Impact of live feed substitution with formulated diets on the development, digestive capacity, biochemical composition, and rearing water quality of lobster (Homarus gammarus, L.) larvae

Results revealed significant diet-induced effects on digestive enzymes in H. gammarus larvae. ART-fed lobsters exhibited increased trypsin and amylase activities but lower lipase activity than those fed extruded diets, suggesting more efficient utilization of protein and carbohydrate in ART-fed larvae, while formulated diets compensated with efficient lipid utilization. BSF and SWM diets increased exo- and endochitinase activities, likely due to chitin presence. Additionally, CTRL and BSF-fed larvae exhibited elevated body glycogen content. ART-fed larvae displayed a significantly higher ratio of low DNA to high DNA bacteria in their rearing water, indicative of lower nutrient loading. Despite these diet-induced impacts, there was no dietary effect on growth and survival during H. gammarus larval development.