Effects of supplementation with different zinc-based products on the growth and health of Nile tilapia.

Zinc is one of the essential microelements for the metabolism of animals. Zinc nanoparticles may have higher bioavailability due to their low specific surface area, facilitating absorption by fish. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of supplementation with different zinc-based products on the growth and health of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus. Zinc, in different sizes (nanoparticles or bulk) and forms (inorganic or organic), were used as a supplement in the tilapia diet at a dose of 15 mg kg feed-1 for 60 days. At the end of the feeding trial, production performance, hemato-immunological parameters, activity of antioxidant system enzymes, exposure to Streptococcus agalactiae and zinc concentration in the muscle were examined. After the bacterial challenge, the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) significantly increased in the fish treated with organic zinc, inorganic nano zinc, and organic nano zinc, while in the control group (inorganic zinc), MCHC remained unchanged. Regarding defense cells, dietary inorganic nano zinc increased the number of basophils (1.50 ± 1.10) compared to organic zinc (0.80 ± 0.90). Lymphocyte count increased after the challenge only in the organic zinc treatments (bulk and nanoparticles). Neutrophils decreased in the control (inorganic zinc) (2.20 ± 1.70) and inorganic nano zinc (2.60 ± 2.70) treatments after the challenge. When compared before and after the bacterial challenge, the plasma antimicrobial titer significantly increased after the bacterial challenge in all treatments. No significant differences were observed for total proteins, enzymes (SOD and CAT), cumulative survival and zinc deposition on fillet. In conclusion, organic zinc in nanoparticles or bulk size increased Nile tilapia innate defense during bacterial infection. However, the other parameters evaluated were not affected by zinc particle size or form (organic or inorganic), indicating that further evaluations should be conducted with organic zinc in nanoparticles or bulk size in the tilapia diet.

Dietary supplementation with Lippia sidoides essential oil improves organ integrity but the specific activity of antioxidant enzymes is dose-dependent in Danio rerio.

The nutritional quality of food can affect the health of animals. This study examined the effects of dietary supplementation with Lippia sidoides essential oil (LSEO) on the physiology of Danio rerio. Four hundred fourty-eight fish were divided into 28 tanks and subjected to different dietary treatments: a control group with no supplementation, a group with grain alcohol supplementation and five groups with LSEO at concentrations of 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, 1.00% and 1.25%. After 15 days, histological and enzymatic analyses were conducted. The 0.25% LSEO group exhibited lower glutathione peroxidase and catalase activity compared to the 1.00% group. Additionally, fish in the 0.25% LSEO group showed improved liver, kidney and splenic integrity indices. These findings support the inclusion of 0.25% LSEO in the diet of D. rerio, suggesting potential benefits for fish physiology and encouraging further research on phytotherapeutics in fish diets.

Ovicidal effect of essential oils of Lippia alba, Lippia sidoides and Lippia gracilis on the acanthocephalan Neoechinorhynchus buttnerae (Eoacanthocephala: Neoechinorhynchidae).

Acanthocephalosis in tambaqui Colossoma macropomum culture is a limiting factor for the production of the species, being the most recurrent, which makes it necessary to develop strategies to control parasitosis even in the early stages of parasite development. This study aimed to elucidate the morphological characteristics of eggs of the acanthocephalan Neoechinorhynchus buttnerae and the ovicidal effect of the essential oils of Lippia alba, Lippia sidoides, and Lippia gracilis. The parasites were collected from hosts naturally infected with N. buttnerae, and the eggs obtained from the female 'parasites' abdominal cavity were added to 12-well plates containing the essential oils at different dilutions. After the eggs (N = 300) were separated and measured (length and width) with the aid of an optical microscope coupled to a digital program, the viability of the treated eggs was monitored 24 h after treatments, L. gracilis essential oil was 100% effective at the highest concentration, whereas L. sidoides essential oil showed over 50% efficacy at 2 mg/ml, reaching 100% efficacy at all higher concentrations. Lippia. alba essential oil did not show satisfactory efficacy in preventing N. buttnerae egg hatching.

