Probiotic Intervention in Tank-Reared Pangasius hypophthalmus Fingerlings: Impacts on Growth Efficiency and Survival Outcomes

The application of probiotics in aquaculture is gaining broad acceptance because of its greater impact on fish production. This research focused on assessing the impact of probiotic supplementation on survival, feed usage parameters, and mean growth of striped catfish, Pangasius hypophthalmus. This research utilised a commercial feed containing 35% protein mixed with an in-feed probiotic. T1 was supplemented with 2 × 109 CFU/g Lactobacillus rhamnosus, T2 with 2 × 109 CFU/g Bacillus subtilis and T3 with 2 × 109 CFU/g Lactobacillus rhamnosus, +2 × 107 CFU/g Bacillus subtilis of the probiotics (1 : 1) feed for 60 days. At the end of the culture, the striped catfish groups supplemented with probiotics showed great enhancement in growth parameters. Specific growth rate, survival rate, protein efficacy ratio, and weight gain were significantly higher in T3 (4.2 ± 0.07, 90.85, 3.01, 92%, 125.48 ± 0.32) as compared to T1, T2, and control. The feed conversion ratio is less in T3 (1.30 ± 0.02) as compared to other treatments. Higher production of P. hypophthalmus was obtained in T3, 43.24 g that enhanced gross revenue. The biggest cost-benefit ratio is gained from T3. Therefore, the results of the report indicated that probiotic supplements enhanced the survival, yield, and growth of striped catfish and a positive effect is confirmed in long-term and immediate growth, health and performance of striped catfish and for sustainable aquaculture production.