ARS | Publication request: Effects of Bio-Mos on Growth and Survival of Channel Catfish Challenged with Edwardsiella ictaluri

Submitted to: American Society of Animal Science Annual Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: February 20, 2007
Publication Date: July 9, 2007
Citation: Peterson, B.C., Quiniou, S., Manning, B.B., Bramble, T.C. 2007. Effects of Bio-Mos on Growth and Survival of Channel Catfish Challenged with Edwardsiella ictaluri. American Society of Animal Science Annual Meeting. P: 67

Technical Abstract: A major problem in the catfish farming industry has been high disease loss to enteric septicemia of catfish (ESC), caused by the bacterium Edwardsiella ictaluri (E. ictaluri). Methods to control this disease include antibiotic therapy, vaccinations, and management strategies such as taking the fish off feed. Alternative methods such as feeding yeast-derived mannans in the form of Bio-Mos may prove beneficial in improving growth performance and immune function. Research was conducted to examine the effects of Bio-Mos on growth and immune function in channel catfish. One hundred fish (45.8 +/- 1.2 g) were randomly assigned to two treatments with five replicates each: 1.) Control (36% CP catfish diet) and 2.) Bio-Mos (36% CP catfish diet with Bio-Mos supplemented at 2 g/kg). The fish were fed for 6 wks and then challenged with E. ictaluri. Mortality was recorded daily for 3 wks. Levels of lysozyme activity were determined pre- and post-challenge. At the end of the 6 wk growth study, weight gain and FE was similar between treatments. Survival was higher (P < 0.05) in fish fed Bio-Mos compared to Controls (90 +/- 7.3% vs 55 +/- 6.4%). Plasma levels of lysozyme activity were similar (P > 0.10) between treatments. The results of this study suggest that Bio-Mos can be supplemented into catfish diets without negatively affecting growth or FE. The results also show that Bio-Mos improves resistance to E. ictaluri without significantly altering lysozyme activity. Supplementing Bio-Mos into diets may provide another strategy to control ESC in channel catfish.