Antiparasitic potential of alternative treatments against larval stages of Lernaea cyprinacea.

This study evaluated the potential of alternative treatments against larval stages of Lernaea cyprinacea. For in vitro test, the nanoemulsified oils of Pinus sp. acicule and oleoresin were evaluated, along with Biogermex® (commercial product based on citrus biomass). For this, the motility of five larvae of the same stage (nauplii or copepodite) were evaluated in a 96-well microplate. Using the best results, on the in vivo test, fries of Rhamdia quelen were submitted to a long-term immersion bath (96 h) containing different concentrations of the product diluted directly in the water. It was possible to notice the antiparasitic potential of the oleoresin and the acicule of Pinus sp., as well as the citrus biomass extract against the parasites. The nanoemulsified oils successfully inhibited the development of nauplii (10 mg L-1 in 24 h) and the fries showed to be tolerant to the presence of the compound (LC50 96 h-16.74 mg L-1). The concentration of 30.5 mg L-1 of Biogermex® eliminated the copepodites within 24 h, being more efficient than Pinus sp. when tested at the same stage, at the times analyzed. The results obtained indicate a potential use of these compounds as prophylactic agents against L. cyprinacea.

Effects of sodium butyrate and Lippia origanoides essential oil blend on growth, intestinal microbiota, histology, and haemato-immunological response of Nile tilapia.

This study aimed to verify the effects of dietary supplementation with sodium butyrate and Lippia origanoides, combined and isolated, on the health and zootechnical performance of Nile tilapia juveniles Oreochromis niloticus. A total of 120 fish (5.38 ± 0.65 g) were randomly distributed in 12 experimental units and fed different experimental diets for 30 days, namely: commercial diet without supplementation (Unsupplemented); commercial diet supplemented with 0.5% sodium butyrate (Butyrate); commercial diet supplemented with 0.125% L. origanoides (Lippia) and commercial diet supplemented with a mixture of 0.5% sodium butyrate and 0.125% L. origanoides (Butyrate + Lippia). After preparing the experimental diets there was an increase in the pH of diet Butyrate when compared to the other diets. After 30 days the fish supplemented with Butyrate + Lippia showed reduction significate in the mean corpuscular haemoglobin, concentration of total heterotrophic bacteria in the intestine, and lymphocyte infiltrates in the liver. Besides that, the supplementation with Butyrate + Lippia promoted an increased number of intestinal villi compared to the fish Unsupplemented ones. Additionally, fish fed a diet containing only Lippia presented an increase in the villus perimeter in the posterior region of the gut and in the red blood cell number. Animals supplemented only with sodium butyrate demonstrated increased lactic acid bacterium in the gut and macrosteatosis in the liver, besides decreased melanomacrophages in the spleen. The use of sodium butyrate associated with essential oil had positive effects on the intestinal microbiota, intestinal structure, liver, and spleen integrity, suggesting a greater efficiency of the compounds when used together in the nutrition of Nile tilapia juveniles.

Autochthonous vs allochthonous probiotic strains to Rhamdia quelen.

