Application of heat-killed probiotics in aquaculture

Probiotics confer health benefits to aquatic animals, although the use of live probiotics could negatively impact the aquaculture environment. Thus, heat-killed probiotics are an alternative choice that could equally improve growth performance and disease resistance of farmed fish and shellfish. This review summarised current understanding of heat-killed probiotics in aquaculture, including their sources, safety and effectiveness, as well as method of application, dosages, and duration of usage. Moreover, the beneficial effects of heat-killed probiotics on the intestinal structure and barrier function, feed utilisation and growth performance, tolerance to stress, protection against pathogens, and regulation of host immunity in aquatic animals are discussed. Additionally, we proposed future research directions on the application of heat-killed probiotics in aquaculture.

Automated summary

Heat-killed probiotics offer benefits to aquatic animals without negatively impacting the aquaculture environment. This review discusses their sources, safety, effectiveness, and application methods in aquaculture, as well as their positive effects on intestinal structure, growth performance, stress tolerance, pathogen protection, and host immunity.Future research directions on the application of heat-killed probiotics in aquaculture are proposed.