Effect of dietary protein on energy metabolism including protein synthesis in the spiny lobster Sagmariasus verreauxi

This is the first study in an aquatic ectotherm to combine a stoichiometric bioenergetic approach with an endpoint stochastic model to explore dietary macronutrient content. The combination of measuring respiratory gas (O-2 and CO2) exchange, nitrogenous (ammonia and urea) excretion, specific dynamic action (SDA), metabolic energy substrate use, and whole-body protein synthesis in spiny lobster, Sagmariasus verreauxi, was examined in relation to dietary protein. Three isoenergetic feeds were formulated with varying crude protein: 40%, 50% and 60%, corresponding to CP40, CP50 and CP60 treatments, respectively. Total CO2 and ammonia excretion, SDA magnitude and coefficient, and protein synthesis in the CP60 treatment were higher compared to the CP40 treatment. These differences demonstrate dietary protein influences post-prandial energy metabolism. Metabolic use of each major energy substrate varied at different post-prandial times, indicating suitable amounts of high-quality protein with major non-protein energy-yielding nutrients, lipid and carbohydrate, are critical for lobsters. The average contribution of protein oxidation was lowest in the CP50 treatment, suggesting mechanisms underlying the most efficient retention of dietary protein and suitable dietary inclusion. This study advances understanding of how deficient and surplus dietary protein affects energy metabolism and provides approaches for fine-scale feed evaluation to support sustainable aquaculture.

Automated summary

This study investigated the effects of dietary protein on energy metabolism in aquatic ectotherms, highlighting the importance of suitable amounts of high-quality protein and non-protein energy-yielding nutrients for spiny lobsters. Differences in physiological indicators such as ammonia excretion, protein synthesis, and metabolic use of energy substrates were observed among different dietary protein levels, demonstrating the influence of dietary protein on post-prandial energy metabolism. The findings contribute to a better understanding of how dietary protein levels impact energy metabolism and offer insights for assessing feed quality in aquaculture.