Probiotic effects on tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) growth and water-sediment quality of ghers in Bagherhat, Bangladesh

Abstract

Probiotics are live microorganisms which enhance shrimp productivity and maintaining favourable water and soil qualities. This study was conducted to ascertain the effect of three probiotics on shrimp growth, feed utilization, survival, water and sediment qualities in coastal ponds of Bagerhat, Bangladesh. Twelve ponds were selected and divided into four treatment groups as T₁ (Miracure), T₂ (Biozyme), T₃ (Rapidgrow) and T₄ (control-without probiotics) with same stocking densities of 6 PL/m². Shrimp were feed 30% protein (Mega feed Ltd.) thrice daily at 5-10% of body weight for 120 days. Growth performance, shrimp biomass and feed utilization increased significantly (p<0.05) in probiotics treated groups, especially Miracure, compared with the control. It was observed that probiotic treated ponds showed significantly improved shrimp growth performance (32.2-38.5%), survival (14-18%) and lower FCR (33.5-38.7%) compared to control ponds. NH₃ decreased significantly (p<0.05) in probiotics treated ponds compared to control ponds. Significant improvement of sediment parameters (organic matter, total nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) was observed in probiotics treated ponds. Probiotic application also exhibits water and sediment qualities by higher total heterotrophic bacteria (THB) and lower Vibrio species, contributing to overall health status of the shrimp ponds. This study reinforces the importance of probiotics as a long-lasting adoption for enhancing shrimp farming in Bangladesh. All future research should be focused on the effects of probiotics. The extent of benefits is the curtail of chemicals used in aquaculture at the coastal and marine environment.

J. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 51(2): 233-249, December 2025