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Egg nutritional modulation with amino acids improved performance in zebrafish larvae
Carmen Navarro-Guillén1, Gabriella do Vale Pereira2, André Lopes1
1Aquaculture Research Group, Centro de Ciências do Mar do Algarve (CCMAR), Faro, Portugal.
Plos One
|April 9, 2021
Summary
In ovo nutritional modulation using ultrasound and amino acids like glutamine can enhance zebrafish growth. This technique shows potential for improving aquaculture sustainability and fish digestive efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Aquaculture
- Developmental Biology
- Fish Physiology
Background:
- Sustainable aquaculture intensification is crucial for meeting future seafood demand.
- Early-life nutrition influences fish development, phenotype, and digestive physiology, impacting overall performance and environmental footprint.
- Improving digestive efficiency in aquaculture enhances productivity and reduces biogenic emissions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of an in ovo nutritional modulation technique using low-frequency ultrasounds to enhance amino acid transport across embryo membranes.
- To evaluate the effects of early L-arginine or L-glutamine supplementation on zebrafish (Danio rerio) growth, digestive enzyme activity, and gut microbiota composition.
- To assess the potential of in ovo nutrition for improving fish digestive efficiency and promoting sustainable aquaculture.
Main Methods:
- An innovative in ovo nutritional modulation technique utilizing low-frequency ultrasounds (sonophoresis) was employed.
- Zebrafish embryos were supplemented with L-arginine or L-glutamine at 3.5 hours post-fertilization (hpf).
- Growth performance, digestive enzyme activities (e.g., trypsin), and gut microbiota composition were analyzed at 22 days post-fertilization (dpf).
Main Results:
- The sonophoresis technique and amino acid supplementation did not affect fish survival rates.
- Larvae from the L-glutamine treatment group exhibited a statistically significant higher final dry weight at 22 dpf compared to the control group.
- Despite lower trypsin activity, the L-glutamine group suggested enhanced nutrient digestion capacity, potentially due to gut microbiota modulation.
Conclusions:
- The sonophoresis technique is effective for in ovo nutritional modulation in zebrafish embryos.
- In ovo L-glutamine supplementation shows promise for promoting growth in later developmental stages through positive gut microbiota modulation.
- Further research with higher L-arginine supplementation levels is recommended to explore its potential for enhancing growth in later developmental stages.
