Vitamin D3 effect on the micro-crystal phase and atomic mineral content of bone: Incidence of spinal malformation in Epinephelus fuscoguttatus X Epinephelus polyphekadion hybrid grouper juveniles

The issue of bone anomalies in marine-cultured fish, particularly the hybrid grouper Epinephelus fuscoguttatus X Epinephelus polyphekadion (EFEP), has not been yet resolved. This study aims to determine the microcrystal structure-forming phase of bone and the atomic mineral content in normal and malformed bones treated with vitamin D3 (VD3). VD3 has a role in maintaining bone normocalcemia homeostasis, so that the formation of the extracellular matrix, the primary component of bone, may occur normally. This study focuses on the larvae of EFEP fed a VD3-enriched diet. VD3 enrichment is achieved through bioencapsulation of rotifers and spray-coating of formulated feed. The control treatment was without the addition of VD3. The crystal structure of normal bones differs from that of deformed bones, according to an X-ray diffraction (XRD) investigation. Merrillite predominates in the crystal structure of the EFEP bone, as it does in normal bone. Normal bones and deformed bones have very different atomic minerals. Mineral atoms such as Br, Ca, K, and S can distinguish between a normal and a fractured bone. VD3 therapy produces positive outcomes by preserving the majority phase of normal bone components and Ca content under ideal settings.