PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF BANGLADESH
MINISTRY OF FISHERIES AND LIVESTOCK
FISHERIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE

PROGRESS IN NUTRITION RESEARCH

FAO/UNDP TA - PROJECT BGD 83 - 010
IDA/WB AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH II PROJECT
REPORT NO 17, OCTOBER 1987

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1. Terms of Reference included focus upon:

1. Review of nutrition and diet testing progress in 86/87.

2. Ammend nutrition programme at FARS for 87/88.

3. Review and update experimental feed mill development.

4. Plan diet testing capabilities for BFRS and MFRS.

5. Training for nutrition, feed technology and diet testing.

2. Review of Progress in Nutrition, Feed Technology and Diet Testing.

2.1 The National Fish Feedstuffs Survey co-operative programme between FRI, the FARS nutrition unit and Bangladesh Agricultural University led by Dr. Bhuiyan has been only 20–30% completed. This national survey for fish feedstuffs contemplated collection and assay of 40–50 representative samples from various parts of the country. About 20 samples were collected and the nutrition section of FARS dried these, calculated moisture content and stored the samples for future proximate analysis. No proximate analysis was done at BAU. Dr. Bhuiyan has been transfered to FRI staff and assigned duties as Chief Scientific Officer for the Brachishwater Fisheries Research Station at Paikgacha. Mr. Khaleque, SSO for the project, has left by transfer to the Department of Fisheries. It is planned to complete this project in 87/88 when the scientific equipment for the chemistry laboratory is delivered. Standard INFIC assay procedures will be followed.

2.2 The Protein Requirement study was not completed. The diets with varying protein content were made, but initial attempts to feed these diets to fish in an aquarium system failed. No diet testing facilities at FARS have been constructed to date and attempts to conduct feeding trials in static water in glass aguaria on the site were unsuccessful. Arrangements were made to use the hatching cones in the hatchery system during the off-season (about six months per year) until the new wet laboratory for diet testing is completed.

2.3 The Digestibility Coefficient assays for feedstuffs collected in the National Fish Feedstuffs Survey were unsuccessful. Initial attempts to force feed rohu resulted in excessive mortalities. The stripping technique for collection of feces was also unsuccessful. No chromic oxide was available to mark the diet and fecal wastes. This project was delayed until arrival of the nutrition consultant, and new techniques for collection of representative samples of fecal waste by sacrifice and intestinal resection demonstrated.

3. Ammended Nutrition and Diet Development Programme.

3.1 The Digestibility Coefficients for feedstuffs assays were redesigned. A new proposal was written to plan conducting biological testing and fecal sample collection, drying and storage in a dessicator until chemistry equipment is delivered, which will allow completion of the assays for chromium in the diets and in the fecal samples. Six large aquaria were set up to contain groups of (1) Rohu, (2) Mrigal, and (3) Tilapia. Test lots of these fish were acclimated to the aquaria for one week and taught to feed on the DC reference diet. After one week of acclimation, the reference diet was mixed 50/50 with a test feedstuff, the diet was marked with 0.5% Cr203, and the fish were fed at 08oo, 10oo, 12oo, 14oo and 17oo hrs daily for 4 days. On day 5 after the 10oo hr feeding, 10 fish were sacrificed at 12oo hrs; a window was opened in the abdominal cavity, exposing the gastrointestinal tract. The posterior 25% of the intestine was excised and the contents of the lower intestine expressed by gentle pressure onto a weighing boat. All ten samples of feces were combined, the samples dried at 105 degr. C overnight, and the dried samples stored in a desiccator until subsequent assay for chromium content. Samples of diet were also dried and stored for assay. Details of reference diet ingredients methods for chromic oxide assay, and calculation of DC can be obtained from the proposal submitted to the CSO of FARS.

3.2 A Feedstuffs and DC Aquisition Book was organized. This permanent log of aquisition of feedstuffs from the national survey will record permanent sample number, date received, proximate analysis details, DC assays, and will be used later for subsequent assays for DC of protein, fat and carbohydrate components to yield a Nutrient Score profile for diet formulation and diet testing programmes.

3.3 A DC reference diet was made from casein, wheat flour, vitamin mix and bound with raw whole egg. After extruding into pellets, the semi-moist diet was dried at 105 C for one hour to coagulate the protein and inactivate the avidin in the egg white. This diet was offered and was accepted by 10 fish groups of small rohu, mrigal and tilapia. This diet was marked by adding 0.5% Cr203 and will be used as the DC reference diet for all DC calculations for feedstuffs used in the DC assays.

