Fish Nutrition & Feed Technology MFSc & PhD Syllabus

MFSc & PhD Programs 

in Fish Nutrition & Feed 

Technology - Syllabus 

Central Institute of Fisheries Education 

Mumbai 

18/4/08 1

M.F.Sc (Fish Nutrition and Feed Technology) Major Courses 

Code Course Title Credits 

CORE COURSES 

1. FNB 501 Fish Nutrition 2+1 

2. FNB 502 Nutritional Biochemistry 2+1 

3. FNB 503 Feed Formulation and Feed Technology 2+1 

4. FNB 504 Nutritional Energetic 2+1 

OPTIONAL COURSES 

1. FNB 505 Digestive physiology 1+1 

2. FNB 506 Vitamins and Minerals Nutrition 1+1 

3. FNB 507 Nutritional Requirements and Feeding Management 1+1 

4. FNB 508 Protein Nutrition 1+1 

5. FNB 509 Feed Ingredients and Additives 1+1 

6. FNB 510 Nutrition and Feeding of Crustaceans 1+1 

7. FNB 511 Lipid Nutrition 1+1 

8. FNB 512 Carbohydrate Nutrition 1+1 

PhD (Fish Nutrition and Feed Technology) Major Courses 

Code Course Title Credits 

CORE COURSES 

1. FNB 601 Advances in Bioenergetics 2+1 

2. FNB 602 Advances in Feed Technology 2+1 

3. FNB 603 Larval and Brood Stock Nutrition 2+1 


1. FNB 604 Advances in Nutrition 1+1 

2. FNB 605 Biochemical Endocrinology 1+1 

3. FNB 606 Molecular Nutrition 1+1 

4. FNB 607 Nutraceuticals 1+1 

5. FNB 608 Feed Intake and Feeding Behaviour 1+1 

18/4/08 2

FNB 502 General fish Nutrition (2+1) 

Objective 

• To understand the basic principle of Fish Nutrition 

• To understand the function of Individual nutrients 

• To create awareness about the feed additives used in Aquafeed 

Theory 

Protein nutrition of fish and shellfish:- Introduction, function and metabolism of protein, amino 

acids and their classification, specific function, protein deficiency symptoms, evaluation criteria 

of dietary protein. 

Lipid nutrition: - Introduction, function, metabolism , Fatty acids and their classification, specific 

functions of essential fatty acids, deficiency symptoms, evaluation of lipid quality. 

Carbohydrate nutrition: - Introduction, function, metabolism, improvement of carbohydrate 

utilization by fish 

Vitamin nutrition: - Introduction, classification, source, functions, deficiency symptoms 

Minerals nutrition: - Introduction, classification, source, functions, deficiency symptoms 

Energy nutrition: - definition, energetics, expression of energy value of feed (gross energy, 

digestible energy, metabolizable energy, net energy), partitioning of energy, protein energy 

ratio. 

Larval nutrition: - Importance of live feed and artificial feed, Different types of feed available for 

larvae (only classification), constraints and scope 

Brood stock nutrition:- Nutrients required for reproduction, egg and sperm quality. 

Feed additives: - Classification, function, and specific use for economic and quality fish and 

shellfish production. 

18/4/08 3

Practical: - 

Identification of common feed ingredients; Proximate analysis: Moisture, Crude Protein, Crude 

Lipid, Ash, Acid insoluble ash, Nitrogen free extract of feed fish tissue, Fatty acid analysis, 

Calcium, Phosphorus content of feed. 

Reference: 

ADCP (Aquaculture Development and Co-ordination Programme) 1980. Fish Feed Technology, 

ADCP/REP/80/11.FAO, Rome. 

Guillame, J., Kaushik, S., Berqot P., and Metallier, R., 2001. Nutrition and feeding of fish and 

crustaceans, Springer Praxis Publishing, Chichester, UK. 

Halver J.E. 1989. Fish Nutrition, Academic Press, San Diego, CA. 

Halver, J.E, and Tlews, K.T. 1979. Finfish nutrition and fishfeed technology Vol. I and II 

Heenemann, Berlin. 

Hepper, B. 1988. Nutrition of pond fishes. 

Lovell, T., 1988. Nutrition and Feeding of Fish. Kluwer Academic Publishers. 

Halver, J and Hardy, R.W. 2002. Fish nutrition. Academic press, London. 824 

Sena S.De Silva, Trevor A.Anderson. 1995. Fish Nutrition in Aquaculture, Chapman & Hall 

Aquaculture Series, London. 

