Abstract
To explore the effects of dietary threonine on growth and ovarian development of red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii), crayfish (5.48 ± 0.19 g) were fed six isoproteic and isoenergetic diets with varying levels of threonine (7.16 g/kg (control), 9.19, 12.74, 16.44, 20.83, and 23.78 g/kg) for 8 weeks. The results showed that weight gain rate, feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency rate, protein deposition rate, and essential amino acid deposition rates obtained the optimal values when the dietary threonine level was 12.74 or 16.44 g/kg. Compared to the control group, the 12.74 g/kg group exhibited enhanced nonspecific immunity and antioxidant properties. The 16.44 g/kg group demonstrated a significant increase in the frequency of B cells and R cells in the hepatopancreas, the length and width of intestinal villi, and the activities of protease and lipase. It also showed elevated ecdysterone hormone, gonadal index (GI), cAMP content, and the relative abundance of beneficial intestinal microflora. Compared to the control group, the mRNA expression of mTOR, S6K1, 4EBP1, EcR, RXR, chitinase, PKA, Vg, cdc2, and cyclin B was significantly upregulated, and the mRNA expression of MIH was significantly downregulated in the 16.44 g/kg group. Overall, optimal dietary threonine could improve intestinal health, regulate immune function, and enhance protein utilization, molting, and growth performance of red swamp crayfish. Additionally, it improved the synthesis of yolk substance and facilitated the development of ovarian cells of female crayfish. The optimal threonine level was 14.87-16.94 g/kg (dry matter), corresponding to 42.51-48.42 g/kg of dietary protein in red swamp crayfish.