Harnessing Biotechnological Probiotic Applications to Improve Fish Health and Aquaculture Sustainability
The effects of Lactobacillus plantarum and Bacillus subtilis probiotics were investigated for individual application and in combination of the two on the growth, water quality of the catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and their survival. Four categories of the experimental design diet (control, B. subtilis, L. plantarum, and mixed probiotics) were adopted, using a total of 180 fingerlings for observation period of 60 days. Results showed that probiotic-fed groups outperformed the control in all parameters, where the mixed probiotic group achieved the highest final weight (46.8 g vs. 35.2 g control), survival (94 % vs. 81 %), and feed efficiency (FCR 1.34 vs. 1.82). the water quality was also improved, with higher dissolved oxygen (6.2 mg/L) and reduced ammonia (0.89 mg/L) compared to the control. These findings proved that probiotics, particularly combined strains, enhance catfish production while promoting sustainable aquaculture.
Keywords: Probiotic, catfish, sustainable aquaculture, diet types, biotechnology technique
