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Macro- and microalgal extracts as functional feed additives in diets for zebrafish juveniles.
- Source :
- Aquaculture Research; Dec2021, Vol. 52 Issue 12, p6420-6433, 14p
- Publication Year :
- 2021
-
Abstract
- The search for natural immunotherapeutic agents has become increasingly important for fish disease treatment and prophylaxis. The present research explored the effects of macro- and microalgal extracts on zebrafish juvenile growth and immune status. A plant-based diet was used as a control (diet C), and seven other diets were prepared similar to diet C, supplemented with 10 g Kg<superscript>-1</superscript> of each algal extract (Fucus vesiculosus, F; Nannochloropsis gaditana, N; and Ulva rigida, U), or a combination of extracts (diets FN, FU, NU and FNU). A fishmeal-based diet was included as a positive control (diet C+). Diet C+ outperformed the remaining dietary treatments, growth-wise. None of the extracts improved diet C negative effects. However, the inclusion of U. rigida and N. gaditana extracts promoted an immunomodulatory action after 1 week of trial, by upregulating cytokine expression. This effect subsided after 30 days, suggesting tolerance may be developed over time. In contrast, effects on growth-related genes were still observed after 5 weeks of feeding F, N, U and FN diets. Algal extract dietary inclusion did not compromise intestinal integrity. These findings support the potential of algal extracts as functional feed additives during short periods (<30 days) to enhance immunomodulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1355557X
- Volume :
- 52
- Issue :
- 12
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- Aquaculture Research
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 154249652
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1111/are.15507