The use of probiotics during the nursery rearing of the pink shrimp Farfantepenaeus brasiliensis (Latreille, 1817) in a zero exchange system

The present work evaluated the use of probiotics during the nursery rearing of the pink shrimp Farfantepenaeus brasiliensis, in a zero exchange aerobic heterotrophic culture system during 30 days. Three replicate tanks were randomly assigned to the following treatments: (1) Bacillus spp. mixture (Sanolife Pro‐‐W^®), (2) Bacillus sp., Enterococcus sp., Lactobacillus spp. mixture (Biomin Start‐grow^®), (3) Bacillus cereus var. toyoi and (4) control treatment (without probiotic addition). Bacteriological analysis monitored the abundance of presumptive Vibrio spp. in the water of experimental tanks. For the immunological analysis, shrimp haemolymph was collected to determine the granular haemocyte count and total protein concentration. Results showed that mean final weight and specific growth rate of shrimp in the probiotic treatments were significantly higher. Furthermore, shrimp reared in the probiotic treatments showed higher levels of total protein and granular haemocyte. The bacteriological analysis showed that the concentration of Vibrio spp. measured in probiotic treatment tanks was lower than that recorded in the control tanks.     

Effects of Dietary Administration of Probiotic Halomonas sp. B12 on the Intestinal Microflora,Immunological Parameters,and Midgut Histological Structure of Shrimp,Fenneropenaeus chinensis

The experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of oral administration of probiotic Halomonas sp. B12 (previously isolated from the intestine of Fenneropenaeus chinensis) on the intestinal microflora, immunological parameters, and midgut histological structure of F. chinensis. Shrimp (initial weight: 4.00 ± 0.10 g) were fed diets containing Halomonas sp. B12 at 0 (control), 3.68 × 10⁷ (T1), and 7.18 × 10¹⁰ (T2) colony‐forming units per gram for 6 wk, respectively. The results showed that the total bacterial counts significantly increased (P < 0.05) with supplementation of dietary probiotic B12. However, Vibrio spp. counts significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in the intestine of shrimp with increasing dietary probiotic B12. Hemocyte counts in the shrimp fed the diets supplemented with probiotic B12 were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the control group. Both phenoloxidase (PO) activity in plasma and hemocyte lysate supernatant were higher in the shrimp fed diets supplemented with probiotic B12 compared with the control group. No significant difference was found in PO activity in plasma between the T1 and the control (P > 0.05). PO activity in plasma was higher in T2 than that in T1. Cumulative shrimp mortality after 10‐d white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) challenge test significantly decreased with increasing dietary probiotic B12 (P < 0.05). No significant difference was found between T1 and control in cumulative shrimp mortality after challenge test (P > 0.05). The oral administration of probiotic B12 to F. chinensis was beneficial to protect the integrity of shrimp intestinal mucosal layer. In summary, even though the low dose (T1) had some effects on bacterial counts and immunological parameters, only the high dose (T2) significantly increased the resistance of the shrimp to WSSV.     

Probiotic bacteria effects on growth and bacterial composition of black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon)

The effects of Bacillus probiotic forms on growth performance and microbiota were examined in black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon). Shrimp were fed for 120 days with one of three diets; a control diet alone or supplemented with either probiotics consisting of live‐sprayed Bacillus (LS) or freeze‐dried Bacillus (FD). Culturable bacteria counts in the hepatopancreas, intestine and culture water of the three treatments were relatively constant during the experiment. Bacillus numbers in the hepatopancreas and intestines of probiotic‐treated groups increased significantly (P < 0.05) after 30 treatment days and remained relatively constant afterwards while no appreciable changes occurred in the control. Shrimp supplemented with LS and FD contained significantly lower concentrations of Vibrio (P < 0.05) in the hepatopancreas, intestine and culture water, compared to those in the control group. Shrimp treated with LS and FD probiotic bacteria showed a significant improvement (P < 0.05) in specific growth rate (SGR) and feed efficiency (FE), compared to those of control group. Probiotic bacteria have the potential to enhance shrimp culture by reducing Vibrio and improving growth performance.     

