over-expression of 1,3-propanediol oxidoreductase led to faster glycerol conversion and 1,3-propanediol production. After a 12 h conversion process, it improved the yield of 1,3-propanediol by 20.4% (222.1 mmol L,1 versus 184.4 mmol L,1) and enhanced the conversion ratio of glycerol into 1,3-propanediol from 50.8% to 59.8% (mol mol,1). Over-expression of glycerol dehydrogenase in K. pneumoniae had no significant influence both on 1,3-propanediol yield and on the conversion ratio of glycerol into 1,3-propanediol in the resting cell system. CONCLUSION: The results were important for an understanding of the significance of glycerol dehydrogenase and 1,3-propanediol oxidoreductase in 1,3-proanediol production under micro-aerobic conditions, and for developing better strategies to improve 1,3-propanediol yield. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Coping strategies in farmed African catfish Clarias gariepinus.JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY, Issue 10 2010Does it affect their welfare? The objective of this study was to assess whether and how coping strategies affect the welfare of African catfish Clarias gariepinus housed at low and high densities. Group composition influenced feed intake; re-active groups (comprised of 100% re-active fish) had a lower specific growth rate (G) and feed intake and a higher feed conversion ratio (RFC) than pro-active groups. Furthermore, re-active groups had a lower energy retention than pro-active groups. The latter was fully due to differences in feed intake, since energy partitioning (on % total gross energy intake basis) was similar among the group composition treatments. Fish held at high stocking density showed a higher RFC and feeding speed and a lower energy retention and agonistic behaviour. None of the measured variables was influenced by the interaction effect. In mixed groups, G and number of skin lesions seemed to be affected by different behavioural phenotypes at low stocking density, but not at high density. These results indicate that both stocking density and group composition affect physical and behavioural responses of C. gariepinus. Furthermore, physical and behavioural data of individual fish housed in mixed groups suggest that coping strategy affects the fitness of different behavioural phenotypes at low, but not at high, stocking density. [source] A new method of potassium chromate production from chromite and KOH-KNO3 -H2O binary submolten salt systemAICHE JOURNAL, Issue 10 2009Zhi Sun Abstract A new method of chromate production by applying a new reaction system of KOH-KNO3 -H2O (binary submolten salt system) is proposed and proved feasible. Under conditions of temperature 350°C, KOH-to-chromite ore ratio 2:1, stirring speed 700 rpm, KNO3 -to-chromite ore ratio 0.8:1, oxygen partial pressure 50%, and gas flow 1 L/min, chromium conversion ratio obtained is >98% with reaction time around 300 min. The decomposition of chromite ore in the system is a typical process of solid, liquid,gas reaction, which is coordinately controlled by mass diffusion in product layer and interface reaction. Apparent activation energy of decomposition in the temperature range from 280 to 370°C is 55.63 kJ/mol. During reaction, oxygen dissolves into KOH-KNO3 -H2O melt system first and some cluster, e.g. O, is formed and the mass diffusion coefficient of the cluster was calculated. The system can be considered as both a media of oxygen transportation and reactant donator. Potassium nitrate plays a role of catalyst in the oxidation decomposition reaction of chromite ore and potassium hydroxide. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009 [source] Real-time Fourier transform infrared study of free-radical UV-induced polymerization of hybrid sol,gel.JOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE (IN TWO SECTIONS), Issue 5 2003Abstract Free-radical photocurable hybrid sol,gel materials have gained special interest. They are becoming more and more widely used for applications in coatings, optics, sensors, catalysis, and so forth. The photochemical step is a fundamental step in the elaboration of this kind of hybrid sol,gel. However, little is known about the specifics of the photochemistry in this material. The relation between the organic and the inorganic part is investigated. Hydrolysis and condensation reactions were characterized by 29Si NMR. A precise description of the material before irradiation is of paramount importance to understand photoinduced phenomena. Real-time Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to examine the photopolymerization of hybrid sol,gel under UV irradiation. UV photopolymerization occurred efficiently in hybrid sol,gel although inhibition of free-radical polymerization by molecular oxygen was pronounced. Important structural modifications during irradiation were also measured. They concern both inorganic and organic parts of the hybrid material. The condensation state of the silicate network was of crucial importance. The presence of the silicate backbone did not limit the final conversion ratio. On the contrary, photopolymerization occurred more efficiently for systems with a higher degree of condensation. