The effects of different levels of low molecular weight sodium alginate on growth performance and mucus immune parameters in common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different levels of low molecular weight sodiumalginate in carp diets on growth performance and mucosal immunity indexes in Cyprinus carpio. For thispurpose, 240 carps with an average weight of 19.12 g of 0.40 were prepared and stored in 12 tanks of 200litres (4 treatments and each treatment in 3 replicates). At the end of the experiment, growth indices, total mucus protein, total mucus immunoglobulin and mucus lysozyme were measured. The results showed thatthere was no significant difference in growth indices, total mucus immunoglobulin and mucosal lysozymebetween treatments fed with low molecular weight sodium alginate and control group (P >0.05). However, a significant increase in total mucus protein was observed in all treatments containing sodium alginate compared to the control group (P <0.05), and the highest total protein content of mucus was observed in 1% sodium alginate treatment (P <0.05), In general, the results of this study indicate that a diet containing low molecular weight sodium alginate with a significant increase in the total protein content of mucus stimulates and increases immunity in common carp.