Effects of a Diet of Phragmites australis instead of Triticum aestivum L. on Immune Performance and Liver Tissue Structure of Ctenopharyngodon idellus

Abstract

This experiment aimed to study the effects on liver tissue structure and immune performance of grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idellus when the common reed Phragmites australis is in its diet, instead of wheat Triticum aestivum L. Seventy-two healthy grass carps (145.52 ± 2.56 g) were randomly divided into three groups according to their body weight. Fishes in each group were fed an essential diet with 0% (control group), 50% and 100% (test group) common reed, instead of wheat, respectively. After feeding for 41 days, the changes of serum biochemical indices, liver tissue structure and immune related indices of grass carp were detected. The results showed that, compared with the control group, the activities of serum alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) in the substitution groups were significantly increased (p < 0.05), but still at a normal level. The contents of total protein, albumin and globulin did not change significantly (p > 0.05). Compared with the control group, the liver cells of grass carp in the substitution groups had clear boundaries, tight arrangement and less vacuolation. The contents of serum interleukin-1 (IL-1) and complement 3 (C3) in the 100% substitution group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05), and the contents of liver IL-1 and total complement (CH50) in the 100% substitution group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05). The contents of IL-1, C3 in serum and IL-1, CH50 in liver in the 50% substitution group were significantly higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05). The mRNA relative expression levels of C3, IL-1, MHC-I and interferon (IFN) in the head-kidney, kidney, liver and spleen of grass carp were significantly affected by feeding the grass carp with different common reed substitution ratios (p < 0.05). In summary, common reed, instead of wheat, in feed can improve the liver tissue structure, and increase the non-specific immune response level, of grass carp.

Fish Nutrition and Feed Technology

“…Extract from Macleaya cordata, or plume poppy, positively affected the growth performance, serum parameters, and intestinal health of juvenile American eel (Anguilla rostrata) (Chen et al [12]). Wang et al [13] reported that the addition of Phragmites australis, or common reed, to feed can improve the liver morphology and functionality, as well as the non-specific immune response, of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus). Outama et al [14] found that dietary supplementation with passionfruit (Passiflora edulis) peel powder positively stimulated the immune system and the antioxidant defenses in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) cultured in a biofloc system.…”