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 41: 716,724, 2003 [source] Estimation of metabolisable energy content of date pit and its effect on lipid and protein oxidation in broiler chicksJOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 13 2009Mojtaba Zaghari Abstract BACKGROUND: Two experiments were conducted to evaluate date pit as a feed ingredient in broiler chick diets. In the first experiment, apparent metabolisable energy (AME) of date pit was determined using 72 Ross (308) broiler chicks. Broiler chicks received experimental diets from 25 to 30 days of age. Two diets were fed: diet 1, basal diet and diet 2, 60% basal diet + 40% date pit. Date pit ileal AMEn was estimated to be 704 kcal kg,1. The second study was conducted to evaluate the AMEn value obtained and also the effectiveness of using a commercial multi-enzyme in diets containing date pit. Diets with three levels of date pit (10, 20 and 30% date pit) with or without enzyme supplementation were fed to broiler chicks from day old to 42 days of age. RESULTS: Chicks receiving different levels of dietary date pit had comparable body weight to those fed on corn,soybean meal diet. Both date pit levels and enzyme supplementation had a significant effect on feed conversion ratio. Plasma total antioxidant levels of positive control were significantly lower than the experimental diets. CONCLUSION: Results obtained in our study suggested that date pit could be used as a feed ingredient in the diet of broiler chicks without any negative effect on performance. Furthermore, date pit may have beneficial effects on plasma antioxidant status in broiler chicks. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Cumin seed meal with enzyme and polyethylene glycol as an alternative to wheat bran in broiler dietsJOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 15 2006Behzad Mansoori Abstract Iran produces about 7000 metric tons of cumin seed meal (CSM) as a by-product of cumin oil extraction factories, annually. To evaluate the nutritional significance of cumin seed meal as a broiler feedstuff, an experiment was conducted using 288 male broiler chicks (14 days old) receiving diets containing 0, 25 and 50 g kg,1 of CSM with and without polyethylene glycol (PEG) and enzyme (GrindazymeÔ GP 15000) for 28 days. Total body weight (BW), body weight gain (WG), feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), weight of carcass and percentage of legs, breast and edible parts of carcass were measured. The results showed that, inclusion of CSM in broiler diets had no negative influence on parameters evaluated compared to the control diet containing wheat bran (P > 0.05). PEG and enzyme had no influence on the bird performance (P > 0.05). There was an increase in relative weight of gizzard when the amount of CSM in the diet was increased (P < 0.01). An increase in relative weight of gizzard in birds that received the CSM diet was likely to be due to the increase in fibre content of CSM diets. In respect of the low price of CSM, it could be concluded that inclusion of CSM at levels used in this experiment has no negative effect on broiler performance and reduces the overall cost of broiler production. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Evaluation of Reduced Fish Meal Diets for Second Year Growout of the Largemouth Bass, Micropterus salmoidesJOURNAL OF THE WORLD AQUACULTURE SOCIETY, Issue 6 2009Nathan J. Cochran Development of efficient cost-effective diets is a critical component in the refinement of production technologies for the largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides (LMB). One of the first steps in reducing feed costs can be to decrease the amount of fish meal in the diet. The objective of this study was to evaluate reduced levels of fish meal, and a least-cost formulation diet, for second year growout of LMB under practical pond conditions. Twelve 0.04-ha ponds were stocked with juvenile LMB (210.1±3.3 g) at a stocking density of 8650 fish/ha (350 fish/pond). Each pond was randomly assigned one of the four dietary treatments with three replicate ponds per treatment. The three experimental diets contained varying levels of fish meal. Diets FM-45, FM-24, and FM-8 contained 45, 23.5, and 8% fish meal, respectively. In diets FM-24 and FM-8, fish meal was replaced by varying levels of poultry by-product meal, soybean meal, and blood meal. The fourth diet was a commercial salmonid diet widely used as a LMB growout feed (Nelson and Sons, Inc., SilvercupTM, Steelhead, Murray, UT, USA). This diet served as a commercial control (CC) and contained 46% crude protein. The experimental diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isocaloric with the CC diet and were fed once daily to apparent satiation for 180 d. At harvest, there were no significant differences between treatments (P > 0.05) in terms of survival, which averaged 95% overall. Mean weights of fish fed the three experimental diets FM-45, FM-24 and FM-8 were not significantly different (P > 0.05) and averaged 518, 546, and 529 g, respectively, but were all significantly greater (P, 0.05) than those