Determination of digestive enzyme activities and histology of digestive systems of gilt-head sea bream (Sparus aurata) and sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) fed with the diets containing different levels of artichoke (Cynara scolymus) leaf extract

Digestive system activities and histology of digestive systems of gilt-head sea bream (Sparus aurata) and sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) fed with the diets containing different levels of artichoke (Cynaras colymus) leaf extract (ALE) (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 g/kg for gilt-head sea bream and 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4g/kg for sea bass) were determined in this study. The average initial body weight of gilt-head sea bream and sea bass were 10.70±1 g and 23±1,35 g respectively and the feeding trial was carried out 75 days in a lower sea water temperature (15±0,5 ºC and 13,8±0,5) conditions. Lipase (25,97±0,68), Amylase (2,28±0,03), Protease (1,86±0,03) and Trypsin (1,32±0,01) values were higher in 2 g/kg ALE group (G5) comparing to other gilt-head sea bream experimental groups (P<0,05). When histological results were evaluated, less vacuoles in liver tissue and a increase in length and thickness of the intestinal villi of Group 5 (G5) fish were observed (P<0,05). While the highest lipase (27,63±0,65) and trypsin (1,32±0,02) were observed in G4 group of sea bass, Amylase (1,37±0,03) and Protease (1,37±0,04) were found in G5.