Effect of drought stress on the growth, ovary development, antioxidant capacity, sex hormone content, and reproductive-related gene expression of red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii)

Hainan Province is located in the southernmost part of China. Natural conditions, such as high temperature, drought, and typhoons, have become important factors restricting the development of the red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) industry. This study aimed to examine the effects of drought stress on growth, ovarian development, antioxidant capacity, sex hormone content, and reproductive gene expression of P. clarkii. An annual survey was conducted on the ovarian development of female P. clarkii in Hainan Province, China, from January 2023 to January 2024. Under the influence of drought and prolonged light, the ovaries of P. clarkii entered the stage of rapid development in May, and the maturity was the highest in September, reaching a maximum of 2.88. In this study, female P. clarkii with a body weight of 31.09 ± 1.20 g were randomly divided into 5 groups with 6 replicates per group for drought stress experiment at 0 d (control group), 10 d, 20 d, 30 d, and 40 d, respectively. Compared with the control group, the maturity of P. clarkii was significantly improved after 10 d, 30 d, and 40 d of stress. The levels of GSH-Px, SOD, and T-AOC in hepatopancreas and hemolymph were significantly decreased after 30 d of drought, and MDA level was significantly increased after 10 d, 20 d, and 30 d of drought treatment. The contents of E, PROG, 17A-OHP, and E2 in the hemolymph of female P. clarkii were significantly decreased after more than 30 d of drought stress. Cyclin B mRNA transcription level decreased significantly after 20 d of drought. The expression levels of vgr and cdc2 significantly increased after 30 d and 40 d of drought, while foxL2 significantly decreased and pcna significantly increased after 40 d of drought. Based on the above results, 30 d drought was the most effective in promoting the ovarian development of female P. clarkii. •The annual survey of Procambarus clarkii in Hainan Province.•Drought promoted the genadosomatic of P. clarkii.