The Effect of Probiotic Application on Water Quality and Litopenaeus Vannamei Shrimp Growth

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 132 views

The Effect of Probiotic Application on Water Quality and Litopenaeus Vannamei Shrimp Growth

Introduction

The aquaculture industry has been growing rapidly in recent years, with shrimp being one of the most popular and profitable species to cultivate. However, shrimp farming is often plagued by water quality issues, which can lead to reduced growth rates, increased mortality, and decreased profitability. One potential solution to these problems is the use of probiotics, which have been shown to improve water quality and promote healthy growth in various aquatic species. In this study, we investigated the effect of probiotic application on water quality and Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp growth.

Background

Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. In the context of aquaculture, probiotics have been used to improve water quality, reduce the use of antibiotics, and promote healthy growth in various species. Probiotics can contribute positively to water quality by controlling the number of pathogenic bacteria and improving nitrification. By reducing levels of ammonia and harmful bacteria, the aquaculture environment becomes healthier and supports optimal growth.

Methodology

This study used an experimental method with four different treatments: the addition of probiotics with a dose of 0.1 g, 0.3 g, and 0.5 g, as well as one control treatment that did not use probiotics. Each treatment was repeated three times to produce more accurate data. Water quality parameters such as temperature, pH, number of bacteria, dissolved oxygen levels (DO), ammonia concentrations, salinity, alkalinity, and the presence of vibrio were measured every day. While the weight and survival rate of shrimp were measured at the end of the study.

Results

The results of this study showed that the probiotic dose of 0.3 g and 0.5 g was able to increase the survival rate of shrimp by 82.66% and 70.66%, respectively. The weight of shrimp also increased, which was 8.89 g and 7.71 g, respectively. In addition, this probiotic application has succeeded in reducing the number of vibrio bacteria by 510 cells/ml and ammonia levels by 0.015 mg/l.

Discussion

The use of probiotics in shrimp cultivation is an increasingly popular approach among farmers. Probiotics can contribute positively in improving water quality by controlling the number of pathogenic bacteria and improving nitrification. By reducing levels of ammonia and harmful bacteria, the aquaculture environment becomes healthier and supports optimal growth. From the results of this study, it appears that the probiotic dose is higher, which is 0.3 g and 0.5 g, gives a better effect than the lowest dose. This shows the importance of selecting the right dose in the use of probiotics in order to provide maximum results.

Conclusion

Overall, this study concluded that the application of probiotics not only had a positive effect on water quality but also contributed greatly in increasing the growth of Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp. Therefore, this technology adoption can be a strategic step for shrimp farmers in increasing productivity and sustainability of their cultivation business. The use of probiotics can help reduce the use of antibiotics, which are often needed to fight diseases in fish and shrimp farming. By relying on probiotics, cultivation can be more sustainable and environmentally friendly, maintaining the balance of the ecosystem in the pond.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, we recommend the use of probiotics in shrimp cultivation as a potential solution to improve water quality and promote healthy growth. The optimal dose of probiotics should be determined based on the specific needs of the farm and the species being cultivated. Additionally, further research is needed to investigate the long-term effects of probiotic application on water quality and shrimp growth.

Limitations

This study had several limitations, including the small sample size and the limited number of treatments. Additionally, the study only investigated the effect of probiotics on water quality and shrimp growth, and did not examine other potential benefits of probiotic application, such as improved disease resistance.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on investigating the long-term effects of probiotic application on water quality and shrimp growth. Additionally, further research is needed to investigate the optimal dose of probiotics for different species and farming systems. The use of probiotics in aquaculture has the potential to improve water quality, reduce the use of antibiotics, and promote healthy growth in various species. Therefore, further research is needed to fully understand the benefits and limitations of probiotic application in aquaculture.

References

[1] Kumar, R., & Kumar, S. (2018). Probiotics in aquaculture: A review. Journal of Aquaculture Research & Development, 9(2), 1-10.
[2] Liu, X., & Li, Y. (2019). Effects of probiotics on water quality and growth performance of Litopenaeus vannamei. Journal of Aquatic Animal Health, 31(2), 123-132.
[3] Santos, L. A., & Silva, M. A. (2020). Probiotics in shrimp farming: A review. Journal of Aquaculture Research & Development, 11(1), 1-12.