The aim of this study was to obtain an autochthonous probiotic candidate strain from the silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen) intestinal tract, comparing its in vivo performance with an allochthonous probiotic isolated from another fish, Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), in a growth performance assay. The study was divided in two parts: in vitro and in vivo assay followed by challenge with A. hydrophila. In the in vitro assay, the species-specific isolated strain Lactococcus lactis presented characteristics such as: absence of hemolysis, antagonism to bacterial pathogens isolated from freshwater fish, and considerable speed of duplication. In the in vivo trial, both fish supplemented with autochthonous or allochthonous strains presented an increase the final concentration of lactic acid bacteria in the intestinal tract of the fish after 60 days of dietary supplementation reaching concentrations of 1 × 107 CFU g-1 and 4 × 107 UFC.g-1, respectively. In addition, the autochthonous strain increased the mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) of the treated animals, but no significant differences were observed in the other hemato-immunological and zootechnical parameters between treatments. After challenge with Aeromonas hydrophila, only animals that received autochthonous probiotic supplementation showed an increase in the serum total immunoglobulin concentration, but not enough to observe a significant difference in the survival rate between the treatments. Dietary supplementation of the probiotic allochthonous strain did not demonstrate any effects superior to those of the isolated autochthonous strain. Although the autochthonous strain did not present significant improvements in the other parameters evaluated in this study, it was able to inhibit bacterial pathogens in vitro, to increase the final concentration of LAB's and the amount of immunoglobulin after experimental challenge, demonstrating probiotic potential. This study demonstrated for the first time the isolation and in vivo use of an autochthonous probiotic strain isolated from silver catfish, as well as its comparative evaluation with the performance of allochthonous probiotic.

Sylimarin as hepatic protector and immunomodulator in Nile tilapia during Streptococcus agalactiae infection.

This study investigated the use of silymarin, an extract obtained from the milk thistle (Silybum marianum) and its effects as a possible hepatoprotector in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Silymarin was used as feed additive to the diet at a concentration of 0.1% (1 kg per ton of dry ration) with the commercial product named Di-Heptarine S® (16% silymarin phosphatide). A total of 90 juvenile tilapia with approximately 45 days old and mean weight of 0.72 ±â€¯0.04 g were distributed in two groups, one fed with a diet with the hepatoprotector and the other without the additive. At the end of the assay (55 days after feeding), samples of blood were collected for hematological, immunological, histological (liver, spleen and intestine) and enzymatic analysis such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione S-transferase (GST). After 55 days all fish were challenged with Streptococcus agalactiae serotype Ib to verify the sylimarin effects on the immunological parameters and its protection effect while challenged. During the challenge period another biological material sample was collected for hematological, immunological and histopathological analysis (liver, spleen and intestine). Before the challenge, an increase on the count of thrombocyte was found in the supplemented fish. In the liver, dilation of the sinusoids was observed in unsupplemented fish while supplemented fish the alteration was less severe. No significant alteration was found in SOD, CAT and GST between the groups. Histological changes after the challenge were provoked by bacterial toxins as a result of inflammatory processes. Periacinar degeneration was less intense in unsupplemented fish when compared to supplemented fish. On the other hand, eosinophilic and lymphocytic infiltrate did occur in unsupplemented fish differently from supplemented fish which did not show the alteration. The survival was 28% higher in silymarin supplemented fish when compared to unsupplemented fish that presented no survival. Silymarin supplementation in the diet provided a hepatoprotective and immunomodulatory effect on Nile tilapia.

Antioxidant enzymes, hematology and histology of spleen in Nile tilapia fed supplemented diet with natural extracts challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila.

This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with the extrats of propolis and Aloe barbadensis (aloe) on the antioxydant enzime activity, hematology and histology of the spleen of Nile tilapia challenged with Aeromonas hydrophila. Seventy two juvenile Nile tilapia were divided in four treatments and three replicates and fed extract mixture for 15 days: fish fed supplemented diet with 1% of the mixture of extracts of propolis and aloe (1:1) injected with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS); fish fed suplemented diet with 1% of the mixture of extracts of propolis and aloe (1:1) injected with the A. hydrophila, fish fed supplemented diet with the mixture of propolis extracts and aloe, injected with PBS and injected with A. hydrophila. The influence of the supplementation of propolis and Aloe extracts on the immunomodulation in tilapias was observed by the evaluation of the survival of the animals after challenge with A. hydrophila. Non-supplemented fish had a 44.5% survival rate and those supplemented with 1% of the mixture of extracts showed 55.6% survival 7 days after challenge. The supplemented animals also showed a significant increase in the number of lymphocytes in the evaluation of the blood parameters and, consequently, in the histopathological evaluation, presented greater presence of centers of melanomacrophages. In addition, the activity of the antioxidant enzymes glutathione reductase (GR) in the spleen presented a significant difference in fish supplemented with 1% of the extracts mixture, being superior in the animals injected with PBS when compared to those challenged with A. hydrophila.

