Haematococcus pluvialis-inclusive feed improved nutritional profile, antioxidant capacity, and mitigated organ tissue damages in pearl gentian grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀ × Epinephelus lanceolatus ♂) challenged with abiotic and biotic stresses
摘要
Haematococcus pluvialis is a freshwater microalgae species that is capable of transforming from a green vegetative stage to a red hematocyst stage with high accumulation of astaxanthin and other metabolites when exposed to unfavorable conditions. A previous study showed that H. pluvialis in commercial feed pellets was able to enhance serum antioxidant capacity without impacting growth performance. The present study is a continuation of this study, investigating the positive effects of a H. pluvialis-inclusive diet in enhancing abiotic and biotic stress tolerance in pearl gentian groupers. In this study, H. pluvialis served as a feed supplement and was incorporated by replacing a portion of the basal diet by weight. Findings showed that 0.5% and 2% red H. pluvialis replacement in commercial feed pellets significantly increased protein and lipid content in the groupers, with higher essential and non-essential amino acids, as well as a higher proportion of very long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. Haematococcus pluvialis-fed groups also showed higher tolerance to mercury (Hg) and pathogens (Vibrio spp. and Edwardsiella tarda) infection with reduced oxidative stress, mitigated organ damage, and efficient immune cell recruitment. The study showed that H. pluvialis is a potent additive in aquaculture feed formulation in mitigating the effects of abiotic and biotic stress of farmed species.