After six weeks of experimental feeding, fish fed PRO-3 displayed significantly higher final weight, weight gain and SGR compared to the CON or PRO-INI treatments. Supplementation of the probiotic at this dose induced an up-regulation of intestinal caspase-3, PCNA and HSP70 mRNA levels compared to the CON fed fish. Immuno-modulatory pathways
were also affected; significantly higher expression of TLR2, pro-inflammatory genes TNFa and IL-1b, and anti-inflammatory genes IL-10 and TGFb suggest that the probiotic may potentiate a higher state of mucosal tolerance and immuno-readiness.