Abstract

Energy requirements were measured in Procambarus bouvieri specimens (1.2 – 10.4 g wet weight) collected at Uruapan and Cuitzitan Dams in Michoacan, Mexico. A factorial design (2 x 2) involving dry and rainy seasons of the year and light and darkness phases was used to evaluate the standard metabolic rate (QO₂: mg O₂ per g dry weight per hour), including weight as a covariable. Oxygen consumption rate was measured using a flow respirometer through a 24 hours cycle. Indirect calorimetry was used to calculate energy requirements (cal/day) for crayfish of several sizes expressed as maintenance ratio. Significant differences (p = 0.01) were detected in the factors light and darkness phases and the interaction of phases x seasons (p = 0.003). Light phase in the rainy season showed the greatest metabolic rate (0.57 ± 0.08) differing significantly from the other combinations, which did not show significant differences among each other (dry season-light 0.12 ± 0.02, rainy season- darkness 0.16 ± 0.11, darkness-dry season 0.16 ± 0.03). The caloric content of the tissues was higher in the rainy season than in the dry season (2984 cal/g dry weight and 2391 cal/g dry weight, respectively). The percentage of energy channelled into repiration was much higher in the rainy season (1.14%) than in the dry season (0.47%). Our results are compared with the energy budget of other species. They may contribute to the aquacultural management of P. bouvieri.

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