Inorganic nitrogen control,growth, and immunophysiological response of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Litopenaeus vannamei</Emphasis> (Boone, 1931) in a biofloc system and in clear water with or without commercial probiotic

A 5-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of biofloc in situ and commercial probiotic supplementation on white shrimp (1.87?±?0.03 g) inorganic nitrogen control, growth, and immunophysiological response. For this purpose, four treatments were conducted: clear water with no probiotic application (CW), clear water with probiotic application (CW+P), biofloc with no probiotic application (FLOC), and biofloc with probiotic application (BFT+P); each group had three replicates. Growth parameters (final body weight, daily weight gain, specific growth rate) were significantly higher in the two biofloc systems (P?<?0.05), and the FLOC and FLOC+P group did not have a significant difference (P?>?0.05). The immune responses (total hemocyte count, complement component protein, and lysozyme) and antioxidant status (glutathione, catalase) in the CW+P, FLOC, and FLOC+P groups were increased significantly at the end of the experiment compared with the CW group (P?<?0.05), and the FLOC and FLOC+P groups did not have a significant difference (P?>?0.05). Results of a 10-day Vibrio harveyi challenge test show that the survival rates in CW+P, FLOC, and FLOC+P groups were significantly higher (P?<?0.05), and the FLOC and FLOC+P groups did not have a significant difference (P?>?0.05). These results suggest that probiotic addition in the biofloc system had little advantage, but probiotics can improve the immune status of the shrimp in the clear water system. Further, cost-effectiveness analysis showed that the biofloc system was an efficient and economical option for the production of white shrimp.     

Improvement of growth performance,water quality and disease resistance against Vibrio harveyi of postlarval whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) by administration of mixed microencapsulated Bacillus probiotics

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of mixed Bacillus on growth, water quality and disease resistance against Vibrio harveyi in whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). Postlarval shrimp (PL₃₀) were fed with (a) a basal diet (the control), (b) a diet containing mixed freeze‐dried Bacillus probiotics (FB) and (c) addition of mixed microencapsulated Bacillus probiotics (MB) in culture water. Addition of FB and MB probiotics improved (p < .05) growth, feed efficiency, survival and culture water quality (ammonia and nitrite) compared to the control group although there was no difference (p > .05) between the two treated groups. Bacillus numbers in gastrointestinal tracts and culture water of FB‐ and MB‐administrated shrimp were higher (p < .05) than in the control. After a 30‐day culture, shrimp were infected with V. harveyi and monitored for 10 days. A significant reduction (p < .05) in cumulative mortality was observed in FB‐ and MB‐supplemented shrimp (43.24% and 45.05%, respectively), compared to the control (63.06%). This finding demonstrated that administration of microencapsulated probiotics was as effective as freeze‐dried probiotics for improving growth, feed efficiency, survival, Bacillus in gastrointestinal tracts, water quality (ammonia and nitrite) and conferring disease resistance to V. harveyi.     

Effects of dietary Bacillus and medicinal herbs on the growth, digestive enzyme activity, and serum biochemical parameters of the shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei

White shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) was fed six different formulations of medicinal herbs (MH) and Bacillus in a feeding trial conducted for 56 days. The survival, growth, digestive enzyme activity, and serum biochemical parameters were assessed. A basal diet without MH and Bacillus was served as the control. At the end of feeding trial, survival ranged from 76.19% to 84.76% with no significant differences (P > 0.05) among all groups. Growth measured as final weight, specific growth rate (SGR), protein efficiency ratio (PER), protein productive value (PPV), and feed efficiency ratio (FER) were improved with increased dietary MH and Bacillus. Shrimp fed 0.2% MH and 0.3% Bacillus (Diet 23) were found to have the best growth performance. For shrimp fed Diet 23 final weight and SGR were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than for controls. The digestive enzyme activity of protease and amylase in hepatopancreas and intestines were significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced by the feed supplements, however amylase of the hepatopancreas was not affected. Serum protein and glucose content were enhanced by the supplement of MH and Bacillus. Serum cholesterol in shrimp of high Bacillus level groups was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than in the control group. However, no significant difference (P > 0.05) in serum Triacylglycerols between supplemented groups and control was found. Results revealed that the combined MH and Bacillus in diet could enhance growth because it can improve digestive enzyme activity and digestive metabolism.     

