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Animals
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Enhancing Aquatic Animal Health Through Feed Additives
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Enhancing Aquatic Animal Health Through Feed Additives

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Aquatic Animals".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2025 | Viewed by 3964

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Lourenço Ramos-Pinto

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental (CIIMAR), Universidade do Porto, Avenida General Norton de Matos, S/N, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
Interests: sustainable aquaculture; welfare; functional feeds; disease resistance; immunomodulation
Dr. Marina Machado

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), University of Porto, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
Interests: immunomodulation; dietary strategies; disease resistance; host-pathogen interaction
Dr. Rita Teodósio

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
CCMAR, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
Interests: fish nutrition; sustainable aquaculture; fish resilience; functional feeds
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Aquaculture is experiencing a continuous growth to meet the global demand for seafood. However, the intensification of aquaculture systems has led to increase disease outbreaks, causing significant economic losses. One promising strategy to mitigate these challenges is the strategic use of feed additives to enhance fish immunity, welfare and ultimately the final product.

This Special Issue aims to compile cutting-edge research on the development and application of feed additives to bolster fish immune function. Contributions exploring a wide range of additives, including probiotics, prebiotics, immunostimulants, phytobiotics, industry by-products and other novel compounds, are encouraged. The focus will be on their efficacy in preventing diseases, improving disease resistance, and enhancing overall fish and shrimp health and welfare.

For this Special Issue, we invite contributions focusing on the use of feed additive-mediated immune enhancement for fish and shrimp nutrition at all developmental stages. These contributions should provide valuable insights for the aquaculture industry, contributing to more sustainable and resilient fish production systems. We are particularly interested in the following research topics:

Key themes to be explored include the following:

  • Impacts of feed additives on fish stress response, immunological, antioxidant, and health status.
  • Efficacy of different feed additive types in various fish species at different growing stages (larvae, juveniles and breeders).
  • Feed additives as promotors of fish or shrimp performance and resilience.
  • Interactions between feed additives and other management practices.
  • Safety and sustainability considerations for the use of feed additives.
  • Economic and environmental impacts of feed additive applications.
  • Mechanisms of action of feed additives on fish or shrimp immune responses.

Dr. Lourenço Ramos-Pinto
Dr. Marina Machado
Dr. Rita Teodósio
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • functional feeds
  • aquaculture
  • fish and shrimp health
  • disease resistance
  • immune response

