Comparative Analysis of Growth Traits, Textural Attributes, and Blood Biochemical Parameters in <em>Procambarus clarkii</em> under Varied Feeding Regimens

Abstract

To systematically evaluate the trophic effects of Elodea nuttallii as exclusive versus complementary feedstock on growth performance, textural properties, and biochemical profiles in Procambarus clarkii, we conducted a controlled feeding trial employing four distinct nutritional regimes. The experiment followed a completely randomized design with four treatments (n=3 replicates/treatment; 20 crayfish/replicate). Dietary treatments included: a control group (0#) with access only to E. nuttallii and no supplemental feed, a soybean-supplemented group (1#) with E. nuttallii, a corn-supplemented group (2#) with E. nuttallii, and a formulated feed-supplemented group (3#) with E. nuttallii. Crayfish were fed twice daily (07:00 and 17:00) for 6 weeks. Results indicated that the control group (0#) showed significantly lower weight gain (WG) versus supplemented groups (P < 0.05) and the 3# experimental group showed the best growth. Among the four experimental groups, no significant differences were observed in hardness, brittleness, or elasticity of the muscle (P > 0.05). However, muscle cohesiveness peaked in the corn-supplemented group, differing significantly from other treatments (P < 0.05). In terms of gumminess, the 1# group demonstrated the highest value (8.50), which was significantly greater than that of the other groups (P < 0.05). Total protein (TP) reached maximum levels in the formulated feed group (3#), being significantly higher than in groups 0# and 2# (P < 0.05) but statistically equivalent to group 1# (P > 0.05). In contrast, the control group (0#) recorded the lowest TP content at 12.60. Regarding GLB (globulin) content, the 1#, 2#, and 3# groups demonstrated significantly higher values compared to the control group (P < 0.05). However, no significant differences in GLB content were observed among these three groups (P > 0.05). The results of this study suggest that P. clarkii exhibited optimal growth performance when reared with formulated feed supplemented with E. nuttallii. The soybean-E. nuttallii dietary combination yielded superior muscle nutritional quality and organoleptic characteristics. Plasma biochemical analyses confirmed the aquacultural advantages when Elodea-based systems were complemented with protein-rich feed supplementation, with the formulated feed regime showing particular promise.