Effects of a probiotic, Pediococcus acidilactici on the growth performance and hematological parameters in the fingerling, Severum (Heros severus)

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici (CNCM-MA 18.5 M, Lallemand, France) on the growth performance and hematological parameters of the ornamental fish, Severum (Heros severus). In this regard, 120 fish Severum with average weight and initial length of 0.53±0.01 (g) and 27.2±0.03 (mm) were prepared and randomly release to the 12 aquarium. After 2 weeks period adaption, aquariums divided into four groups each with three replications. The fish fed with four isocaloric-isonitrogenus diets containing 1, 2 and 3 g probiotic kg diet for 12 weeks, the control diet were without supplements. Along the period, the fish were biometry every 15 days and blood sampling was performed at the end of the period. The results showed that treatments feed with probiotic compared with the control group had a significant impact on growth performance, survival and hematological parameters (P<0.05). The fish fed with the diet containing 2 gr probiotic kg had the best growth performance and this difference was significant compared with the other groups (P<0.05). Hematological parameters in fish fed with supplement had significant differences compared with control (P<0.05). The maximum amount of hematological parameters (i.e. RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCH and WBC) in fish fed diet containing 2 gr probiotic kg diet (P<0.05). The results of this study showed that the probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici at 2 gr probiotic kg dry foods can have a significant impact on growth performance, survival and hematological parameters in fingerlings, Severum (Heros severus).