Effects of dietary supplementation of Gracilaria sp. extracts on fillet quality, oxidative stress, and immune responses in European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

The current study evaluated the effects of two different fractions derived from the methanolic extraction of the red seaweed Gracilaria sp. supplemented in European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) diets. With that purpose, three experimental diets were prepared: a basal diet (control), a control supplemented with the methanolic extract (GE, 0.5% diet) and a control supplemented with the insoluble residue of the GE extraction (GR, 4.5%). Seabass with an average initial weight of 16.5 ± 0.6 g were fed the experimental diets for 42 days, and the following parameters were evaluated: growth indicators, digestive enzyme activities, immune and oxidative stress responses, fillet pH and color (L*, a*, and b* values), and skin color. The dietary supplementation of GE or GR had no effect on growth performance, digestive enzyme activities, fillet pH, and color. Skin color was significantly lighter (L*) in fish-fed GE (83.9 ± 1.9) and GR (84.3 ± 2.3) diets when compared with the control group (81.9 ± 3.8). The dietary treatments did not affect the oxidative stress biomarkers. Alternative complement pathway (ACH50) was significantly higher in fish-fed GE diet (168.2 ± 13.4 EU mL⁻¹) than in the control diet (113.1 ± 31.4 EU mL⁻¹). No dietary effect was observed on peroxidase and lysozyme activities. The current study indicates that dietary supplementation of Gracilaria sp. methanolic extracts may have little influence on the innate immune system and skin color in seabass.