A study of the pattern of digestive enzimes in Diplodus puntazzo (Cetti, 1777) (Osteychthyes, Sparidae): evidence for the definition of nutritional protocols

Abstract

The digestive enzymes (proteases, carbohydrases and lipases) present along the alimentary tract of juveniles and adults of Diplodus puntazzo were studied. The data obtained showed a different distribution of the enzymatic activities in the different parts of the alimentary tract. Levels of enzymatic activity in the adults were higher than those measured in juveniles, suggesting that adults have a greater ability to digest larger pieces of food. The enzymatic pattern of D. puntazzo justifies its omnivorous habit and suggests an high potential for digesting vegetable polysaccharides. The results of this study suggest the need to adapt the diet to the digestive potential of this new farming species, thus contributing to the attainment of a product that is qualitatively more similar to the wild one.