The potentials of fructooligosaccharide on growth, feed utilization, immune and antioxidant parameters, microbial community and disease resistance of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus x O. aureus)

This study was conducted to investigate the potentials of dietary fructooligosaccharide (FOS) on growth and health of tilapia. Fish (5.00 +/- 0.02 g) were fed five diets with FOS supplementation at 0 (CON), 0.5 (F-1), 1 (F-2), 2 (F-3) and 4 (F-4) g/kg feed for 8 weeks. The results showed that the weight gain and feed conversion ratio were improved by F-2, F-3 and F-4 groups (p .05). Dietary FOS promoted the retentions of protein and lipid (p .05), and the digestibility of dry matter and protein was encouraged by F-2 and F-3 groups (p .05). The FOS supplementation (except F-4 group) increased serum alkaline phosphate and acid phosphatase activities and hepatic superoxide dismutase activity (p .05). The amylase activity and villus height in anterior intestine were enhanced by all FOS groups (p .05). The numbers of total bacteria in F-3 and F-4 groups, lactic acid bacteria in F-4 group andBacillusin all FOS groups were increased (p .05). After challenged withAermonas hydrophila, the cumulative mortality was decreased by all levels of FOS supplementation (p .05). In conclusion, the FOS supplementation at least 1 g/kg feed could promote growth, nutrient utilization, immune and antioxidant parameters, digestive enzyme activity, gut health and disease resistance of tilapia.