Molting, tissue calcium‑phosphorus deposition and immunity of juvenile Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) fed different levels of calcium and vitamin D3

Molting activity and innate immunity play a pivotal role in the development growth of crustaceans are related to mortality body abnormality. To evaluate synergistic effect vitamin D3 (vit-D3) Ca molting Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis), crabs (3.20 ± 0.01 g) were fed six diets formulated with two levels (0% 1.5%, abbreviated D N) three vit-D3 (0, 9,000 27,000 IU/kg, LVD, MVD HVD) level for 56 days. Crabs 1.5% IU/kg (N + MVD) had highest performance, hematic-1,25-dihydroxy vit-D3, hematic‑calcium, hepatic‑phosphorus antioxidant capacity among all groups. On contrary, without reduced tissue calcium‑phosphorus deposition, capacity, expression molting-related immune-related genes. Compared N HVD (1.5% vit-D3), those +27,000 vit-D3) significantly low performance gene expressions antibacterial immunity. This study demonstrates that adequate dietary calcium can enhance growth, activity, E. sinensis. Moreover, it provides an in-depth understanding molecular mechanism