Intestinal microbiota 16S rRNA (V4 variable region) of sub-adult European seabass experimentally fed with alternative protein sources

Intestinal microbiota is crucial for many functions of the host fish, such as digestion, nutrient metabolism, disease resistance and immune function. The aim of this study was to compare the intestinal microbiota of experimentally fed subadult European seabass, after 22-weeks feeding trial at laboratory scale with five experimental diets. These results demonstrate modulation of intestinal microbiota related to applied feeding diet, highlight the importance of feed formulation and offer promising evidence for using alternative protein sources in European seabass aquaculture, such as insect meal and poultry by-product.