Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the body yield and quality of fresh and post-freezing filet of male and female fish of inbred and non-inbred AquaAmérica genetic group and the hybrid between the AquaAmérica and Tilamax varieties. Forty fish (20 males and 20 females) of each genetic group were housed in four 48-m3 hapa net cages, getting 120 fish per cage. The fish were housed at 51 days of age and farmed for 269 days. Pre-slaughter weight was higher (P<0.05) in the AquaAmérica × Tilamax males (0.805±0.204 kg) than in the inbred AquaAmérica male (0.643±0.115 kg). Filet yield percentage was higher (P<0.05) in the AquaAmérica × Tilamax males (32.14±4.72%) than in the inbred AquaAmérica (28.15±2.67%) and non-inbred AquaAmérica (29.06±2.80%) males. Head and viscera yield percentages, pH, color values (L*, a* and b*), shear force, drip loss and cooking loss did not differ significantly between the genetic groups and sexes. Alterations in meat quality were observed after freezing. In conclusion, inbreeding in the AquaAmérica variety resulted in reduced slaughter weight for males; AquaAmérica × Tilamax males have a higher filet yield; and filet quality is not influenced by crossing, inbreeding, or sex, but is changed after freezing.

Abstract The objective of this unprecedented research was to evaluate performance traits, carcass yield, meat quality, and hematological parameters of pintado amazônico fish (Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum × Leiarius marmoratus) fed diets containing ractopamine (20 mg kg-1) for different periods, during the final growth phase. The following treatments were evaluated: 45 days without ractopamine supplementation (control diet); 30 days of control diet, followed by 15 days of ractopamine supplementation; 15 days of control diet, followed by 30 days of ractopamine supplementation; and 45 days of ractopamine supplementation. Performance traits, carcass yield and hematological parameters were not significantly influenced by the ractopamine supplementation periods. The pH, L* color and a* color parameters of the filet post-slaughter and the L* color of the filet post-thawing were significantly influenced by the period of supplementation with the additive in the diet. Cooking loss was significantly lower in the fillet of fish that received ractopamine. Ractopamine supplementation at the level of 20 mg kg-1 in the diet of pintado amazônico for 15, 30, or 45 days does not alter their production performance, carcass yield, or hematological parameters, but changes the qualitative traits of their filet.

Abstract This study was carried out to determine the toxicity and biochemical and morphophysiological changes caused by Serjania erecta leaf aqueous extract in pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus). For acute toxicity testing (CL50-4h), pacu juveniles were exposed during 4 h to Serjania erecta aqueous extract concentrations of 2.5, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, and 150 µg mL-1, which were added directly to the water in the tanks. In the control group, the animals were kept in water free from aqueous extract. CL50-4 h was estimated at 57.43 µg mL-1. After exposure to the aqueous extract, the highest (P<0.05) glucose concentration and the lowest (P<0.05) plasma sodium level were when the fish were exposed to the S. erecta concentration of 50 µg mL-1. Mortality occurred at S. erecta extract levels higher than 50 μg mL-1, and all fish died at concentrations greater than 100 μg mL-1. In addition, exposure to this extract caused severe histological changes in the gills and liver with higher prevalence of necrosis (30.2%), and fatty degeneration (77.4%) respectively. At the concentrations tested here, S. erecta aqueous extract causes morphofunctional alterations in this fish species.

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the weight and body yield of two families of selectively bred tambaqui farmed in different environments. Two families (FA and FB) were reared in the municipalities (environments) of Santo Antônio de Leverger (MT) and Campo Grande (MS) for 431 days. Pre-bleeding weight, body yield, and the interaction effect between families and environments on these traits were investigated. No interaction effect between the evaluated families and environments was detected on the evaluated traits. Pre-bleeding weight did not differ significantly between the families in MT (FA: 2,421.7g; FB: 2,478.0g) or in MS (FA: 1,138.7g; FB: 1,389.8g), but the fish from MT had a higher (P<0.05) pre-bleeding weight than those farmed in MS. The visceral fat yield (considering the two environments) was higher (P<0.05) in FB family (3.8%) than in FA family (3.3%).Fish from MS showed higher (P<0.05) offal yield (10.6%) and visceral fat yield (3.9%) but a lower clean-trunk yield (70.6%) than the tambaqui farmed in MT (offal: 7.7%; visceral fat: 3.1%; and clean trunk: 72.6%). In conclusion, the MT environment provides higher pre-bleeding weight and clean-trunk yield and lower offal and visceral-fat yields than the MS environment.

