Effects of dietary astaxanthin supplementation on growth performance, antioxidant status, immune response, and intestinal health of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

A feeding trial was conducted to assess the impacts of dietary astaxanthin from wall-broken Haematococcus pluvialis (WBHPA) on the growth performance, antioxidant status, immune response, and intestinal health of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Six experimental diets were formulated with various concentrations of WBHPA, ranging from 0 to 8.4 g/kg (containing 0 to 125 mg/kg astaxanthin). Each diet was fed to triplicate groups of rainbow trout (mean initial weight of 561 g) twice daily for 9 consecutive weeks. The survival rate and feed intake of fish exhibited no significant differences among the dietary groups (P > 0.05). Similarly, dietary inclusion of 25 to 100 mg/kg astaxanthin did not significantly affect the weight gain and daily growth coefficient (P > 0.05), but excessive inclusion of astaxanthin (125 mg/kg) slightly depressed these parameters (P < 0.05). Dietary inclusion of 25 to 50 mg/kg astaxanthin increased the activities of intestinal digestion and absorption enzymes (lipase, creatine kinase, and alkaline phosphatase), while the inclusion of 25 to 75 mg/kg astaxanthin improved the immune response of fish. Furthermore, regardless of inclusion level (25 to 125 mg/kg), dietary astaxanthin supplementation strengthened the intestinal mucosal barrier function and improved antioxidant activity, thereby promoting intestinal development. Conclusively, 25 to 75 mg/kg astaxanthin from WBHPA was recommended to be included in diets for rainbow trout.