Probiotics as beneficial microbes in aquaculture: an update on their multiple modes of action: a review

Abstract

Wide and discriminate use of antibiotics has resulted in serious biological and ecological concerns, especially the emergence of antibiotic resistance. Probiotics, known as beneficial microbes, are being proposed as an effective and eco-friendly alternative to antibiotics. They were first applied in aquaculture species more than three decades ago, but considerable attention had been given only in the early 2000s. Probiotics are defined as live or dead, or even a component of the microorganisms that act under different modes of action in conferring beneficial effects to the host or to its environment. Several probiotics have been characterized and applied in fish and a number of them are of host origin. Unlike some disease control alternatives being adapted and proposed in aquaculture where actions are unilateral, the immense potential of probiotics lies on their multiple mechanisms in conferring benefits to the host fish and the rearing environment. The staggering number of probiotics papers in aquaculture highlights the multitude of advantages from these microorganisms and conspicuously position them in the dynamic search for health-promoting alternatives for cultured fish. This paper provides an update on the use of probiotics in finfish aquaculture, particularly focusing on their modes of action. It explores the contemporary understanding of their spatial and nutritional competitiveness, inhibitory metabolites, environmental modification capability, immunomodulatory potential and stress-alleviating mechanism. This timely update affirms the importance of probiotics in fostering sustainable approaches in aquaculture and provides avenues in furthering its research and development.

Impact of restricting feed and probiotic supplementation on growth performance, mortality and carcass traits of meat‐type quails

“…Natural feed additives including probiotics are effective alternatives to drugs and antibiotics due to their growth promoting properties in livestock species (Tufarelli, Crovace, Rossi, & Laudadio, ; Wang et al, ; Yatoo et al, ; Zorriehzahra et al, ). Probiotics improve the activity of beneficial bacteria in the gut, and animal performance (Abd El‐Hack, Mahgoub, Alagawany, & Ashour, ; Alagawany, Abd El‐Hack, Arif, & Ashour, ; Alagawany et al, ).…”

The growth and apparent digestibility of white shrimp,Litopenaeus vannamei, are increased with the probiotic,Bacillus subtilis

“…Several stratagems have been applied to ameliorate problems of shrimp aquaculture, such as the use of genetically resistant stock, and dietary supplements with immunostimulants, such as medicinal plant products, antimicrobial compounds and probiotics (Cheng, Lin, Shiu, Tyan, & Liu, ; Kumar, Roy, Meena, & Sarkar, ; Shiu, Lin, Chi, Yeh, & Liu, ; Yeh et al, ; Zorriehzahra et al, ). Among these, biocontrol with probiotics is considered to be more environmentally friendly, effective and practical for aquaculture farmers to improve the water quality, health status and growth of fish and shrimp (Kumar et al, ; Lin, Shiu, Chiu, Huang, & Liu, ; Wang, Hu, Chiu, & Liu, ).…”

Effects of dietary supplementation of probiotics on the growth, activities of digestive and non-specific immune enzymes in hybrid grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus♂ × Epinephelus fuscoguttatus♀)

“…Traditionally, antibiotics, vaccines and other prophylactic measures are used to control infectious diseases. However, the uncontrolled and indiscriminate use of antibiotics has resulted in serious biological and ecological concerns, including the emergence of antibiotic resistant bacteria, antibiotic resistant genes and residual antibiotics in cultured organisms, which poses a potential health risk to consumers (Tan, Chan, Lee & Goh, ; Zorriehzahra et al., ). Moreover, the use of vaccines triggers the production of specific antibody to only a particular pathogen and is usually expensive (Robertsen, RΘRstad, Engstad & Raa, ).…”