Absorption, assimilation and catabolism of individual free amino acids by larval Atlantic halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus)

Following the completion of the lecithotrophic phase, most marine larvae rely on an incompletely developed digestive tract to absorb amino acids (AA) and other nutrients needed for rapid growth. Despite their undeveloped state, larvae must absorb nutrients in sufficient amounts to fuel exceptionally high rates of growth. This study examined the ability of larval Atlantic halibut to absorb, assimilate and catabolise dispensable (alanine, glutamate) and indispensable (arginine, lysine) dietary free amino acids (FAA) using tube-fed AA solutions with C-14 tracers. Absorption of FAA was rapid with an average of 71% absorbed from the gut within 30 min after tube feeding. Evacuation of FAA by larvae was low, averaging only 6% of tube-fed dose. Dispensable amino acids (DAA) were catabolised in greater proportion (17%) than indispensable FAA (54%). Saturation of FAA transporters was not attained under the present conditions (20 mM, 20% midgut filling). Absorption rates did not differ significantly between the four FAA. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.