Probiotic effect of Bacillus NL110 and Vibrio NE17 on the survival,growth performance and immune response of Macrobrachium rosenbergii (de Man)

Eight hundred and eighty‐five strains of bacterial isolates from various samples associated with the natural habitat of Macrobrachium rosenbergii were screened for their probiotic potential. Two putative probionts namely Bacillus NL110 and Vibrio NE17 isolated from the larvae and egg samples, respectively, were selected for experimental studies and were introduced to the juveniles of M. rosenbergii (0.080±0.001 g) through different modes such as through feed, water and both. The probiotic potential of the above bacteria in terms of improvements in water quality, growth, survival, specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio and immune parameters was evaluated. The treatment groups showed a significant improvement in SGR and weight gain (P<0.001). Survival among different treatment groups was better than that in the control group. There were also significant improvements in the water quality parameters such as the concentration of nitrate and ammonia in the treatment groups (P<0.05). Improvements in immune parameters such as the total haemocyte count (P<0.05), phenoloxidase activity and respiratory burst were also significant (P<0.001). It is concluded that screening of the natural microflora of cultured fish and shellfish for putative probionts might yield probiotic strains of bacteria that could be utilized for an environment‐friendly and organic mode of aquaculture.     

Vibrio spp. Control at Brine Shrimp,Artemia, Hatching and Enrichment

Experiments were conducted to evaluate different prophylactic methods to control the bacterial load in brine shrimp, Artemia, hatching. The first experiment evaluated three treatments to control Vibrio spp. during the Artemia hatching: microalgae (Chaetoceros calcitrans), probiotic (Bacillus spp.), and antibiotic (Florfenicol). In the second experiment, Artemia metanauplius were enriched in distinct treatments with C. calcitrans, probiotic, and emulsion rich in docosahexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic fatty acids. Enriched Artemia metanauplius and nauplii (control) were offered to white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, postlarvae (PL₇–PL₁₉). Presumptive Vibrio were quantified in Artemia, PL, and rearing water. Microalgae and probiotic were effective to control Vibrio spp. in Artemia nauplii. The enrichment process increased the Artemia bacterial load but did not affect Vibrio load in L. vannamei.     

Use of Bacillus coagulans as a Dietary Probiotic for the Common Carp,Cyprinus carpio

Effect of viable Bacillus coagulans as a dietary probiotic on the growth performance, survivorship, immune response, and meat quality of the common carp, Cyprinus carpio, was investigated. Three treatments (T‐1, T‐2, and T‐3) and a control, each with three replicates, were established. T‐1, T‐2, and T‐3 groups were fed with diets containing different levels of probiotic (1 × 10⁷ cfu/g, 2 × 10⁷ cfu/g, and 4 × 10⁷ cfu/g, respectively). After 45 d, the fish fed with probiotic had significantly higher (P < 0.05) daily weight gain compared to that of the control group. Significant increases (P < 0.05) in final weight, relative weight gain rate, lysozyme, myeloperoxidase, and respiratory burst activities were obtained in the T‐2 and T‐3 compared with those of the control. Fish in the control group showed the lowest (P < 0.05) content of complement component 3. Significantly (P < 0.05) improved contents of crude fat, inosine, and inosinic acid were observed in the T‐2 and T‐3. Our results indicated that the use of B. coagulans as a dietary probiotic for the common carp could improve growth performance, meat quality, and induce a positive modulation on immune response.     

