No. 2 (2025)

Articles

Evaluation of the optimal temperature for digestive protease function in the hybrid catfish Clarias gariepinus × Heterobranchus longifilis

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2025-12-02

https://doi.org/10.34101/actaagrar/2/16195

Authors

Nazly Yolieth Martin-Culma,

PHD STUDENT

Péter Bársony

Professor. Institute of Animal Science, Biotechnology and Nature Conservation, University of Debrecen, 4032, Debrecen, Hungary

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Keywords

in vitro fish digestion protease activity temperature

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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Martin-Culma, N. Y., & Bársony, P. . (2025). Evaluation of the optimal temperature for digestive protease function in the hybrid catfish Clarias gariepinus × Heterobranchus longifilis. Acta Agraria Debreceniensis, 2, 65-70. https://doi.org/10.34101/actaagrar/2/16195

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Received 2025-09-30
Accepted 2025-11-10
Published 2025-12-02

Abstract

(1) Background: Water temperature is a key determinant of fish digestion. In vitro methods provide a reliable approach to assess enzyme activity, which is especially important in carnivorous catfish with protein-rich diets. Although the hybrid catfish Clarias gariepinus × Heterobranchus longifilis is widely farmed in Hungary, its optimal temperature for maximizing digestibility remains under investigation.; (2) Methods: Fish were reared at 23 ºC, 25 ºC, and 27 ºC, and stomach and proximal intestine content samples were collected, and it was determined the protease activity (3) Results: No statistically significant differences were observed in enzyme efficiency, crude protease activity (p > 0.05). Despite not significant differences, the stomach and intestinal, protease activity tended to be higher at 25 °C (3.41 ± 0.16 U/mL), and, while in the intestines was higher at 27 °C (2.03 ± 0.27 U/mL). Stomach activity was higher at 27 ºC, at 27 °C (2.03 ± 0.27 U/mL, respectively. (4) Conclusions: Stomach protease activity tended to be higher at 25 °C, while intestinal activity was highest at 25–27 °C. These results may indicate a better starting digestion that supports feed digestion.

 

 

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