Effects of probiotics containing Pediococcus pentosaceus on Tilapia's growth performance, survival rate and digestive enzymes (Oreochromis niloticus)

Abstract

A total of 400 fingerlings were arranged into two groups (each containing 200 fish) to evaluate the effects of probiotics (Pediococcus pentosaceus) on the growth performance, survival rate and digestive enzyme activity of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Fingerlings in the first group were raised in four composite tanks (capacity of 300 L/tank) with a density of 50 fingerlings/tank and fed with a diet without probiotic supplementation that served as the control treatment. Similarly, fish in the second group were nursed in four tanks and fed with a probiotic-supplemented diet called experimental treatment. After 60 days, the results showed significant differences between the two groups. The fish in the experimental treatment group exhibited higher growth parameters, including higher final weight (29.69 g), weight gain (440.99 %), and specific growth rate (2.81 % per day) compared to those in the control group (p< 0.05). Additionally, the experimental treatment group also showed higher feed intake (49.38 g per fish) and survival rate (92 %), with a lower feed conversion ratio (1.66) compared to the control treatment group (p< 0.05). Furthermore, the digestive enzyme activity of the fish in the experimental treatment group, including protease (463.6 U/g), lipase (6526.9 U/g), and amylase (9.03 U/g), was significantly higher than those in the control treatment group (p< 0.05). These findings suggest that adding Pediococcus pentosaceus to the diet can enhance Tilapia's growth performance, survival rate, and digestive enzyme activity.