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the growth curve of selectively bred and non-selectively bred tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum). The experiment involved 388 fish (weight: 65.38 ± 20.00 g; age: 217 days), consisting of 252 fish from seven selectively bred families (18 fish per family) and 18 non-selectively bred fish (control group). Groups were placed in two 800-m² tanks. Biometric measurements were taken on nine occasions at 30-day intervals, for a period of 254 days. Weight and morphometric traits were evaluated. To describe the tambaqui growth behavior, we adopted the Gompertz nonlinear regression model. Greater growth (p < 0.05) was observed in selectively bred families compared with control group. Four families stood out with higher (p < 0.05) asymptotic values for weight (F1: 2448.7 g; F7: 2284.7 g; F5 2180.1 g; F4: 2080.5 g; and control: 1808.4 g) and other morphometric traits. None of the selectively bred families (except F5) had a higher growth rate and age at inflection point than the fish from control group. In conclusion, selectively bred and non-selectively bred fish present distinct growth curves, but some families have greatly superior growth.

RESUMO Foi avaliado o padrão de crescimento entre fêmeas e machos de tambaqui por meio do modelo de regressão não linear de Gompertz. Foram mensuradas cinco características de importância econômica em 145 animais durante os três anos, totalizando 981 de dados morfométricos analisados. Curvas diferentes foram ajustadas entre machos e fêmeas para peso corporal, altura e comprimento da cabeça e apenas uma curva para a largura e comprimento do corpo foi ajustada para ambos os sexos. O peso assintótico (a) e taxa de crescimento relativo à maturidade (k) foram diferentes entre os sexos nos animais com ± 5 kg; peso de abate praticado por um nicho específico do mercado, muito rentável. No entanto, não houve diferença entre machos e fêmeas de até ± 2 kg; peso de abate estabelecido para abastecer o maior mercado consumidor. As fêmeas apresentaram maior peso do que os machos (± 280 g), sendo estas mais indicadas para fins de piscicultura definidos para o nicho de mercado de animais maiores. Em geral, os machos apresentaram menor taxa de crescimento (8,66 g / dia) do que as fêmeas (9,34 g / dia), entretanto, alcançaram a taxa máxima de crescimento mais rápido do que as fêmeas, 476 e 486 dias, respectivamente. A altura e comprimento do corpo são as características que mais contribuíram para o peso aos 516 dias (P <0,001).

ABSTRACT Was evaluated the pattern of growth among females and males of tambaqui by Gompertz nonlinear regression model. Five traits of economic importance were measured on 145 animals during the three years, totaling 981 morphometric data analyzed. Different curves were adjusted between males and females for body weight, height and head length and only one curve was adjusted to the width and body length. The asymptotic weight (a) and relative growth rate to maturity (k) were different between sexes in animals with ± 5 kg; slaughter weight practiced by a specific niche market, very profitable. However, there was no difference between males and females up to ± 2 kg; slaughter weight established to supply the bigger consumer market. Females showed weight greater than males (± 280 g), which are more suitable for fish farming purposes defined for the niche market to larger animals. In general, males had lower maximum growth rate (8.66 g / day) than females (9.34 g / day), however, reached faster than females, 476 and 486 days growth rate, respectively. The height and length body are the traits that contributed most to the weight at 516 days (P <0.001).

