Abstract
The present trial was conducted to evaluate the supplementation effects of Macleaya cordata extract (MCE) on growth performance, serum biochemical parameters, and intestinal health of the juvenile American eel (Anguilla rostrata). The 480 juvenile American eels (10.93 ± 0.06 g) were randomly divided into four groups. They were fed on diets supplemented with MCE levels of 0, 25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, and 100 mg/kg for ten weeks, respectively. The 50 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg MCE could significantly improve growth performance, and increase the activities of acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase, as well as the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. These levels of MCE also decreased the levels of D-lactate acid, triglyceride, and total cholesterol and the activities of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and diamine oxidase. The antioxidant ability, muscular thickness, and fold height of the intestine were enhanced by 50 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg MCE. There was no significant difference in the above parameters of groups fed with 50 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg of MCE. The beneficial effects on the intestinal microbiota were demonstrated in the group fed with 50 mg/kg MCE. In conclusion, the 50 mg/kg MCE could be used in the diet to improve the growth performance and health status of the juvenile American eels.