Synergistic action of probiotics and prebiotics (Mos, Fos, XOS and combinations) on the growth performance of Litopenaeus vannamei

The shrimp farming industry has been facing challenges with maintaining optimal growth and health of Litopenaeus vannamei due to poor water quality, pathogens, and feed-related issues. Probiotics and prebiotics, particularly mannose oligosaccharides (MOS), fructose oligosaccharides (FOS), and xylose oligosaccharides (XOS), have garnered attention for their potential to enhance gut health, promote growth, and strengthen immunity in aquatic organisms. This study aimed to assess the synergistic effects of probiotics and prebiotics (MOS, FOS, XOS) and their combinations on the growth patterns of L. vannamei. Twelve dietary treatments were administered to shrimp over a 60 day experimental feeding trail period, and growth parameters, such as weight gain, survival rate, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and specific growth rate (SGR), were recorded. T1 (Control), T2 (Probiotic only), T3 (MOS only), T4 (FOS only), T5 (XOS only), T6 (MOS + Probiotic), T7 (FOS + Probiotic), T8 (XOS + Probiotic), T9 (MOS + FOS + Probiotic), T10 (MOS + XOS + Probiotic), T11 (FOS + XOS + Probiotic), and T12 (MOS + FOS + XOS + Probiotic) were the twelve dietary treatments that were conducted. The results indicate that probiotic and prebiotic supplementation, particularly in combination, significantly enhanced growth and health indices compared to the control group. Among the combinations, the MOS + FOS + Probiotic treatment (T12) showed the most promising results, yielding a significant improvement in growth rates and feed efficiency. These findings highlight the promising role of synbiotics in improving shrimp aquaculture efficiency.