Effect of dietary supplementation with zinc enriched yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on immunity of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Zinc (Zn) is an essential trace element in all living organisms, and the first eukaryotic Zn uptake transporter was discovered in the yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Zinc enriched yeast is a currently available Zn supplement. The purpose of the investigation was to compare and evaluate the effect of Zn enriched yeast in rainbow trout. The fish (mean body weight 10 ± 0.5 g) were fed a commercial diet supplemented with 0 (control), 1 × 106, 1 × 107 and 1 × 108 CFU/g of Zn enriched yeast for 60 days. Results showed that significant increase in serum lysozyme activity, complement activity and total immunoglobulin were seen in all treatment groups during feeding trial when compared to the control group. On the basis of our findings, Zn enriched improved rainbow trout growth, some immune parameters and disease resistance.