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 606 KiB  
Article
Dietary Supplementation of Bacillus subtilis as Probiotic Influenced the Growth Performance, Hematological Parameters, Immune Function, Antioxidant Status, and Digestive Enzyme Activity of Nile Tilapia Fingerlings (Oreochromis niloticus)
by Hairui Yu, Sadia Nazir, Farah Ijaz, Muhammad Umer Zahid, Maida Mushtaq, Muhammad Khan, Abdur Rahman and Muhammad Aziz Ur Rahman
Animals 2025, 15(9), 1256; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15091256 - 29 Apr 2025
Abstract
This study evaluated the impact of Bacillus subtilis supplementation on growth, antioxidant status, digestive enzyme activities, hematological parameters, blood biochemistry, and immune responses in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings. A total of 180 fingerlings (mean weight: 5 ± 0.5 g) were [...] Read more.
This study evaluated the impact of Bacillus subtilis supplementation on growth, antioxidant status, digestive enzyme activities, hematological parameters, blood biochemistry, and immune responses in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings. A total of 180 fingerlings (mean weight: 5 ± 0.5 g) were randomly assigned to four groups: a control group and three probiotic-supplemented groups with 106 (S-1), 108 (S-2), and 1010 (S-3) CFU g−1 of B. subtilis, following a completely randomized design. Fish were fed twice daily for eight weeks. Results showed that the 1010 CFU g−1 group exhibited significantly higher weight gain (43 g), specific growth rate (2.5%/day), and better feed conversion ratio (0.7) compared to the control (30 g, 2.2%/day, and 1.4, respectively). Hematological parameters (WBC, RBC, hemoglobin) and immune responses (phagocytic activity, lysozyme) were significantly improved. Blood biochemistry showed decreased ALT/AST levels and increased ALP activity. Digestive enzymes (protease, lipase, amylase) and antioxidant activity (GPx, CAT, SOD) were enhanced, with reduced MDA levels. No significant differences were observed in survival rates or stress responses. These findings suggest that B. subtilis supplementation at 1010 CFU g−1 improves growth, immune function, and antioxidant status, making it a promising probiotic for Nile tilapia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Enhancing Aquatic Animal Health Through Feed Additives)
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16 pages, 1564 KiB  
Article
Effects of Brown Algae (Laminaria japonica) Extract on Growth Performance, Immune Function and Intestinal Health of Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides)
by Jiajia Shen, Hongxiang Liu, Mengran Wang, Bo Lu, Ke Ke, Yunyong Wei, Feng Gao, Qiaozhen Wang, Shushi Huang and Yanqun Ma
Animals 2025, 15(5), 622; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15050622 - 20 Feb 2025
Viewed by 560
Abstract
This study used largemouth bass (initial average weight: 33.33 ± 1.8 g) to explore the effects of adding different brown algae extracts to feed on the fish’s growth, immunity and intestinal health. Six groups were set up: a control (Group A), 0.1% sodium [...] Read more.
This study used largemouth bass (initial average weight: 33.33 ± 1.8 g) to explore the effects of adding different brown algae extracts to feed on the fish’s growth, immunity and intestinal health. Six groups were set up: a control (Group A), 0.1% sodium alginate (Group B), 0.1% oligotriosaccharide I (Group C), 0.1% oligotriosaccharide II (Group D), 0.2% brown algae powder (Group E) and 0.2% brown algae powder enzymatic product (Group F), with three replicates of 35 fish each, and a 56-day feeding experiment. Results: Compared to Group A, Groups C, D and F had a higher specific growth rate and lower feed coefficient (p < 0.05). Group D had enhanced serum SOD activity; Group F had increased antioxidant enzyme activity and decreased MDA content (p < 0.05). All experimental groups had higher serum LZM levels (p < 0.05), with no IgM difference (p > 0.05). In the intestine, treatment groups had higher α-amylase activity (p < 0.05) and no lipase difference (p > 0.05), and Groups C, D and F had higher trypsin activity (p < 0.05). Group F had the tallest villi, Group B had the thickest muscular layer (p < 0.05), and villus width was similar among groups (p > 0.05). The experimental groups had fewer intestinal pathogenic bacteria, and Group F had improved intestinal microorganism diversity and richness (p < 0.05). In conclusion, adding 0.1% oligotriosaccharide and 0.2% brown algae powder enzymatic product to feed can promote largemouth bass growth, antioxidant capacity and immunity. The 0.2% brown algae powder enzymatic product is better for intestinal development and flora improvement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Enhancing Aquatic Animal Health Through Feed Additives)
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23 pages, 6505 KiB  
Article
Dietary Tannic Acid Improves Hepatic Health and Capacity to Deal with Temperature Fluctuation in the Chinese Soft-Shelled Turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis)
by Liqin Ji, Yisen Shangguan, Qing Shi, Zhen Dong, Chen Chen, Junxian Zhu, Xiaoyou Hong, Xiaoli Liu, Chengqing Wei, Xinping Zhu and Wei Li
Animals 2025, 15(4), 544; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15040544 - 13 Feb 2025
Viewed by 509
Abstract
To assess the impact of tannic acid (TA) on the hepatic health of the Chinese soft-shelled turtle, the individuals were fed diets containing 0 (CG), 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 g/kg TA diets for 60 days (0 hps). Afterwards, the turtles were challenged [...] Read more.
To assess the impact of tannic acid (TA) on the hepatic health of the Chinese soft-shelled turtle, the individuals were fed diets containing 0 (CG), 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 g/kg TA diets for 60 days (0 hps). Afterwards, the turtles were challenged with 15 °C cold stress for 24 h (24 hps) and then recovered to 28 °C for 24 h (48 hps). The results indicated that 4 g/kg TA has a significant toxic effect on the turtles after 60-day administration. The hepatic T-SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, and T-AOC activities in the TA2 were increased at 0 hps and 24 hps (p < 0.05) compared with CG. Similarly, Sod1, Sod2, Cat, Gsh-px3, and Gsh-px4 mRNA levels in the TA2 were higher than in the other four groups at 0 hps and 24 hps (p < 0.05). The histology data showed that 4 g/kg TA induced injuries in liver at 0 hps and after temperature fluctuation, whereas the 2 g/kg TA effectively attenuated the hepatic injuries. A total of 202 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) in the CG vs. TA2 and 115 DEMs in the LTCG vs. LTTA2 were separately detected by the metabolome. The cephalosporin C, protoporphyrin, bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, 2-acetamidoethylphosphonat, verbasosid, and norcocain, were obvious DEMs in the CG vs. TA2. Furthermore, valienone 7-phosphate, 5-HETE, pregnanetriolone, 4-keto-anhydrotetracyclin, dephospho-CoA, and lysoPC(18:4(6Z,9Z,12Z,15Z)/0:0) were top DEMs in the LTCG vs. LTTA2. The “adipocytokine signaling pathway” and “AMPK signaling pathway” were the key pathways enriched in the CG vs. TA2, while “fatty acid biosynthesis”, “steroid biosynthesis”, and “linoleic acid metabolism” were most abundant in the LTCG vs. LTTA2. Generally, this research indicated that 2 g/kg TA could protect hepatic health from temperature fluctuations by improving antioxidant capacity, reducing histological injuries, and regulating lipid-related signaling pathways. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Enhancing Aquatic Animal Health Through Feed Additives)
