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Effect of dietary supplementation with a synbiotic (Lacto Forte) on growth performance, haematological and histological profiles, the innate immune response and resistance to bacterial disease in Oreochromis niloticus
Author(s) -
Ismail Mona,
Wahdan Ali,
Yusuf Mohamed, S.,
Metwally Elsayed,
Mabrok Mahmoud
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
aquaculture research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.646
H-Index - 89
eISSN - 1365-2109
pISSN - 1355-557X
DOI - 10.1111/are.14212
Subject(s) - biology , pseudomonas fluorescens , oreochromis , microbiology and biotechnology , zoology , antibiotics , immune system , feed conversion ratio , food science , immunology , bacteria , endocrinology , body weight , fish <actinopterygii> , genetics , fishery
This study investigated the effects of a synbiotic Lacto Forte on growth performance, haemato‐immunological responses, plasma bactericidal capacity, histological profiles and resistance of Oreochromis niloticus to Pseudomonas fluorescens . The experimental fish were divided into three groups; two of them (T1 and T2) were given Lacto Forte incorporated diets at increasing level (0.7 and 1.5 g/kg, respectively) and an additive‐free basal diet served as the control (T0) for 30 and 45 days. At the end of the feeding trial, a challenge was performed using a virulent strain of P. fluorescens and mortalities were recorded over an additional 14‐days period. The results showed that Lacto Forte has a pronounced effect on haematological and growth performance parameters at 1.5 g/kg rather than 0.5 g/kg ( p < 0.05). Plasma lysozyme, proteases, antiproteases and bactericidal capacity were significantly enhanced ( p < 0.05) in Lacto Forte‐treated groups, particularly after 45 days of supplementation. Long‐term supplementation with Lacto Forte (1.5 g/kg) induced degenerative changes in the liver, spleen and intestine. Additionally, a significant increase ( p < 0.05) in survival rates were found in Lacto Forte‐treated groups compared to the control one 14 days post‐challenge. As a result, Lacto Forte fortifies tilapia immune response and can be used as a surrogate for antibiotics to control P. fluorescens .