Dietary sterol sources modulate growth, lipid metabolism, and the initiation of ovarian development in precocious female Redclaw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus)

Key Points

• Growth modulation occurs with varying dietary sterol sources, affecting crayfish size and health.
• Lipid metabolism is influenced by the type of dietary sterols, impacting energy storage and usage.
• Ovarian development initiates differently based on dietary sterols, indicating specific nutritional needs for precocious females.
• Findings highlight the importance of dietary composition in aquaculture practices for crayfish development.