Synbiotic Supplementation Boosts Growth, Gut Health, and Immunity in Asian Fossil Catfish (Heteropneustes fossilis)

Abstract

This study explores the effects of synbiotics on growth, intestinal health, and immunity in the Asian fossil catfish (Heteropneustes fossilis), a crucial species in Southeast Asian aquaculture. With the rising use of antibiotics in aquaculture, which poses risks to both the environment and consumer health, there is an urgent need for sustainable alternatives. This study investigates how synbiotics—combinations of probiotics and prebiotics—can enhance fish health and performance. Four dietary treatments with varying synbiotic concentrations (0%, 4%, 6%, and 8%) were tested over 45 days. Results indicated that synbiotic supplementation significantly improved growth metrics, including final weight and specific growth rate (SGR), with the highest benefits observed at 8% inclusion. Additionally, dietary synbiotics enhanced intestinal health by increasing villi height and width and crypt depth and positively affected hematological parameters, notably elevating hemoglobin (Hb) levels. Histological analysis revealed improved liver tissue organization and hepatocyte morphology with higher synbiotic concentrations. These findings suggest that synbiotics offer substantial benefits for fish growth, health, and immunity, positioning them as a viable, ecofriendly alternative to antibiotics in aquaculture. Further research should aim to refine synbiotic formulations and investigate their underlying mechanisms to optimize their application in sustainable aquaculture practices.