# Effects of Nutrition Intensification on the Secondary Ovary Development and Oviposition of Redclaw Crayfish

## TL;DR

Adding nutrients to the diet of redclaw crayfish improves their ovarian development, egg production, and offspring survival.

## Contribution

Demonstrates that nutrient fortification significantly enhances reproductive outcomes in redclaw crayfish.

## Key findings

- Groups receiving nutrient bait had higher egg-bearing shrimp proportions and faster ovarian development.
- Hatching and survival rates of eggs were significantly higher in nutrient-fortified groups.
- Juveniles in the nutrient-fortified group showed higher weight gain rates.

## Abstract

To further explore the impact of nutrient fortification on the ovarian secondary development of redclaw crayfish, four groups were set up: group ①, no feeding; group ②, formulated feeding; groups ③ and ④, formulated feed + nutrient bait. Results showed (1) the proportions of egg-bearing shrimp in groups ③ and ④. 2) The weight growth rate of group ① was the lowest, the maturation coefficient of unripe shrimp in group ④ was the highest, and the egg-holding rates in groups ③ and ④ were significantly higher than those of group ①. The hatching and survival rates of yellow eggs in group ④ were significantly higher than those in group ②. The hatching and survival rates of red eggs in groups ③ and ④ were significantly higher than those in group ①. (3) The weight gain rate of juveniles in group ④ was significantly higher than those of group ①. (4) Genes and proteins related to ovarian development were screened. In summary, group ④ had a higher proportion of egg-holding shrimp, faster ovarian development, and a higher maturity coefficient. The hatching and survival rates of eggs, and the survival and weight gain rates of the offspring were also high.