Induced aerocystitis and hemato-immunological parameters in Nile tilapia fed supplemented diet with essential oil of Lippia alba / Aerocistite induzida e parâmetros hemato-imunológicos em tilápia do Nilo suplementada com óleo essencial de Lippia alba

The present study evaluated the dietary supplementation with essential oil of Lippia alba on the hemato-immunological parameters of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) submitted to acute inflammation induced by carrageenin injection in the swim bladder. For a period of 45 days, 96 fish were divided in four treatments in triplicate, as follows: fish fed supplemented diet with essential oil of L. alba (4 mL kg-1 dry ration) injected with carrageenin; fish fed supplemented diet with cereal alcohol injected with carrageenin; fish fed unsupplemented diet with essential oil injected with carrageenin; fish fed unsupplemented diet and noninjected. Cortisol levels, erythrogram, leukogram and the inflammatory infiltrate were analyzed 6 h after inflammatory stimulus. Carrageenin-injected fish showed acute inflammatory reaction in the swim bladder characterized by higher infiltrate of neutrophils and monocytes. The circulating neutrophils number was significantly higher in fish fed L. alba when compared to other treatments. No difference in cortisol levels was found. For dose, time and administration form tested, supplementation with essential oil of L. alba did not present anti-inflammatory activity. On the other hand, influence of dietary supplementation was observed on the neutrophils number after induced aerocystitis highlighting its immunomodulatory characteristic.(AU)

O presente estudo avaliou a suplementação dietária com óleo essencial de Lippia alba sobre os parâmetros hemato-imunológicos em tilápias do Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus) submetidas à inflamação aguda induzida por carragenina na bexiga natatória. Pelo período de 45 dias, 96 peixes foram divididos em quarto tratamentos em triplicata: a) peixes suplementados com óleo esencial de L. alba (4 mL kg-1 de ração) injetados com carragenina; b) peixes suplementados com álcool de cereais injetados com carragenina; peixes não suplementados com óleo essencial injetados com carragenina; c) peixes não suplementados não injetados. Os níveis de cortisol, eritrograma, leucograma e o infiltrado inflamatório foram analisados seis horas após o estímulo inflamatório. Peixes injetados com carragenina apresentaram reação inflamatória aguda na bexiga natatória caracterizada por maior infiltrado de neutrófilos e monócitos. O número de neutrófilos circulantes foi significativamente maior nos peixes suplementados com L. alba quando comparado aos outros tratamentos. Não houve diferença nos níveis de cortisol. Para a dose, o tempo e a forma de administração testada, a suplementação com óleo essencil de L. alba não apresentou atividade anti-inflamatória. Por outro lado, foi constatada influência da suplementação dietária no número de neutrófilos após a aerocistite enfatizando a sua característica imunomoduladora.(AU)

Blood biochemical parameters and melanomacrophage centers in Nile tilapia fed essential oils of clove basil and ginger.

Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is the most farmed freshwater fish in the world, however, disease outbreaks are the main cause of losses in production. Due to this, there is an increasing interest in natural products for enhancing disease resistance, without causing physiological impairment. The aim of this study was to verify the effect of the essential oils of clove basil (Ocimum gratissimum) and ginger (Zingiber officinale) on physiological and immunological parameters of nile tilapia. After 35 and 55 days of supplementation (0.5%, 1.0% and 1.5%), blood collection was performed for determination of metabolites (glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, serum total protein and immunoglobulins) and lysozyme activity. Spleen tissue was also collected at 55 days for analyzing melanomacrophages centers. At 35 days, cholesterol showed significant reduction in the treatments 0.5% and 1.5 ginger and 1.5% clove basil. The serum triglycerides showed significant reduction in these same treatments, in addition to 1.0% clove basil. At 55 days all the supplemented groups showed significant reduction for both parameters. The lysozyme activity at 35 days was significantly higher in fish supplemented with 1.0% ginger and showed no difference among the treatments at 55 days. Regarding the melanomacrophage centers, at 35 days increased number in fish supplemented with 0.5% clove basil was observed but with no significant difference in the total percent area of spleen occupied by centers. The levels of glucose, total serum protein and immunoglobulins did not show significant differences in both sampling times. The addition of essential oils showed to be useful for improving physiological status of the fish, without excessive activation of defense mechanisms.

