Effects of diet on metabolic rate and mass of lactating cockroach, Diploptera punctata
Advisor Information
Paul Ayayee
Location
MBSC Ballroom - Poster #604 - U
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
4-3-2022 9:00 AM
End Date
4-3-2022 10:15 AM
Abstract
Diploptera punctata, a species of cockroach found in some parts of asia and the pacific, is notable for its ability to give birth to live young along with producing milk to feed them as embryos. The metabolic rate of insects can be influenced depending on the food resources available to them. Less optimal food sources can either speed up the metabolism of the insect to compensate for less efficient digestion, or can cause metabolism to slow down far below the normal due to the food source being non-compatible. In this study we looked at the standard metabolic rate responses (SMR) of Diploptera punctata on 3 different diets. Dog food (DF), which is the optimal diet for the species in this study, cellulose amended dog food (CADF), and granulated yucca (GARI). We anticipated the SMR would be decreased for the CADF group, intermediate for the GARI, and unchanged for the DF, as it is the optimum diet. Results indicated that the CADF diet negatively impacted SMR of the cockroaches and resulted in decreased body masses. These diet-induced effects of the CADF are hypothesized to be acting through disruption of the gut microbiome. Further studies looking at the effect on the gut microbiota are ongoing.
Scheduling Link
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Effects of diet on metabolic rate and mass of lactating cockroach, Diploptera punctata
MBSC Ballroom - Poster #604 - U
Diploptera punctata, a species of cockroach found in some parts of asia and the pacific, is notable for its ability to give birth to live young along with producing milk to feed them as embryos. The metabolic rate of insects can be influenced depending on the food resources available to them. Less optimal food sources can either speed up the metabolism of the insect to compensate for less efficient digestion, or can cause metabolism to slow down far below the normal due to the food source being non-compatible. In this study we looked at the standard metabolic rate responses (SMR) of Diploptera punctata on 3 different diets. Dog food (DF), which is the optimal diet for the species in this study, cellulose amended dog food (CADF), and granulated yucca (GARI). We anticipated the SMR would be decreased for the CADF group, intermediate for the GARI, and unchanged for the DF, as it is the optimum diet. Results indicated that the CADF diet negatively impacted SMR of the cockroaches and resulted in decreased body masses. These diet-induced effects of the CADF are hypothesized to be acting through disruption of the gut microbiome. Further studies looking at the effect on the gut microbiota are ongoing.