Effect of Lactobacillus plantarum on growth performance and hematological traits of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

In this study, the effects of dietary probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum on the growth performance, gut colonization and blood biochemical parameters of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) were investigated. Fish were fed two different diets: control diet (non-supplemented) and experimental diet (supplemented with 10 x 10(9) CFU L. plantarum/kg) for 90 days. Fish were daily hand-fed two meals (9:00 and 16:00) to visual satiety. Dietary probiotic did not affect the growth performance of sea bass, but reduced mortality (from 11.67 to 1.67 %; P < 0.05). Lactobacilli population in intestinal content of European sea bass was not statistically modified by the treatment. Fish fed on L. plantarum showed an increase in total cholesterol (250.8 vs 222.0 mg/dl) and in triglycerides (137.1 vs 116.8 mg/dl) compared with the control diet.