Effects of Feeding Frequency and Dietary Protein/Carbohydrate Ratios on Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata) Intestinal Functionality and Health

The present study evaluated the effects of feeding frequency (FF) and dietary protein/carbohydrate (P/CH) ratios on intestinal histomorphology, microbiota profile, digestive oxidative stress-related enzyme activities gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata). To this purpose, two practical diets were formulated: one with 50% P 10% CH (P50/CH10) other 40% 20% (P40/CH20). Triplicate groups fish 9.1±0.01 g fed these for 60 days until visual satiation at a FF 1, 2, or 3 meals per day. Distal intestine histomorphology was not affected by diet composition FF. However, pyloric caeca (PC) 1 meal day presented more gut fold height alterations than groups, except in P50/CH10 day, where no changes observed. Fish P40/CH20 also higher PC submucosa cellularity groups. number operational taxonomic units, microbial richness, diversity indices P50/CH10. Amylase only measured experimental conditions, presenting activity once Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase lower 2 1. While catalase Glutathione reductase parameter both P/CH ratio FF, being inferior and, diet, to those Overall, major interactions observed between FF; however, might be recommended juveniles.