Protein and energy requirement for tambaqui  using different nutritional approaches

The aim of this Project is quantitatively and qualitatively determine protein and energy requirement for tambaqui using different nutritional approaches. Additionally, the Project will determine maintaining energy and protein requirement in different growth stages, evaluate feed efficiency of tambaqui, analyze the growth rate and changes in whole-body chemical composition according to the life stages of fish, establish the proper protein, carbohydrate and lipid proportion and, by using all the data develop a bioenergetic model to estimate nutrient requirements and predict feed intake, growth and nutrient excretion by tambaqui.

Project leader: Igo Gomes Guimarães

PhD student linked to the project: Lincoln Nunes de Oliveira

Nutritional status of taurine in selected native species used in aquaculture

The aim of this Project is evaluate the nutritional status of taurine in wild and farmed tambaqui, pacu, pirarucu and spotted surubim based on activity of key enzymes from sulphur amino acid metabolism and through taurine concentration in several tissues. . 

Finnancial support -  Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Project leader: Igo Gomes Guimarães

PhD student linked to the project: Cristielle Nunes Souto

Development of nutritional package for limiting phosphorus excretion in tambaqui farming

1. Determine P absorption in organic and inorganic P sources; 2. Determine the segment g the digestive tract responsible where P is absorbed and the physiological mechanisms which tambaqui uses to digest and absorb P from organic and inorganic sources; 3. Determine available P requirement for tambaqui in three different growth stages; 4. Develop a commercial diet for reducing P excretion for tambaqui.

 Financial support- Fundação de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Goiás(FAPEG).

Research leader: Igo Gomes Guimarães

Post doc and máster student linked to the project: Janaína Gomes Araújo Santos and Ludmilla Lopes de Castro

Optimum amino acid profile for maximum growth and protein retention of tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum)

This Project aims to determine the optimum amino acid profile based on the ideal protein concept, and the optimum ratio between essential and non-essential amino acids. This project is a collaboration between international institutes (NIFES) and feed industries (Evonik and Ajinomoto) 

Financial support- Fundação de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Goiás(FAPEG).

 

Research leader: Igo Gomes Guimarães

PhD student linked to the project: Graciela Pessoa Martins

Metabolic response of the hybrid Jundiara (Leiarius marmoratus ♀ x Pseudoplatystoma punctifer ♂)fed diets containing different carbohydrate to protein ratio

 

Partial replacement of protein by carbohydrates have shown a protein sparing effect and positively affected several growth parameters: growth rate, weight gain, feed conversion, and protein efficiency. However, this replacement must be performed with care because some species have limited ability to metabolize glucose. Ineterespecific hybridization has been used in Brazil since the 80s to produce fish with desired chacteristics to aquaculture, such as rapid growth and disease resistant. Nonetheless, hybrids derived from crossings between carnivorous and omnivorous fish tend to maintain growth and organoleptical features of their parents, thus being able to efficiently grow in a omvirous diet during the finishing, which can be used to reduce their feeding cost. However, nutritional management studies of the hybrid Leiarius marmoratus x Pseudoplatystoma punctifer, commercialy known as “Jundiara,” is lacking. Thus, this Project aims to determine the proper carbohydrate:protein ratio for juveniles of the hybrid jundiara, an important fish for the aquaculture in Goias.

 Financial support- Fundação de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Goiás(FAPEG).

Research leader: Denise Silva de Oliveira

Master Student linked to the project: Thiago Moraes de Faria

 

Does dietary feed additives increase tambaqui resistance to transport stress?

The use of imunonutrients and immunostimulants can reduce the side effects of stress and help improving immune response in response to transport stress. The use of these nutrients in fish diets may favor defense response to the stress of intensive fish farming, such as transport. Nonetheless, economic losses due to mortality in these systems are significant and alternatives to reduce it may seem to be of great importance, mainly by the use of sustainable management such as the use of immunostimulants and nutrients to improve organic response as prophylactic measurements. Based on the hypothesis that immunonutrients may improve the response to stress while immunostimulants activates an immune response, this study aims to evaluate the potential use of this nutritional strategy in tambaqui farming to improve the welfare of the fish and evaluate its economical impact n production and resistance of tambaqui to transport stress.

 

Research leader: Igo Gomes Guimarães

Master Student linked to the project: Bruno Mazini