Review on probiotics as a functional feed additive in aquaculture

Aquaculture is emerging as one of the most viable and promising enterprises in providing nutritional and food security to humans. Intensification of the aquaculture practices has led to the increase in the stress level in the animal as well as in the environment. This has led to the outbreak of disease, causing huge loss in the aquaculture sector every year. Conventionally, the disease control in aquaculture has relied on the use of chemical compounds and antibiotics. However, the abuse of antimicrobial drugs, pesticides and disinfectants in aquaculture disease prevention and growth promotion has led to the evolution of resistant strains of bacteria. Hence the use of probiotics might be a good option to reduce the risk of disease and enhance the productivity. Probiotics thus are opening a new era in the health management strategy from human to aquatic species including fish and shellfish. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help in maintaining the well-being of the host animal. They directly or indirectly protect the host animal against harmful bacterial pathogens. This review summarizes and evaluates brief information regarding the use of probiotics in aquaculture.