Lovell, R.T. 1998. Nutrition and Feeding of Fishes, Chapman & Hall, New York 

Journals 

Aquaculture 

Aquaculture Nutrition 

Aquaculture Research 

Journal of Applied Icthyology 

18/4/08 4

Journal of Aquatic Living Resources 

Israel Journal of Aquaculture- Bamideh 

Applied Aquaculture 

Journal of Aquaculture in Tropics 

Jounal of Fish Physiology and Biochemistry 

Asia-Austalasian Jounal of Animal Science 

Research area 

1. Quantitative estimation of feed intake: Natural vs Artificial feed 

2. Digestibility of natural and artificial feed 

3. Broodstock feed 

4. Larval feed 

FNB 502 Nutritional Biochemistry (2+1) 

Objective 

• To understand the basic structure and Function of Biomolecules and their metabolism in 

fish 

Theory 

Carbohydrates: Definition, classification and biological significance of monosaccharides, 

disaccharides, and polysaccharides with special reference to starch, glycogen, cellulose, chitin 

and mucopolysaccharides, Digestion, Constraints and factors affecting carbohydrate digestibility 

Lipids: Definition, classification and biological significance of fatty acids, Digestion of lipid, 

peroxidation and antaoxidants 

Proteins: Definition, classification and biological significance; Amino acids: structure, 

classification, Structure of proteins- primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary, Digestion, 

factors affecting digestibility, Factors affecting the protein quality 

Nucleic acids: Structure, biological functions and properties of nucleic acids, structure of purines, 

pyrimidines, DNA and RNA; Nucleic acid and immunity 

18/4/08 5

Practical: - 

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and nucleic acids. 

Preparation of standard biochemicals and buffer solutions. Determination of pH of buffer 

solutions. Handling and operation of spectrophotometer, pH meter, microbalance, centrifuge, 

electrophoresis apparatus and preparation of tissue homogenate from fish organs. 

Reference: 

Suggested Readings 

Lehninger, A.L. 1993. Principles of Biochemistry. 

Smith, E.L., Hill, R.L., Lehman, I.R., Lefkowitz, R.J., Handler, P. and White, A. 1983. The principles 

of Biochemistry, McGraw-Hill International Book co. Aukland. 

Nelson, D.L and Cox, M.M. 2005. Lehninger Principles of biochemistry. W.H. Freeman and 

company. 

Berg, J.M., Tymoczko, J.L and Stryer, L. 2002. Biochemistry. W.H. Freeman and company 

Devlin, T.M. 1997. Textbook of Biochemistry with clinical correlations. Wiley-Liss, Inc. 

Voet, D., Voet, J.G and Pratt, C.W. 2006. Fundamentals of Biochemistry. John Wiley & sons, Inc. 

Conn, E.E and Stumpf, P.K. 1966. Outlines of Biochemistry. John Wiley & sons, Inc. 

Murray, R.K., Granner, D.K., Mayes, P.A and Rodwell, V.W. 2000. 

Appleton and Lange 

Harper’s Biochemistry. 

List of Journals 

Aquaculture 




18/4/08 6







Research Area 

1. Nutrient-Nutrient interaction 

2. Anti-nutrients and Metabolism 

FNB 503 Feed Formulations and Feed Technology (2+1) 

Objective 

• To learn basic concept of feed formulation 

• To learn different methods of feed processing techniques 

Theory 

General principle of feed formulation, Different steps of feed formulation, classification of feed 

ingredients: energy source & protein source, Evaluations of ingredients quality, Methods of feed 

formulation: Pearson’s method, quadratic equation linear programming, limitations. 

Types of feed: Dry (pellets, flakes, powdered, micro-encapsulated, micro-bound and microcoated 

diets) and non-dry; Feed manufacturing units and processes: Pulverizer, grinder, mixer, 

pelletizer, crumbler, drier, Extruder/ Expander, Vacuum coater, fat spryer. 

Hydro-stability of feed and their storage and prevention of spoilage from rancidity, fungus 

formation and associated toxins, Fish disease vectors in feed and quality control; Feed value in 

relation to processing; Use of natural and synthetic carotenoids: Feed additives; Feed economics 

and evaluation criteria: FCR, PER, NPU, EAAI, chemical score, biological value. Aqua feed 

industries in India. 

18/4/08 7

Practical: - 

Feed formulation exercise; Processing of the ingredients, formulation and preparation of 

isocaloric and isonitrogenous feeds; Preparation of feeds with various binders in order to 

determine their hydro-stability; Estimation of trypsin inhibitors, Tannin and HCN in the feed 

ingredients; Determination of vitamin C and carotenoids in feeds; Preparation of mineral & 

vitamin premix. 




D’ Abramo, LR., Conklin, D.E and Aklyama. D.M, 1977, Crustacean Nutrition: Advances in Aquaculture Vol. 

6. World Aquaculture Society, Baton Roughe, L.A.. 

Guillame, J., Kaushik, S., Berqot P., and Metallier, R., 2001. Nutrition and feeding of fish and crustaceans, 

Springer Praxis Publishing, Chichester, UK. 


Halver, J.E, and Tlews, K.T. 1979. Finfish nutrition and fishfeed technology Vol. I and II Heenemann, Berlin. 


Muir J.F., and Robert Donald (Eds.) 1968. Recent Advances in Aquaculture Vol.II., 

Blackwell Science. 

New, M.B. 1987. Feed and feeding of fish and shrimp. A manual on the preparation and preservation of 

compound feeds for shrimp and fish in aquaculture. F.A.O. Rome – ADCP/REP/87/26. 

Sena S.De Silva, Trevor A.Anderson. 1995. Fish Nutrition in Aquaculture, Chapman & Hall Aquaculture 

Series, London. 



