Abstract
The need for sustainable bacterial management approaches in aquaculture is crucial for advancement of the industry. Probiotics are a promising strategy as evidenced by benefits demonstrated in intensive larviculture of various marine fish species. In this study we investigate the effects of a mixed Bacillus species (B. licheniformis and B. amyloliquefaciens) probiotic on rearing of larval common snook (Centropomus undecimalis). Experimental treatments included (1) probiotics supplemented to the water and live feed, (2) probiotics supplemented to the water only, and (3) no probiotic controls. Data from two separate trials indicated up to 2.5 times higher survival with probiotic addition, as well as 20% higher survival 7 days following a transport event. These benefits were not explained by faster growth, measured water quality parameters, or innate immune enzyme activities. Microbiota analysis indicated the importance of system stabilization prior to larval stocking to improve rearing success and probiotic performance. ied Potential probiotic benefits include accelerated gastrointestinal tract development, enhanced immunity, inhibition of opportunistic bacteria, and improvements to water quality parameters. Results suggest this probiotic should be tested in other marine fish species in order to reduce larval rearing bottlenecks.
Highlights
As the human population grows and demand for seafood rises, total fishery production worldwide is expected to increase 17% by 20251
Probiotic addition through live feeds, such as rotifers, Artemia, and copepods have resulted in improved fish health by increasing survival, growth rates, and enzymatic immune responses[10,11,12]
Studies investigating and characterizing the effect of probiotic addition on the microbiota, innate immunity, and development of fishes during larviculture are necessary for optimization of these alternative bacterial management strategies
Summary
As the human population grows and demand for seafood rises, total fishery production worldwide is expected to increase 17% by 20251. Emergence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens and knowledge of the effect of these chemicals on structure of the commensal microbiota in the water column and gastrointestinal tract of fishes prompted alternative, sustainable strategies aimed at bacterial management in aquaculture[4]. One such strategy is the use of probiotics which are live, beneficial bacteria supplemented to the fish or water to improve water quality, digestion, and immune function. Www.nature.com/scientificreports the up-regulation of certain enzymes that allow the organism to cope with cellular stress Some probiotic bacteria, such as Bacillus, boost production of these vital enzymes. As with other marine species, high mortality in the first 30 days post hatch continues to be a major bottleneck in snook aquaculture production[14]
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