Effects of a phytobiotic-based additive on the growth, hepatopancreas health, intestinal microbiota, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus resistance of Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei

<i>Vibrio</i> genus is a common pathogen in aquaculture and causes acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) and massive mortality of shrimp. Many studies have suggested that a single functional ingredient such as plant extract or organic acid can reduce the dependence on antibiotics and promote the growth and immunity of aquatic animals. In this study, we evaluated the effects of a phytobiotic-based compound additive (Sanacore® GM, SNGM), which had a successful trajectory of commercial application in fish farming. However, its effects on the hepatopancreas health and intestinal microbiota of shrimp after <i>Vibrio</i> challenge have not been well evaluated. In the present study, Pacific white shrimp were fed diets with or without supplementation of SNGM, and the SNGM grades were 0-g/kg (CON), 3-g/kg (SNGM3), and 5-g/kg (SNGM5) diets. The feed trial lasted 60 days, after which a <i>Vibrio parahaemolyticus</i> challenge was performed. The results showed that compared to the CON group, both the SNGM3 and SNGM5 groups had a significantly higher weight gain and a lower feed conversion ratio as well as higher survival after <i>Vibrio parahaemolyticus</i> challenge. In the growth trial, the SNGM3 group had a significantly increased total protein, albumin concentration, and acid phosphatase activity in hemolymph compared to the CON group. In the challenge experiment, the SNGM3 and SNGM5 groups had increased albumin and glucose contents as well as the activities of phenoloxidase, lysozyme, alkaline phosphatase, and superoxide dismutase in hemolymph. Both the SNGM3 and SNGM5 groups had improved morphology of the hepatopancreas and intestine. The SNGM5 group had alleviated gut microbiota dysbiosis induced by <i>Vibrio</i> infection by increasing the potential probiotic bacterium abundance (<i>Shewanella</i>) and decreasing the potential pathogenic bacteria abundance (<i>Vibrio</i>, <i>Photobacteriuma</i>, <i>Pseudoalteromonas</i>, and <i>Candidatus_Bacilloplasma</i>). In conclusion, the dietary phytobiotic-based additive at 3-g/kg level increased the growth and <i>Vibrio parahaemolyticus</i> resistance of Pacific white shrimp by promoting immune-related enzyme activities and improving the morphological structure of the hepatopancreas and intestine and the intestinal microbiota composition.