Avaliou-se neste trabalho as características histomorfométricas da mucosa intestinal de tambaqui após uso de probiótico a base de Bacillus spp., veiculado na ração e dissolvido na água durante transporte. Foi utilizado um delineamento inteiramente casualizado com três tratamentos e sete repetições, sendo comparado um tratamento controle (peixes alimentados com ração comercial sem probiótico) a dois outros tratamentos envolvendo o uso de probiótico comercial, veiculado na ração ou na água de transporte. Um total de 510 juvenis de tambaqui (peso e comprimento total médio inicial de 83,26±28,14g e 17,39±1,90cm, respectivamente) foi distribuído em três tanques de alvenaria. Durante 60 dias, os peixes de dois tanques foram alimentados com ração comercial e os do terceiro tanque com ração comercial suplementada com probiótico. Após este período, os peixes de cada tanque foram divididos em sacos plásticos e transportados por 4 horas de acordo com os seguintes tratamentos: T1 = alimentação com ração comercial (controle); T2 = alimentação com ração comercial e probiótico adicionado na água durante o transporte (20mg/L); T3 = alimentação com ração comercial suplementada com probiótico (1,0g/kg de ração). Antes do transporte (basal), 24 e 96 horas após o transporte, oito peixes de cada tratamento foram submetidos a eutanásia e o intestino retirado para pesagem e mensuração do comprimento para estabelecimento da relação comprimento corporal/ intestino. Em seguida, foi realizada coleta da porção anterior e posterior do intestino, para avaliação das características morfo-histológicas da mucosa intestinal. O uso de probiótico durante o transporte não afetou o peso do intestino de juvenis de tambaqui. O comprimento do intestino do tambaqui não foi alterado pelo tratamento, sendo observada somente relação linear entre o comprimento intestinal e o comprimento corporal (CC) dos peixes. A suplementação com probiótico (Bacillus spp.) não exerceu nenhum efeito na altura e comprimento das vilosidades do intestino do tambaqui desafiados com o transporte.

This study evaluated the histomorphometric characteristics of tambaqui intestinal mucous after using Bacillus spp based probiotics, incorporated in feed and dissolved in water during transport. It was used a completely randomized design, with three treatments and seven replications, and a control treatment (fish fed commercial feed without probiotic) was compared with two other treatments involving the use of commercial probiotic incorporated in the feed or in the transport water. A total of 510 juvenile tambaqui (average weight and total length 83.26±28.14g and 17.39±1.90cm, respectively) was distributed in three cement tanks. During 60 days, fish of two tanks were fed with commercial feed and fish of the third tank received commercial feed supplemented with probiotic. After this period, the fish from each tank were divided into plastic bags and transported for 4 hours according to the following treatments: T1 = feeding with commercial feed (control); T2 = feeding with commercial feed and probiotic dissolved in the water during transport (20mg/L); T3 = feeding with commercial feed supplemented with probiotic (1.0g/kg feed). Before transport (basaline), 24 and 96 hours after transport, eight fish of each treatment were submitted to euthanasia and the intestine was removed for weighing and length measuring to establish the relation between length/gut ratio. Then, the anterior and posterior portions of the intestine were collected for evaluation of morphological and histological characteristics of intestinal mucous. The use of probiotic during transport did not affect the intestine weight of tambaqui. Regardless of the treatment, the intestine length increased as the fish increased in size. The supplementation with probiotics (Bacillus spp.) had no effect on height and length villus of tambaqui’s intestine during transport challenge.

