Combined effects of dietary low molecular weight sodium alginate and Pediococcus acidilactici MA18/5M on growth performance, haematological and innate immune responses of Asian sea bass (Lates calcalifer) juveniles

Abstract Six weeks feeding trial was conducted to examine the effects of dietary administration of low molecular weight sodium alginate (LMWSA) and Pediococcus acidilactici MA 18/5M (PA) on humoral and mucosal immune responses, haematological parameters and growth performance, of Lates calcarifer juveniles. Fish (12.0 ± 0.2 g) were fed experimental diets as follows: Control (diet 1, basal diet), 5 g kg −1 LMWSA (diet 2), 10 g kg −1 LMWSA (diet 3), 0.9 × 10 7  CFU g −1 PA (diet 4), 5 g kg −1 LMWSA + 0.9 × 10 7  CFU g −1 PA (Diet 5), and 10 g kg −1 LMWSA + 0.9 × 10 7  CFU g −1 PA (Diet 6). Results indicated a significant ( P P −1 LMWSA with PA significantly increased growth performance and feed intake compared with other experimental groups ( P L. calcarifer juveniles.