18/4/08 8

Aquaculture 










Research Area 

1. Ecofriendly feed 

2. Medicated feed 

3. Special larval diets 

FNB 504 FNB Nutritional Energetic (2+1) 

Objective 

• To learn metabolism of different macromolecules 

• To learn interlinking of different energy producing pathways 

• To study energy flow in a biological system 

Theory 

Introduction to bioenergetics; The energy budget equation, energy flow in fish and shellfish; 

Gross energy, digestive energy, metabolizable energy, net energy, heat increment; Factor 

influencing ingestion, absorption, excretion, respiration, and metabolism and their effect. 

Energy requirement of fish and factors influencing it; Estimation of energy content of feed 

components based on chemicals composition, indirect and direct method; Production and 

growth; Relationship between feeding and growth; energy exchange in biological system. 

Methodology for maintenance requirement, growth and reproduction, limitation and 

prospective of bioenergetics. 

18/4/08 9

Carbohydrate metabolism: - Glycolysis: its overview, key structures and reactions, control of 

glycolysis. TCA cycle: different steps, stoichiometry and control of cycle. Alternate pathways of 

carbohydrate metabolism: pentose phosphate pathway and guconeogenesis, glycogen 

metabolism, regulation of blood glucose. 

Lipid metabolism: - Fatty acid oxidation and biosynthesis, Generation of acetyl CoA, 

NADH/NADPH and FADH2, oxidation of unsaturated fatty acid, control of fatty acid metabolism, 

oxidative phosphorylation: redox potential, respiratory chain and its enzyme system, ATP 

synthesis. 

Protein and amino acid metabolism: - Oxidative degradation of amino acids, transmission and 

deamination, ammonia carriers and excretion, Biosynthesis of non-essential amino acids. 

Intermediary metabolism: - Integration of carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism. 

Practical: - 

Estimation of gross and digestive energy of feed and feed ingredients; Estimation of digestibility 

of nutrients, Bomb- calorimetry. Energy budget equation formation based on experiential data 

supplied. Determination of standard metabolism in fish. 

End product estimation of aerobic and anaerobic carbohydrates metabolism. Enzyme assay of 

LDH, aminotransferases, acid phospatase, protease and nucleases, Fatty acid analysis of fish 

lipids by GC. 


Jobling, M. 1994. Fish Bioenergetics. Chapman & Hall. London. 

Evans, D.H. and Claiborne, J.B. 2006. The Physiology of fishes. CRC press 

Houlihan, D., Boujard, T and Jobling, M. 2001. Food intake in fish. Blackwell science Ltd, London. 

Halver, J and Hardy, R.W. 2002. Fish nutrition. Academic press, London. 824 p 

18/4/08 10

Sena S.De Silva, Trevor A.Anderson. 1995. Fish Nutrition in Aquaculture, Chapman & Hall Aquaculture 

Series, London. 


Nelson, D.L and Cox, M.M. 2005. Lehninger Principles of biochemistry. W.H. Freeman and company. 


Florkin, M and Mason, H.S. Comparative Biochemistry. Academic Press, New York. 


Murray, R.K., Granner, D.K., Mayes, P.A and Rodwell, V.W. 2000. Harper’s Biochemistry. Appleton and 

Lange 



Aquaculture 






Journal of Applied Aquaculture 




Research Area 

1. Energetics of utilization of natural and artificial feed 

2. Energecis of utilization of animal vs plant ingredients 

3. Enegetics of growth vs reproduction 

18/4/08 11


FNB 505 Digestive Physiology (1+1) 

Objective 

• To learn digestive system of fish and their function 

• To learn the basic mechanism of feed intake and digestion process 

Theory 

Digestive system of fish and shellfish including digestive organs and their role; anatomy and 

histology of alimentary canal; Feed ingestion, feeding mechanism gastro-intestinal motility; 

Digestion of proteins, lipids and carbohydrates; Digestibility, absorption and assimilation of 

energy nutrients. Minerals, vitamins absorption from intestine. 

Digestive enzymes and their kinetics; Transport of nutrient in the body and their conversions; 

Physiological energetics, Digestive hormones and nutrients regulation of endocrine function in 

fish and shellfish; Factors affecting digestibility; Acid-base regulation, osmotic and ionic 

regulation; Nitrogen metabolism and excretion. 

Practical:- 

Dissection and examination of digestive and excretory organs; Histological preparation of 

digestive organs; Assays of enzymes activity of carbohydrates, proteins and lipid digestion; 

Determination of digestion and assimilation rates. In vitro digestibility study. 


D’ Abramo, LR., Conklin, D.E and Aklyama. D.M, 1977, Crustacean Nutrition: Advances in 

Aquaculture Vol. 6. World Aquaculture Society, Baton Roughe, L.A.. 




