Effect of dietary alginic acid on juvenile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) intestinal microbial balance, intestinal histology and growth performance
Author(s)
Date Issued
2011
Type
Article
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to assess the
effect of a commercial alginic acid source (Ergosan) on
tilapia Oreochromis niloticus intestinal microbial balance,
intestinal morphology, and growth parameters. Fish were
fed a basal control diet or the basal diet plus a source of
alginic acid (5 gkg-1 Ergosan; Schering-Plough Aquaculture,
UK) for 9 weeks. At the end of the trial, light and
electron microscopy demonstrated that the morphology of
the intestinal tract at the gross and ultra-structural level was
not affected by dietary alginic acid inclusion. Both groups
of fish displayed healthy, normal morphology with no signs
of disease, cell or tissue damage. Intestinal epithelial
leucocyte infiltration was not affected by dietary alginic
acid. Molecular bacterial profiles derived from PCR-DGGE
illustrated highly similar microbial communities (both
within the lumen and associated with the intestinal mucosa)
in the respective treatment groups. Microbial ecological
parameters (e.g. species diversity and richness) also
remained unaffected. Although not significant, trends
towards elevated survival and body protein content were
observed in the alginic acid-fed fish. These results are
suggestive that alginic acid does not adversely impact the
indigenous gastrointestinal microbial balance and subsequently
does not impact upon the epithelial brush border
integrity. Validation of non-detrimental impacts of immunostimulatory
products on gastric microbiota and epithelial
integrity should be pursued in future studies as maintaining
microbial balance and epithelial integrity is essential for
proper gut functionality.
Additional information
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Citation
Merrifield, D. L. et al. 2011. Effect of dietary alginic acid on juvenile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) intestinal microbial balance, intestinal histology and growth performance. "Cell and Tissue Research" 344 (1): 135-146.
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