In order to assess the influence of dietary protein on digestive enzyme expression and cholecystokinin (CCK) content in sea bass larvae, four groups of larvae were fed experimental diets from mouth opening until day 42: three isonitrogenous diets with increasing protein hydrolysate levels (0%, 14% and 46% of crude matter) and one diet incorporating starch. The groups fed high starch or high protein hydrolysate level exhibited the lowest growth. The final weight in these groups was 9.5 and 5.6 mg, respectively, whereas it reached approximately 20.0 mg in the groups fed 0% or 14% protein hydrolysate level. The highest levels of trypsin secretion were observed in larvae fed the lowest protein hydrolysate level. Paradoxically, the groups fed diet containing... |