ABSTRACT:
The aim of this research was to evaluate the changes in intestinal tract microbiota, hematological parameters and zootechnical indexes of yellowtail lambaris (Astyanax bimaculatus) fed with different probiotic supply frequencies (Lactobacillus spp.). Lambaris (1,200) were distributed in twelve boxes, divided in three treatments, 100% supply; 25% and 0% (control) of feeds supplemented with probiotic. After 87 days, fish fed with supplemented diet, regardless of frequency (100% and 25%), showed an increase in the total lactic acid bacteria count of 7.99±0.15 log CFU mL-1 and 7.04±1, 29 log UFC mL-¹ respectively, in the intestinal tract and decrease of Pseudomonas spp. in both 100% and 25% (4.09±0.84log UFC mL-1 and 4.00±1.12log UFC mL-1, respectively) in relation to the control treatment (6.74±1.04log UFC mL-1). Fish fed with 100% of diets supplemented with probiotics had a higher leukocyte count (47.7±6.7x103μL-1), lymphocytes (36.0±2.6x103μL1), monocytes (12.0±4.2x103μl-1), as well as higher mean final weight (10.60±0.89g) and weekly growth rate (0.80±0.08g.week-1) than the other treatments (25% of probiotic offered and control). Probiotic (Lactobacillus spp.) offered in 25% of feeds (or more) alters the yellowtail lambari microbiota (A. bimaculatus); however, must be offer in 100% of feeds to improve the hematology profile and productive performance.
Key words:
food handling; lactic acid bacteria; Astyanax; hematology; microbiota