fed the CC (488 g). Feed conversion ratio (FCR) of fish fed the FM-45 and FM-8 diets (1.43 and 1.46, respectively) was significantly greater (P, 0.05) than those fed the FM-24 diet (1.34). The FCR of fish fed the CC diet (1.39) was not significantly different (P > 0.05) from fish fed other diets. Feed cost per unit of weight gain ($US/kg) was significantly lower (P, 0.05) in fish fed the FM-24 and FM-8 diets ($0.73 and $0.72/kg, respectively) than in fish fed other diets. Feed cost per unit gain of fish fed the FM-45 diet ($0.83/kg) was significantly lower (P, 0.05) than those fed the CC diet ($1.04/kg). There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in dress-out percentages or proximate composition among fish fed the four diets. This study indicates that fish meal levels in feeds used for the second year growout of LMB can be reduced to,8% of the formulation without reducing survival or growth and without negatively impacting body composition. [source] Effects of Dietary Lipids on Growth and Feed Utilization of Jade Perch, Scortum barcooJOURNAL OF THE WORLD AQUACULTURE SOCIETY, Issue 2 2009Li Ping Song To examine the effects of dietary lipids on the growth and feed utilization of jade perch juveniles, Scortum barcoo, diets containing 36.3% crude protein supplemented with increasing lipid levels (6, 9, 12, and 15% of the dry matter) were used to feed triplicate groups of 30 fish for 60 d. At the end of the experiment, more than 95% fish survived well from all diet groups (P > 0.05). Measurements on the weight gains and the daily specific growth rates indicated that fish fed with diets of 12 and 15% lipids exhibited higher growth rates (P < 0.05); evaluations for the feed conversion ratio and the protein efficiency ratio indicated that fish fed with 12 and 15% lipid diets used their feed and dietary proteins more efficiently (P < 0.05). The muscle lipid and dry matter contents increased dramatically in fish fed with higher dietary lipid levels (P < 0.05). The highest lipid contents were obtained from fish in the 15% lipid diet group and the highest amount of dry matters from the 12% lipid diet group. On the other hand, protein contents in fish muscles declined with increasing dietary lipid levels (P < 0.05), and the lowest values were shown in the 15% lipid diet group. Ash contents showed no significant differences from muscles of fish fed with four different diets (P > 0.05). Together, increasing lipid levels in fish diets was effective to improve fish growth, feed efficiency, and protein utilization. [source] Evaluation of Alternative Protein Sources to Replace Fish Meal in Practical Diets for Juvenile Tilapia, Oreochromis sppJOURNAL OF THE WORLD AQUACULTURE SOCIETY, Issue 1 2009Tri N. Nguyen Two feeding experiments were conducted to evaluate if methionine is limiting in practical grow-out diets for tilapia, Oreochromis spp. Four diets containing 32% protein and 5% lipid were designed to compare the use of diets high in dehulled solvent-extracted soybean meal (DSESM) and expeller pressed soybean meal (EPSM) compared with a diet containing 6% fish meal (FM). Tilapia (4.78 ± 0.07 g, mean ± SD) were randomly stocked into twelve 600-L flow-through tanks at 20 fish per tank. After 6 wk, there were no notable trends or statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) in final mean weight, survival rate, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) among the treatments. Because results of this study indicated that DSESM could totally replace FM in practical diets for juvenile tilapia, a second batch of diets were formulated using other protein sources. Typical levels of cottonseed meal (CSM), DSESM, and meat and bone meal (MBM) were used to evaluate whether methionine could be limiting. Two basal diet formulations were tested either without or with methionine supplement (0.06/100 g diet). The first diet contained 15% CSM, 27% DSESM, and 10% MBM and the second diet contained 15% CSM and 37% DSESM. These diets contained 28% protein and 5% lipid. Tilapia (3.90 ± 0.05 g) were randomly stocked into twelve 60-L glass aquaria of a recirculation system at 18 fish per aquarium for 5 wk and then moved to the 600-L flow-through tanks for five more weeks. After 10 wk, there were no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) in final mean weight, survival rate, and FCR among the four treatments. Results of the present study indicated that DSESM and EPSM could totally replace FM's inclusion rate in commercial diets for juvenile tilapia. Furthermore, methionine did not appear to be limiting in practical diets using typical levels of CSM, DSESM, and MBM as primary protein sources. [source] Production and Processing Trait Comparisons of Channel Catfish, Blue Catfish, and Their Hybrids Grown in Earthen PondsJOURNAL OF THE WORLD AQUACULTURE SOCIETY, Issue 6 2008Mingkang Jiang Fingerling HS-5 channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, NWAC 103 channel catfish, D&B blue catfish, Ictalurus furcatus, HS-5 female channel × D&B male blue catfish F1 hybrids, and NWAC 103 female channel × D&B male blue catfish F1 hybrids were stocked into twenty-five 0.04-ha earthen ponds at 