Microencapsulated inulin as a prebiotic: Enhancing growth, digestive enzyme activity, and immune response in striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus)

This study assessed the influence of dietary microencapsulated inulin on the physiological performance, enzymatic activity, immune modulation, antioxidant status, and tissue morphology of striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus). Juvenile fish (initial weight: 5.06 ± 0.12 g; length: 6.93 ± 0.14...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Supalug Kattakdad, Nittaya Phungam, Urailuck Pongket, Woranit Muangmala, Suriya Udduang, Siti Ariza Aripin, Bundit Yuangsoi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-09-01
Series:Aquaculture Reports
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352513425003722
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Summary:This study assessed the influence of dietary microencapsulated inulin on the physiological performance, enzymatic activity, immune modulation, antioxidant status, and tissue morphology of striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus). Juvenile fish (initial weight: 5.06 ± 0.12 g; length: 6.93 ± 0.14 cm) were reared under controlled conditions and fed diets containing 0 %, 0.4 %, 0.8 %, and 1.2 % inulin for eight weeks. Feeding was conducted thrice daily to apparent satiation. The 0.8 % inulin treatment yielded the most pronounced improvements in final body weight, and feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05), while survival and viscerosomatic index were unaffected. Hepatosomatic index increased significantly in fish receiving 0.8 % and 1.2 % inulin-based diets. Enhanced cellulase activity was observed with inulin inclusion (p < 0.05), whereas protease and amylase activities remained unchanged. Blood parameters, including erythrocyte, leukocyte, and hemoglobin levels, showed no notable variation; however, total plasma protein, immunoglobulin, lysozyme, and antioxidant enzymes (Superoxide dismutase and Glutathione peroxidase) increased significantly. Morphological enhancements in intestinal tissues such as villi architecture and goblet cell density were observed, along with improved liver histoarchitecture in inulin-fed groups. These results support the use of microencapsulated inulin, particularly at 0.8 %, as an effective functional feed additive to enhance growth, immune defense, and tissue integrity in striped catfish culture.
ISSN:2352-5134