Effects of the probiotic Bacillus subtilis (BP11 and BS11) on the growth and survival of Pacific white shrimp,Litopenaeus vannamei

The effect of Bacillus S11 (BS11)‐ and/or Bacillus P11 (BP11)‐supplemented feeds on the growth performance, survival, immunoenhancement and disease resistance of cultured Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, was evaluated. Four feeding treatments of (i) regular feed (control), (ii) BS11‐supplemented feed, (iii) BP11‐supplemented feed and (iv) BS11‐and BP11‐supplemented feed were prepared and used for shrimp cultivation in closed recirculating cement tanks (~400 L) in two trials, one for juvenile and PL‐30 shrimp at 60 and 90 days, respectively. The results showed that BS11 gave a higher probiotic potential than BP11 for both age groups of L. vannamei in cultivation, because the average weight and survival of shrimp fed BS11‐supplemented feed were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those of the control and the other two groups. The survival of shrimp fed either BS11‐or both BS11‐and BP11‐supplemented feed was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of the control group. In addition, the highest total haemocyte and granular haemocyte counts and phenoloxidase activity were found in shrimp fed with the BS11‐supplemented feed. After challenge with Vibrio harveyi 639 (~10⁷ CFU mL^?1) by immersion, the lowest cumulative death (%) and disease resistance were clearly found in shrimp fed with the BS11‐supplemented feed.     

Artificial substrates in zero‐water‐exchange culture system regulate the rearing performance of Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone, 1931) under the winter indoor condition

Effects of artificial substrates in zero‐water‐exchange culture system on the rearing performance of Litopenaeus vannamei under winter indoor condition were investigated in this study. Growth, survival, feed conversion rate (FCR), production rate of L. vannamei and water quality were compared between artificial substrate‐treated group (AST) and control group (without artificial substrates presented in the rearing environment). Artificial substrates can significantly improve the water quality, the ammonia and nitrite‐N concentrations in the AST group were significantly lower than in the control group (P < 0.05), and the total heterotrophic bacteria and Vibrio spp. were also significantly lower in the AST group (P < 0.05). The survival, growth and production rate of L. vannamei in the AST group were significantly higher than in the control group (P < 0.05). Significantly lower FCR was observed in the AST group (P < 0.05). Results from this study indicate that the utilization of artificial substrates in the indoor shrimp culture system could effectively control the water quality, improve the survival and growth of shrimp and significantly reduce the FCR. This study provides a guideline for employing artificial substrates in rearing of shrimp in the zero‐water‐exchange culture system under lower temperature, which could be applicable to other similar species.     

Replacement of Fish Meal with Soybean Meal,Alone or in Combination with Distiller's Dried Grains with Solubles in Practical Diets for Pacific White Shrimp,Litopenaeus vannamei,Grown in a Clear‐Water Culture System

The objective of this study was to evaluate inclusion of distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS) as partial replacement of commercial, solvent‐extracted soybean meal (SBM) in fish meal‐free diets for Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. Aquaria connected to a recirculating biofiltration system were utilized to evaluate growth, survival, and feed conversion of shrimp during the 8‐wk feeding trial. Each 110‐L aquarium was stocked with 15 shrimp (mean individual weight 0.99 g) and fed one of five diets: a diet containing 20% fish meal (FM), which served as the control (Diet 1); a diet containing 0% FM and 52.5% SBM (Diet 2); and diets containing 0% FM and either 10, 20, or 30% DDGS as partial replacement of SBM (Diets 3, 4, and 5, respectively). Shrimp were fed according to a pre‐determined feeding chart five times daily (0730, 1030, 1330, 1630, and 1930 h) and there were three replicates per dietary treatment. The results from the feeding trial demonstrated that final weight, weight gain (g), and percentage weight gain were significantly higher (P < 0.05) for shrimp fed Diet 1 (10.96 g, 10.01 g, and 1051%, respectively) compared to shrimp fed diets containing DDGS; however, shrimp fed diets containing DDGS had similar (P > 0.05) final weight, weight gain (g), and percentage weight gain as shrimp fed a diet containing 0% FM and 52.5% SBM (Diet 2). Feed conversion ratio (FCR) of shrimp fed Diet 1 (2.84) was significantly lower (P < 0.05) compared to shrimp fed any other diet. Survival (%) was not different (P > 0.05) among treatments and averaged 77.3% for the study. This study demonstrated that practical shrimp diets containing no FM had an adverse impact on growth performance of white shrimp when grown in a clear‐water system and that further research is needed to refine diet formulations when culturing shrimp in these systems when attempting to feed a diet without FM.     

