Chitooligosaccharides are oligosaccharides with a degree of polymerization of 2-20 produced by chemical degradation or enzymatic degradation of chitin and chitosan. It is the only basic amino polysaccharide that exists in large quantities in natural sugars. As a new type of green feed additive, Chitooligosaccharide is rich in resources, non-toxic, and has no side effects. It has fewer problems in practical applications and broad prospects. It has become a new bright spot in the aquaculture industry. The main functions of oligochitosan in aquatic animal breeding are as follows.
First, Chitooligosaccharides can improve the distribution of fish intestinal microbes. Oligosaccharides are considered to be an important intestinal function regulator, which can improve the microflora in the digestive tract of animals. A large number of scientific studies have confirmed that chitooligosaccharides can effectively reduce the number of harmful bacteria such as Escherichia coli in fish intestines. Increase the number of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli.
Secondly, Chitooligosaccharides can improve the growth performance of aquaculture animals. Oligosaccharides cannot be decomposed by endogenous digestive enzymes due to their intermolecular binding positions and binding types, and pathogenic bacteria such as Salmonella cannot be used, but they can be hydrolyzed by glycosidase secreted by beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. , Further generate monosaccharides, volatile fatty acids, etc., and then be used by the body or microorganisms to indirectly achieve the growth-promoting effect.
Third, Chitooligosaccharides can affect the blood biochemical indicator levels of fish. Studies have shown that chitooligosaccharides can reduce the concentration of plasma, triglycerides and total cholesterol, thereby improving lipid metabolism, increasing protein deposition rate, and reducing urea deposition in the kidney, thereby helping to reduce the possibility of kidney urea poisoning. In addition, the addition of oligosaccharides also has a certain effect on immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, etc.), growth hormone (GH), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in the blood.
Fourth, Chitooligosaccharides can improve the immune function of fish. Oligosaccharides can affect physiological activities such as the absorption and metabolism of nutrients and the immune response of the body by affecting the beneficial microbial flora of the animal intestine.
Fifth, Chitooligosaccharides can be used as a phagostimulant for aquatic animals. The addition of oligochitosan can improve the palatability of feed, so it can attract aquatic animals in the production of aquatic animal feed.