Using of Probiotics and Growth Promoters in Sea Bream (Sparus aurata, L.) Larval Culture: Combined Effects on Growth Performance and Morphological Development

Abstract

Nowadays, aquaculture sector is one of the fastest developing sectors in the food industry. Increasing production quantities and changing climatic conditions cause some problems. In this sense, in the recent years, in addition to probiotics, the use of some additives and growth promoters are commonly used in the aquaculture sector. In this study, the combined effects of feeding probiotics (Bacillus sp.) and growth promoters (Viusid^®) supplemented to the feed under culture conditions on growth parameters and morphological development of sea bream (Sparus aurata) larvae, which are intensively produced in our country, were investigated. For this purpose, within the scope of the experiments lasting between 0-40 days after hatching, in the study designed with 4 different experimental groups and 3 replicates, the experimental group in which no supplementation was made was accepted as the control group (C), and probiotic (P), growth promoter (V) and probiotic+growth promoter (P+V) were applied in the other 3 experimental groups, respectively. When the data obtained at the end of the experiment were analysed, the best growth performance and survival rate were observed in P+V group, followed by V, P and C groups, and C group showed significant differences with the other experimental groups (p<0,05). Similarly, when the deformation rates were analysed, the highest deformation rate was found in the C group and significant differences were found with the other experimental groups (P+V, V and P) (p<0,05). In conclusion, although probiotic and growth promoters provided significant increases in growth performance, survival rate and morphological aspects when used separately, it was determined that the combined effects gave better results on these parameters when used together.