In vivo evaluation of the effects of commercial Bacillus probiotics on survival and development of Litopenaeus vannamei larvae during the early hatchery period |
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| Authors: | Ming Xue Chongqing Wen Huafang Liang Maochang Ding Yong Wu Xing Li |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, China;2. Zhanjiang Keyi Aquaculture Co., Ltd, Zhanjiang, China |
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| Abstract: | Three in vivo experiments were conducted to measure the effectiveness of commercial Bacillus probiotics on survival and development of Litopenaeus vannamei larvae from nauplii 3–4 (N3–4) to zoea 3 (Z3) stages. Experiment I: Nine commercial Bacillus probiotics were individually added to larvae twice at N6 and Z1 at levels of 2, 20, and 100 mg L?1. Only six of nine products at 20 mg L?1 exhibited higher or significantly higher larval survival (P < 0.05) than the control. Experiment II: Two superior products from the first experiment were administered to larvae with six dose frequencies at 20 mg L?1. For both products, three doses, once at each of N3–4, N6 and Z1 stages, yielded the best larval survival and development rates (P < 0.05), and these were confirmed by enhanced activities of tryptase and amylase. Experiment III: The isolates of these two products, identified as Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis, were delivered to larvae singly at concentrations of 1.0 × 108 and 1.0 × 109 CFU L?1, or at the same concentrations by mixing the two equally. At 1.0 × 109 CFU L?1, B. subtilis exerted more beneficial effects on larvae than B. licheniformis or the mixture. Therefore, the optimal dosage and dose frequency of commercial Bacillus products should be evaluated prior to large‐scale application in shrimp hatcheries to avoid futility or even adverse effects, as spore counts and non‐bacterial ingredients are key factors influencing the efficacy of Bacillus probiotics. |
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| Keywords: | Bacillus probiotics
Litopenaeus vannamei
larviculture survival metamorphosis |
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