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Impacts of dietary sodium alginate as a prebiotic on the oriental river prawn (Macrobrachium nipponense): A comprehensive analysis of growth, physiology, immunity, antioxidant, and metabolism

Summary

This study tested whether sodium alginate, a natural substance from brown seaweed, could improve the health and growth of freshwater prawns used in farming. After 60 days of feeding trials, prawns given the highest dose of sodium alginate (4.0 grams per kilogram of feed) showed significantly better growth, improved immune function, and stronger antioxidant defenses compared to control groups. The supplement also promoted beneficial bacteria in the prawns’ digestive systems and improved their overall body composition.

Background

Aquaculture intensification has led to disease outbreaks and compromised growth performance, necessitating functional feed additives. Sodium alginate, derived from brown seaweed, has shown promise as a dietary supplement with immunomodulatory, antioxidative, and antimicrobial properties in various aquatic species.

Objective

This study evaluated the effects of dietary sodium alginate supplementation on growth performance, physiological responses, immunity, antioxidant status, and metabolic characteristics in juvenile Macrobrachium nipponense over a 60-day feeding trial.

Results

Prawns receiving 2.0 and 4.0 g/kg sodium alginate showed significantly enhanced growth metrics, survival rates, and feed efficiency. Dietary supplementation increased digestive enzyme activities, promoted beneficial lactic acid bacteria, enhanced antioxidant defenses, and upregulated gene expression related to growth, immunity, and metabolism. Dissolved oxygen levels increased significantly with sodium alginate supplementation.

Conclusion

Dietary inclusion of 4.0 g/kg sodium alginate optimized growth performance, physiological condition, and metabolic health in M. nipponense through enhanced immunity, improved antioxidant status, and favorable gut microbiota shifts. These findings support sodium alginate as an eco-friendly, antibiotic-free functional feed additive for freshwater prawn aquaculture.
  • Published in:Veterinary and Animal Science,
  • Study Type:Experimental Feeding Trial,
  • Source: PMC12529503; PMID: 41111632
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