LAUSR

This study was conducted to investigate the prebiotic effect of different Dietary Fibre Concentrates (DFC) (Mucilage =MG; Pectin = PN or β-glucan + mannan = βg + M) on growth and somatic parameters, body composition and digestive enzyme activities of jundia (Rhamdia quelen). After acclimation, fish (7.16 ± 0.06 g) were allocated into 24 tanks (30 fish per tank) and triplicate groups were fed with Control diet (0 g kg−1 of DFC); diet supplemented with 5 g kg−1 commercial prebiotic (CP) or diets supplemented with 5 or 10 g kg−1 diet of MG; PN or βg + M. At the end of the trial (8 weeks), growth was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in fish fed diets supplemented with DFCs and did not differ from animals supplemented with CP. The animals that were fed Control diet presented a body protein content higher compared to those supplemented with diets containing pectin or β-glucan + mannan (P < 0.05). However, fish fed diets added with β-glucan + mannan yielded a higher level of protein deposited in the whole body. The activity of digestive enzymes was lower in the group supplemented with Pectin. Results indicate that supplementation with DFCs in the diet had positive effects on the performance of jundia and are prebiotic potential candidate.