Abstract
The effects of selenium (Se)-biofortified corn on the total Se contents, the antioxidant enzyme levels, and the amino acids composition in Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) during the stage of the fifth shelling to maturity were investigated in the present study. The culture density of crabs was 600 per 667 m2, and they were continuously fed 120.4 mg Se from Se-biofortified corn per 667 m2 every two days for 90 days. The results showed that the total muscle Se levels in the crabs were significantly increased (p < 0.05). Activities of hemolymph supernatant enzymes including alkaline phosphatase (AKP), lysozyme (LZM), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were also enhanced (p < 0.05). The protein and crude fat levels at maturity were higher than those at the fourth molt. The levels of total essential amino acids (∑EAAs) and total delicious amino acids (∑DAAs) were significantly increased (p < 0.05). We demonstrate that the feeding of Se-biofortified corn could significantly improve total muscle Se concentrations and hemolymph supernatant antioxidant enzyme activities in Chinese mitten crab, and slow down the rapid decline of ∑EAAs and ∑DAAs at maturity, thus improving the nutritional quality of Chinese mitten crab.
Highlights
The aquaculture of Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) plays an important role in the freshwater fishery in China, with a total annual yield of 700,000 tons in 2012 [1]
The present study focused on the effects of Se-biofortified corn on the total body
The diet of Se-biofortified corn improved the activities of hemolymph supernatant enzymes including glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), LZM, and alkaline phosphatase (AKP), which were increased 1.04-fold, 1.31-fold, 1.08-fold, and 1.96-fold, respectively, compared to those of crabs fed normal corn, indicating that the
Summary
The aquaculture of Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) plays an important role in the freshwater fishery in China, with a total annual yield of 700,000 tons in 2012 [1]. Environmental stresses including water eutrophication and water pollution may lead to the low levels of dissolved oxygen, which along with the rapid growth of pathogenic bacteria especially in summer may increase the morbidity and mortality of Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) [3]. It is important to study ways to improve the anti-hypoxia ability as well as immunity of Chinese mitten crab in China. As one of the essential nutrient elements, the proper addition of selenium (Se) may significantly improve the anti-hypoxia ability and immunity of aquatic creatures [4]. The Se-biofortified agricultural products contain high levels of Se (e.g., 5–10 μg·kg−1 in corn) with SeMet and. The antioxidant enzyme levels, and the amino acids composition in Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) to evaluate the application of grain-biofortified Se in aquaculture
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