Ontogenetic changes in RNA, DNA and protein contents of Chinese loach, Paramisgurnus dabryanus (Dabry de Thiersant, 1872), larvae and juveniles

Abstract

The changes in nucleic acid-based indices and protein variables of Chinese loach, Paramisgurnus dabryanus, larvae and juveniles from hatching to 60 days after hatching (DAH) were conducted to assess its growth potential. The nucleic acid contents were analysed using a UV-based method (n = 3, rearing temperature 24.4 ± 0.4°C, dissolve oxygen 7.1 ± 0.5 mg L−1, pH 7.9 ± 0.4). Ribonucleic acid (RNA) concentration significantly decreased from 2 to 5 DAH, then increased rapidly until 10 DAH, declining slightly thereafter. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) concentration increased 2–5 DAH, decreased until 9 DAH, slightly increased again around 26 DAH, and then declined to a relatively stable level. Both RNA-DNA and protein-DNA ratios showed a statistically obvious relationship with growth rates. A significantly positive relationship was found between RNA-DNA ratio and growth rates during the early life stage of Chinese loach. According to the results, growth of Chinese loach is characterized by rapid hyperplasia from hatching through completion of the yolk-sac stage followed by continued rapid hyperplasia combined with increasing hypertrophy after feeding commences. The stage preceding 17 DAH of Chinese loach P. dabryanus is presumed to be critical for its survival and growth at 24°C.