18/4/08 12





Aquaculture 










Research Area 

1. Digestibility due to plant to animal ingredient ratio 

2. Enhancement of digestibility of plant feed ingredients 

FNB 506 Vitamins and Mineral Nutrition (1+1) 

Objective 

Theory 

• To learn structure and functions of different vitamins and minerals 

Vitamins: 

Structure and properties of water and fat soluble vitamins; Vitamin as coenzymes 

and prosthetic groups of enzymes 

Vitamin requirements for different species, Dietary sources of vitamins, Factors affecting vitamin 

requirements, Losses of vitamin during feed processing 

18/4/08 13

Metabolic changes associated with hypo- and hyper-vitaminosis. Biosynthesis of Vitamin C and 

Vitamin D, 

Menifestation of vitamin deficiency 

Minerals: Macro, Trace and Toxic minerals 

Minerals requirements for different aquaculture species, Dietary sources of minerals, Factors 

affecting mineral requirement, Nutrient-minerals interaction 

Menifestation of mineral deficiency 

Practical: - 

Estimation of Calcium and Phosphorus, Magnesium, Iron, Vitamin C, Preparation of vitamin and 

mineral premix, Estimation of vitamion and mineral loss due to leaching 


Dixon, M. and Webb, E.H. 1964. Enzymes. Longman Group Ltd., London 

Smith, E.L., Hill, R.L., Lehman, I.R., Lefkowitz, R.J., Handler, P. and White, A. 1983. The principles 

of Biochemistry, McGraw-Hill International Book co. Aukland. 

Nelson, D.L and Cox, M.M. 2005. Lehninger Principles of biochemistry. W.H. Freeman and 

company. 



Florkin, M and Mason, H.S. Comparative Biochemistry. Academic Press, New York. 


Conn, E.E and Stumpf, P.K. 1966. Outlines of Biochemistry. John Wiley & sons, Inc. 

Murray, R.K., Granner, D.K., Mayes, P.A and Rodwell, V.W. 2000. 

Appleton and Lange 

Harper’s Biochemistry. 


18/4/08 14

Aquaculture 










Research Area 

1. Development of species specific vitamin and mineral premix 

FNB 507 Nutritional Requirements and Feeding Management (1+1) 

Objective 

• To learn Nutritional requirements of different commercially important Fish and shell fish 

• To learn about feeding methods and management 

Theory 

Analysis of experimental data employing complete Random Block Designing (CRD), Random 

Block Designing (RBD), t- test and analysis of variance. Body composition of fish and shellfish; 

Nutritive value of live feed. Designing of nutritional experiments; experimental culture systems; 

Experimental diets; reference diet, purified and semi-purified diet. Methods for nutritional 

requirements in finfish and shellfish; Nutrient requirements (proteins, carbohydrates, lipids 

vitamins, and minerals) of warm water and cold water fish and shellfish, Larvae and brood stocks 

of commercial important shellfish and finfish. Requirement of essential and non-essential amino 

acid and essential fatty acid. Factors affecting nutritional requirements of fish and shellfish; 

Growth evaluation: FCR, absolute growth, relative growth. SGR, % weight gain 

Feed influence on body composition and quality of fish; Effect of rations on fecundity and egg 

quality. 

18/4/08 15

Feeding devices, ration size/feeding rate, feeding frequency, restricted feeding and 

compensatory feeding. Nutritional studies and the problem of applying research findings to 

practical farming system. 

Practical: - 

Determination of food intake in fry and fingerlings, to ascertain the ration, Purified diet for a 

fish/prawn to determine protein and lipid requirements. Estimation of growth parameters for 

biological evaluation. Measures of protein quality. (FCR, PER, NPU, B.V). Mineral mixtures and 

vitamin premix and exercise on feeding. 










NRC (National Research Council), 1993. Nutrient requirements of fish. National Academy Press, 

Washington. 

New, M.B. 1987. Feed and feeding of fish and shrimp. A manual on the preparation and 

preservation of compound feeds for shrimp and fish in aquaculture. F.A.O. Rome – 

ADCP/REP/87/26. 


18/4/08 16




NRC. Nutrient Requirements of Warm Water Fishes. National Academy of Sciences, Washington. 

Houlihan, D., Boujard, T and Jobling, M. 2001. Food intake in fish. Blackwell science Ltd, London. 


Aquaculture 










Research Area 

1. Development of Feeding standard for Indian species 

2. Feeding strategy to reduce the waste 

3. Restricted feeding and growth 

FNB-508 Protein Nutrition (1+1) 

Objective: 

1) To understand the importance of protein in aquafeed 

2) To understand the relationship of protein with energy 

3) To understand the economic importance of protein in aquafeed 

Definition, classification and biological significance of proteins; amino acids: acid-base 

Protein and amino acid metabolism - biosysnthesis of protein; oxidative and non-oxidative 

degradation of amino acids, transamination and deamination; urea cycle; biosynthesis of nonessential 

amino acids. 

18/4/08 17

Metabolism: digestion, Absorption, digestibility, Factors affecting protein digestibility 

Protein energy Inter-relationship (P/E Ratio) 

Protein sources, Dietary Non-Protein Nitrogen 

Amino acid Requirements: Both Qualitative and Quantitative, Protein requirement for 

Maintenance, Growth and Reproduction, Factors affecting protein requirement, Methods of 

requirement study 

Evaluation of protein quality (PER, NPU, BV, ANPU, PPV), Amino acid antagonism 

Protein deficiency symptoms. 

