Use of probiotics in aquaculture (a review)

Purpose. To analyze data of available specialized literature and summarize the information obtained on the use of probiotics in modern aquaculture. To review basic principles of classification of existing probiotics, methods of their introduction into the aquatic organisms and mechanisms of action of different probiotic groups. Findings. The analysis of scientific publications on the use of probiotics in aquaculture for efficient farming in order to reduce fish and shrimp mortality and, accordingly, increase the efficiency of farms has been provided. The literature data on the classification of probiotics depending on the composition and purpose are summarized. Modern and general ideas about the microbiota of aquaculture species are described. The actual ways of probiotic administration into the aquatic organisms are given. The main concepts of mechanisms and results of probiotics action on the host (suppression of pathogenic microflora, improving the quality of the aquatic environment, competition for localization and nutrients, providing the animal with immunostimulants, digestive enzymes and other biologically active substances). The prospects of using probiotics as an alternative to antimicrobial drugs and chemical remedies in aquaculture are shown. Practical value. The review may be useful for scientists investigating alternative treatments of aquaculture objects and the interaction of aquatic organisms with probiotics. Key words: probiotics, aquaculture, control and prevention of fish diseases, aquatic organisms, alternatives to antibiotics.

Effects of Probiotics Supplementation on Growth Performance and Certain Haemato-biochemical Parameters in Broiler Chickens

The study was carried out to know the effects of probiotics (Protexin® Boost) supplementation on growth performances and haemato-biochemical parameters of "Shaver Star Bro" broiler chickens during the period from September to October 2003. A total of 20, day-old broiler chickens were randomly assigned into four equal groups (n = 5) as A, B, C and D. Group A was considered as control fed with commercial ration while group B, C and D were fed with commercial ration with the addition of 1 g, 2 g and 3 g probiotics / 10 litres drinking water respectively up to 35 days of age. The results showed that the body weight gains corresponding to the different treatments were differed significantly (p < 0.01) at the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th weeks of age. The meat yield characteristics corresponding to the different treatments did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) whereas bursa weight differed significantly (p < 0.05) among the different groups. The mean values of Hb, PCV and ESR corresponding to the different treatments were significantly (p < 0.01) differ. Triglycerides, HDL, LDL, SGPT and SGOT values corresponding to the different treatments were also differed significantly (p < 0.01). The findings suggest that supplementation of probiotics has significant effects on live weight gain and haemato-biochemical parameters of broiler chickens. Key words: Probiotics; effects; growth; haemato-biochemical parameters; broiler chickens doi: 10.3329/bjvm.v2i1.1933 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2004). 2 (1) : 39-43

Probiotic Technology : An Effective Means For Bioremediation In Shrimp Farming Ponds

In most of the shrimp farming ponds deterioration of water quality, pond bottom condition, incidence of toxic gases like NH3, NO2, H2S etc. and occurrence of disease appear generally after 60 days of farming onwards. As a remedial measure, application of probiotics as a biotechnological tool for bioremediation has been suggested for shrimp farm located in a Srijang village near Chandipur area of coastal Balasore, Orissa, (India) and was found to be effective in controlling and reducing of pathogenic vibrio population and toxic gases. Key words: Probiotics; Shrimp; Aquaculture; Bioremediation; Diseases; Toxic gases DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbas.v35i2.9430 JBAS 2011; 35(2): 237-240