ABSTRACT The higher education system plays a relevant role in accomplishing the processes of territorial and local development. The University of Havana nationally coordinates the Bachelor in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) degree, and their graduates carry out essential work for their territories of origin. However, most of BMB graduates do not return to their provinces. It is important for the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology career to consider in the concept of sustainability not only the conceptual aspect of this science, but also the economic and social aspects, and the development of initiatives to encourage the commitment of students with their region. This work, from the analysis of the placement and professional development of BBM graduates in scientific institutions and higher education centers and individual interviews with students, was aimed to propose a strategy for motivating the graduates’commitment with their territories, and thus contribute to the local development in the fields of biomedicine and biotechnology in their territories.

RESUMEN La educación superior desempeña un papel relevante en la atención a los procesos de desarrollo territorial y local. La carrera de Licenciatura en Bioquímica y Biología Molecular (BBM) coordinada por la Universidad de La Habana, es una carrera nacional, y sus egresados cumplen una significativa labor en sus territorios de origen. Sin embargo, gran parte de ellos no regresa a sus provincias. Es importante para la carrera, considerar en el concepto de sostenibilidad, no solo el aspecto conceptual, sino también el económico-social y el desarrollo de iniciativas, para incentivar el compromiso de los estudiantes con su región. Este trabajo, a partir de entrevistas individuales a estudiantes, y del análisis de la ubicación y el desarrollo profesional de graduados de la carrera en instituciones científicas y Centros de Educación Superior, tuvo como objetivo proponer una estrategia que motive el compromiso de los egresados de mantenerse en su localidad, y así contribuir al desarrollo local en las esferas de la biomedicina y la biotecnología de sus territorios.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The spread of shrimp diseases worldwide during the last two decades increased the study of factors that modify the immune system. Aim. To review the main factors that modify the immune system of penaeid shrimp. Development: The factors that affect the immune system of shrimps are classified into abiotic and biotic. Among the abiotic factors are temperature, salinity, the pH, and the presence of nitrogenated compounds in the culture environment. Among the biotic factors are the characterization of external and internal microbiotas of animals, the analysis of bioactive compounds found in the habitats, and the development of sustainable culture methods, such a as the utilization of probiotics and the biofloc technology. The immune system is particularly susceptible to environmental changes. The microbiota and bioactive components can be important tools to enhance the immune system; however, little is known about how this could be used in practice. Conclusions: The utilization of probiotics and the biofloc technology can be very useful to enhance the response of the immune system in practice, and to produce sustainable culture, even when the mechanism activated to produce this effect is unknown.

RESUMEN Introducción: Con la expansión de enfermedades de camarones a nivel mundial durante las últimas dos décadas incrementó el estudio de factores que modifican el sistema inmune. Objetivo. Revisar los principales factores que modifican la respuesta inmune en camarones peneidos. Desarrollo: Los factores que afectan el sistema inmune del camarón se clasifican en bióticos y abióticos. Entre los factores abióticos se encuentran la temperatura, la salinidad, el pH y la presencia de compuestos nitrogenados en el medio de cría. Entre los factores bióticos se destaca la caracterización de las microbiotas externas e internas de los animales, el análisis de compuestos bioactivos propios del hábitat y el desarrollo de nuevas metodologías sostenibles en el cultivo como el uso de probióticos y de la tecnología de los flóculos biológicos (biofloc). El sistema inmune se caracteriza por ser especialmente susceptible a los cambios del ambiente. La microbiota y compuestos bioactivos pueden ser importantes herramientas para potenciar el sistema inmune; sin embargo, aún se conoce poco como podría ser utilizada de manera práctica. Conclusiones: El uso de probióticos y de la tecnología de flóculos biológicos puede ser de gran utilidad para potenciar la respuesta del sistema inmune de manera práctica y hacer los cultivos sostenibles, aun cuando se desconozca el mecanismo por el cual ejercen su efecto.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The study of the immune system is gaining more relevance in aquaculture resulting from increases in intensive shrimp culture, and the ensuing step up of viral and bacterial diseases. Aim. To provide updated information of the advances associated with the understanding the immune system of shrimps, particularly penaeid shrimp. Development: The innate immune system of shrimps contains passive and active elements, physical barriers, and humoral-cellular branches, respectively. In recent years, the term trained immunity was added as another key element of immune response against pathogens. Emphasis is made on the acceptance of classifications of hemocytes based on molecular parameters, the advancement in understanding antiviral response through interference RNA, the creation of databases of new antimicrobial peptides, and the evaluation of enzymatic activities as modulators of the immune response. Conclusions: Understanding the mechanisms that mediate the innate and trained immunity, such as shrimp cytokines, permit the implementation of new strategies for disease control in shrimp culture.