Practicals 

Extraction and purification of protein. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of proteins 

Estimation of crude protein by Microkjeldahl method 

Estimation of protein by Lowry’s method 

Estimation of NPN (urea) 

Estimation of total free amino acid 

Estimation of available lysine 

Estimation of amino acids 

In-vitro protein digestibility 

Practical: - 


Keith Wilson and John Walker. 1995. Principles and Techniques of Practical Biochemistry. 

Cambridge University Press. 


Aquaculture 










18/4/08 18

Research Area 

1. No fish meal based diet 

2. Reducing protein content by balancing the amino acid 

3. Optimizing protein to lipid, protein to carbohydrate content in fish and shrimp diet 

FNB 509 Feed Ingredients and Additives (1+1) 

Objective: 

To learn about the requirement and availability of ingredients for Aquaculture Feeds 

To learn the classification and nutritional composition of feed ingredients 

To learn different types of additives used in Aquafeed with their specific function 

Theory: 

Ingredient classification: Conventional feed ingredients - protein sources, energy sources; 

Unconventional feed ingredients: agro-industrial by-products, slaughter house byproducts, Fruit 

processing by-products, Sea by-products, Forest by-products, Single cell protein, leaf protein 

concentrates, gluten meal and grain by-products 

Proximate composition; International coding of feed ingredients; Amino acid profile; 

Anti-nutritional factors and methods of detection 

National and International scenario: Available status, present production trend and future 

requirements 

Storage and quality control: Storage methods; Effect of storage on ingredient quality; Factors 

affecting quality of ingredients; Feed toxins 

Feed Processing 

Effect of processing on nutritional quality and Utilization 

Practical: 

Proximate composition; Estimation of Tannin, Protease inhibitors, HCN, Aflatoxin, Available 

lysine. 

18/4/08 19


Rechcigl, M. 1981. Handbook of nutritional supplements in a functional context. CRC press. 

Rechcigl, M. 1983. Handbook of nutritional supplements. CRC press. 

Rechcigl, M. 1977. CRC Handbook series in nutrition and food. CRC press. 











Joachim W. Hertrampf and Felicitas Piedad-Pascual. 2000. Handbook on ingredients for 

aquaculture feeds. Kluwer Academic Publishers, London. 


Aquaculture 







18/4/08 20




Research Area 

1. Exploring new feed ingredients 

2. Utilization of refinery waste as Single Cell Protein 

3. Farmer friendly methods for detoxification of Anti-nutritional factors 

FNB 510 Nutrition and Feeding in Crustaceans (1+1) 

Objective: 

• To study nutritional requirements of Crustaceans 

• To learn feed formulation and feed preparation for crustaceans 

• To learn feeding methods for shrimp and prawn 

Theory: 

Nutritional requirements of Crustaceans: Protein, carbohydrate, lipid, vitamin and mineral 

requirements; Requirement changes during various life stages of crustaceans; Requirement of 

essential amino acids and fatty acids; Methods for determining nutritional requirements; Factors 

affecting nutritional requirements 

Food and Feeding : Food and feeding habits, natural fish food organisms, Micro-particulate 

diets (MBD, MCD, MED, MEM, PARA) for hatcheries; Grow-out and finisher feeds; Broodstock 

feeds for conditioning and maturation 

Digestion and Metabolism: Digestive system of Crustaceans; Digestive organs and their role in 

digestion; Feed ingestion and feeding mechanism; Gastro-intestinal motility; Digestion, 

absorption and assimilation of nutrients; Digestive enzymes and their role; Factors affecting 

digestibility 

Bio-energetics of Crustaceans: Energy requirements of various commercially important species 

of crustaceans; Energy partitioning; Balancing protein and energy in the feed (P/E ratio) 

18/4/08 21

Feed formulation and manufacturing: Different types of feed ingredients; Evaluation of 

ingredient quality; Principles and methods of feed formulation; Extrusion technology; Effect of 

storage on nutritional quality of feeds; Role of feed additives on crustacean nutrition 

Feeding management: Feeding ration; Feeding rate; Feeding ration; Feed dispensing methods 

and devices 

Practical: 

Study of digestive system of crustaceans, Estimation of digestive enzymes: proteases, amylases 

and lipases, Feed formulation and preparation, Hydro-stability of the feed, In- vitro digestibility, 

Aflatoxin analysis. 







Washington. 







18/4/08 22



Aquaculture 










Research Area 

1. Exploring the immuno-stimulants and growth promoters 

2. Nutritional requirement for P. vannemi 

3. redefining protein-energy ratio in shrimp diet with respect to salinity 

FNB 511 Lipid Nutrition (1+1) 

Objective: 

1) To understand the importance of lipid in aqua feed 

2) To understand the relationship of dietary lipid and tissue lipid 

Definition, classification and biological significance of lipids, fatty acids: structure, properties and 

chemical reactions; saponification, iodine number and peroxide value of fats; structure, 

properties and functions of phospholipids, prostaglandins, PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acids) 

and steroids. 

