Nutritional diseases in fishes - aquaculture

Nutritional disease in fishes with complete notes cum examples

1. NUTRITIONAL DISEASES IN FISHES Presentation by Dinesh pakalapati Roll no - 16 MSC Marine biology Disease and health management - Sem II ~ Vikrama Simhapuri University

2. Introduction- Nutritional diseases in fish, caused by both deficiencies and excesses of essential nutrients, can lead to various health problems, including reduced growth, increased susceptibility to infections, and even mortality. Causes and consequences: Nutrient deficiencies: A lack of essential nutrients, like vitamins, minerals, proteins, or fats, can lead to various diseases. Nutrient imbalances: Excessive intake of certain nutrients can also be detrimental, causing conditions like obesity or liver failure.

3. Importance of nutrition in fish health Nutrition plays a critical role in FISH LIFE Growth and development OF MUSCLE Immune system function OF ANIMAL Reproductive health Stress resistance Flesh quality and market value ~ Fish require a balanced diet consisting of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water. Any deficiency or excess can result in nutritional diseases , affecting production efficiency.

4. Types of nutritional diseases in fishes - Protein and amino acid deficiency Cause : inadequate protein or imbalance of essential amino acids ( e.G. , Methionine, lysine) in fish feed. Symptoms: Slow growth and weight loss Muscle degeneration Reduced reproductive performance Dark skin pigmentation Example: lysine deficiency in carnivorous fish can cause spinal deformities.

5. 2. Lipid and Fatty Acid Deficiency Cause : Lack of essential fatty acids (e.g., omega-3, omega-6) in diet. Symptoms : Fatty liver syndrome Poor growth and weak immune system Reduced reproductive performance Example: Deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids in marine fish causes fin erosion and reduced stress tolerance.

6. Vitamins are essential for metabolic functions. Deficiency leads to severe health problems in fishes. Vitamin C deficiency (ascorbic acid deficiency) Cause: lack of vitamin C in feed (often due to improper storage). Symptoms: Scoliosis and lordosis (spinal deformities) Haemorrhages and poor wound healing Weak immune response Example: affects species like salmon, carp, and tilapia. 3. Vitamin Deficiencies:

7. B. Vitamin A Deficiency Cause: Inadequate vitamin A in diet. Symptoms: Eye problems (exophthalmia, blindness) Reduced growth rate Poor egg development in breeding fish

8. C. Vitamin D Deficiency Cause: Low vitamin D leads to improper calcium and phosphorus absorption. Symptoms: Skeletal deformities Fragile bones and poor growth

9. D. Vitamin E Deficiency Cause: Lack of antioxidants in diet. Symptoms: Muscle degeneration (white muscle disease) Reduced fertility and hatchability in fish eggs

10. E. Vitamin K Deficiency Cause: Poor diet formulation. Symptoms: Blood clotting problems Internal haemorrhages

11. Minerals like calcium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, and iodine are essential for proper growth and metabolism. A. Calcium and Phosphorus Deficiency Cause: Poor dietary mineral balance. Symptoms: Bone deformities Weak skeletal structure Solution: Adding fishmeal, bone meal, or mineral supplements to feed. 4. Mineral Deficiencies

12. B. Iron Deficiency ( Anemia ) Cause: Low iron content in diet. Symptoms: Pale gills Reduced oxygen transport in blood Example: Common in herbivorous fish like tilapia. C. Iodine Deficiency ( Goiter ) Cause: Lack of iodine in feed. Symptoms: Swelling in the thyroid gland Metabolic disorders

13. 5. Nutritional Imbalances and Toxicities A. Protein Excess Cause: Feeding high-protein diets unnecessarily. Symptoms Increased ammonia excretion, leading to water pollution Kidney and liver damage

14. B. Excess Lipids (Fatty Liver Disease) Cause : High-fat diets or poor lipid quality. Symptoms Liver degeneration Reduced disease resistance

15. C. Vitamin and Mineral Toxicity Excessive vitamins and minerals can also be harmful. Vitamin D toxicity → Calcification of soft tissues Vitamin A toxicity → Liver damage Copper toxicity → Gill damage

16. Prevention and Management of Nutritional Diseases Balanced Diet Formulation Ensure feed contains appropriate protein, lipids, vitamins, and minerals. Use high-quality fishmeal, plant-based ingredients, and supplements. Proper Feed Storage and Handling Prevent vitamin degradation by storing feed in a cool, dry place. Use antioxidant preservatives to protect essential nutrients. Regular Health Monitoring Observe fish for symptoms like poor growth, deformities, or unusual behaviour. Conduct water quality tests and nutritional analyses. Feed Additives and Supplements Probiotics and prebiotics improve digestion. Omega-3 supplements enhance immune function. Species-Specific Nutrition Different fish species have unique nutritional needs. Carnivorous fish require high protein. while herbivores need more fiber .

17. Nutritional diseases in fishes pose significant challenges to aquaculture and fish farming. Proper feed formulation, regular monitoring, and preventive measures are essential for maintaining fish health and maximizing production. Sustainable aquaculture practices should focus on balanced nutrition to ensure optimal fish growth, disease resistance, and economic benefits. Conclusion ~ "Good nutrition equals healthy fish and profitable farming!"

18. Thank You!