3.4 Tilapia, rohu and mrigal were used to demonstrate acclimation and diet acceptance training in static water aquaria. Routine maintenance procedures were developed for daily water change, aquarium cleaning techniques, aeration, light reduction and feeding techniques for standard dietary intake for DC assays of diet ingredients. A rigid discipline for periodic feeding and sample collection was adopted.

3.5 Disection for fecal sample collection was demonstrated. At necropsy, a window was opened in the abdominal cavity exposing the gastrointestinal tract with the anus attached. The posterior 25% of the intestine was excised and carefully removed to a flat surface. The feces were expressed by gentle pressure onto a small weighing boat. The dark green colored feces was easily obtained. Care was used to minimize inclusion of intestinal mucosa or tissue components. Tilapia and rohu were used as sample fish.

3.6 Cones were arranged for diet trials. The concrete hatching cones were examined and can be used (with addition of screens for drains and surface) for diet trials during the six months these stand vacant each year. An upwelling water flow can be used for the diet trials with small fish where only a gentle flow is necessary and loading density is high. The diet trials will be developed following the DC assays of feedstuffs to allow formulation of diets with varying nutrient levels from different components. Trials to determine nutrient requirements of major carps and other desirable fish for aquaculture in Bangladesh can be developed in subsequent proposals for semi-annual use of these units.

4. Experimental Feed Mill evelopment.

4.1 The design of the experimental feed mill building was reviewed with station engineers and with World Bank personnel. Modifications suggested and agreed upon by the Director FRI, the Research Planning Advisor, and World Bank personnel, included a small addition to house the walk-in cooler, the walk-in freezer, the compressor room and the roof evaporator for an ammonia type freezer unit. Location can be seen on the enclosed sketch.

4.2 Feedmill equipment specifications were reviewed with FAO, World Bank, and FRI personnel. Rejustification for size and type of equipment was presented to each group concerned. This size of equipment is for an Experimental Feed Mill with capability to manufacture pilot scale amounts of 8 different types of fish feed for experimental diet testing trials at FARS, BFRS, RFRS, and MFRS. Color illustrations of equipment locations together with line assembly of the different unit processes for manufacture of each type of feed was described for the Director FRI, the nutrition section personnel, the RPA and World Bank personnel.

4.3 Modification of specifications for experimental feed mill equipment included more complete details in specifications requested, and the inclusion of the specifications for the air system supply compressor unit and for the walk-in cool room (5–10 C), the walk in freezer room (-20 - -5 C), the compressor room and the roof top evaporator units. Location of these units can be seen on the enclosed floor plan of the experimental feed mill building.

4.4 A draft tender document was prepared for International Tender. This draft was discussed and approved by the Director FRI and was submitted for review, approval and advertizement by World Bank personnel. Modifications of the proposed Tender included (1) all equipment to be provided by one firm, (2) successful bidder to provide an agent for 15 days at FRI site after building is completed and equipment delivered to FRI site at Mymensingh, said agent to install all equipment, except freezer compressor units, and said agent to instruct FRI personnel in operation and maintenance of all machinery in the manufacture of test lots of all 8 types of diets. These installation and training operations to be under the direct supervision of the Nutrition Consultant for FRI. World Bank and FRI estimates of tender timing include floating tender in October 87, 60 day advertizing period, awarding bid late December 87, delivery of equipment (90 – 120 days) by April 88, custom clearance by June 88, and delivery of all equipment to FARS by July 88. Earlier expediting of delivery would be appreciated.

4.5 Review of laboratory equipment and floating tender for same was completed. Bids were opened 22 September, the technical committee of FRI sent in a favourable report, and the approval from the tender committee is expected in early October 87. Purchase and delivery of laboratory equipment is expected by the end of December 1987. The analysis of feedstuffs can be scheduled for January 88 under the direct supervision of Dr. Bhuiyan, the CSO for BFRS, who is currently assigned responsibility for supervizing the nutrition programme at FARS.

5. Training.

5.1 Begum Momtez and Begum Nahar completed a three month intensive training course in Principles of Fish Nutrition and Fish Feed Technology at the University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA, September - December 1986. Demonstrations and practice on each machine included in the experimental feed mill equipment lines was completed. Eight different diet types were manufactured. Diet testing design and feed formulation techniques were explained. Final examination included (1) nutritional requirements of warm water and cold water species, (2) metabolism of nutrients by fishes, (3) feedstuffs preparation and analysis, (4) techniques for feedstuffs and diet response evaluations, (5) fish diet formulation techniques, (6) feed mill design, (7) least cost nutrient balanced rations, (8) site visits to dietary ingredient manufacturing plants, (9) site visits to feed mills and aquaculture successful operations. Details of instruction can be found in the class schedule in Fish Feed Technology, FAO Training Manual.

