Virgibacillus proomii and Bacillus mojavensis as probiotics in sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) larvae: effects on growth performance and digestive enzyme activities

Abstract

This study examined the effects of two probiotics (Virgibacillus proomii and Bacillus mojavensis) on the digestive enzyme activity, survival and growth of Dicentrarchus labrax at various ontogenetic stages in three separate experiments. These probiotics were incorporated as single or mixed into fish feed for a period of 60 days. The growth parameters, proximate composition of whole body, digestive enzymes and gut microbiology were monitored at regular. The increments in length and weight and the survival were significantly higher (P < 0.05), and the values of food conversions were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in fishes fed the probiotic. The administration of V. proomii and B. mojavensis in diet resulted in an increase (P > 0.05) in body ash and protein content and in the specific activity of phosphatase alkaline and amylase in the digestive tract of all the fishes. V. proomii and B. mojavensis persisted in the fish intestine and in the feed in high numbers during the feeding period (group 1: 5.8 × 10(4) CFU/ml, group 2: 9.6 × 10(4) CFU/ml, and group 3: 9.8 × 10(4) CFU/ml day 60). The two probiotics V. proomii and B. mojavensis were adequate for improved growth performance and survival and for healthy gut microenvironment of the host.

Effects of Bacillus subtilis WB60 and Lactococcus lactis on Growth, Immune Responses, Histology and Gene Expression in Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus

“…Furthermore, probiotics secrete protease enzymes that can digest the peptide bonds in proteins and break down proteins into their constituent monomers and free amino acids; this process can benefit fish nutritionally [63]. In general, enzyme activity increases in fish when fed diets with probiotics, which was proven in common carp Cyprinus carpio [64], sea bass Dicentrarchus labrax [65] and Javanese carp Puntius gonionotus [66]. Meanwhile, lipase and amylase activities in our study were not affected by treatment diets.…”

Use of Lactic Acid Bacteria During Pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) Larval Rearing

“…Although it was not fully expected to be an outcome from this trial, growth was improved when using probiotics. Such results have also been observed in other species such as sea bass larvae, Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), swordtail (Xiphophorus Heller or X. maculatus), and guppy (Poecilia reticulate or P. sphenops) [44][45][46][47]. It has been speculated that such improvements in growth could be related to a positive effect on appetite stimulation or by just improving digestibility.…”

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“…Probiotics have also been used in combination with beta glucans in fish feed Ringø, & Song (2015). The carbohydrate utilization effects of fish fed Bacillus spp probiotic was also suggested by Hamza, et al, (2016). The authors fed sea bass lavae with rotifers Brachionus plicatilis enriched with B. mojavensis and a mixture of B. mojavensis and Virgibacillus proomii and noted improved amylase activity.…”