RESUMEN Introducción: Con el aumento del cultivo intensivo del camarón, y el correspondiente incremento de la incidencia de enfermedades tanto virales como bacterianas, el estudio del sistema inmune es un tema que se le presta cada vez mayor atención en la acuicultura. Objetivo. Actualizar la información sobre los avances en la comprensión del sistema inmune de camarones, haciendo énfasis en camarones peneidos. Desarrollo: El sistema inmune innato del camarón consta de elementos pasivos y activos, las barreras físicas y las ramas humoral-celular respetivamente. También en los últimos años se incorporó el término de respuesta inmune entrenada como otro elemento clave en la respuesta inmune frente a patógenos. Se destaca el avance en la formalización de clasificaciones de hemocitos en función de parámetros moleculares, el avance en la comprensión de repuesta antiviral a través de ARN de interferencia, la creación de bases de datos de nuevos péptidos antimicrobianos y la evaluación de actividades enzimáticas como moduladores de la respuesta inmune. Conclusiones: La comprensión de los mecanismos que median la respuesta innata y entrenada, como las citosinas de camarón, permiten el desarrollo de nuevas estrategias para el control de enfermedades en el cultivo del camarón.

Resumo Desde épocas ancestrais, as algas marinhas são utilizadas para fins medicinais. Atualmente, as algas têm chamado a atenção como fontes de compostos bioativos, devido ao alto teor de metabólitos secundários. Em muitos estudos epidemiológicos e investigações experimentais, diferentes propriedades terapêuticas foram demonstradas. Vários autores têm demonstrado atividades antioxidantes em espécies de algas marinhas e sua relação com propriedades hepato-protetoras, explicadas na maioria dos casos por sua composição polifenólica. Por outro lado, existem poucos medicamentos disponíveis que estimulem a função hepática, ofereçam proteção ao fígado de possíveis danos e/ou ajudem a regenerar as células hepáticas, por isso é interessante procurar medicamentos alternativos para o tratamento de doenças hepáticas. Há duas décadas, o Grupo de Farmacologia e Toxicologia de la Universidade de la Habana (UH) em coordenação com o Laboratório de Lipídios da Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCF-USP) da Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil tem investigado várias espécies de algas marinhas como fontes de neuro- e hepato-protetores com resultados animadores. Nesta revisão foi analisado um conjunto de investigações de extratos e moléculas de algas marinhas como possíveis agentes hepato-protetores e sua relação com a atividade antioxidante. Diferentes metodologias são apresentadas com vários modelos animais, indutores de dano hepático e variáveis experimentais. Com base nessas considerações, o objetivo deste artigo de revisão era resumir o estado da ciência até o momento sobre o papel das algas marinhas como fontes naturais de hepatoprotetores e sua relação com propriedades antioxidantes.

Abstract Since ancient times, seaweed has been used for medicinal purposes. At present, seaweeds have attracted attention as sources of bioactive compounds, due to their high content of secondary metabolites. In numerous epidemiological studies and experimental investigations, different therapeutic properties cuidahave been shown. Several authors have demonstrated antioxidant activities in seaweeds species and their relationship with hepato-protective properties, explained in most cases by their polyphenolic composition. On the other hand, there are few drugs available that stimulate liver function, offer protection to the liver from possible damage and/or help to regenerate liver cells, so it is interesting to look for alternative drugs for the treatment of liver diseases. For two decades, the Pharmacology and Toxicology Group of University of Havana (UH) in coordination with the Lipids Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of Sao Paulo (FCF-USP) (Brazil) have investigated various species of seaweeds as sources of neuro- and hepato-protectors with encouraging results. In this review a set of investigations of extracts and molecules of seaweed is analysed as possible hepato-protective agents and their relationship with antioxidant activity. Different methodologies are presented with various animal models, liver damage inducers and experimental variables. Based on these considerations, the objective of this review article was to summarise the state of science to date about the role of seaweeds as natural sources of hepato-protectors and their relationship with antioxidant properties.

