Drawing on laboratory and farm studies, the book reviews in detail the current state-of-the-art scientific research knowledge of fish and crustacean nutrition, from larvae to juvenile fish, through to the final stages of harvesting. Topics covered include issues surrounding the formulation, manufacture and delivery of feedstuffs to fish farms and the text provides a dual focus on fish and shrimp feeding requirements addressing practical applications as appropriate for the European aqualculture industry.

This study examines protein metabolism and growth in decapod crustaceans. Recognizing that successful commercial aquaculture of crustacean species is dependent on nutrition, the book focuses on the knowledge of crustacean nutritional requirements and factors affecting growth.

Crustacean Farming: Ranching and Culture, Second edition. John F. Wickins and Daniel O'C Lee. The second edition of an extremely well-received book, Crustacean Farming, deals with all cultivated crustaceans of commercial significance, shrimp, prawns, crayfish, lobsters, crabs, and spiny lobsters, and examines the criteria by which both the feasibility and desirability of farming proposals are assessed. The characteristics and production methods of farmed and candidate crustacean species are described in sufficient detail to enable areas of profitable involvement to be distinguished form other opportunities presenting only very high risks and possibilities for serious loss. Coverage extends right from broodstock acquisition and management through to the operation of hatcheries, nurseries and on-growing units to key aspects of processing and marketing. New to this second edition are ranching and re-stocking operations together with the culture of ornamental shrimp and small crustaceans used as live food in fish and shellfish hatcheries. The sections on crustacean diseases, genetics and nutrition have been extended in the light of recent research advances. Examples of investment and operating costs of the different culture options are compared and an analysis of current trends in world crustacean markets is presented to assist in economic and financial appraisal. Special consideration is given to the place of crustacean farming within the economics of developing nations in relation to social and environmental impact in order to promote awareness of the wider implications of global developments. The consequences of recent research and technical developments are considered, together with concerns over genetic and animal welfare issues. Specific areas where further advances in technology are needed to improve the reliability or productivity of farming systems are highlighted. This important book is a vital tool and reference work for all those involved with crustacean farming worldwide.

Amino acids (AAs) are not only building blocks of protein, but are also signalling molecules as well as regulators of gene expression and the protein phosphorylation cascade. Additionally, AAs are key precursors for syntheses of hormones and low-molecular weight nitrogenous substances with each having enormous biological importance. For example, physiological concentrations of AA metabolites (e.g., nitric oxide, polyamines, glutathione, taurine, thyroid hormones, and serotonin) are required for cell functions. Growing evidence shows that humans and animals have dietary requirements for all proteinogenic AAs. Mammals, birds and fish also have species- and age-dependent needs for some AA-related substances. However, elevated levels of other products (e.g., ammonia, homocysteine, H2S, and asymmetric dimethylarginine) are pathogenic factors for neurological disorders, oxidative stress, and cardiovascular disease. Thus, optimal amounts of AAs and their ratios in diets and circulation are crucial for whole body homeostasis and health. Adequate provision of one or a mixture of functional AAs or metabolites may be beneficial for ameliorating health problems at various stages of the life cycle (e.g., fetal growth restriction, neonatal morbidity and mortality, weaning-associated intestinal dysfunction and wasting syndrome, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, the metabolic syndrome, and infertility). Dietary supplementation of these nutrients can also optimize the efficiency of metabolic transformations to enhance muscle growth, milk production, and athletic performance, while preventing excess fat deposition and reducing adiposity. Therefore, functional AAs hold great promise in improving the growth, health and well-being of individuals. Chapter 7 is available open access under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License via link.springer.com.