Effect of dietary supplementation with Moringa oleifera leaf extract and Lactobacillus acidophilus on growth performance, intestinal microbiota, immune response, and disease resistance in whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei)

Researchers investigated whether combining moringa leaf extract with beneficial bacteria could improve the health and growth of farmed shrimp, a major aquaculture species. The study examined whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) fed diets supplemented with Moringa oleifera leaf extract alongside Lactobacillus acidophilus, a probiotic bacterium. The research measured multiple health indicators including how well the shrimp grew, changes in their gut bacterial communities, immune system responses, and their ability to resist diseases. This type of research addresses important challenges in shrimp farming, where disease outbreaks and poor growth rates can cause significant economic losses. The combination approach of using both a plant extract and beneficial bacteria represents an alternative to antibiotics, which are increasingly restricted in aquaculture due to resistance concerns. The study's focus on intestinal microbiota is particularly relevant since gut health directly impacts nutrient absorption, immune function, and overall shrimp survival in farming conditions. Understanding how moringa compounds interact with probiotic bacteria in shrimp digestive systems could inform more sustainable aquaculture practices and reduce reliance on chemical treatments.