ISSUE FOCUS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE August 2024 53 BOOSTING TILAPIA HEALTH AND GROWTH WITH FORTCELL FEED AQUACULTURE PROBIOTICS Given the environmental stresses and challenges associated with aquaculture production, the choice of feed additives and dietary modulators is crucial for improving weight gain and reducing mortality rates. Over the years, various feed additives have been suggested, including bacteriophages, botanical products, organic acids, probiotics, prebiotics, and more. However, most of these additives have only been proposed as potential agents, with minimal research conducted on their combined use and synergistic effects. The co-culture of probiotics in aquaculture production is proving to be a game-changer for the industry. By introducing multiple beneficial bacterial strains into the feed food, farmers can significantly enhance the overall health and productivity of their fish. These probiotics work synergistically to improve water quality, boost the immune systems of the fish, and promote better nutrient absorption and growth rates. Co-cultured probiotics, such as Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis, effectively break down organic matter, reduce harmful nitrogen compounds, and maintain optimal pH levels. This holistic approach not only leads to healthier and more resilient fish but also supports a more sustainable and efficient aquaculture system. Our study conducted in the Department of Huila, Colombia, has shown that the introduction of Fortcell Feed Aquaculture probiotics not only enhance the growth and health of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) but also improve the overall water quality in fishponds. Fortcell Feed® Aquaculture contains a mix of probiotics and prebiotics (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis, inulin and β-glucans), free of antibiotics and highly productive. THE STUDY AND ITS FINDINGS The study involved 541.600 Nile tilapia fingerling, each weighing around 4 grams at the start. These fries were divided into five groups and placed in separate earthen ponds. Three of the groups received the Fortcell Feed Aquaculture probiotics, while one group served as a control with no additives, and the last group used a commercial product. Over a 45-day period, the researchers meticulously recorded data on weight gain, survival rates, and the physicochemical properties of the pond water. The results were nothing short of impressive. SUPERIOR GROWTH AND WEIGHT GAIN The fingerlings in the ponds treated with Fortcell Feed Aquaculture probiotics showed a notable increase in weight gain compared to both the control group and the group using a commercial product. The daily weight gain for the probiotic-treated groups ranged from 0.876 to 0.899 grams per day, significantly higher than the control group’s 0.830 grams per day and the commercial product group’s 0.844 grams per day. At the end of the trial, the overall final weight was higher for the probiotics group than for both the control and commercial product groups (Figure 1). 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 Final Body Weight (kg) 38.2 39.1 Batch 1 (FF Aquaculture) Batch 2 (FF Aquaculture) Batch 3 (FF Aquaculture) Batch 4 (Control) Batch 5 (Commercial product) 40.1 28.3 33.2 Figure 1. Growth parameters of tilapia fingerling cultured in systems with addition of probiotics
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