Application of Commercial Probiotics in the Cultivation of Non-Specific Pathogen Free (Non-SPF) Vannamei Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

Probiotics are live microbial agents that provide beneficial effects to the host by balancing intestinal microflora. They also play a crucial role in aquaculture systems by maintaining health and serving as biocontrol agents for water quality. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of commercial probiotic application on the survival rate (SR), average daily growth (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and water quality in vannamei shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) culture using the commercial probiotics Bio Lacto, Golden Soil, and the fungus Trichoderma sp. The study was conducted using a completely randomized design (CRD) with six treatments, each replicated three times, resulting in a total of 18 experimental units. The data obtained were expressed as mean ± standard error and analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a 95% confidence level. If significant differences were observed, a post-hoc Tukey test was performed. The application of commercial probiotics in vaname shrimp cultivation had a significant effect (P<0.05) on SR, ADG, and FCR values. The use of single probiotics resulted in lower ADG and higher FCR values, whereas combined probiotic application showed better performance. The use of Trichoderma sp. is recommended as it demonstrated a high SR. Additionally, probiotic application significantly (P<0.05) reduced Vibrio levels, pH, alkalinity, and NH₃ in the shrimp culture water.