12,500 fish/ha and grown for 277 d. Fish were fed daily at rates from 1.0 to 3.0% biomass based on feeding activity and temperature and adjusted weekly assuming a feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 1.8 and 100% survival. At harvest, 40 fish from each pond were sampled, and all other counted and weighed. Mean survival, growth rate indexes (a), FCR, and skin-on fillet percentages were not significantly different. Mean harvest weights and net production were higher for HS-5 channel and its hybrid than for the NWAC 103 channel, NWAC 103 hybrid, and D&B blue catfish, partially because of their larger mean stocking weights. D&B blue catfish was more uniform in size than NWAC 103 channel and NWAC 103 hybrid. D&B blue catfish was the easiest to seine. HS-5 hybrids and NWAC 103 hybrids had lower mean head percentage and a better processing yield than their parent channel catfish. [source] Replacement of Fish Meal with Poultry By-product Meal as a Protein Source in Pond-raised Sunshine Bass, Morone chrysops , × M. saxatlis ,, DietsJOURNAL OF THE WORLD AQUACULTURE SOCIETY, Issue 5 2008Harvey J. Pine Replacement of fish meal (FM) as a protein source with alternative sources of protein in aquaculture diets has been widely explored in aquaculture. The goal of replacement of FM in production diets is to maintain growth, lower production costs, and increase sustainability. Evaluation of the replacement of FM with poultry by-product meal (PBM) in phase II sunshine bass diets, Morone chrysops × M. saxatilis, was conducted in ponds over 246 d. Four diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous (37%) and isocaloric (4 kcal/g) with different levels of FM replacement with PBM (0, 33, 67, and 100%, Diets 1,4, respectively). Twelve ponds were stocked with 400 phase II sunshine bass (mean weight 5.6 g) and randomly assigned one of the four diets. Fish were fed below satiation based on predicted growth and feed conversion, initially once daily (1700 h) and then twice daily (0700 and 1700 h) as water temperatures and feeding activity increased. Diets were evaluated based on production and performance indicators, body composition, and economic analysis. Production results revealed no significant differences in mean final individual fish weight (511 ± 21 g), net production (4257 ± 247 kg/ha), and survival (85 ± 2%). No significant differences occurred between the performance indicators: mean feed conversion ratio (2.47 ± 0.11), specific growth rate (1.84 ± 0.02), and protein conversion efficiency (23 ± 1.3%). Body composition was statistically similar for mean percent fillet weight (49 ± 0.6%) and percent intraperitoneal fat (9.8 ± 1.0%); however, the hepatosomatic index was significantly different between Diets 3 (3.7 ± 0.1%) and 4 (3.2 ± 0.1%). Mean proximate analysis of whole fish (dry weight basis) was not significantly different among treatments yielding the following: percent protein (46 ± 0.4%), lipid (47 ± 1.3%), and ash (8 ± 0.7%). Mean fillet composition (dry weight basis) also revealed no significant differences: percent protein (72 ± 0.8%), percent lipid (30 ± 1.6%), and percent ash (5 ± 0.2%). Proximate analysis was also performed on the diets and revealed a significantly lower protein content in Diet 3 (34.3 ± 0.5%) compared to the other diets (37.1 ± 0.4%). Amino acid analysis of the diets indicated a possible deficiency in methionine in Diets 3 and 4. Based on production, performance, and body composition, the results indicate that complete replacement of FM with PBM in sunshine bass diets is feasible; however, economic analysis suggests that the replacement of FM with PBM may result in reduced revenue over feed costs. [source] Effects of Restricted Feeding Regimes on Growth and Feed Utilization of Juvenile Gilthead Sea Bream, Sparus aurataJOURNAL OF THE WORLD AQUACULTURE SOCIETY, Issue 2 2008Orhan Tufan Eroldo The effect of restricted feeding on growth, feed efficiency, and body composition was studied in juveniles of gilthead sea bream, Sparus aurata. Juveniles (6.4 g) were stocked into 12 tanks at a density of 16 fish per tank. Four different feeding schedules were tested on triplicate groups of juvenile fish: (1) control fed for 48 d without deprivation, (2) starvation for 1 d and then refed for 2 d (S1), (3) 50% satiation for 2 d and then refed to apparent satiation for 2 d (R2), and (4) 50% satiation for 6 d and then refed to apparent satiation for another 6 d (R6). Results indicated that all fish subjected to cycled restricted feeding regimes were unable to achieve catching up with control group. The specific growth rate of fish in the control was significantly higher than those in S1, R2, and R6, which were not significantly different from each other. Protein efficiency and protein productive value were significantly higher in R2 compared to control, S1, and R6. Fish in R2 had lowest feed conversion ratio (1.12) compared to the control (1.17). Body protein composition in R6 was less than that of the control, S1, and R2, while moisture, lipid, and ash content were not significantly different compared to the control. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||