Effects of probiotics (Pseudomonas synxantha and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) on the growth, survival and immune parameters of juvenile western king prawns (Penaeus latisulcatus Kishinouye, 1896)

The effects of two selected probiotics ( Pseudomonas synxantha and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ) on the specific growth rate (SGR), survival and immune parameters of juvenile western king prawns ( Penaeus latisulcatus ) were examined for 84 days. Pseudomonas synxantha and P. aeruginosa were either applied into the rearing medium or supplemented in the formulated feed at a concentration of 10⁵ colony forming unit (CFU) mL⁻¹ for each probiotic. The results showed that applications of the probiotics resulted in no significant difference ( P >0.05) in the SGR and survival of the prawns, but significantly decreased the food conversion ratios ( P <0.05) compared with the control where no probiotics were applied. The supplement of the probiotics with the formulated feed enhanced the probiotic numbers in the intestines of the prawns and low bacteria numbers in the haemolymph. The prawns were significantly ( P <0.05) healthier, as indicated by the immune response obtained when both probiotics were given in combination compared with when individual probiotics were used. When applied singly, P. aeruginosa resulted in a higher health status of the prawns compared with P. synxantha . Overall, equal combinations (10⁵ CFU mL⁻¹) and volumes of P. synxantha and P. aeruginosa used as a supplement in the formulated feed resulted in an improvement in the health of the juvenile western king prawns.     

Participatory Policy Making by Dairy Producers to Reduce Anti‐Microbial use on Farms

Pressures for more responsible use of anti‐microbial (AM) medicines in food animals are likely to increase from policymakers and the food industry, including retailers. To address this challenge, participatory approaches to welfare interventions and disease prevention may also be necessary alongside more conventional regulatory measures. This article describes the process of enabling groups of dairy producers to use a participatory policy making approach to develop an AM stewardship policy. The policy includes measures agreed to by all producers for more responsible use of AMs, whilst maintaining or improving dairy herd health and welfare. This process provided a unique opportunity for collaboration and dialogue between producers, veterinarians, industry and researchers. Its participatory nature encouraged comprehensive learning for all involved. This integration of science with producers’ knowledge and experience led to credible and practical recommendations designed to deliver real and lasting change in AM use. The multidisciplinary nature of this research marks a significant contribution to embedding social science skills and approaches into the veterinary sphere. As an initial step in creating better understanding of how participatory approaches with farmers can be applied in a UK context and more widely, this work serves as a pilot for promoting more responsible use of veterinary medicines in other livestock species.