The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of prebiotic fructooligosaccharide (FOS) on the feed utilization and growth performance of Nile tilapia fingerlings through evaluation the digestive enzymes activities and histological feature of the intestine. Fish were distributed into four groups in well prepared fiberglass tanks and were fed on basal diet without additive (control), 1%, 2%, and 3% FOS for 8 weeks. Results showed that the final weight, weight gain and the specific growth rate were significantly increased with 2% dietary FOS with lower feed conversion ratio and higher feed efficiency compared to the control group. Digestive enzymes activities showed no significant effect (P > 0.05) of dietary FOS on intestinal amylase and lipase activities. While, protease activity was significantly higher (P < 0.05) especially in group fed 2 % (22.7 ± 2.28 U) dietary FOS compared to the other treated and control groups. Histological examination of the mid-intestine revealed significant increase of villi length and number of mucous cells with increased dietary FOS levels (P < 0.05) especially in groups fed 2 and 3% FOS. In conclusion, FOS supplemented diets could improve intestinal enzymes activities, absorptive ability, and histological feature of intestinal villi and consequently increase the feed utilization and growth performance of Nile tilapia fingerlings |
