Probiotic effect of Bacillus NL110 and Vibrio NE17 on the survival, growth performance and immune response of Macrobrachium rosenbergii (de Man)

Eight hundred and eighty-five strains of bacterial isolates from various samples associated with the natural habitat of Macrobrachium rosenbergii were screened for their probiotic potential. Two putative probionts namely Bacillus NL110 and Vibrio NE17 isolated from the larvae and egg samples, respectively, were selected for experimental studies and were introduced to the juveniles of M. rosenbergii (0.080 +/- 0.001 g) through different modes such as through feed, water and both. The probiotic potential of the above bacteria in terms of improvements in water quality, growth, survival, specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio and immune parameters was evaluated. The treatment groups showed a significant improvement in SGR and weight gain (P < 0.001). Survival among different treatment groups was better than that in the control group. There were also significant improvements in the water quality parameters such as the concentration of nitrate and ammonia in the treatment groups (P < 0.05). Improvements in immune parameters such as the total haemocyte count (P < 0.05), phenoloxidase activity and respiratory burst were also significant (P < 0.001). It is concluded that screening of the natural microflora of cultured fish and shellfish for putative probionts might yield probiotic strains of bacteria that could be utilized for an environment-friendly and organic mode of aquaculture.