Effects of Dietary <i>Enterococcus faecalis</i> YFI-G720 on the Growth, Immunity, Serum Biochemical, Intestinal Morphology, Intestinal Microbiota, and Disease Resistance of Crucian Carp (<i>Carassius auratus</i>)

Abstract

Diseases of crucian carp (Carassius auratus) are closely related to intestinal parameters. Enterococcus faecalis has strong colonization ability in the intestinal tract, and produces natural antibiotics, bacteriocin, and other bacteriostatic substances, which can effectively inhibit some pathogenic bacteria and improve the intestinal microenvironment. This study aimed to assess the effects of E. faecalis YFI-G720 which was isolated from the intestinal of crucian carp on the growth, immunity, intestinal health, and disease resistance of crucian carp. Fish (48.16 ± 0.55 g) were fed four diets, commercial diet or diet containing E. faecalis at 105 CFU/g (EF1), 106 CFU/g (EF2), or 107 CFU/g (EF3) for 28 days. The results showed that supplementation of E. faecalis significantly improved the weight gain ratio (WGR) and the specific growth rate (SGR) compared with control group (p p p Aeromonas and Acinetobacter decreased while Cetobacterium increased in all experimental groups, with the greatest changes in EF2. Challenge tests showed that fish fed E. faecalis were more resistant to Aeromonas veronii (p E. faecalis YFI-G720 at 106 CFU/g can improve the health status, immune parameters, intestinal microbiota composition, and disease resistance of crucian carp.

Keywords

• crucian carp
• <i>Enterococcus faecalis</i>
• growth
• immunity
• serum parameters
• intestinal microbiota