Lipid metabolism - biosynthesis and beta oxidation of fatty acids; generation of acetyl CoA, 

NADH/NADPH and FADH2; control of fatty acid metabolism. 

Souces of lipids and fatty acids, Lipid digestibility, transport, storage, mobilization, Protein 

sparing effect. 

Requirement study: Qualitaive and quantitative requirement of Essential fatty acids, total lipids 

18/4/08 23

Role of essential fatty acids, Influence of dietary lipid on flesh quality 

evaluation of lipid quality, antioxidants, deficiency symptoms, 

Concept of designer fish 

PRACTICALS 

End product estimation of aerobic and anaerobic carbohydrate metabolism (pyruvate and 

lactate). Enzyme assay for LDH, MDH, ALT , estimation of phospholipids. 

Estimation of total lipid and free fatty acid, Peroxide value, saponification number, iodine value, 

Estimation of individual fatty acid by GCMS 







Washington. 








Journals 

Aquaculture 



18/4/08 24








Research Area 

1. Dietary lipid source and flesh lipid quality 

2. Optimizing PUFA and HUFA content in indivisual sp 

3. Impact of lipid peroxidation on growth and flesh quality 

FNB 511 Carbohydrate Nutrition (1+1) 

Definition, classification and biological significance of carbohdrate, Mono, di and poly 

saccharides: structure, properties and chemical reactions; Non-starch carbohydrates and their 

significance 

Carbohydrate metabolism – Glycolytic pathway, TCA cycle and Pentose phosphate pathways, 

Gluconeogenesis, Glycogenesis and glycogenolysis 

Sauces of carbohydrates, digestibility, Factors affecting starch utilization, carbohydrate and 

interaction with other nutrients and Protein sparing effect. 

Constraints of carbohydrate utilization in fish, Strategy to enhance carbohydrate utilization: 

gelatinization, exogenous amylases, Glucose intolerance, carbohydrate and Immunity 

Carbohydrate utilization for low cost feed 

Practicals 

Estimation of Starch gelatinization at different feed processing methods, Blood glucose 

estimation, Invitro starch digestibility, Available lysine estimation, Estimation of Crude fibre 

content of feed, Estimation of cellulose and lignin content 

18/4/08 25







Washington. 








Journals 

Aquaculture 










18/4/08 26

Research Area 

1. Starch utilization and immunity status 

2. Optimization of gelatinized to Non-gelatinized starch content in feed of indivisual sp 

3. Sources of carbohydrate and their utilization 

4. Study the basic key enzmes for carbohydrate metabolism 

PhD Syllabus 

FNB 601 Advances in Bioenergetics (2+1) 

Objective 

To understand: 

• Metabolism of Biomolecules, 

• Metabolic process and energy production 

• Energetic cost of wastes. 

Theory 

Energy requirements of fish: Principles and methods; factors affecting energy 

requirement; energy budgeting, metabolic rate and factors affecting it; respiration and 

metabolism; metabolic scope; 

Energetics of feeding and digestion; relationship between feeding and growth; energy 

requirements for reproduction; energy content of gonads and gamets; energetics of 

gonadal maturation and gamete production. 

Scope of intermediary metabolism; triglycerides as energy source; de novo synthesis, 

transport and modification of fatty acids in finfish and shellfish; enzymes required for 

oxidation of poly unsaturated fatty acids, formation of propionyl CoA in oxidation of odd 

chain fatty acids, biosynthesis of n-3 and n-6 fatty acids; role of desaturases and 

elongases; biosysnthesis of triglycerides, phospholipids, sphingolipids and cholesterol. 

18/4/08 27

Coordinated regulation of glycogen synthesis and breakdown; glycogen targeting protein; 

glycolysis and its control by phosphorylase, phosphofructokinase, hexokinase and 

pyruvate kinase; feeder pathways for glycolysis; TCA cycle and anabolism; 

gluconeogenesis and its regulation; relationship between glyoxylate and TCA cycle; 

oxidative and non-oxidative pentose phosphate pathway; electron transport chain and 

its enzyme system. ATP synthesis. 

Oxidative degradation of amino acids; transmination and deamination; ammonia 

carriers, excretion and urea cycle; biosynthesis of non-essential amino acids and 

catabolic pathways for amino acids; synthesis of deoxy and ribonucleotides; uric acid 

production; derivation of nucleotide groups of CoA, NAD, FAD from ATP; integration and 

regulation of lipid carbonhydrate and protein metabolism in fishes. 

Practicals 

Estimation of oxygen consumption. Estimation of gross energy and digestible energy of 

feed. Comparision of energy requirements of carnivorous, herbivorous and omnivorous 

fish. 

Extraction, hydrolysis and fractionation of proteins and lipids. Assay of mitochondrial 

and cytoplasmic enzymes. Estimation of total and free cholesterol. 


Jobling, M. 1994. Fish Bioenergetics. Chapman & Hall. London. 

Evans, D.H. and Claiborne, J.B. 2006. The Physiology of fishes. CRC press 

Houlihan, D., Boujard, T and Jobling, M. 2001. Food intake in fish. Blackwell science 

Ltd, London. 