Resumen Desde épocas ancestrales, las algas marinas han sido empleadas con fines medicinales. En la actualidad, las algas han atraído la atención como fuentes de compuestos bioactivos, debido a su alto contenido en metabolitos secundarios. En numerosos estudios epidemiológicos e investigaciones experimentales se han demostrado diferentes propiedades terapéuticas. Diversos autores han demostrado actividades antioxidantes en especies de algas marinas y su relación con las propiedades hepatoprotectoras, explicadas en la mayoría de los casos por su composición polifenólica. Por otra parte, existen pocos fármacos disponibles que estimulen la función hepática, ofrezcan protección al hígado de posibles daños y/o ayuden a regenerar las células hepáticas. Por este motivo resulta interesante buscar fármacos alternativos para el tratamiento de enfermedades hepáticas. Durante dos décadas, el Grupo de Farmacología y Toxicología de la Universidad de La Habana (UH), en coordinación con el Laboratorio de Lípidos de la Facultad de Ciencias Farmacéuticas (FCF-USP) de la Universidad de San Pablo, Brasil, han investigado varias especies de algas marinas como fuentes de sustancias neuro y hepatoprotectoras con resultados alentadores. En la presente revisión se analizó un conjunto de investigaciones de extractos y moléculas de algas marinas como posibles agentes hepatoprotectores y su relación con la actividad antioxidante. Se presentan diferentes metodologías con varios modelos animales, inductores de daño hepático y variables experimentales. A partir de estas consideraciones, el objetivo de este artículo de revisión fue resumir el estado de la ciencia hasta la fecha acerca del papel de las algas marinas como fuentes naturales de hepatoprotectores y su relación con las propiedades antioxidantes.

ABSTRACT This study assessed the effect of protein level in diet and feeding schedule on the digestive enzymatic activity of Macrobrachium tenellum juveniles. Freshwater prawn juveniles (0.31 ± 0.004 g and 32.48 ± 0.27 mm) were fed diets with 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40% crude protein (CP) (p/p). In a second experiment, feeding schedules were assessed at 08:00, 14:00 and 20:00 h with feed at 30% CP with juveniles of 0.22 ± 0.002 g and 29.36 ± 0.28 mm. In both experiments, five organisms were sampled after 60 days of treatment in a time-lapse of one hour (08:00 to 09:00 h) per experimental tank and treatment. The enzymatic extract was obtained from the complete organisms to determine specific general protease, trypsin, chymotrypsin, amylase and lipase activities. Greater general protease, trypsin and lipase activities were observed in feed at 40% CP. The feeding schedules with greater general protease, trypsin, lipase and amylase activities were found at 14:00 and 20:00 h. Chymotrypsin did not show differences among treatments at CP levels or feeding schedules. Protein level in diets for M. tenellum modified basal digestive enzymatic activity and increased proteolytic and lipolytic activities, while it decreased amylolytic activity as the inclusion of CP level increased in the diet; likewise, the activity was modified by feeding schedule, showing a direct correlation between the increase in digestive enzymatic activity and food offering at the end of the day.

ABSTRACT This paper propose a methodological guide for the development of an educational nutritional intervention strategy, designed by university professionals and aimed at adolescents from an Ecuadorian rural community, based on the qualitative paradigm of participatory action intervention research that responds to the principles of university social responsibility and community human improvement. The proposed instrument is based on the philosophical, pedagogical and sociological perspectives and can be a tool for changing dietary ways and lifestyles in populations and in vulnerable contexts.

RESUMEN El presente trabajo propone una guía metodológica para el desarrollo de una estrategia de intervención nutricional educativa, diseñada por profesionales universitarios y dirigida a adolescentes de una comunidad rural ecuatoriana, basada en el paradigma cualitativo de la investigación intervención acción participativa y que responde a los principios de responsabilidad social universitaria y mejoramiento humano comunitario. El instrumento propuesto se sustenta en las perspectivas filosófica, pedagógica y sociológica y puede constituir una herramienta para el cambio de modos y estilos de vida alimentarios en poblaciones y en contextos vulnerables.

