Chapter 17 - Application of probiotic bacteria for the management of fish health in aquaculture

Abstract

Aquaculture has contributed a significant portion of animal protein to human society worldwide over the last few decades. With the increasing trends in aquaculture, disease has become a significant problem in fish farming. Antibiotics for disease treatment are a debated issue, as the appearance of antimicrobial resistance among pathogenic bacteria has extensive documentation. Also, antibiotics harm the beneficial microbiota of the gastrointestinal ecosystem. Because of the risks associated with antibiotics use, development and application of potent nonantibiotic agents are critical factors for health management in aquaculture. Probiotic bacteria application is one alternative. Probiotics are active microbes that can enhance the microbial composition of the host intestine, improving growth efficiency. Due to increasing environmental pollution, many palatable and nutritious fishes are endangered daily. So, the use of probiotic bacteria for treatment of these endangered fishes is urgently needed for conservation and sustainable management. The analysis in this chapter shows that probiotics can act as a growth promoter, increase disease resistance, enhance the immune response in fish, and improve water quality for better survival.