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Enrichment of Artemia With Synbiotic and Its Effects on Growth Nutrient Utilization Survival and Gut Microbial Communities of Larval Hybrid Catfish (Clarias microstomus × Clarias gariepinus)

Summary

This study shows that enriching brine shrimp (Artemia) with beneficial bacteria and prebiotic fiber significantly improves growth and health in young catfish. The enriched shrimp were fed to catfish larvae for two weeks, resulting in better weight gain, faster growth rates, and more efficient feed conversion. The beneficial bacteria successfully colonized the fish’s gut and promoted a healthier microbiota, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to antibiotics in fish farming.

Background

Artemia (brine shrimp) is a vital live feed in aquaculture providing essential nutrients during early development. Conventional Artemia diets often lack bioactive compounds necessary for optimal larval development. Synbiotics, combining probiotics and prebiotics, have shown potential in improving gut microbiota and nutrient assimilation in aquaculture species.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of synbiotic-enriched Artemia franciscana as a live feed for hybrid catfish larvae using locally isolated probiotics (Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis) and commercial prebiotic inulin. The study assessed bacterial colonization, growth performance, feed conversion efficiency, and survival rates over a 14-day period.

Results

Synbiotic-treated groups showed significantly higher bacterial retention than control (p < 0.05), with T1 achieving highest colonization (7.10 log CFU/g at 6h). T3 (E. faecium W02 + inulin) resulted in highest weight gain (263.14 ± 34.70 mg), length gain (14.38 ± 5.10 mm), specific growth rate (19.59 ± 1.17% day⁻¹), and lowest feed conversion ratio (0.10 ± 0.01). Forty presumptive LAB isolates were isolated from fish gut, grouped into four main clusters.

Conclusion

Synbiotic-enriched Artemia effectively enhances larval growth and gut health in hybrid catfish. The combination of E. faecium and E. faecalis with inulin provides an eco-friendly strategy to improve feed efficiency and reduce antibiotic dependence. Further research is needed to assess long-term benefits and broader applications across different aquaculture systems.
  • Published in:Aquaculture Nutrition,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40901337, DOI: 10.1155/anu/6616288
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