Abstract
Biofloc technology is a sustainable aquaculture production system which uses microorganisms to maintain water quality and to increase productivity. In this system, probiotics can enhance the positive effects of bioflocs on the cultured species. The objective of this research is to study the role of the probiotic bacterium Bacillus amyloliquefaciens during the formation of a biofloc system for the culture of Litopenaeus vannamei. Two doses of probiotic were assayed and applied directly to the water. The experiment was developed in nine tanks distributed as follows: Three control tanks with no probiotic, three tanks with a probiotic dose of 103 cfu/mL, and three tanks with a dose of 104 cfu/mL. Water quality, microbial activity, growth parameters and the immune system state of shrimps were monitored throughout the maturation process. The results indicate a positive effect upon the shrimp immune system throughout the study period, where specifically there was an increase in granular hemocytes in the shrimp hemolymph. During the immature biofloc phase, granular hemocytes were 5% higher in tanks supplemented with the probiotic. During the mature biofloc phase, granular hemocytes were 7% higher in those same tanks. During the maturation of the biofloc, environmental conditions are more unfavorable for shrimp growth, due to the accumulation of nitrites. So, the effect of the probiotic is especially important during this stage when the shrimp are stressed and are more vulnerable to diseases. However, the effects on microbial activity, water quality and Litopenaeus vannamei growth did not increase the benefits of the biofloc system.
Highlights
Biofloc technology (BFT) is considered a sustainable aquaculture production system because it reduces water renewal needs thanks to the activity of microorganisms [1,2]
We studied its effect on the biofloc system, and on cultured shrimps
Despite the good characteristics of B. amyloliquefaciens as a biofloc promoter bacterium, its direct application in the water column did not have a significant effect upon water quality
Summary
Biofloc technology (BFT) is considered a sustainable aquaculture production system because it reduces water renewal needs thanks to the activity of microorganisms [1,2]. When the bacteria community develops, the system is mature, and ammonium and nitrite are oxidized quickly In this later stage nitrate accumulates in the water [5,6]. Elimination of the nitrogen compounds, fundamentally ammonia and nitrite, is the main reason why BFT systems have been considered as an environmentally friendly aquaculture technique, because the heterotrophic bacteria maintain these nutrients under low concentration [1]. These bacteria compete for resources and space with pathogens, and have a probiotic effect upon shrimps. BFT systems, allow increasing the farming density, being more productive than traditional aquaculture systems [4]
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