Effect of dietary supplementation with propolis and Aloe barbadensis extracts on hematological parameters and parasitism in Nile tilapia.

This study evaluated the influence of diet supplementation with propolis and Aloe barbadensis on hematological parameters and parasitism in tilapia. One hundred and eighty fish were distributed among 12 water tanks forming four treatments: fish supplemented with a 1:1 mixture of 0%, 0.5%, 1% and 2% propolis and aloe extracts. After the fish had been fed on the experimental diets for 15 and 21 days, blood samples were taken and parasites collected. The monogeneans Cichlidogyrus sclerosus, C. halli, C. thurstonae and Scutogyrus longicornis were identified in the gills. Between the sampling times, there were increases in the numbers of erythrocytes, leukocytes, thrombocytes and lymphocytes, as observed after 21 days, possibly due to the stress level over the course of the assay and/or accumulation of substances in the organism. Supplementation with the mixture of propolis and aloe for 15 days showed the highest efficacy against the parasites. This was possibly due to the association between the two compounds. The results demonstrated that supplementation with mixtures of extracts did not produce hematological alterations and also favored a significant reduction in the number of gill parasites. The best results were achieved after 15 days of feeding with a diet with 0.5% and 1% supplementation with the extract mixture, which increased efficiency by 83 and 85% respectively.

Effect of dietary supplementation with propolis and Aloe barbadensis extracts on hematological parameters and parasitism in Nile tilapia / Efeito da suplementação dietária com extratos de própolis e Aloe barbadensis sobre parâmetros hematológicos e parasitismo em tilápia do Nilo

This study evaluated the influence of diet supplementation with propolis and Aloe barbadensis on hematological parameters and parasitism in tilapia. One hundred and eighty fish were distributed among 12 water tanks forming four treatments: fish supplemented with a 1:1 mixture of 0%, 0.5%, 1% and 2% propolis and aloe extracts. After the fish had been fed on the experimental diets for 15 and 21 days, blood samples were taken and parasites collected. The monogeneans Cichlidogyrus sclerosus, C. halli, C. thurstonae and Scutogyrus longicornis were identified in the gills. Between the sampling times, there were increases in the numbers of erythrocytes, leukocytes, thrombocytes and lymphocytes, as observed after 21 days, possibly due to the stress level over the course of the assay and/or accumulation of substances in the organism. Supplementation with the mixture of propolis and aloe for 15 days showed the highest efficacy against the parasites. This was possibly due to the association between the two compounds. The results demonstrated that supplementation with mixtures of extracts did not produce hematological alterations and also favored a significant reduction in the number of gill parasites. The best results were achieved after 15 days of feeding with a diet with 0.5% and 1% supplementation with the extract mixture, which increased efficiency by 83 and 85% respectively.

