Short communication: Bacillus subtilis C-3102 improves biomass gain, innate defense, and intestinal absorption surface of native Brazilian hybrid Surubim ( Pseudoplatystoma corruscans x P. reticulatum )

The aim was to evaluate the effect of a diet supplemented with B. subtilis for a period of 10 days and to verify its effects on the zootechnical performance, hematological parameters, and intestinal histomorphometry of fish. The present study was designed to verify the effects of a commercial product containing Bacillus subtilis C-3102 for short administration period in the diet of Brazilian catfish Pseudoplatystoma sp. The experimental design was completely randomized with five treatments (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 g of CALSPORIN® kg feed−1) and six replicates. Supplementation with B. subtilis did not influence (p > 0.05) on erythrogram and plasma glucose of fish. However, probiotic supplementation for 10 days was effective and caused beneficial changes in productive performance of the 30 g kg feed−1 group compared to the other groups. In addition, improvements in the immune system, such as an increase in the number of neutrophils, lymphocytes, thrombocytes, and total blood leukocytes were observed in the treated groups, besides increased height and width of the intestinal villi was possibly related with an improvement in nutrient absorption. This study shows the feasibility in to use short time of feeding in the Pseudoplatystoma sp. diet that improved the fish health.