Technical article · 2025
Siriwan Khidprasert, Chanadda Kasamechotchung, Rungkarn Suebsing, Kallaya Sritunyalucksana, Olivier Decamp, Andrew P. Shinn, Ratchakorn Wongwaradechkul, Barbara Hostins
Probiotic supplementation using Bacillus species significantly reduced Vibrio counts by 2.1 to 4.6 times in shrimp larviculture while accelerating larval development without compromising post-larval quality.
A trial conducted in Thailand evaluated the efficacy of different dosing strategies of a commercial Bacillus-based probiotic formulation (Sanolife® MIC, containing Bacillus subtilis, B. licheniformis, and B. pumilus) in Pacific whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) larviculture from nauplius to post-larval stage 15 (PL15). Twelve 300-liter tanks stocked with 50,000 nauplii each were assigned to an untreated control (T1) or one of three probiotic concentrations: 1 g/m³/day (routine dose, T2), 5 g/m³/day (outbreak challenge dose, T3), and 30 g/m³/day (severe pressure dose, T4). Across all developmental stages, probiotic administration significantly suppressed Vibrio bacterial loads in both rearing water and shrimp larvae. By PL15, Vibrio counts were 2.1 to 4.6 times lower in probiotic treatments compared to the control. The 1 g/m³/day dose accelerated metamorphosis from mysis to PL1 (17% vs. 11% on day 9), while higher doses (30 g/m³/day) improved weight at PL6. Final survival at PL15 ranged from 85% to 87%, and post-salinity stress test survival was exceptionally high across all groups (98% to 99.5%). Tailoring probiotic application rates offers hatcheries an effective, antibiotic-free biocontrol method.
probiotics, Penaeus vannamei, Vibrio control, larviculture, Bacillus, shrimp hatchery, biosecurity
Translucent Post Larvae Disease (TPD), primarily caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus carrying an aerolysin gene, causes up to 80-100% mortality in shrimp post larvae. Molecular PCR diagnostics and biosecurity protocols are critical to mitigate outbreaks.
Investigation into severe Zoea 2 mortalities in Latin American shrimp hatcheries revealed Larval Bolitas Syndrome associated with high Vibrio loads and digestive tract degeneration.
A comprehensive review of biosecurity strategies across the shrimp value chain, covering broodstock management, pathogen exclusion, microbial management, and farm-level protocols to prevent disease outbreaks.