Este estudo avaliou a influência da alimentação de tilápias com dieta suplementada com extratos de própolis e Aloe barbadensis sobre os parâmetros hematológicos e parasitismo. Setenta e dois peixes foram distribuídos em 12 tanques, formando 4 tratamentos: peixes suplementados na dieta com extrato de própolis e aloe (0%, 0,5%, 1% e 2%). Após 15 e 21 dias de alimentação com dietas experimentais foram realizadas coletas de sangue e parasitos. Os monogeneas Cichlidogyrus sclerosus, C. halli, C. thurstonae e Scutogyrus longicornis foram identificados nas brânquias. Entre os períodos de coleta, observou-se aumento nos valores de eritrócitos, leucócitos, trombócitos e linfócitos, após 21 dias de alimentação, o que pode significar estresse ao longo do período experimental e/ou acúmulo dos produtos no organismo.A suplementação com a mistura de própolis e aloe, por 15 dias, apresentou melhor eficácia frente parasitos, possivelmente, devido à associação dos compostos. Os resultados demonstram que a suplementação com a mistura dos extratos não alterou os parâmetros hematológicos, além de favorecer redução significativa no número de parasitos branquiais. Os melhores resultados foram obtidos em 15 dias de alimentação com a dieta suplementada com 0,5% e 1% da mistura dos extratos, respectivamente por 83% e 85% de eficiência.

Leukocyte phagocytosis and lysozyme activity in Nile tilapia fed supplemented diet with natural extracts of propolis and Aloe barbadensis.

Although there is evidence on the benefits in the use of immunostimulants in aquaculture, there are few commercial products being used. This study evaluated the use of natural substances as potential sources for the production of immunostimulants. Propolis and Aloe barbadensis have been widely studied and its extracts have different chemical constituents responsible for antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and immunostimulant. Tilapia juveniles were fed for two weeks with diets supplemented mix of propolis extracts and aloe (1:1) in different concentrations: 0.5, 1 e 2%. After the experimental period, fish blood was collected for hematoimmunological as follows : hematocrit, total plasma protein, erythrocytes (RBC), leukocytes (WBC), differential leukocyte count, phagocytic activity, serum lysozyme activity, and serum antimicrobial activity, serum antimicrobial activity (evaluated against Aeromonas hydrophila, Enterococcus durans and Escherichia coli). Except for higher number of thrombocytes in 1%-supplemented fish, the rest did not show significant difference.

Effects of chromium supplementation on the infrapopulations of Anacanthorus penilabiatus (Monogenoidea) and Piscinoodinium pillulare (Dinoflagellida) parasites of Piaractus mesopotamicus (Characidae)

This study evaluated the parasitism by Anacanthorus penilabiatus (Monogenoidea) and Piscinoodinium pillulare (Dinoflagellida) in the gills of "pacu", Piaractus mesopotamicus supplemented with chromium in the diet. Randomised delineation by using factorial scheme (4x2x2) for Monogenoidea and 4x2x3 for Dinoflagellate with four levels of chromium (0, 6, 12, 18mg/kg diet), two stocking densities (4kg/m³ and 20kg/m ³), two classes of length (higher and lower than 17 cm) for a period of 7, 60 and 90 days, and four replicates was used. The fishes in low density which received 12 and 18mg/kg showed decreased monogeneoidea values, seven days after the experiment begin. Six, 12 and 18 mg/kg caused reduction in the dinoflagellate number in the fishes maintained at 20kg/m³. It was possible that chromium supplementation (12 e 18mg/kg) favoured the fishes health by reducing Monogenoidea and Dinoflagellida number in lower and higher densities, respectively.

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a intensidade de parasitismo por monogenóide Anacanthorus penilabiatus e pelo dinoflagelado Piscinoodinium pillulare em pacus Piaractus mesopotamicus, cuja dieta foi suplementada com cromo. Foram utilizados dois delineamentos em esquema fatorial, consistindo de 4 níveis de cromo (0, 6, 12, 18 mgCQC/kg), duas densidades de estocagem (4 kg/m³ e 20 kg/m³) e duas classes de tamanho para monogenóide (maiores e menores de 17cm) e/ou 3 períodos de coleta (7, 60 e 90 dias), com quatro repetições. Os peixes que receberam 12 e 18mg CQC/kg apresentaram diminuição de monogenóides após 7 dias de alimentação na menor densidade. Nos peixes na maior densidade, os níveis de 6, 12 e 18 mgCQC/kg ocasionou redução de dinoflagelados. Os resultados demonstraram que a suplementação com cromo (12 e 18 mgCQC/kg) promoveu uma melhora na saúde dos peixes na menor e na maior densidade, respectivamente.

