The potentials of fructooligosaccharide on growth, feed utilization, immune and antioxidant parameters, microbial community and disease resistance of tilapia (<i>Oreochromis niloticus</i> × <i>O. aureus</i>)

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the potentials of dietary fructooligosaccharide (FOS) on growth and health of tilapia. Fish (5.00 ± 0.02 g) were fed five diets with FOS supplementation at 0 (CON), 0.5 (F-1), 1 (F-2), 2 (F-3) and 4 (F-4) g/kg feed for 8 weeks. The results showed that the weight gain and feed conversion ratio were improved by F-2, F-3 and F-4 groups (p < .05). Dietary FOS promoted the retentions of protein and lipid (p < .05), and the digestibility of dry matter and protein was encouraged by F-2 and F-3 groups (p < .05). The FOS supplementation (except F-4 group) increased serum alkaline phosphate and acid phosphatase activities and hepatic superoxide dismutase activity (p < .05). The amylase activity and villus height in anterior intestine were enhanced by all FOS groups (p < .05). The numbers of total bacteria in F-3 and F-4 groups, lactic acid bacteria in F-4 group and Bacillus in all FOS groups were increased (p < .05). After challenged with Aermonas hydrophila, the cumulative mortality was decreased by all levels of FOS supplementation (p < .05). In conclusion, the FOS supplementation at least 1 g/kg feed could promote growth, nutrient utilization, immune and antioxidant parameters, digestive enzyme activity, gut health and disease resistance of tilapia.