Effects of dietary Saccharomyces cerevisiae on growth, intestinal and liver health, intestinal microbiota and disease resistance of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)

Abstract

Probiotics are an eco-friendly alternative to antibiotics and play an important role in ensuring the sustainability of aquaculture. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae on the growth, intestinal and liver health, intestinal microbiota, and disease resistance of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). Channel catfish were randomly allotted into two treatments, control group (basal diet) and SCC group (basal diet with 2% Saccharomyces cerevisiae culture), and fed for 12 weeks. The results showed that the weight gain of SCC group was significantly increased (P P > 0.05). In addition, the survival rate of channel catfish was significantly increased in SCC group after being challenged with mixture of A. veronii HM091 and A. hydrophila NJ-1. In conclusion, the supplementation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae culture improved the growth, intestinal and liver health and disease resistance of channel catfish.

Keywords

• Saccharomyces cerevisiae culture
• Growth performance
• Intestinal health
• Intestinal microbiota
• Disease resistance