Enhancing farmed striped catfish (<i>Pangasianodon hypophthalmus</i>) robustness through dietary β-glucan

beta-glucan is a well-documented feed additive for its potent immunostimulatory properties in many farmed fish species. This study examined how it can also be a promising growth promoter, modulate antioxidant enzyme activities, and act as an anti-stress agent in striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus). A 12-week feeding experiment was untaken to determine the effects of dietary beta-glucan supplementation at graded levels (0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 g kg(-1)). Measured indicators suggest that a dietary inclusion level of 1.5 g kg(-1) beta-glucan gave the highest positive responses: weight gain (120.10 g fish(-1)), survival (98.30%), and lower FCR (1.70) (P<0.05). Whole body proximate analysis had only revealed that crude protein was significantly affected by the dietary inclusion of beta-glucan (P<0.05), with the highest protein content (19.70%) being in fish that were fed with 1.5 g kg(-1) beta-glucan. Although other inclusion levels (i.e., 0.5 and 1 g kg(-1)) of beta-glucan did not enhance body protein content (P>0.05). The assessment of fatty acid composition in muscle, liver, and adipose tissues showed modifications with the inclusion of beta-glucan. Antioxidative-related enzyme activities (inc. catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase) that were measured in the liver had higher levels when fed with beta-glucan inclusion diets (P<0.05). Following the feed trial, fish were subjected to crowding stress treatment. It was subsequently found that catfish fed with beta-glucan-based diet groups had lower levels of blood stress-related indicators compared to the control group with no dietary beta-glucan. The use of 1.5 g kg(-1) of dietary beta-glucan resulted in the lowest measured levels of cortisol (43.13 ng mL(-1)) and glucose (50.16 mg dL(-1)). This study has demonstrated that the dietary inclusion of beta-glucan can have functional benefits beyond the immunological enhancements in striped catfish. Furthermore, its use can increase production levels and mitigate the stress associated with intensive farming practices.

Journal

PLOS ONE

Year

2024

Volume

19

Issue

3

ISSN

1932-6203

DOI

10.1371/journal.pone.0298414

WoS UID

WOS:001192363700016