Effect evaluation of Pediococcus acidilactici (Bactocell) as a probiotic dietary supplementation, on growth performance, intestine microbiota and skin mucus bactericidal response in zebra fish (Danio rerio)

The present study was carried out to assess the effects of different levels of Pediococcus acidilactici including 0, 1 × 106, 2 × 106, 4 × 106 and 8 × 106 colony forming unit per g of the diet (cfug-1), in a completely randomized design for 60 days, on growth, intestine flora and skin mucus bactericidal response of zebra fish. The best growth indices including weight, length and specific growth rate and also the least food conversion ratio were recorded in group 4 × 106 cfug-1 (p<0.05). Also the highest number of total viable count and lactic acid bacteria of intestine were found in that group (p<0.05). The most growth inhibition zone of Aeromonas hydrophylla, Flavobacterium columnare, Vibrio anguillarum and Edwardsiella tarda were found in group 4 × 106 cfug-1 (p<0.05). Therefore, it seems that P. acidilactici as a probiotic, improves growth and immunity indices of the zebra fish and could be used as amount of 4 × 106 cfug-1 of food for this fish.