Resumen: Investigación cuasi experimental, modalidad intervención acción participación, con el objetivo de determinar la influencia de una estrategia de intervención educativa en el estado nutricional de 31 adolescentes de la comunidad Cerro Guayabal, Ecuador implementada durante tres meses. Se precisaron necesidades cognitivas sobre alimentación y nutrición a través de un cuestionario de conocimientos; el estado nutricional según evaluación de ingesta alimentaria y composición corporal mediante un cuestionario de frecuencia semicuantitativo y técnica antropométrica. Se logró satisfacer las necesidades cognitivas, alimentarias y nutricionales, valoradas por los resultados del cuestionario de conocimiento aplicado al finalizar la intervención. La ingesta media de energía y macronutrientes mejoró favorablemente, los % de adecuación de energía y carbohidratos aumentaron, los de grasas calcio, potasio, hierro y cinc disminuyeron, mientras que la piridoxina, folato y retinol mejoraron; la riboflavina se mantuvo normal y la tiamina, niacina, vitamina C y E aumentaron; la proporción de adolescentes masculinos que antes estaban en la categoría de reserva proteica baja según el AMB, disminuyó en 50%, ambos sexos se distribuyeron mayoritariamente en las categorías de reserva calórica muy alta. La aplicación de la estrategia permitió modificar el estado nutricional y logró la satisfacción de necesidades cognitivas sobre alimentación y nutrición de adolescentes del estudio.

Abstract: Quasi-experimental research, participatory intervention modality, with the objective of determining the influence of an educational intervention strategy on the nutritional status of 31 adolescents from the Cerro Guayabal community, Ecuador, implemented for three months. Cognitive needs on food and nutrition were specified through a knowledge questionnaire; the nutritional status according to the evaluation of food intake and body composition through a questionnaire of semi-quantitative frequency and anthropometric technique. It was possible to satisfy cognitive, nutritional and nutritional needs, valued by the results of the knowledge questionnaire applied at the end of the intervention. The average intake of energy and macronutrients improved favorably,% of adequacy of energy and carbohydrates increased, those of fat calcium, potassium, iron and zinc decreased, while pyridoxine, folate and retinol improved; riboflavin remained normal and thiamine, niacin, vitamin C and E increased; the proportion of male adolescents who were previously in the category of low protein reserve according to the AMB, decreased by 50%, both sexes were distributed mostly in the categories of high caloric reserve. The application of the strategy allowed to modify the nutritional status and achieved the satisfaction of cognitive needs on feeding and nutrition of adolescents of the study.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Behaviors and problems related to diseases such as the consumption of tobacco or alcohol, inadequate eating habits and sedentary lifestyle usually occur for the first time, or are reinforced, during adolescence. Objective: To identify which are the health determinants in adolescents of Cerro Guayabal Community, Manabí, Ecuador. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out. From a population of 244 adolescents, a sample of 151 adolescents of both sexes was calculated. A survey was designed and applied in order to collect in the home environment the information needed for the study, as well as in situ observation. Results: The results showed male prevalence, early adolescence, regular housing conditions, regularly satisfied basic needs, regular sanitary hygienic conditions, a large number of adolescents with diabetic and hypertensive relatives, adolescents with a greater preference for unhealthy foods, and most of them with a sedentary lifestyle. Conclusions: The need to continue the study of other determinants that may be influencing the health of this population group is demonstrated. It is suitable to jointly develop with the governments and the community different actions aimed to guarantee the health of this population group.

RESUMEN Introducción: Los comportamientos y problemas relacionados con las enfermedades, como el consumo de tabaco o alcohol, hábitos de alimentación inadecuados y sedentarismo, suelen presentarse por primera vez, o verse reforzados, durante la adolescencia. Objetivo: Identificar cuáles son los determinantes de la salud presentes en los adolescentes de la Comunidad Cerro Guayabal, Manabí, Ecuador Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal. De una población de 244 adolescentes, se trabajó con una muestra de 151 adolescentes de ambos sexos. Se diseñó y aplicó una encuesta en función de recoger la información necesaria para el estudio, además de la observación in situ. Resultados: Los resultados precisaron prevalencia del sexo masculino, adolescencia temprana, condiciones regulares de la vivienda, necesidades básicas regularmente satisfechas, condiciones higiénicas sanitarias regulares, una gran cantidad de adolescentes con familiares diabéticos e hipertensos, adolescentes con mayor preferencia por alimentos no saludables y la mayoría sedentarios. Conclusiones: Queda demostrada la necesidad de continuar el estudio de otros determinantes que puedan estar influyendo en la salud de este grupo poblacional. Es pertinente, desarrollar de conjunto gobiernos-comunidad, diferentes acciones encaminadas a garantizar la salud de este grupo poblacional.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Behaviors and problems related to diseases such as the consumption of tobacco or alcohol, inadequate eating habits and sedentary lifestyle usually occur for the first time, or are reinforced, during adolescence. Objective: To identify which are the health determinants in adolescents of Cerro Guayabal Community, Manabí, Ecuador. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out. From a population of 244 adolescents, a sample of 151 adolescents of both sexes was calculated. A survey was designed and applied in order to collect in the home environment the information needed for the study, as well as in situ observation. Results: The results showed male prevalence, early adolescence, regular housing conditions, regularly satisfied basic needs, regular sanitary hygienic conditions, a large number of adolescents with diabetic and hypertensive relatives, adolescents with a greater preference for unhealthy foods, and most of them with a sedentary lifestyle. Conclusions: The need to continue the study of other determinants that may be influencing the health of this population group is demonstrated. It is suitable to jointly develop with the governments and the community different actions aimed to guarantee the health of this population group.

