Received 31 July 2012; Accepted 29 August 2012 | Patricia Martínez Cruz, Ana L. Ibáñez, Oscar A. Monroy Hermosillo, and Hugo C. Ramírez Saad
The article reviews the use of probiotics in aquaculture, highlighting their benefits and safety considerations. Probiotics, defined as beneficial microorganisms, have been increasingly used to enhance the growth, health, and productivity of aquatic organisms. The first application of probiotics in aquaculture was in 1986 to increase the growth of hydrobiots. Since then, probiotics have been used to improve water quality, control bacterial infections, and enhance nutrient digestibility. Commercial probiotic products, derived from various bacterial species such as *Bacillus*, *Lactobacillus*, *Enterococcus*, *Carnobacterium*, and *Saccharomyces cerevisiae*, are regulated by careful management recommendations.
The article discusses the current knowledge of probiotics in aquaculture, including their antecedents and safety measures. Probiotics are shown to improve digestibility, increase stress tolerance, and encourage reproduction. Studies have demonstrated that probiotics can reduce mortality, improve survival rates, and enhance the immune response of aquatic organisms. However, safety concerns include the potential for antibiotic resistance and genetic transfer, which have been addressed through guidelines and research.
The authors emphasize the need for further research to evaluate the intrinsic properties of probiotic strains, their pharmacokinetics, and the interactions between microorganisms and hosts. They also highlight the importance of microbial ecology in aquaculture systems and the potential of next-generation sequencing methodologies for identifying probiotic microorganisms.
In conclusion, the use of probiotics in aquaculture offers viable alternatives to improve the quality and quantity of aquatic products, addressing environmental and economic challenges. However, ongoing research is necessary to ensure the safety and sustainability of probiotic applications in this industry.The article reviews the use of probiotics in aquaculture, highlighting their benefits and safety considerations. Probiotics, defined as beneficial microorganisms, have been increasingly used to enhance the growth, health, and productivity of aquatic organisms. The first application of probiotics in aquaculture was in 1986 to increase the growth of hydrobiots. Since then, probiotics have been used to improve water quality, control bacterial infections, and enhance nutrient digestibility. Commercial probiotic products, derived from various bacterial species such as *Bacillus*, *Lactobacillus*, *Enterococcus*, *Carnobacterium*, and *Saccharomyces cerevisiae*, are regulated by careful management recommendations.
The article discusses the current knowledge of probiotics in aquaculture, including their antecedents and safety measures. Probiotics are shown to improve digestibility, increase stress tolerance, and encourage reproduction. Studies have demonstrated that probiotics can reduce mortality, improve survival rates, and enhance the immune response of aquatic organisms. However, safety concerns include the potential for antibiotic resistance and genetic transfer, which have been addressed through guidelines and research.
The authors emphasize the need for further research to evaluate the intrinsic properties of probiotic strains, their pharmacokinetics, and the interactions between microorganisms and hosts. They also highlight the importance of microbial ecology in aquaculture systems and the potential of next-generation sequencing methodologies for identifying probiotic microorganisms.
In conclusion, the use of probiotics in aquaculture offers viable alternatives to improve the quality and quantity of aquatic products, addressing environmental and economic challenges. However, ongoing research is necessary to ensure the safety and sustainability of probiotic applications in this industry.