A Review on the Role of Probiotics in Aquaculture Production and their Future in Tropical Environments

This review explores the potential of probiotics in enhancing fish production in tropical environments, characterized by high temperatures, humidity, and year-round precipitation, which covers about 36% of the world's land, where fish production activities as a global enterprise are fully based. Aquaculture is commonly referred to as fish farming because fish farming is the principal form of aquaculture which implies some sort of intervention in the rearing process to enhance production processes such as regular stocking, feeding, and protection from diseases and predators. The value or contribution of aquaculture to the globe cannot be over-emphasized in terms of the provision of animal protein, propagation of the desired species of fish, Aquaculture, the method of fish farming, plays a crucial role in providing animal protein, essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6), and other health benefits while supporting global food security. This review revealed that one of the most significant technologies that evolved in response to successful aquaculture production and disease control problems is the use of beneficial bacteria (probiotics) which have been considered a valid alternative to prophylactic use of antibiotics with fast growth promotion of the aquatic animals. Effects of probiotics on the environmental temperature, immune modulations of aquatic animals, production, and reproductive performances such as good hatchability and survivability in fish production including Catfish (Heterobranchus dorsals), Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), Carp (Cyprinus carpio) production and Stress tolerance responses to environmental factors have been reviewed. This work highlighted the extent of success and contribution of probiotics in the tropical environment.