En las últimas décadas se ha verificado la desaparición de varias especies de peces debido principalmente a impactos generados por acciones humanas. Programas de repoblamiento vienen siendo cada vez más usados como métodos de conservación de la ictiofauna. Sin embargo, sin una correcta orientación genética y reproductiva de los lotes utilizados en estos programas, poblaciones naturales de peces y el ecosistema pueden ser afectados. El objetivo del siguiente estudio fue determinar la variabilidad genética de seis lotes de peces usados en programas de repoblamiento, mediante el marcador molecular RAPD. Se analizaron 180 alevines de tres especies de peces (Leporinus elongatus, Piaractus mesopotamicus y Prochilodus lineatus) en tres estaciones piscícolas, ubicadas en las ciudades de Rolândia, Andirá y Palotina en el estado de Paraná, Brasil. Los valores de variabilidad genética estimados por el porcentaje de fragmentos polimórficos y por el índice de diversidad de Shannon mostraron una alta variabilidad genética entre los lotes de L. elongatus y P. lineatus, debido posiblemente al efecto fundador y al manejo reproductivo adoptado en cada piscícola. Se determinó que existió baja diferenciación genética entre los lotes de P. mesopotamicus. Los resultados de este estudio posibilitaran el correcto manejo reproductivo y genético de los lotes de cada piscícola y la orientación objetiva de programas de repoblamiento, permitiendo la conservación de la variabilidad genética, factor de gran importancia en ambientes en cautiverio.

In the last decades it has been verified the decrease and extinction of fish several species mainly to impacts generated by human actions. Stocking programs are being used as conservation methods of the ichthyofauna. However, without a correct genetic and reproductive orientation of the stocks used in these programs, natural fish populations and the ecosystem can be affected. The objective of the following study was to determine the genetic variability of six fish stocks used in stocking programs, by means of the RAPD molecular marker. There were analyzed 180 juveniles of three fish species (Prochilodus lineatus, Piaractus mesopotamicus, and Leporinus elongatus) from three fish farms, located in the Rolândia, Andirá, and Palotina cities in Paraná state, Brazil. The genetic variability values estimated by the percentage of polymorphic fragments and by the Shannon diversity index showed a high genetic variability between the P. lineatus and L. elongatus stocks, due possibly to the founder effect and the reproductive management adopted in each fish farm. It was determined that low genetic differentiation existed among the P. mesopotamicus stocks. The results of this study facilitated the correct reproductive and genetic management of the stocks of each fish farm and the objective orientation of stocking programs, allowing the conservation of the genetic variability, factor of great importance in captivity environments.

Alteraciones ambientales causadas por el calentamiento global y principalmente causa-das por la acción del hombre, han reducido poblaciones naturales de peces. Como forma de conservación, programas de repoblamiento han sido utilizados; sin embargo, sin una debida orientación científica, estas medidas pueden generar disturbios genéticos sobre la diversidad genética de poblaciones de peces naturales y sobre el ecosistema. El objetivo de este estudio fue estimar y analizar la variabilidad genética de dos lotes y una progenie de Brycon orbignyanus utilizados en programas de repoblamiento, utilizando el marcador molecular RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA). Cincuenta y ocho reproductores de dos lotes (A y C) y 30 larvas de la progenie del lote A (B) pertenecientes a la Estação de Aqüicultura e Hidrologia da Duke Energy Internacional (Geração Parana-panema; São Paulo, Brasil) fueron analizados. Los resultados de variabilidad genética estimados por el índice de diversidad de Shannon (A: 0,3184; B: 0,3433 y C: 0,3687) y por el porcentaje de fragmentos polimórficos (A: 54,02%; B: 57,47% y C: 58,62%) mostraron que la variabilidad genética fue mantenida en la progenie, debido posiblemente al adecuado manejo reproductivo y al efecto fundador. Por el contrario, la variabilidad encontrada entre los dos lotes de reproductores indica una similaridad genética, a pesar de ser originarios de diferentes pisciculturas. Este resultado es comprobado en el valor moderado de diferenciación genética encontrado (0,0968), en el alto Nm (4,67) y en el dendrograma, que sugieren que los lotes poseen un pool genético similar.