Effects of dietary supplementation with β‐glucan and synbiotics on growth,haemolymph chemistry,and intestinal microbiota and morphology in the Pacific white shrimp

The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with β‐glucan and microencapsulated probiotics (Bacillus subtilis or Pediococcus acidilactici) on growth performance, body composition, haemolymph constituents, and intestinal morphology and microbiota of the Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei. Four treatment diets [basal diet (C), β‐glucan‐containing diet (β‐glu), β‐glucan plus B. subtilis‐containing diet (β‐glu+Bs), and β‐glucan plus P. acidilactici‐containing diet (β‐glu+Pa)] were fed to L. vannamei for 90 days. Shrimp fed the β‐glu and β‐glu+Pa diets exhibited similar growth performance and body protein content, which were significantly higher than those of shrimp fed the control diet (P < 0.05). No significant differences in haemolymph triglyceride, cholesterol, protein, haemolymph urea nitrogen or chloride were detected among the experimental diets. However, dietary β‐glucan alone increased the haemolymph glucose level and osmolarity (P < 0.05). Synbiotic supplementation had greater effects on intestinal microbiota and morphology than dietary β‐glucan alone. For example, β‐glu+Bs increased the number of intestinal lactic acid bacteria and decreased the number of Vibrio spp. (P < 0.05), and β‐glu+Pa increased the height of intestinal villi.     

Autochthonous probiotic as growth promoter and immunomodulator for Astyanax bimaculatus cultured in water recirculation system

This work aimed to evaluate the probiotic Lactobacillus spp. in the microbiota of Astyanax bimaculatus reared in a water recirculation system. The experiment was randomized, using 800 postlarvae distributed into eight polyethylene containers, separated into two treatments, in quadruplicate: supplementation with Lactobacillus spp. (Probiotic) and no supplementation (Control). After 90 days of culture, 13 fish per container were anaesthetized. Three of these underwent microbiological evaluation, and haematological analyses were carried out on five. Immunological assessment was performed on another five fish. Zootechnical parameters were evaluated for all animals. In the microbiological evaluation, the probiotic group presented higher counts of lactic acid bacteria, but lower counts of Vibrio spp., Pseudomonas spp., and Staphylococcus spp., when compared with control. After haematological analysis, the supplemented group presented low haematimetric indices of Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin Concentration and Mean Corpuscular Haemoglobin (MCHC and MCH, respectively) and higher amounts of total leucocytes, thrombocytes and circulating monocytes when compared with control. The immunological profile did not differ between treatments. In the zootechnical performance, probiotic group presented higher productivity, survival and apparent food efficiency when compared with control. Therefore, when Lactobacillus spp. was supplemented in the diet of A. bimaculatus, immunocompetence and the zootechnical performance of animals increased.     

The effects of water additive Bacillus cereus and Pediococcus acidilactici on water quality,growth performances,economic benefits,immunohematology and bacterial flora of whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei Boone, 1931) reared in earthen ponds

This study was aimed to investigate the effects of two probiotics, Bacillus cereus and Pediococcus acidilactici, on the water quality, growth performance, the survival ratio, economic benefits, immunohematology and bacterial flora in the intestine of whiteleg shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei after 110 days. Nine earthen ponds (each one 1.2 hectare) were adjusted as three treatments including control (without adding bacteria), containing P. acidilactici probiotic (10⁶ CFU/mL) and containing B. cereus probiotic (10⁶ CFU/mL). The results showed that the adding B. cereus and P. acidilactici to the water pond positively decreased nitrate, ammonia and biochemical oxygen demand when compared with the control group (p < .05). Regarding growth performance, treating shrimp with B. cereus caused significantly higher weight gain (16.72 g) and survival ratio (94.50%) in comparison with control group (p < .05). Using these probiotics could increase shrimp production (27.30%, 18.42%) and net income (92.94%, 49.20%) as well. Respect to immunity, total hemocyte count (9.00), total protein (8.92 g/dl) and lysozyme activity (21.55 U/ml) in treated whiteleg shrimp with B. cereus were significantly higher than those untreated (p < .05). In conclusion, adding B. cereus (10⁶ CFU/ml) to the earthen pond can be suggested in shrimp farm.     

