A MIXTURE OF β-GLUCAN AND MANNANOLIGOSACCHARIDE AMELIORATED THE GROWTH RATE, DIGESTIVE ENZYME ACTIVITY, INTESTINAL MORPHOMETRY, AND IMMUNITY OF COMMON CARP (CYPRINUS CARPIO)

The feasible strategies to keep up the growth and wellbeing of aquatic organisms by using beneficial dietary additives are highly recommended. Among these additives, beta-glucan (BG) and mannanoligosaccharide (MOS) were examined on common carp performances in the current experiment. For 80 days, carps were fed four diets with 0%, 1%, 2%, and 3% BG/MOS (1:1) and distributed in four groups (triplicates). Higher final weight and weight gain (P<0.05) were detected in carps fed 1%, 2%, and 3% of BG/MOS than the control group. The feed conversion ratio showed lower values (P<0.05) in carps fed BG/MOS mixture at 2%, and 3% than 0% and 1% levels. The activities of amylase, lipase, and protease were higher in fish fed BG/MOS mixture than in the control group. Interestingly, fish fed BG/MOS mixture had markedly increased villi length and width with branched villi integrity. Further, the count of goblet cells was increased (P<0.05) in groups fed BG/MOS mixture than in carps fed the basal diet. The hemoglobin and hematocrit levels and the counts of red and white blood cells were higher in carps led BG/MOS mixture than the control with the highest counts in 3% level. Additionally, the blood total protein, globulin, and phagoeytic activity were higher (P<0.05) in groups that received BG/MOS mixture at 3% than the control. The lysozyme had a higher value in 1% group than the control (P<0.05). Therefore, using the mixture of BG/MOS at 2-3% is suggested for improving the growth rate, intestinal health, blood health, and immunity of common carp.