5.2 Integrated aquaculture. A lecture on Comparative Nutrient Requirements of Poultry and Fish was given during the 10 day course on Integrated Aquaculture at FARS. Similarities in certain nutrient requirements and differences between avian and fish species was presented. Improved utilization of expensive protein components, poorly utilized energy sources, and waste products of poultry and/or fish metabolism were outlined. Dividents from utilizing these interrelationships and constraints in diet formulations and management practices were explained to the students in the course.

5.3 Necropsy techniques for collection of fecal samples was described and demonstrated to FARS personnel. Better techniques for aquarium management and for adapting fish (mrigal, rohu and Tilapia) to aquarium studies was demonstrated to Momtez and Nahar. Techniques for training fish to feed on new diets was demonstrated.

6. Diet testing capabilities at FARS, BFRS and MFRS.

6.1 Diet testing capabilities for FARS were discussed with the Director FRI and CSO FARS. A wet laboratory with 24–36 test units, provided with running water, drains and automatic feed equipment was outlined. It is planned to build this diet testing building adjacent to the existing hatchery to utilize the power and water supplies there.

6.2 Diet testing capability for BFRS was discussed with Dr. Karim, Dr. Bhuiyan (CSO for BFRS), and with the Director FRI. Inclusion of a 24 diet testing unit was agreed as an addition to hatchery building design.

6.3 Diet testing capability for MFRS was discussed with Dr. Cheney, consultant for research plans for MFRS. A sketch was made of a 24 unit flexible down water or reverse flow water diet testing unit which could be used for either shrimp, or finfish, and which could be economically constructed from brick and cement. See enclosure.

7. Recommendations.

7.1 One firm should be selected to provide all experimental feed mill equipment.

7.2 Supplier of equipment should provide agent for installation and train personnel in operation of each machine.

7.3 Spare parts for normal wear and tear of machines should be part of tender specifications.

7.4 Assign a PSO for the Nutrition and Diet Development programme of FRI, to be based at FARS.

7.5 Make available a revolving account of funds at FARS for start-up project costs until proposals for Contact Research funding are approved and funds allocated.

7.6 Build a diet testing facility at FARS as soon as possible.

7.7 Include design for a diet testing facility at BFRS and MFRS.

7.8 Remodel chemistry and nutrition labs to include at least one chemical hood and more electric outlets.

7.9 Move FRI headquarters to Dhaka to improve efficiency and minimize senior personnel repeated travel to Dhaka.

7.10 Construct a proper lecture hall/auditorium at FARS.

7.11 Nutrition Consultant should return only when feed building is completed and experimental feed mill equipment is delivered to FARS.

PEOPLE CONTACTED (time order)

Dr. Hans Van Zon, Research Planning Adviser, FRI
Dr. M. V. Gupta, FAO Aquaculture Consultant, FRI
Dr. M. Karim, Aquaculture consultant, Dhaka
Dr. Asadur Rahman, Director, FRI
Dr. M. Rahman, Deputy Director, FRI
Dr. S. Shah, CSO, FARS
Dr. A. Bhuiyan, CSO, BFRS
Dr. M. Bhuiyan, Professor, Chittagong University
Dr. A.K.M. Nuruzzaman, Member Director, BARC
Dr. James Dickey, Winrock Livestock Consultant, BARC
Dr. A.L. Sarker, Additional Director, FRI
Dr. Richard T. Wurster, FAO Seed Project, Dhaka
Dr. M.A. Haque, Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Industry, LTD
Dr. Darrell Deppert, Aquaculture Specialist, DANIDA
Dr. Peter Perschbacher, Aquaculture Adviser, DANIDA
Mr. Ross Wallace, Senior Project Officer, World Bank
Mr. Jan Poulisse, Project Programme Manager, FAO
Mr. John A. Hoskins, FAO Representative for Bangladesh
Mr. M. Rahamatullah, Consultant, World Bank
Dr. Daniel Cheney, Consultant for MFRS
Dr. Kai Johannesson, Team Leader, BGD/80/025
Dr. Nicolas Van Zalinge, Senior Shrimp Biologist, BGD/80/025
Mr. Sultan Alam, Antorik Corporation
Mr. P.K. Barman, Deputy Director, BFDC
Mr. A. Khaleque, DOF, Khulna District
Mrs. Momtez Alam, SSO, FARS
Mrs. Nahar Rahaman, SO, FARS
Mr. Imre Csavas, Regional Fisheries Officer, FAO, Bangkok

ABBREVIATIONS

PLACE WINDOWS OVER SINK AND DRY COUNTERS ONLY. LOCATION OF 10 TDN FREEZER ADJACENT AUTO DOOR

Sketch of Floor Plan of Diet Testing Unit
24 units 0.6 × 0.6 × 0.6 m inside dimensions