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 <em>Elodea nuttallii</em> as exclusive versus complementary feedstock on growth performance, textural properties, and biochemical profiles in <em>Procambarus clarkii</em>, 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 <em>E. nuttallii</em> and no supplemental feed, a soybean-supplemented group (1#) with <em>E. nuttallii</em>, a corn-supplemented group (2#) with <em>E. nuttallii</em>, and a formulated feed-supplemented group (3#) with <em>E. nuttallii</em>. 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 <em>P. clarkii</em> exhibited optimal growth performance when reared with formulated feed supplemented with <em>E. nuttallii</em>. The soybean-<em>E. nuttallii</em> 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.