18/4/08 28



Journals 

Aquaculture 










Research Area 

1. Energetic of nitrogenous wastes 

2. Energy utilization from carbohydrate sources 

FNB 602 ADVANCES IN FEED TECHNOLOGY (1+1) 

Objective 

• To study the quality of feed ingredients and their uses in feed preparation 

• To study different types of feeds, preparation and growth evaluation. 

Theory 

Feed formulation: least cost formulation, linear programming; quality feed ingredients 

and their biochemical composition; protein and energy supplements; pemixes of 

vitamins and minerals; antioxidants in diets; toxins in feeds; exogenous enzymes; in feed 

probiotics and their role. 

18/4/08 29

Feed processing machineries; feed manufacture: processing of feed mixtures, steam 

pelleting, extrusion; stability of nutrients; factors affecting feed manufacture; effects of 

processing on the nutritional value of feeds; processes of reducing anti-nutritional 

factors; feed mills and their design; quality control of feed; storage of feed and feed 

deterioration; economics of feed manufacturing. 

Practicals 

Analysis of anti-nutritional and toxic substances in feed ingredients and feed. 

Preparation of different types of feed and their quality evaluation. Effect of feed 

storage on nutritional value of feed. 

Reference: 

ADCP (Aquaculture Development and Co-ordination Programme) 1980. Fish Feed 

Technology, ADCP/REP/80/11.FAO, Rome. 



Guillame, J., Kaushik, S., Berqot P., and Metallier, R., 2001. Nutrition and feeding of fish 

and crustaceans, Springer Praxis Publishing, Chichester, UK. 





Muir J.F., and Robert Donald (Eds.) 1968. Recent Advances in Aquaculture Vol.II., 

Blackwell Science. 

18/4/08 30







Journals 

Aquaculture 










Research area 

1. Spraying / coating of enzymes and feed additives in pelleted feed 

2. low cost Miocroencapsulated/ microcoated/ microbound diets 

FNB 603 LARVAL AND BROODSTOCK NUTRITION (2+1) 

Objective 

• To understand critical phase of larval rearing and constraint 

• To understand specific role of nutrients on reproduction 

18/4/08 31

Theory 

Nutrient requirement of larvae and broodstock; live feed and their nutritional quality; 

nutrient enrichment of live feed; ontogeny of digestive enzymes in larvae; different 

types of artificial feed; larval artificial diets - 

microcoated; feeding management. feeding devices and strategies. 

microencapsulated, microbound, 

Feeding methods : manual, mechanical and automatic feeding; factors affecting feeding 

behavior (Gustatory stimulants, feeding deterrents, weaning); larval development, 

deficiency deformaties and survival. 

feeding. 

Practicals 

Economics of larval and broodstock feed and 

Preparation of larval feed. Methods of feeding larvae and calculation of FCR. 

Nutritional analysis of live food organisms. Estimation of proteases in larvae. 

Estimation of gonado-somatic index and fecundity. 

Reference: 

Hagiwara, A., Snell, T. W., Lubzens, E and Tamaru, C.S.1997. Live food in 

aquaculture. Proceedings of the live food and marine larviculture symposium. 

Kluwer Academic Publishers, London 

CIFE Publn. 1993. Training manual on culture of live food organisms for Aqua 

hatcheries, Central Institute of Fisheries Eduction Versova, Mumbai, 400061. 


Sena S.De Silva, Trevor A.Anderson. 1995. Fish Nutrition in Aquaculture, Chapman 

& Hall Aquaculture Series, London. 


18/4/08 32

Guillame, J., Kaushik, S., Berqot P., and Metallier, R., 2001. Nutrition and feeding 

of fish and crustaceans, Springer Praxis Publishing, Chichester, UK. 

Journals 

Aquaculture 










Research Area 

1. Fortification of micro-nutrients in larval diet 

2. Fortification of micro-nutrients in the broodstock diet 

3. Immunostimulants 

Optional courses 

FNB 604 ADVANCES IN NUTRITION (1+1) 

Objective 

• To study the mechanism of feed intake and feeding behavior 

• To understand the concept eco-friendly feed 

• To understand the role of dietary lipid on flesh quality 

Theory` 

Feeding behavior; feed intake and environment; techniques of measuring feed intake. 

Regulation of feed intake by neuropeptides and hormones; stimulatory peptides, 

18/4/08 33

inhibitory peptides; identification of gustatory feeding stimulants; hormonal control of 

metabolism. 

Low cost and eco-friendly diets; optimization of carbohydrates in diets; strategies for 

improving protein retention; Feeding standards 

n-3 and n-6 fatty acids, their functions and deficiencies, fatty acid oxidation and 

antioxidants; phospholipids; Feed and flesh quality; 

Effect of artificial diets on digestive processes in larvae and juvenile; dietary role in 

growth and reproduction. 

Recent advances in feed additives. 

Practicals 

Protein quality estimation (PER, NPU). Digestibility studies. Estimation of fatty acids. 