RESUMEN Introducción: Los comportamientos y problemas relacionados con las enfermedades, como el consumo de tabaco o alcohol, hábitos de alimentación inadecuados y sedentarismo, suelen presentarse por primera vez, o verse reforzados, durante la adolescencia. Objetivo: Identificar cuáles son los determinantes de la salud presentes en los adolescentes de la Comunidad Cerro Guayabal, Manabí, Ecuador Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal. De una población de 244 adolescentes, se trabajó con una muestra de 151 adolescentes de ambos sexos. Se diseñó y aplicó una encuesta en función de recoger la información necesaria para el estudio, además de la observación in situ. Resultados: Los resultados precisaron prevalencia del sexo masculino, adolescencia temprana, condiciones regulares de la vivienda, necesidades básicas regularmente satisfechas, condiciones higiénicas sanitarias regulares, una gran cantidad de adolescentes con familiares diabéticos e hipertensos, adolescentes con mayor preferencia por alimentos no saludables y la mayoría sedentarios. Conclusiones: Queda demostrada la necesidad de continuar el estudio de otros determinantes que puedan estar influyendo en la salud de este grupo poblacional. Es pertinente, desarrollar de conjunto gobiernos-comunidad, diferentes acciones encaminadas a garantizar la salud de este grupo poblacional.

ABSTRACT The native fish Dormitator latifrons, also known as chame, popoyote, puyeque and Pacific fat sleeper, grows in brackish environments in estuaries of the American Pacific coast, from Baja California (Mexico) to Perú. It is consumed regionally, and its characteristics under culture conditions are currently being evaluated. This study compared the proximate composition and fatty acid profile of wild and cultured specimens of D. latifrons to determine the effect of feeding them a commercial diet for tilapia under culture conditions. The protein content of the muscle of wild fish was higher than that of cultured fish, but the total lipid content was lower. The levels of fatty acids C18:1n9 and C18:2n6 were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in cultured fish, while the levels of C20:5n3 (EPA) and C22:6n3 (DHA) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in wild fish. The n3/n6 ratio was higher in wild fish. These results show that D. latifrons is a species that can be readily cultured and that quickly gets used to formula feed. However, given the fatty acid composition of this species, it is necessary to control the quality of oil in the diet.

ABSTRACT Previous studies have shown that crustacean feed attractability has an enormous importance, because the consumption, quality and feed conversion rate can be improved, by reducing the time of residence pre-ingestion and the leaching of nutrients. For this reason, different protocols and methods has been developed to measure feed attractability. This study evaluated the use of maze type Y, and rectangular systems to determine the attractant power of a commercial feed on longarm river prawn Macrobrachium tenellum. The Y type maze system without barriers, and with three different types of barriers (with or without access to the area where a commercial feed) was evaluated. Ten prawns were placed in the acclimation chamber of the system at 28°C for 60 min before the start of the experiment. To start the test, commercial feed (20% of prawn biomass) was placed into the system feeding area, then the acclimation chamber was open to allow for the free prawn movement, evaluating the feed attractability by measuring the time for the first “hit”, total number of hits, and the number of prawns which entrances to the feeding area during 15 min. Similar tests were performed with a rectangular type maze system, comparing the atractability results obtained in both systems. The results presented here highlight the importance of the genus behavior and the selection of protocols and systems, as well as the materials used in its maze system construction, for attractability testing in M. tenellum.

