THE USE OF PROBIOTICS AS A STRATEGY FOR SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION POST-PANDEMIC TILAPIA FARMING
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected tilapia farming worldwide, leading to a marked drop in production and sales since 2020. To address post-pandemic challenges, such as antibiotic resistance and the need for sustainable feed improvement strategies, probiotics are emerging as a promising solution. However, a systematic evaluation based on statistical methods is lacking. This article presents a systematic review and meta-analysis examining the effects of the pandemic on tilapia farming and the use of sustainable feed improvement strategies, including probiotics. Using PRISMA methodology, 90 articles were selected according to strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. Meta-analysis revealed a significant positive effect of probiotics on feed conversion ratio (FCR), but significant heterogeneity in specific growth outcomes suggests a need for further research. In summary, this study contributes to addressing post-pandemic challenges in tilapia farming by systematically evaluating the use of probiotics as an effective strategy for sustainable production.
Introduction
Aquaculture has emerged as a major food production sector worldwide, experiencing remarkable growth in recent years. This growth is mainly driven by the increasing need for protein as the world population will continue to increase in the coming decades (FAO, 2022). In particular, aquaculture contributes significantly to food security and poverty reduction, boasting large-scale distribution and marketing with minimal environmental impact.
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) projects continued growth in global production of aquatic animals, with a projection of 202 million tonnes by 2030 (FAO, 2022). However, the COVID-19 pandemic has inflicted a temporary setback on aquaculture trade, with the total value of trade falling by $14 billion between 2018 and 2020 (FAO, 2022). In addition, the tilapia farming sector faces persistent challenges to its productivity and development. The main challenge is diseases, especially bacterial diseases that pose a significant threat to tilapia farming, resulting in significant economic losses for producers. It is well known that the widespread use of antibiotics has raised concerns about environmental and human health risks, mainly due to their lack of consideration. Efforts are therefore needed to implement solutions to reduce their use, while adopting sustainable practices in improving animal feed. Among these strategies, probiotics have emerged as a promising strategy to improve productivity, mitigate the adverse effects of the pandemic, and promote sustainable tilapia farming practices. In tilapia farming, the most commonly used probiotic bacterial species belong to the group of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), such as those of the genera Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, Streptococcus, and Pediococcus. The preference of these bacteria is due to their proven benefits, such as the ability to maintain the balance of the gut microbiota, improve gut health, and increase the resistance of tilapia to pathogens.
However, evaluating their efficacy and safety of these bacteria presents some challenges, including complex interactions with the microbiome, strain-specific effects, and the need for rigorous clinical trials.
The two main objectives of such a meta-analysis are
a) to evaluate the effectiveness of these strategies in improving productivity and reducing antibiotic dependency, with special attention to key performance indicators such as feed conversion ratio (FCR) and specific growth rate (SGR),
b) and b) to provide valuable information on the effectiveness of using probiotics in improving the sustainability of tilapia farming.
Furthermore, this study assesses the post-pandemic scenario by systematically reviewing the literature on interventions that promote sustainable production practices. It thus provides relevant information that can guide future research and facilitate the adoption of effective strategies to ensure the resilience and sustainability of the tilapia farming sector.
What effect do probiotics have on the sustainability of tilapia farming?
Probiotics improve the sustainability of tilapia farming by increasing feed efficiency, boosting fish health and reducing dependence on antibiotics. They promote better nutrient absorption and enhance disease resistance, which is crucial in the face of challenges such as bacterial infections and antibiotic resistance. Integrating probiotics into aquaculture practices promotes more sustainable and environmentally-friendly production methods.
What are the antibacterial properties of BLIS produced by Lactococcus lactis?
BLIS (Bacteriocin-like Inhibitory Substances) produced by Lactococcus lactis have a number of antibacterial properties, including high heat stability and resistance to pH variations. They demonstrate antibacterial activity against various pathogens, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, while being free from virulence and biogenic amine production. However, their efficacy can be inactivated by enzymatic treatments, indicating that their protein nature is a key factor in their activity.
How do bacterial infections affect tilapia farming?
Bacterial infections affect tilapia farming by causing diseases that lead to high mortality losses and reduced productivity. They can also compromise fish health, leading to stunted growth and poor feed conversion. In addition, growing antibiotic resistance is making it more difficult to treat infections, highlighting the need for alternative strategies, such as the use of probiotics and BLIS, to manage these infections sustainably.
Implications and future directions
The tilapia farming sector has enjoyed steady growth and economic impact in recent years. However, it faces several challenges in the near future, including recovering from production cuts the COVID-19 pandemic, adopting new production technologies, improving disease control and finding safe and effective alternatives to antibiotics. Bacterial infections have caused losses in tilapia farming in various regions, and the ineffectiveness of some antibiotics due to bacterial resistance is a growing concern. Probiotics may be promising alternatives to antibiotics for promoting fish health and combating disease. To promote the use of probiotics in tilapia farming, further research is needed to better understand the impact of probiotics on fish health. Ongoing research is needed to better understand the microorganisms used as probiotics and to identify new candidates. It is essential to study their modes of action and determine the optimal conditions of application to obtain the best results. Meta-analysis of published studies suggests that the addition of probiotics to the diet improves feed conversion efficiency in tilapia farming; however, the effect on Specific Growth Rate (SGR) was less clear, mainly due to considerable heterogeneity between the studies evaluated. Factors that may have contributed to this heterogeneity include the difference in initial weight, test duration and water temperature, among others. In addition, it should be noted that several disease-causing pathogens in tilapia farming have shown high levels of antibiotic resistance. Continued research, development and responsible application of probiotics will be crucial to improving the sustainability and productivity of tilapia aquaculture in the years to come. These biotechnological approaches can help reduce dependence on antibiotics, mitigate epidemics and support growth in this important sector.
Source : Pereira, W.A., Reis, I.L., Villasante, A. et al. Navigating post-pandemic tilapia farming: a systematic review and meta-analysis of probiotic as a strategy for sustainable production. Rev Fish Biol Fisheries (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11160-024-09917-4
