Probiotic Benefits: How Technospore® Boosts Health and Immunity in Farmed Fish

Jenn Hoskins
22nd May, 2024

Probiotic Benefits: How Technospore® Boosts Health and Immunity in Farmed Fish

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study conducted by Kafrelsheikh University found that Technospore® (Bacillus coagulans) supplementation significantly improved the growth rates and feed efficiency of Nile tilapia
  • Technospore® supplementation enhanced the immune response of Nile tilapia, as evidenced by increased phagocytic activity, phagocytic index, and lysozyme levels
  • The study also showed that Technospore® improved gut health and upregulated immune-related genes, contributing to better overall fish health and resilience against infections
The recent study conducted by Kafrelsheikh University[1] evaluated the effects of Technospore® (Bacillus coagulans) supplementation on the intestinal health, immune response, and growth performance of Oreochromis niloticus (Nile tilapia). This research holds significant promise for addressing the challenges in aquaculture, particularly in enhancing fish health and growth without relying on antibiotics. Antibiotics have been extensively used in aquaculture to promote growth and prevent disease, especially in China, the largest aquaculture producer in the world[2]. However, their use has led to safety and environmental concerns, prompting the exploration of alternative strategies such as probiotics. Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer health benefits to the host. Bacillus species, known for their sporulation capacity and ability to produce antimicrobial substances, have emerged as suitable candidates for sustainable aquaculture[3]. In this study, Nile tilapia were divided into four groups: a control group fed an unsupplemented diet and three experimental groups receiving diets supplemented with 0.2 g/kg, 0.4 g/kg, and 0.8 g/kg of Technospore®, respectively. The results demonstrated that Technospore® supplementation significantly enhanced growth rates and feed efficiency in all treated groups, with the most pronounced improvements observed in the group receiving 0.4 g/kg. The study's findings align with previous research that highlighted the benefits of Bacillus probiotics in aquaculture. For instance, Bacillus coagulans ATCC 7050 has been shown to improve growth, feed utilization, and immune responses in shrimp[4]. Similarly, the current study revealed that B. coagulans supplementation markedly boosted serum immune responses in tilapia, as evidenced by increased phagocytic activity, phagocytic index, and lysozyme levels following a challenge with Aeromonas hydrophila. These immune parameters are crucial as they indicate the fish's ability to fight off infections and maintain overall health. Histological analysis in the study showed improved gut morphology in the fish supplemented with Technospore®. A healthy gut is essential for efficient nutrient absorption and overall fish growth. The gene expression analysis further supported these findings, indicating upregulation of immune-related genes, including liver IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1), GHR (Growth Hormone Receptor), HSP70 (Heat Shock Protein 70), IL-1β (Interleukin 1 beta), and TNF-α (Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha). These genes play vital roles in growth regulation, stress response, and immune function. Moreover, the study noted upregulation of immune-related genes in the spleen and intestines, such as spleen TNF-α and IL-1β and intestinal C-lysozyme and TNF-α, both before and after the bacterial challenge. This suggests that Technospore® not only enhances the immune system's readiness to respond to pathogens but also maintains a heightened state of immune vigilance. The findings of this study are consistent with earlier research indicating the immunomodulatory effects of probiotics[5]. Probiotics and prebiotics have been shown to stimulate innate, cellular, and humoral immune responses, enhancing the host's ability to fight infections and maintain health. In the context of aquaculture, these benefits translate to improved survival rates, better growth performance, and reduced reliance on antibiotics. In conclusion, the study conducted by Kafrelsheikh University provides compelling evidence that dietary inclusion of Technospore® (Bacillus coagulans) can significantly improve gut health and immune responses in Nile tilapia. These improvements can lead to enhanced growth performance and feed efficiency, making Technospore® a promising prophylactic alternative to antibiotics in aquaculture. This research builds on previous findings[2][3][4][5] and underscores the potential of probiotics to revolutionize sustainable aquaculture practices.

HealthAnimal ScienceMarine Biology

References

Main Study

1) Probiotic Efficacy in Aquaculture: The Role of Technospore® (Bacillus coagulans) in Improving Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Performance and Disease Resistance: a Study on Gut Health, Immunological Response, and Gene Expression

Published 21st May, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1007/s12602-024-10279-3

Related Studies

2) Use of probiotics in aquaculture of China-a review of the past decade.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsi.2018.12.026

3) A review on the application of Bacillus as probiotics in aquaculture.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsi.2019.02.010

4) Dietary supplementation of probiotic Bacillus coagulans ATCC 7050, improves the growth performance, intestinal morphology, microflora, immune response, and disease confrontation of Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsi.2019.02.029

5) Probiotics and prebiotics associated with aquaculture: A review.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fsi.2015.05.038


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