Environmental alterations caused by the global heating and mainly caused by man's action, have reduced natural fish populations. As a conservation measure, stocking programs have been used; however, without scientific orientation these measures can generate genetic disturbances on the genetic diversity of natural fish populations and the ecosystem. The objective of this study was to estimate and analyze the genetic variability of Brycon orbignyanus stocks and offspring used in stocking programs, using the molecular marker RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA). Fifty eight broodstocks of two stocks (A and C) and thirty offspring larvae of the stock A (B) belonging to the Estação de Aqüiicultura e Hidrologia da Duke Energy International (Geração Paranapanema; São Paulo, Brazil ) were analyzed. The results of genetic variability estimated by the Shannon Index diversity (A: 0.3184; B: 0.3433 and C: 0.3687) and for the percentage of polymorphic fragments (A: 54.02%; B: 57.47% and C: 58.62%) showed that the genetic variability was maintained in the offspring, due possibly to the appropriate reproductive management and the founder effect. On the contrary, the variability found among the two broodstocks indicates a genetic similarity, in spite of being natives of different fish farming's. This result is verified in the moderate value of genetic differentiation found (0.0968), in the high Nm (4.67) and the dendrogram, which suggests that the stocks hold a similar genetic pool.

The use of appropriate sampling methods, the type of tissue or sample and the use of viable DNA extraction protocols are critical issues in studies based on PCR. In an attempt to identify a simple, reproducible, inexpensive and non-toxic method for obtaining high quality and quantity genomic DNA from fish fin and larvae samples, modified salt extraction protocol and modified phenol-chloroform extraction protocol were compared. The samples obtained from different fish species (Brycon orbignyanus, Piaractus mesopotamicus, Oreochromis niloticus, Leporinas elongatus and Prochilodus lineatus) using salt extraction showed good DNA quality and quantity (DNA/RNA relationship 1.8-2.2). These DNA samples were successfully used in the amplification of RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) and microsatellite molecular markers, demonstrating the same effectiveness of this protocol in comparison with modified phenol-chloroform extraction protocol. This DNA extraction procedure constitutes an alternative and efficient replacement for previous protocols for improving fish molecular studies

El uso de apropiados métodos de muestreo, tipo de tejido y la utilización de protocolos viables de extracción del ADN son aspectos críticos en estudios basados en PCR. Los métodos de extracción de ADN deben ser simples, reproducibles, económicos y no contaminantes. Este trabajo tuvo por objetivo comparar un protocolo modificado de extracción con sal común (NaCl) y un protocolo modificado de extracción con fenol-cloroformo para la obtención de ADN genómico en alta cantidad y calidad desde muestras de aleta y larva de pez (Brycon orbignyanus, Piaractus mesopotamicus, Oreochromis niloticus, Leporinus elongatus y Prochilodus lineatus). Las muestras aisladas de diferentes especies de peces usando la extracción con sal común permitieron obtener ADN de buena calidad (relación DNA/RNA 1.8-2.2) y fue usado con éxito en la amplificación de los marcadores moleculares RAPD y microsatélite. Esto demostró la misma efectividad de la extracción de ADN con sal común en comparación con el protocolo modificado de extracción con fenol-cloroformo. Este procedimiento de extracción de ADN constituye una alternativa y un reemplazo eficaz para los protocolos anteriores por mejorar los estudios moleculares en peces

Native fish populations are decreasing due to several impact factors of the environment. In order to address this problem, several actions, for example stocking, have been accomplished. However, if these actions are undertaken without any scientific support, their efficiency is low, and they can cause loss of genetic diversity in the populations, and irreversible impacts in the next generations. For this reason, the use of molecular markers to assess diversity through genetic monitoring, can contribute to the conservation of the icthyofauna

Las poblaciones de peces nativos están disminuyendo debido a varios factores que impactan en el ambiente. Como forma de abordar este problema, se han realizado varias acciones como por, ejemplo, el repoblamiento. Sin embargo, estas acciones se realizan sin ningún respaldo científico. Esto puede, además de no ser eficiente, provocar una pérdida de la diversidad genética en las poblaciones, pudiendo ocasionar impactos irreversibles en las próximas generaciones. Por esta razón, el empleo de marcadores moleculares, que permitan monitorear genéticamente las poblaciones parece fundamental para lograr la conservación de la ictiofauna