Dietary self-selection of protein-unbalanced diets supplemented with three essential amino acids in Nile tilapia

Nile tilapia and gilthead seabream dietary self-selection of alternative feeds

Classical assessments of new fish feeds are anthropocentric, focusing mainly on growth. Although this methodology is accurate, it does not consider the fish' perspective. This study aimed to investigate the behavioural responses and feed preferences of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) through a self-selection trial using self-feeders. Both species were offered three feeds: a control (PD) commercial-like feed and two diets (ORG1 and ORG2) formulated with different inclusions of alternative ingredients to address some of the current environmental concerns and/or ethical issues often associated with commercial formulations. Three groups of tilapia with an average weight of 163.0 g ± 4.3 g (mean ± SD) and four groups of seabreams with 174.7 g ± 27.0 g were tested. Tilapia exhibited a preference for ORG2 (46.5%), influenced by the sensory properties of the feed and post-ingestion signals. Seabream did not show a preference for any feed. These findings highlight the effectiveness of self-selection experiments in allowing fish to express their feeding behaviour and preferences. Therefore, this approach should be considered in the initial screening and design of new aquaculture feeds and ingredients.

Fish Feed Intake, Feeding Behavior, and the Physiological Response of Apelin to Fasting and Refeeding

Feed is one of the most important external signals in fish that stimulates its feeding behavior and growth. The intake of feed is the main factor determining efficiency and cost, maximizing production efficiency in a fish farming firm. The physiological mechanism regulating food intake lies between an intricate connection linking central and peripheral signals that are unified in the hypothalamus consequently responding to the release of appetite-regulating genes that eventually induce or hinder appetite, such as apelin; a recently discovered peptide produced by several tissues with diverse physiological actions mediated by its receptor, such as feed regulation. Extrinsic factors have a great influence on food intake and feeding behavior in fish. Under these factors, feeding in fish is decontrolled and the appetite indicators in the brain do not function appropriately thus, in controlling conditions which result in the fluctuations in the expression of these appetite-relating genes, which in turn decrease food consumption. Here, we examine the research advancements in fish feeding behavior regarding dietary selection and preference and identify some key external influences on feed intake and feeding behavior. Also, we present summaries of the results of research findings on apelin as an appetite-regulating hormone in fish. We also identified gaps in knowledge and directions for future research to fully ascertain the functional importance of apelin in fish.

Oxygen consumption constrains food intake in fish fed diets varying in essential amino acid composition

Compromisation of food intake when confronted with diets deficient in essential amino acids is a common response of fish and other animals, but the underlying physiological factors are poorly understood. We hypothesize that oxygen consumption of fish is a possible physiological factor constraining food intake. To verify, we assessed the food intake and oxygen consumption of rainbow trout fed to satiation with diets which differed in essential amino acid (methionine and lysine) compositions: a balanced vs. an imbalanced amino acid diet. Both diets were tested at two water oxygen levels: hypoxia vs. normoxia. Trout consumed 29% less food under hypoxia compared to normoxia (p<0.001). Under both hypoxia and normoxia trout significantly reduced food intake by 11% and 16% respectively when fed the imbalanced compared to the balanced amino acid diet. Oxygen consumption of the trout per unit body mass remained identical for both diet groups not only under hypoxia but also under normoxia (p>0.05). This difference in food intake between diets under normoxia together with the identical oxygen consumption supports the hypothesis that food intake in fish can be constrained by a set-point value of oxygen consumption, as seen here on a six-week time scale.

The brain's response to an essential amino acid-deficient diet and the circuitous route to a better meal

The essential (indispensable) amino acids (IAA) are neither synthesized nor stored in metazoans, yet they are the building blocks of protein. Survival depends on availability of these protein precursors, which must be obtained in the diet; it follows that food selection is critical for IAA homeostasis. If even one of the IAA is depleted, its tRNA becomes quickly deacylated and the levels of charged tRNA fall, leading to disruption of global protein synthesis. As they have priority in the diet, second only to energy, the missing IAA must be restored promptly or protein catabolism ensues. Animals detect and reject an IAA-deficient meal in 20 min, but how? Here, we review the molecular basis for sensing IAA depletion and repletion in the brain's IAA chemosensor, the anterior piriform cortex (APC). As animals stop eating an IAA-deficient meal, they display foraging and altered choice behaviors, to improve their chances of encountering a better food. Within 2 h, sensory cues are associated with IAA depletion or repletion, leading to learned aversions and preferences that support better food selection. We show neural projections from the APC to appetitive and consummatory motor control centers, and to hedonic, motivational brain areas that reinforce these adaptive behaviors.