ABSTRACT Due to the cost of raw materials, the need to formulate balanced feeds with highly digestible ingredients is indispensable for the aquaculture feed industry. For this reason, the protein in vitro digestibility, assessed by the pH-stat method, of ingredients with potential of using them on the balanced feed for Macrobrachium tenellum, were evaluated. The relative protein digestibility was assessed in twelve feed ingredients, including animal (pork meal, feather poultry meal, prime poultry meal, turkey meal, fish meal, shrimp meal), vegetal (coconut paste, chickpea meal, soybean meal, wheat gluten) and microbial (yeast and Spirulina meal); casein (Hammerstein grade) was used as the reference protein. The highest relative protein digestibility was found in: Spirulina meal (52.6%); following by pork meal (45.6%), and feather poultry meal (39.6%). The lowest digestibilities were found in soybean meal (15.9%), chickpea meal (12.1%), and fish meal (11.6%). The protein digestibility value should be considered for selecting potential ingredients for the formulation of balanced feeds for M. tenellum.

ABSTRACT The present work evaluates the attractant and palatable potential of six ingredients of animal origin in longarm river prawn Macrobrachium tenellum juveniles in a Y type maze system. Ingredients were pelletized for the first bioassay and included in neutral gelatin (in wet base) in the second bioassay. The ingredient to evaluate was placed in one of the Y-maze arms, allowing the free movement of prawn for 15 min. On both bioassays, attractability was evaluated by quantifying the time required for the first prawn to enter the region where the feed was found and the total of prawns which entered that region. In the second bioassay, also evaluated the palatability quantifying the time for the first prawn to have contact with the ingredient, the total of prawns which had contact with it and the time they remained feeding. No significant differences were obtained between treatments in the first bioassay. Significant differences were found in the second bioassay showing that pork meal, fish meal, feather meal and shrimp meal have greater attractability due to the number of prawns attracted, results also show significant differences in palatability, where fishmeal, shrimp meal and pork meal stimulating a higher number of organisms and promoting a longer consumption time.

ABSTRACT In this work we evaluated the essential amino acid profile of muscle Crocodylus acutus and calculated their chemical score of main proteins used in their diet in captivity. The separation and identification of amino acids was carried out by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to a fluorescence detector. The calculation of chemical score was obtained by dividing the value of each essential amino acid between the same amino acid of the reference protein. The lowest value of the relationships is the chemical score. The amino acids present in greater quantities in the tail muscle are glutamic acid, lysine and leucine (16.96, 9.84 and 8.87 g amino acid per 100 g of protein, respectively), whereas histidine, methionine and tryptophan (2.99, 2.93 and 0.59 g amino acid per 100 g of protein) were the lowest. The chemical score obtained results showed that the proteins of animal origin, preferably marine fish and supplemented with terrestrial animals ingredients, including beef liver appear to be the most effective. The incorporation of plant proteins in diets for C. acutus does not appear as a viable alternative due to deficiencies in several essential amino acids such as methionine, lysine and threonine.

Food production for aquaculture requires finding other protein sources or ingredients as potential alternatives in the formulation of aquaculture feeds, due to the shortage and high price of protein sources that are most commonly used. The aim of this analysis was to evaluate the relationship between the essential amino acids in 13 types of proteins available in the market with the essential amino acids found in the muscle of four of the most important farmed prawn species of the genus Macrobrachium (M. amazonicum, M. rosenbergii, M. americanum and M. tenellum). The results obtained showed the limiting amino acids of each ingredient for each species, thereby allowing for formulation of commercial foods that meet the nutritional needs to support optimal growth of these prawns in culture. In conclusion, there is a difference in the amino acids most often present as first limiting between sources of animal and plant origin. Thereby, it is possible evaluate complementarities between these sources to achieve an amino acids profile close to that of Macrobrachium species.

La producción de alimentos para la acuicultura requiere la búsqueda de otras fuentes o ingredientes proteínicos como alternativas potenciales en la formulación de piensos para la acuicultura, debido a la escasez y alto precio de las fuentes de proteínas utilizadas con mayor frecuencia. El objetivo de este análisis fue evaluar la relación entre los aminoácidos esenciales de 13 tipos de proteínas disponibles en el mercado con aminoácidos esenciales presentes en el músculo de cuatro de las más importantes especies de langostinos cultivadas del género Macrobrachium (M. amazonicum, M. rosenbergii, M. americanum y M. tenellum). Los resultados obtenidos muestran los aminoácidos limitantes de cada ingrediente para cada especie, lo que permite la formulación de alimentos comerciales que satisfagan las necesidades nutricionales para apoyar el crecimiento óptimo de estos langostinos en cultivo. En conclusión, existe una diferencia entre los aminoácidos que con más frecuencia se presentan como primer limitante entre las fuentes de origen animal y vegetal. De este modo, es posible evaluar complementaciones entre estas fuentes para lograr un perfil de aminoácidos cercano al de las especies de Macrobrachium.