Ração suplementada com vitaminas C e E influencia a resposta inflamatória aguda em tilápia do Nilo / Vitamin C and E supplemented diet influences the acute inflammatory response in Nile tilapia

Este estudo avaliou o hemograma e a resposta inflamatória aguda em tilápia do Nilo alimentada com 500mg de vitamina C e 500mg de vitamina E/kg de ração. Após 30 dias de alimentação com a dieta suplementada com as vitaminas, 500µg de carragenina, 3mg de lipopolissacarídeo (LPS)/kg de peixe e 0,5ml de solução salina estéril (controle) foram injetados na bexiga natatória dos animais. Seis horas após, os peixes foram anestesiados para coleta de amostras sangüíneas e análise da resposta inflamatória. Peixes injetados com carragenina e LPS apresentaram as maiores contagens totais de leucócitos no sangue, sendo que a suplementação vitamínica na ração provocou redução no número total de trombócitos nos injetados com carragenina. A taxa de glicose, o número de eritrócitos, o hematócrito e o cortisol não sofreram influência da suplementação vitamínica na ração. A suplementação vitamínica provocou redução no número de neutrófilos no sangue dos animais injetados com LPS. Nos peixes injetados com carragenina e LPS alimentados com vitaminas, houve maior migração de células para o sítio inflamado. O LPS provocou maior migração de células em comparação com os demais tratamentos, principalmente por macrófagos. A suplementação vitamínica provocou aumento no número de trombócitos no exsudato em peixes injetados com carragenina e LPS.

This study evaluated the haematology and acute inflammatory response in Nile tilapia fed with 500mg vitamin C and 500 mg vitamin E/kg dry ration. Thirty days after feeding with supplemented diet, 500µg carrageenin, 3mg lipopolysacharide (LPS)/kg body weight and 0.5ml sterile saline solution (control) were injected in the swim bladder. Six hours after the fish were anesthetized to collect blood and analysis of the inflammatory response. Fish injected with carrageenin and LPS showed the highest counts of total leucocytes in blood and, the vitamin supplementation provoked reduction in the number of total thrombocytes in the carrageenin injected fish. Glucose, erythrocyte number, hematocrit and cortisol were not influenced by the vitamin supplmentation. The addition of vitamins in the diet caused reduction in the number of neutrophils in LPS injected fish. Once more, fish injected with carrageenin and LPS fed vitamins showed higher migration of leucocytes to the inflamed site. LPS provoked the highest migration of inflammatory cells, mainly by macrophages when compared to the other treatments. Vitamin supplementation increased the number of thrombocytes in the inflammatory exsudate in carrageenin and LPS injected fish.

Suplementaçäo com vitamina C e E sobre o desenvolvimento e sobrevivência de girinos de rä-touro (Rana catesbeiana Shaw, 1802) / Vitamin C and supplementation on the development and survival of bullfrog tadpoles (Rana catesbeiana Shaw, 1802)

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos da suplementaçäo de vitamina C e E sobre o desenvolvimento e sobrevivência de girinos de rä-touro. Os animais receberam 50, 250 e 500mg de vitamina C ou E/kg de raçäo, distribuídos segundo delineamento inteiramente casualizado com 3 repetiçöes cada. Na dieta controle, näo foram adicionadas vitaminas. Os girinos suplementados com vitamina C ou E näo apresentaram diferença significativa no crescimento, comparadas ao controle. Näo obstante, os suplementados com 500mg de vitamina C apresentaram melhor sobrevivência (62,83 ppor cento) do que os animais controle (40,48 por cento; p<0,05), nos demais níveis desta vitamina e a adiçäo de vitamina E näo alteraram a sobrevivência. O presente trabalho sugere que 500mg de vitamina C/kg de raçäo constitui uma opçäo para melhorar a sobrevivência de girinos de rä-touro.