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Email the author (Login required) Immunostimulatory effects of multispecies probiotics against Aeromonas hydrophila in Colossoma macropomum reared in biofloc and recirculating aquaculture systems
Submited: 2025-05-23 14:58:06 | Published: 2026-04-30 21:53:18
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3856/vol54-issue2-fulltext-3455
Abstract
This study evaluated the immunostimulatory and protective effects of a multispecies probiotic formulation -comprising Bacillus subtilis, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Pediococcus acidilactici- on juvenile Colossoma macropomum reared in biofloc and recirculating aquaculture systems over 70 days. The probiotic was administered via feed, water, or both, and its effects on growth performance, hematological and biochemical profiles, innate immune responses, and resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila infection were assessed. The combined probiotic strategy (feed + water) led to enhanced weight gain, improved serum lysozyme and protease activity, and higher reactive oxygen species production. Fish reared in biofloc systems exhibited higher hematocrit, hemoglobin, and innate immune markers than those reared in recirculating systems. However, recirculating aquaculture systems yielded superior growth and survivability. Following bacterial challenge, the combined probiotic treatment achieved 100% survival in the biofloc system, while the control group showed 50% survival. These findings highlight the potential of multispecies probiotics to improve immune competence and disease resistance in tambaqui, supporting their use as sustainable biotechnological tools in aquaculture. The choice of probiotic administration route and farming system significantly influenced host physiology and response to bacterial infection. Importantly, probiotic supplementation may serve as a viable alternative to antibiotics, reducing the risk of antimicrobial resistance and promoting more sustainable fish farming practices.