Reference: 

ADCP (Aquaculture Development and Co-ordination Programme) 1980. Fish Feed 

Technology, ADCP/REP/80/11.FAO, Rome. 







18/4/08 34






Journals 

Aquaculture 










Research area 

1. Utilization of unconventional ingredients 

2. Nutritional contribution of natural food for growth 

3. Nutritional comparision of natural and artificial feed 

18/4/08 35

FNB 605 MOLECULAR NUTRITION (2+1) 

Objective 

• To study nutritionally important gene and their interactions with nutrients 

• To acquaint basic study in molecular nutrition 

Theory 

Relevance of molecular studies in nutrition; terminologies in molecular nutrition; 

cell culture; nutritionally important genes; gene regulation by lipids and 

carbohydrates; metabolic control analysis; methodologies in molecular nutrition; 

Tanscriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics; Nutrient gene interaction and 

expression; reverse transcription and cDNA biosynthesis; 

probe preparation; microarray technique; 

fluorescent labelled 

Use of robotics in microarray; microarray nitrocellulose hybridization and labelling 

with P 32 probes; quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction. (qRT PCR); gene 

expression software; relative expression software tool (REST); interpretation of 

microarray data; cloning technique. 

Practicals 

RNA extraction and isolation. Purification and preparation of m-RNA from RNA 

pool by Oligo dT. DNAse treatment for quality improvement of RNA. cDNA 

synthesis by reverse transcription. Elution of PCR product for gene sequencing. 

Cloning. 

18/4/08 36

Reference: 

Fingerman,M.,NagabhushanamR.and Thompson M.F.1997 Recent advances in marine 

biotechnology (vol1-3) Oxford and IBH publishing co.PvtLtd. New Delhi 

Glick ,B.R. and Pasternak, J.J. 1999. Molecular biotechnology:principles and applications 

of Recombinant DNA Technology,ASM Press,Washington,DC. 

Hoar,W.S.and Randal,D.J.19 Fish Physiology.Academy Press,New York. 

Lehninger,A.L.1984.Principles of Biochemistry,CBS Publishing,New Delhi. 

Primrose,S.B.1989.Modern Biotechnology,Blackwell Scientific,Oxford 

Rodney .B.1998.Concepts in Biochemistry.Cole Publishing Company,London. 

Research area 

1. Nutrient-gene expression 

Journals 

Aquaculture 










18/4/08 37

FNB 606 NUTRACEUTICALS (1+1) 

Objective 

• To help the students for getting a comprehensive knowledge about 

nutraceuticals used in aquaculture and their delivery system 

Theory 

Definition, classification and role of different neutraceticals; mode of application; 

functions of acidifiers (citric acid, propionic acid, benzoic acid); 

Exogenous enzymes (phytase, carbohydrase, proteinase) and nutrient utilisation; 

prebiotics and probiotics; Single cell proteins as nutraceuticals; antioxidants and 

their functions; 

Chemoattractants for fish and shellfish; fish based neutraceticals and their 

application; designer fish; 

Immunostimulants and their functions (nucleotide, manan oligosaccharides, beta 

glucan, levan, bovine lactoferine, sodium alginate, levamisol). 

Practicals 

Estimation of phytase and phytate. Effect of acidifiers on pH in different parts of GI tract. 

Estimation of antioxidants vitamin E and vitamin C. Estimation of n-3 fatty acid. 

Reference: 

Aquaculture medicine by Bright Singh et al 

18/4/08 38







Journals 

Aquaculture 










Research Area 

1. Immunostimulants/ Immunomodulators 

2. Use of exogenous enzymes 

3. Use of omega-3 fatty acids 

4. Color enhancement 

18/4/08 39

FNB 607 FEED INTAKE AND FEEDING BEHAVIOUR (1+1) 

Gustation and feeding behaviour: peripheral gestation sensation, gustatory pathways in 

the central nervous system, taste and feeding behaviour 

Feed intake: differenr techniques of feed intake: stomach content analysis, chemical 

markers, direct observation and video recording, demand feeder, X-radiography, Factors 

affecting feed intake, effect of feeding time on feed intake and growth, Effect of 

nutritional factors and feed characteristics on feed intake 

Regulation of feed intake: Nuropeptides and hormones, Inhibitory peptides, stimulator 

peptides, growth hormones 

Physiological effect of feeding: Different methods of feeding, short terms effects of meal, 

tissue metabolic physiology, long term effect of food intake 

Practicals 

Measurement of feed intake by chemical marker, Feed intake measurement with respect 

to temperature, Experiment on feeding stimulant, Feed intake and blood glucose corelation, 

Comparative intake of natural vs artificial feed 

Further reading 

Houlihan Dominic, Boujard Thierry and Jobling Malcom. Food intake in fish. Blackwell 

science, cost action 827, France 




18/4/08 40









Journals 

Aquaculture 










Research Area 

1. Feed deterrents 

2. Feed preferences 

3. Feeding rhythms 

4. Fasting , Feed intake and Nutrient utilization 

18/4/08 41

Fish Nutrition & Feed Technology MFSc & PhD Syllabus

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?