In the heart of Bangladesh, researchers are diving deep into the waters of innovation, seeking solutions to one of aquaculture’s most pressing challenges: thermal stress. As global temperatures rise, so does the stress on aquatic species, particularly those farmed for commercial purposes. Enter Zannatul Ferdous, a researcher from the Laboratory of Fish Ecophysiology at Bangladesh Agricultural University, who is making waves with her groundbreaking study on the effects of multispecies probiotics on Rohu (Labeo rohita), a vital fish species in the region’s aquaculture industry.
Ferdous’s research, published in the journal Aquaculture, Fish and Fisheries, explores how probiotics can mitigate the negative impacts of high temperatures on Rohu. The study, conducted over six weeks, involved exposing Rohu fingerlings to normal and elevated temperatures, with and without probiotic supplementation. The results were striking. Fish reared without probiotics showed significant decreases in weight gain and specific growth rate at the highest temperature (36°C). However, those supplemented with probiotics not only showed enhanced growth but also exhibited improved blood biochemistry and cellular structure.
“The addition of probiotics to the rearing water improved the fish’s ability to cope with thermal stress,” Ferdous explains. “We observed increased haemoglobin levels and decreased glucose levels in probiotic-treated fish, indicating better overall health and stress resistance.”
The study also delved into the genetic level, examining the expression of growth-relevant genes. Ferdous and her team found that the relative mRNA levels of growth hormone (gh), insulin-like growth factor 1 (igf-1), and insulin-like growth factor 2 (igf-2) decreased with increasing temperature but rose after probiotic addition. This suggests that probiotics may activate the growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor (GH/IGF) axis, promoting growth even under stressful conditions.
But how does this translate to the commercial aquaculture industry? As temperatures continue to rise due to climate change, farmers will face increasing challenges in maintaining the health and growth of their fish stocks. Ferdous’s research offers a promising solution, suggesting that probiotic supplementation could be a game-changer in the industry. By enhancing the fish’s ability to withstand thermal stress, probiotics could lead to improved growth rates, better health outcomes, and ultimately, increased profitability.
Moreover, this research opens up avenues for further exploration. Future studies could investigate the optimal probiotic strains and dosages for different fish species and environmental conditions. There’s also potential for developing probiotic-based feed supplements, which could revolutionize the aquaculture industry.
As the world grapples with the impacts of climate change, innovations like Ferdous’s probiotic treatment offer a beacon of hope. By harnessing the power of beneficial bacteria, we can help our aquatic friends weather the storm, ensuring a sustainable and profitable future for the aquaculture industry.