Development and application of artificial feeds for juvenile Neptunea cumingii Crosse

This study aimed to develop suitable artificial feeds for juvenile Neptunea cumingii culture. Based on prior research, a basal artificial feed (BAF) was formulated to mimic the nutritional profile of the natural diet, Ruditapes philippinarum . Then, through dietary preference tests of natural shellfish to juvenile snails, the content and composition of umami amino acids in the most attractive shellfish were determined. Synthetic amino acids were combined and added to the basal feed to formulate an attractant - supplemented artificial feed (AAF). In a 6-week feeding trial, the effects of the BAF and AAF on the growth performance and digestive enzyme activities of juvenile snails (initial weight: 0.81 ± 0.10 g) were investigated, with Sinonovacula constricta as the control feed. Results showed survival rates of 96∼98% across all groups by the end of the trial. In terms of growth, S. constricta - fed juveniles had a 48.1% weight increase, AAF- fed juveniles a 29.6% increase, and BAF - fed juveniles a 9.9% increase, with significant differences ( P < 0.05) among groups. Similar trends were seen in shell height and width. The control group had a significantly lower feed coefficient than the two artificial feed groups ( P < 0.05), which in turn was significantly lower for the AAF group than the BAF group ( P < 0.05). Pepsin activity was highest in the control group and significantly higher than in the other two groups ( P < 0.05). The AAF group had the highest lipase activity, significantly higher than the other two groups ( P < 0.05). Amylase activity showed no significant differences among the three groups. Overall, the AAF showed great potential for replacing natural baits in juvenile N. cumingii culture and offers key insights for future artificial feed development for juvenile N. cumingii . • Attractant-supplemented artificial feed (AAF) developed for juvenile Neptunea cumingii , showing potential to replace natural baits. • AAF significantly enhanced growth, survival, and reduced FCR compared to non-attractant BAF in juvenile N. cumingii . • This study advances shellfish attractant feed development, offering insights into nutritional needs and aquaculture of N. cumingii .