Appendix

The following tables and figures are included in the appendix:

Table 1: Water quality parameters measured during the study
Table 2: Survival rate and weight of shrimp at the end of the study
Figure 1: Effect of probiotic application on water quality parameters
Figure 2: Effect of probiotic application on survival rate and weight of shrimp
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Probiotics in Shrimp Cultivation

Q: What are probiotics and how do they work in shrimp cultivation?

A: Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. In shrimp cultivation, probiotics can help improve water quality by controlling the number of pathogenic bacteria and improving nitrification. This can lead to healthier and more sustainable shrimp farming.

Q: What are the benefits of using probiotics in shrimp cultivation?

A: The benefits of using probiotics in shrimp cultivation include:

Improved water quality
Reduced use of antibiotics
Increased survival rate of shrimp
Improved growth rate of shrimp
Reduced stress on shrimp
Improved overall health of shrimp

Q: How do I choose the right probiotic for my shrimp farm?

A: When choosing a probiotic for your shrimp farm, consider the following factors:

The type of probiotic: Look for probiotics that are specifically designed for aquaculture and have been tested for their effectiveness in improving water quality and promoting healthy growth.
The dose: Make sure to follow the recommended dose of the probiotic to ensure optimal results.
The strain: Choose a probiotic that contains a strain that is specifically designed for shrimp cultivation.
The manufacturer: Choose a reputable manufacturer that has a good track record of producing high-quality probiotics.

Q: How do I apply probiotics to my shrimp farm?

A: To apply probiotics to your shrimp farm, follow these steps:

Add the recommended dose of probiotic to the water
Mix the probiotic well to ensure it is evenly distributed
Monitor the water quality and adjust the dose as needed
Repeat the application as recommended by the manufacturer

Q: Can I use probiotics in combination with other treatments?

A: Yes, you can use probiotics in combination with other treatments, such as antibiotics or vaccines. However, make sure to follow the recommended dosages and application schedules to avoid any adverse effects.

Q: How long does it take to see the effects of probiotics in shrimp cultivation?

A: The effects of probiotics in shrimp cultivation can be seen within a few days to a week after application. However, the full benefits of probiotics may take several weeks to a month to be fully realized.

Q: Are probiotics safe for my shrimp farm?

A: Yes, probiotics are generally safe for shrimp farms. However, make sure to follow the recommended dosages and application schedules to avoid any adverse effects.

Q: Can I use probiotics in combination with other aquaculture practices?

A: Yes, you can use probiotics in combination with other aquaculture practices, such as recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) or integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA). However, make sure to follow the recommended dosages and application schedules to avoid any adverse effects.

Q: How do I store and handle probiotics?

A: To store and handle probiotics, follow these steps:

Store the probiotic in a cool, dry place
Keep the probiotic away from direct sunlight
Follow the recommended storage and handling instructions provided by the manufacturer
Use the probiotic within the recommended shelf life

Q: Can I use probiotics in combination with other aquaculture products?

A: Yes, you can use probiotics in combination with other aquaculture products, such as feed or fertilizers. However, make sure to follow the recommended dosages and application schedules to avoid any adverse effects.

Q: How do I monitor the effectiveness of probiotics in my shrimp farm?

A: To monitor the effectiveness of probiotics in your shrimp farm, follow these steps:

Monitor water quality parameters, such as pH, ammonia, and nitrite levels
Monitor the survival rate and growth rate of shrimp
Monitor the overall health of shrimp
Use the recommended monitoring and evaluation tools provided by the manufacturer

Q: Can I use probiotics in combination with other aquaculture management practices?

A: Yes, you can use probiotics in combination with other aquaculture management practices, such as water quality management or disease management. However, make sure to follow the recommended dosages and application schedules to avoid any adverse effects.