Effects of dietary β-glucan on the growth, immune responses and resistance of sea cucumber, Apostichopus japonicus against Vibrio splendidus infection

Yancui Zhao, Hongming Ma, Wenbing Zhang, Qinghui Ai, Kangsen Mai, Wei Xu, Xiaojie Wang, Zhiguo Liufu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

67 Scopus citations

Abstract

An eight-week feeding trial was conducted to determine the effects of dietary supplementation of β-glucan on the growth, immunity and resistance of sea cucumber against Vibrio splendidus infection. A basal diet was formulated to contain 20.6% crude protein and 4.8% crude lipid. Two levels (1.25 and 2.50. g/kg) of β-glucan were added to the basal diet to replace wheat. After the feeding trial, a V. splendidus injection challenge was executed to test the effects of β-glucan on disease resistance. Enhanced growth was observed in sea cucumber fed diet supplemented with 1.25. g glucan/kg, but not in sea cucumber fed diet supplemented with 2.50. g glucan/kg. The coelomocyte phagocytosis activity of sea cucumber fed β-glucan-supplemented diets was significantly (P<. 0.05) higher than those of sea cucumbers fed the basal diet. In addition, phenoloxidase activity of coelomocytes was significantly (P<. 0.05) enhanced by dietary supplementation of β-glucan. Sea cucumbers fed 1.25. g/kg glucan had a significant (P<. 0.05) increase in respiratory burst of coelomocytes, compared to sea cucumber fed diet containing 2.50. g β-glucan/kg; however, coelomocyte respiratory burst of sea cucumber fed 2.50. g β-glucan/kg diet was not significantly different from those of sea cucumber fed the basal diet. The challenge test showed that dietary supplementation of β-glucan at inclusion level of 1.25. g/kg conferred significant protection to sea cucumber against V. splendidus infection. However, protective effect of β-glucan supplementation at 2.50. g/kg was marginal. It is concluded that dietary β-glucan has potential for use in diet formulations of sea cucumber to limit the adverse effects of V. splendidus, however, dosage should be an important consideration in administration.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)269-274
Number of pages6
JournalAquaculture
Volume315
Issue number3-4
DOIs
StatePublished - May 21 2011

Keywords

  • Apostichopus japonicus
  • Disease challenge
  • Growth
  • Immunity response
  • Vibrio splendidus
  • β-glucan

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