Effects of different levels of dietary macro algae Gracilaria pygmea on some blood biochemical parameters of Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer)

One of the important and obvious characteristics of macro algae, which is important for their use in aquatic diet, the richness of bioactive compounds such as vitamins, minerals, pigments and polysaccharides. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary macro algae powder (Gracilaria pygmea) on some blood biochemical indices of Lates calcarifer. At the start of the experiment, 240 juvenile fish were randomly divided into 12 fiberglass tanks of 300 liters. The experimental treatments with three replicates were designed including 0%, 1.5%, 2% and 2.5% macro algae as additive in diet. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected in order to estimate blood biochemical parameters. There was a significant difference between treatment 2% and the other treatments in the value of glucose. However, there was no significant difference between the other treatments and the control group (P>0.05). A significant difference was only observed between treatment 2% and the other treatments in the value of albumin. There was no significant difference in the level of cholesterol between different treatments and control group (P>0.05). Overall, based on the results of blood biochemical parameters in the present study, the best level of Gracilaria macro algae in treatment 2.5% was found in of Asian seabass diet.