Abstract
Experimental diets were formulated including the suitable lipid level (10%, PC), the high-lipid level (16%, HL), and HL containing sodium acetate diets (HS). Three diets were fed golden pompano (Trachinotus ovatus) (initial body weight: 12.88 ± 0.03 g) for 8 weeks. The results showed HL diets significantly increased hepatosomatic index (HSI) and abdominal fat percentage (ASF), aggravated liver lipid deposition, and caused blood metabolic disorder and liver damage (P < 0.05). Moreover, the fish fed HL diets significantly decreased intestinal villus number (VN) and muscular layer thickness (MLT) (P < 0.05), accompanied with an increased trend in the relative abundance of intestinal pathogenic bacteria such as Mycoplasma and Photobacterium. However, the fish fed HS diets significantly decreased the HSI and AFP, relieved hepatic lipid deposition, improved blood and liver metabolism, and intestinal morphology in comparison to the fish fed HL diets (P < 0.05). More importantly, sodium acetate addition improved intestinal microbiota by inhibiting the proportion of pathogens (Mycoplasma and Vibrio) and increasing the abundance of probiotics (Bacteroidales_S24-7_group_norank, Cetobacterium, Bacteroides, and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group). Furthermore, there was a strong correlation between these bacteria (Mycoplasma, Vibrio, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Bacteroidales_S24-7_group_norank, Bacteroides, and Cetobacterium) and main physiological indices. In conclusion, sodium acetate improved blood performance, alleviated hepatic lipid deposition induced by HL diets, and boosted the growth and intestinal health for golden pompano.