Cl. Cahu et Jlz. Infante, EARLY WEANING OF SEA BASS (DICENTRARCHUS-LABRAX) LARVAE WITH A COMPOUND DIET - EFFECT ON DIGESTIVE ENZYMES, Comparative biochemistry and physiology. Part A, Physiology, 109(2), 1994, pp. 213-222
Sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) larvae were weaned with a microparticu
lated diet at various times after hatching: 10, 15, 20 and 25 days; a
control group was fed live prey (Artemia salina). The earlier the wean
ing, the lower the larval growth obtained. The amylase activity in the
pancreatic segment increased swiftly after the weaning in all groups.
This increase was the result of an extensive synthesis induced by the
starch content (12%) of the compound diet. The enhancement of specifi
c activities of intestinal peptidases, leucine aminopeptidase and gamm
a-glutamyl transpeptidase after weaning was the result of compensatory
adaptation, as was described in the case of malnutrition. The depress
ed activities of alkaline phosphatase, in the brush border membrane fr
action, indicated malnutrition in weaned groups. Weaning before day 20
stops or delays larval development, particularly maturation of some d
igestive processes in larvae, such as the onset of pancreas secretory
functions.