Author(s): DIAS, M. K. R.; YOSHIOKA, E. T. O.; RODRIGUEZ, A. F. R.; RIBEIRO, R. A.; VIANA, F. S. E. D.; OZÓRIO, R. O. A.; TAVARES-DIAS, M.

Summary: Saccharomyces cerevisiae is rich in bioactive ingredients and nutrients such as essential amino acids, peptides, cell wall carbohydrates, nucleotides and B vitamins. Diets with this immunostimulant product may offer improves in growth performance and immune of farmed fish. This study evaluated the effects of a commercial immunostimulant based on S. cerevisiae on growth performance, hematology and immunity of Arapaima gigas subjected to handling stress after 30 days of supplementation (0, 4, 6 and 8 g kg−1). Diet with 6 and 8 g kg−1 of immunostimulant increased final biomass, final length, body weight gain, daily weight gain, daily feed intake, specific growth and decreased the cholesterol levels. After handling stress, supplemented fish with 4, 6 and 8 g kg−1 of immunostimulant had increase in glucose levels and decrease in globulin levels, while supplemented fish with 4 and 6 g kg−1 had decrease in cholesterol, and supplemented fish with 4 and 8 g kg−1 in globulin levels. Protein levels decreased in supplemented fish with 4 g kg−1, while hematocrit decreased in all treatments and lymphocytes number and burst respiratory of leukocytes decreased in supplemented fish with 8 g kg−1 and submitted to handling stress. For A. gigas, since 6 to 8 g kg−1 of immunostimulant has not negative impacts on the hematological and biochemical parameters, thus such concentrations may be used as a growth promoter in A. gigas.

Publication year: 2020

Types of publication: Journal article

Unit: Embrapa Amapá

Keywords: Aditivo alimentar, Aquaculture, Aquicultura, Blood, Feed additive, Freshwater fish, Hematologia, Peixe de Água Doce