Oral Administration of Hot‐water Extract of Tropical Brown Seaweed,Sargassum cristaefolium,to Enhance Immune Response,Stress Tolerance,and Resistance of White Shrimp,Litopenaeus vannamei,to Vibrio parahaemolyticus

The efficacy of hot‐water extract of tropical brown seaweed, Sargassum cristaefolium (SCE), supplemented in diets on immune response, stress tolerance, and disease resistance of Litopenaeus vannamei to Vibrio parahaemolyticus was evaluated. Shrimp were fed diets containing graded levels of SCE (0, 250, 500, 750, and 1000 mg/kg). The results showed that shrimp fed all diets containing SCE had significantly higher (P < 0.05) immune response in total hemocyte count (THC), differential hemocyte count (granular and hyaline cells), and phagocytic activity than those of shrimp fed the control diet. Similarly, in low dissolved oxygen stress tolerance test and the challenge test with V. parahaemolyticus, survival rates of shrimp fed all diets containing SCE were significantly higher (P < 0.05) (83–93% in stress test and 27–47% in challenge test) than those of shrimp fed the control diet (77 and 3.3%, respectively). These results suggest that oral administration of SCE at 500 and 750 mg/kg can be effectively used to enhance immune response, stress tolerance, and resistance of white shrimp, L. vannamei, against V. parahaemolyticus infection. These findings also confirm that using dietary SCE as immunostimulant is effective at increasing the nonspecific immune system in penaeid shrimp, L. vannamei.     

Effects of dietary medicinal herbs and Bacillus on survival, growth, body composition, and digestive enzyme activity of the white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei

The basal diet (C), with 0.20% medicinal herbs (M) and 0.30% Bacillus (BM1), with 0.10% medicinal herbs and 0.15% Bacillus (BM2), and with 0.30% Bacillus (B), was used to feed white shrimps (Litopenaeus vannamei) (1.91 ± 0.03 g) in order to assess survival, growth, body composition, and digestive enzyme activity. At the end of the feeding trial, survival ranged from 95.83 to 98.33% with no significant difference (P > 0.05) among all groups. Growth measured as weight gain was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in shrimp fed with BM2, BM1, and M compared to that of C. However, no significant differences were found among B, BM1, and M. In the case of specific growth rate, the shrimp fed with BM1 and BM2 exhibited significantly (P < 0.05) higher values than that of C. The contents of body moisture, crude protein, and ash seemed to be unaffected by the feed supplements, though lipid content was found to be significantly (P < 0.05) different among the treatments. The shrimp fed with BM1 and BM2 had the lowest and highest lipid contents, respectively. The digestive enzyme activity assessed using shrimp hepatopancreas revealed that the activities of amylase and protease in shrimp fed with BM2 were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those of C at the end of the 2nd and 6th weeks. However, better performance of the specific amylase activity was shown by the shrimp fed with B at the end of the 8th week.     

Effects of Bacillus preparations on immunity and antioxidant activities in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus)

This experiment was conducted to study the effects of Bacillus preparations on immunity and antioxidant activities in grass carp. A total of 315 grass carp, with similar initial weight (average weight of fish 45?g), were randomly divided into three groups with three replicates. The control group was fed the basal diet without Bacillus; treatment group 1 was added Bacillus preparation no. 1 with 1?×?10⁸?cfu/m³ per 7?days in culture water and also fed the basal diet; treatment group 2 was fed the basal diet mixed with 0.5?% Bacillus preparation no. 2, and the culture water was added 1?×?10⁸?cfu/m³ Bacillus preparation no. 1 per 7?days. After 4?weeks of culture, 12 grass carp from each replicate were taken randomly for the determination of immune response and oxidization resistance indices. The results showed that compared with control, the level of globulin and IgM of treatment group 2 was significantly increased (P?<?0.05), which was also significantly higher (P?<?0.05) than that of group 1. For the non-specific immunity index, compared with control, the lysozyme activity and complement (C3) content of treatment group 1 significantly increased (P?<?0.05), and the level of myeloperoxidase and C3 of treatment group 2 was significantly higher (P?<?0.05) than that of control, which was also significantly higher (P?<?0.05) than that of group 1. In the serum, compared with the control, the level of total antioxidant activity (T-AOC), antisuperoxide anion free radical (ASAFR) and glutathione (GSH) of two treatment groups was significantly increased (P?<?0.05); GSH content of treatment group 2 was significantly (P?<?0.05) higher than that of treatment group 1 and control. There was no significant difference between T-AOC and ASAFR among the two treatment groups; no significant effect was found on glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and maleic dialdehyde (MDA) among the three groups. In the liver, T-AOC, SOD, ASAFR, GSH-Px and GSH from two treatment groups were significantly higher (P?<?0.05) than those of control; T-AOC, SOD and catalase from treatment group 2 were significantly higher (P?<?0.05) than those of treatment group 1; and MDA of two treatment groups was significantly decreased (P?<?0.05) as compared with the control. The results indicate that Bacillus preparations added into water can increase serum immunoglobulin levels and most of non-specific immune parameters content and enhance the antioxidant ability of grass carp, while adding Bacillus preparation into the water and feed is much better.     

