The supply of amino acids during early feeding stages of marine fish larvae: a review of recent findings


I. Rønnestad, S.K. Tonheim, H.J. Fyhn, C.R. Rojas-García, Y. Kamisaka, W. Koven, R.N. Finn, B.F. Terjesen, Y. Barr, L.E.C. Conceição
Aquaculture, 227(1-4): 147-164

Abstract:

In marine fish larvae, the sum of protein deposition, turnover and catabolism necessary for their rapid growth dictates a high amino acid (AA) requirement. Once the yolk is exhausted, the digestive tract becomes the vital organ that ensures a steady supply of dietary AA to the growing larval tissues. In this paper, we discuss the demand and availability of AA (free and polymerised pools) in relation to larval digestive capacity. The sources of AA from compound and live diets are described, and the early regulatory roles of cholecystokinin (CCK) and a retrograde peristaltic activity are highlighted.

(Department of Zoology, University of Bergen, Allégaten 41, N5007, Bergen, Norway, e-mail: ivar.ronnestad@zoo.uib.no)


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