Macro- and microalgal extracts as functional feed additives in diets for zebrafish juveniles

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2021

Authors

Monteiro, M (Author) Other; Lavrador, AS (Author) Other; Oliva Teles, A (Author) FCUP; Ana Couto (Author) FCUP; Carvalho, AP (Author) FCUP; Enes, P (Author) FCUP; Diaz Rosales, P (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Aquaculture Research

Vol. 52

Pages: 6420-6433

ISSN: 1355-557X

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 5 Citations

Scopus - 6 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00V-88C

DOI: 10.1111/are.15507

Abstract (EN): 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(-1) 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.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 14