Suitable dietary chitosan improves the growth performance,survival and immune function of tiger shrimp,Penaeus monodon

Different levels of dietary chitosan on growth performance, survival and stress tolerance to air exposure was studied in tiger shrimp, Penaeus monodon. Shrimp (mean initial wet weight about 1.16 g) were fed with six different diets (C0, C0.05, C0.1, C0.2, C0.3 and C0.4) containing six level of chitosan (0%, 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3% and 0.4% respectively) in triplicate for 60 days. Growth performance [final body wet weight (FBW); weight gain (WG); biomass gain (BG)] of shrimp fed chitosan‐containing diets were higher (P < 0.05) than that of shrimp fed the basal diet, shrimp fed C0.1 diet showed the highest value of growth performance. Survival of shrimp in C0.1 and C0.2 diet groups were higher (P < 0.05) than that of shrimp in C0, C0.05 and C0.4 diet groups but without statistical difference (P > 0.05) in shrimp fed C0.3 diet group. Whole body and muscle lipid contents decreased with increasing dietary chitosan levels. Plasma total cholesterol and triglyceride contents of shrimp fed C0 diet was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of shrimp fed chitosan‐containing diets. Plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities of shrimp fed C0 diet were higher than those of shrimp fed chitosan‐containing diets. Digestive gland malondialdehyde (MDA) and carbonyl protein contents of shrimp fed chitosan‐containing diets were lower (P < 0.05) than that of shrimp fed C0 diet. Total haemocyte count of shrimp fed C0 diet was lower (P < 0.05) than that of shrimp fed chitosan‐containing diets. On the contrary, the haemolymph clotting time of shrimp fed C0 diet was higher (P < 0.05) than that of shrimp fed chitosan‐containing diets. In conclusion, all results suggested that dietary intake containing 0.1% and 0.2% chitosan enhanced the growth of shrimp, whereas a higher level than 0.3% and 0.4% decreased growth of shrimp. Second‐degree polynomial regression analysis of WG and BG indicated that the optimum supplement of dietary chitosan level should be 0.19–0.21%.     

Effect of probiotic (Bacillus spp.) addition during larvae and postlarvae culture of the white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei

The effect of the addition of Bacillus probiotic during larvae and postlarvae culture of the white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei was examined in three separate experiments: (I) Nauplius_4‐5 to Zoea₃, which were exposed to probiotic in the water (P_w), only in the microalgae (P_m), in the water and microalgae (P_wm) and a control with no probiotic (C); (II) Mysis₁ to Mysis₃, which were exposed to probiotic in the water (P_w), only in Artemia (P_a), in the water and Artemia (P_wa) and a control (C); (III) PL₁ to PL₁₀, which were exposed to similar treatments for mysis experiment. The use of probiotic Bacillus spp. resulted in an increase in the survival and growth of zoea and mysis phases, especially when the probiotic was added only in the water. For postlarvae, the use of the probiotic had no influence on the zootechnical parameters, however, there was a reduction in the count of presumptive Vibrio both for water and shrimp.