Enzymes from the gut bacteria of Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua and their influence on intestinal enzyme activity

Gut-associated bacteria of fish are known to produce enzymes which aid in digestion. The presence and activities of these bacteria in cold-water fishes like Atlantic cod are less known. Therefore, we have characterized the activities of extracellular enzymes of GP21 (Pseudomonas sp.) and GP12 (Psychrobacter sp.), two bacteria isolated from the gastrointestinal tract of Atlantic cod. Additionally, we examined if these bacteria when delivered through feeds could influence the activity of selected intestinal enzymes. GP21 was able to produce amylase, chitinase, cellulase and protease, whereas GP12 could produce only chitinase and protease. These enzymes were produced extracellularly and they were found to be catalytically active at acidic conditions (pH 25) and at temperatures ranging from 15 to 30 degrees C. Orally delivered bacteria could possibly influence the activity of intestinal enzymes after 40 days, rather than after 20 days of feeding. Thus GP21 and GP12, the potential probiotic organisms, could support digestion in Atlantic cod.