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16 pages, 2780 KiB  
Article
Emodin Improves Juvenile Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) Liver Health Through Nrf2/NF-κB Pathway and Fat Metabolism: Growth Performance, Immune Response and Resistance Against Aeromonas veronii Infection
by Zhenxin Zhao, Fei Zhao, Tianxun Luo, Zhou Zhou and Xianbo Zhang
Animals 2025, 15(2), 178; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15020178 - 10 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1079
Abstract
The experiment was aimed at examining the influence of adding emodin to feeds on the growth performance, liver immunity, and resistance against Aeromonas veronii infection among juvenile largemouth basses and other potential mechanisms. A total of 540 fish (45 ± 0.3 g) were [...] Read more.
The experiment was aimed at examining the influence of adding emodin to feeds on the growth performance, liver immunity, and resistance against Aeromonas veronii infection among juvenile largemouth basses and other potential mechanisms. A total of 540 fish (45 ± 0.3 g) were randomly divided into 6 diets, including EM-0, EM-250, EM-500, EM-1000, EM-2000, and EM-4000 diets, in which 0, 250, 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 mg kg−1 emodin was added. Following a 60-day feeding test, it demonstrated that the feed conversion ratio (FCR) of juveniles within the EM-500 and EM-1000 groups remarkably exceeded that of the EM-0 group. Subsequently, unlike those in EM-0 group, the fish in the EM-1000 group showed heightened hepatocyte count, induced hepatic lipolysis-associated expression of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor α (PPARα) and acyl-coenzyme an oxidase (ACO), and reduced the hepatic triglyceride (TG) levels. Additionally, EM-1000 could up-regulate the expressions of nuclear factor erythroid 2-associated factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in livers compared with controls and boost antioxidant enzymes activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT), along with a lower content of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Meanwhile, the EM-1000 group increased anti-inflammatory cytokines of interleukin-10 (IL-10) while suppressing the interleukin-8 (IL-8) expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in livers by contrast to controls. In the end, juvenile largemouth bass in the EM-1000 group showed a comparatively highest survival rate, whereas fish in the EM-2000 and EM-4000 groups exhibited a little higher mortality than that of the EM-0 group. To sum up, our study exposed that supplementing emodin with 1000 mg kg−1 in diet could enhance the hepatic antioxidant status and unspecific immunity to reinforce the protective effect on disease resistance, resulting in improving the growth performance in juvenile largemouth bass. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Enhancing Aquatic Animal Health Through Feed Additives)
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17 pages, 3585 KiB  
Article
Immunological Responses, Expression of Immune-Related Genes, and Disease Resistance of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Fed Diets Supplied with Capsicum (Capsicum annuum) Oleoresin
by Sevdan Yilmaz, Osman Nezih Kenanoğlu, Sebahattin Ergün, Ekrem Şanver Çelik, Mert Gürkan, Elsayed Eldeeb Mehana and Hany M. R. Abdel-Latif
Animals 2024, 14(23), 3402; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14233402 - 25 Nov 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1047
Abstract
A 45-day feeding study was carried out to assess the immune-stimulatory effects of capsicum oleoresin when added to rainbow trout diets. A total of 450 fish (mean weight: 155.20 ± 1.96 g) were distributed into 400 L tanks (30 fish/tank) across five experimental [...] Read more.
A 45-day feeding study was carried out to assess the immune-stimulatory effects of capsicum oleoresin when added to rainbow trout diets. A total of 450 fish (mean weight: 155.20 ± 1.96 g) were distributed into 400 L tanks (30 fish/tank) across five experimental groups: control (CT, 0%), C7 (0.7%), C14 (1.4%), C21 (2.1%), and C28 (2.8%). Each group consisted of three replicate tanks. At the end of this period, hemato-biochemical parameters, innate immune responses, and immune-related gene expression levels were evaluated, and a histological examination of head kidney and liver sections was conducted. Finally, fish in all groups were challenged with Lactococcus garvieae and observed for an additional 20 days. The results revealed that oleoresin supplementation enhanced the immune responses of the treated fish, which was evidenced by the increased globulin, total protein, respiratory burst activity, and total immunoglobulin levels. The highest expression levels of the il-8, il-1β, TGF-β, and SAA genes was noticed in the C7 group, as compared with the results for the other groups. The IgT gene expression levels were higher in all experimental groups than in the CT group, and this increase was at the highest level in the C28 group. Following the bacterial challenge, all experimental groups displayed higher survival rates compared to that of the CT group. These values were 75.93, 72.22, 46.30, 33.33, and 29.63% in the C7, C14, C21, C28, and CT groups, respectively, with the C7 group displaying the highest survival rate among the groups. The histological examination of liver and head kidney tissues revealed that higher doses (in the C21 and C28 groups) showed an increase in cytoplasmic vacuolization, which causes adverse effects on fish health. However, the C7 group displayed normal histological structure in both tissues. Taken together, the most favorable immune responses were achieved in the C7 group, suggesting that 0.7% oleoresin could be applied to rainbow trout to boost immunity and protect the fish from diseases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Enhancing Aquatic Animal Health Through Feed Additives)
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