Dietary administration of saponin stimulates growth of the swimming crab Portunus trituberculatus and enhances its resistance against Vibrio alginolyticus infection

The immunostimulatory role of dietary saponins on swimming crabs was investigated under field conditions. Portunus trituberculatus were fed diets enriched with Quillaja saponin (QS) at 150, 300 and 450 mg kg−1. They had an enhanced growth rate and increased resistance against Vibrio alginolyticus compared to crabs not fed with QS. Significant effects were observed on the average body weight, percentage weight gain and specific growth rate (p < 0.05). Total hemocyte and hyaline cell counts of P. trituberculatus fed with 300 and 450 mg kg−1 saponin in their diets significantly increased (p < 0.05) compared to the control. Phenoloxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities significantly increased in response to the incorporation of QS in the diet. However, the respiratory burst activity did not increase significantly. The phagocytic activity was significantly enhanced at 300 and 450 mg kg−1 of saponin. QS diets can enhance growth of P. trituberculatus and its immune resistance against V. alginolyticus. Dietary administration of saponin may help to control diseases and improve production in the crab aquaculture industry.