PROBIOTIC-BASED BIOTECHNOLOGICAL INTERVENTION FOR ENHANCED GROWTH AND HEALTH IN LOCALLY CULTURED TILAPIA

Author(s): R.Nigar Sulthana

Abstract: This study investigates the efficacy of a multi-strain probiotic formulation on growth performance, health status, and water quality in intensive tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) culture. A 60-day feeding trial was conducted with four treatments: control (no probiotics), and three probiotic supplementation levels (0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% of feed weight). Results demonstrated significant improvement (p<0.05) in weight gain (28.7% higher), specific growth rate (1.85% day ^(-1)), and feed conversion ratio (1.23) in the 1.0% probiotic group compared to control. Immunological parameters including lysozyme activity and respiratory burst activity showed marked enhancement in probiotic-treated groups. Water quality analysis revealed reduced ammonia and nitrite levels in probiotic-treated tanks. Histological examination showed improved intestinal villi structure in treated fish. These findings suggest that probiotic supplementation at 1.0% of feed weight represents an effective biotechnological intervention for sustainable tilapia aquaculture.

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