A new insight on the application of phytosterols in the aquatic feed: improve the growth and intestinal health of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) fed the high starch diet

This paper aims to conduct an in-depth investigation into the harmful effects of high-carbohydrate feed on Micropterus salmoides (largemouth bass) and the role of phytosterols in improving intestinal health. Phytosterols may affect the gene and protein expression of Micropterus salmoides by altering the composition of the intestinal flora. The experimental results show that adding 0.05% phytosterols to a high-carbohydrate diet can significantly alleviate high-carbohydrate-induced muscle fibrosis in Micropterus salmoides, enhance antioxidant capacity, and improve intestinal morphology and intestinal flora. Moreover, correlation analysis has confirmed that there may be a strong correlation between intestinal flora and gene expression.