Economic feasibility of probiotic use in the diet of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, during the reproductive period

Abstract

This work examines the economic advantages of probiotic use in the diet of Nile tilapia broodstock during the reproductive period. For this purpose, Bacillus subtilis was applied as a feed additive. The experimental design was completely randomized with three treatment groups: the T0 control (without probiotic), the T1 continuous probiotic intake, and the T2 alternate probiotic intake at a dose of 0.50 g kg-1 of feed (1010 CFU g-1) with four replicates. For the reproduction assay, 118 females and 48 males of Nile tilapia (proportion 4 males:9 females. hapa-1) (weight 527.65 g ± 185.98 g and length 30.16 cm ± 3.57 cm) were distributed into 12 hapas (3.5 × 2.0 × 1.5 m). Reproductive variables (spawning female percentage, egg production, and fry production) were used to calculate the economic feasibility indexes (total cost of nutrition [TcN], gross revenue [GR], and total operational profit [ToP]). The results show increasing values for spawning female number, collected eggs, and surviving fry in the probiotic groups. We recommend continuous intake of probiotic (feed with addition of probiotic) at a dose of 0.5 g kg-1 of feed (1010 CFU g-1) during the breeding season of Nile tilapia, due to the suitable reproductive indexes and profitability.

Utilization of functional feed additives to produce cost‐effective, ecofriendly aquafeeds high in plant‐based ingredients

“…Comparable results were also reported by Ghazalah et al, 363 when probiotic (two commercial probiotics Premalac and Biogen) addition was evaluated in Nile tilapia (1 g), and by Dias et al 364 in juvenile matrinxã, Brycon amazonicus . Recently Dias et al 365 also evaluated the economics of commercial probiotic ( B. subtilis with 10 10 CFU g −1 ) application in the diets of broodstock Nile tilapia, and based upon reproductive indices, they concluded that continuous intake of 0.5 g⋅kg −1 dietary probiotic (10 10 CFU g −1 ) throughout the breeding period of Nile tilapia is economically feasible and cost‐effective due to benefits in reproductive indexes and profitability. For the economic feasibility evaluation of this study, the local (São Paulo, Brazil) price of the feed and the probiotic were considered which corresponded to $ 0.56 (US) and $ 60.00 (US) per kilogram, respectively.…”

Synbiotic Agents and Their Active Components for Sustainable Aquaculture: Concepts, Action Mechanisms, and Applications

“…However, the result of a higher survival rate contributed to a 44% reduction in unit production costs [297]. Studies on the feasibility of synbiotics in aquaculture have consistently shown improvement in economic efficiency compared with control diets, especially when aquatic animals have been under stress conditions such as high stocking density [298] or during the reproductive period [299].…”

Use of compound feed with the probiotic feed supplement based on Bacillus bacteria for sterlet producers

“…This translates into increased individual fecundity and improved vitellogenic oocyte quality [21]. Indeed, feeding with B.subtilis at a dose of 1010 CFU g-1 for 90 days increased the individual fecundity and the number of mature females of O. Niloticus [16].…”

“…Thus, the use of the probiotic "Subtilis" as such a stimulant, has been shown to increase the survival rate of eggs, embryos and larvae, reduce mortality in the larval stage of development, increase viability in the early stages of ontogenesis, as well as improve natural immunity [15]. In addition, there are also publications on the effects of probiotics on the reproductive ability of fish such as Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus [16], oil catfish Ompok pabda [17], African catfish Clarias gariepinus [18] and European eel A. Anguilla [19].…”