Modulation of growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, serum biochemical and immunological parameters in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) using probiotic Bacillus cereus

The genus of Bacillus, due to its higher resistance to harsh environmental conditions, is the most broadly used probiotic in aquaculture. Present study was designed to investigate the effects of Bacillus cereus on growth, digestive enzyme activity and serum biochemical and immunological indices in common carp (Cyprinus carpio). After the 14-day adaptation, fish with mean weight of 70.57±0.72g were allocated into 12 tanks (15 fish per tank) and fed basal diet (control group) and diets containing probiotic B. cereus in three doses, including 107, 108, and 109 CFU.g-1. After 45 days feeding, diet supplemented with higher dose of probiotic showed significantly better result of weight gain, digestive enzyme activities for trypsin, amylase and lipase, mean white blood cell and lymphocyte counts, total antibody level, lysozyme and protease activities than those with the control diet (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, albumin, triglyceride and aspartate aminotransferase levels were remarkably higher in medium and high doses than the control group (p < 0.05). Based on the present results, supplementation of probiotic B. cereus, especially at 109 CFU.g-1, is recommended to enhance the growth performance, hemato-immunological responses, and digestive enzyme activities in common carp.