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The Use of Probiotics in Fish and Shrimp Nutrition: Biochemical and Physiological Mechanisms of Action and Impact on Water Quality

BRAZIL
Wednesday, December 04, 2024, 07:20 (GMT + 9)

Introduction

Probiotics, defined as live microorganisms that provide health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts, are increasingly important in aquaculture. They enhance digestion, nutrient absorption, and disease resistance, positively influencing the intestinal microbiota of fish and shrimp. This promotes improved food digestibility, pathogen resistance, and a healthier aquatic environment, supporting sustainable aquaculture practices.

Mechanisms of Action of Probiotics

1. Intestinal Microbiota Balance:
   Probiotics regulate the gut flora by suppressing pathogenic bacteria and promoting beneficial microbes like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. This ensures better digestion, nutrient absorption, and resistance to intestinal infections.

2. Immune System Stimulation:
   Probiotics boost the production of immune cells, such as macrophages and lymphocytes, improving disease resistance in fish and shrimp.

3. Improvement in Water Quality:
   Probiotics aid in the decomposition of organic waste and reduction of harmful substances like ammonia and nitrites. This leads to a cleaner, healthier aquatic environment, essential for aquaculture sustainability.

4. Support for Intestinal Enzymatic Physiology:
   Probiotics produce essential digestive enzymes (proteases, lipases, amylases, cellulases) that enhance the breakdown of nutrients, improving nutrient absorption and maintaining gut health. These enzymes may complement the host’s own enzymatic activity, further aiding digestion.

Scientific Evidence

Studies consistently highlight the benefits of probiotics in aquaculture:

• Improved immunity and reduced disease incidence.
• Enhanced growth rates and feed conversion efficiency.
• Modulation of the intestinal microbiota, fostering better nutrient absorption.
• Decreased oxidative stress and inflammation, resulting in healthier and more resilient aquatic organisms.

Applications and Future Perspectives

Probiotics are widely used in aquaculture for health management and productivity enhancement. Future research may explore new probiotic species and innovative administration techniques to further optimize these benefits.

Key Benefits of Probiotics for Fish and Shrimp

• Enhanced Digestion: Produces enzymes to improve nutrient breakdown.
• Pathogen Control: Competes for nutrients and space, inhibiting harmful bacteria.
• Immune Modulation: Boosts both innate and adaptive immune responses.
• Antimicrobial Action: Produces bacteriocins and organic acids to combat pathogens.

Conclusion

The use of probiotics in aquaculture holds immense potential, as evidenced by consistent improvements in the health, immunity, and productivity of aquatic species. Their role in maintaining water quality and enhancing intestinal physiology makes probiotics a vital tool in modern fish and shrimp farming. With ongoing research and development, probiotics will likely continue to play a pivotal role in sustainable aquaculture.

Source: The Rural Present with Evilásio Pontes de Melo

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www.seafood.media

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