Probiotic, antibiotic and combinations in Nile tilapia juveniles culture

Abstract: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the commercial probiotic (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), antibiotic (florfenicol), and its combination for Nile tilapia culture. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design with five replications, and five treatments diets: Control: water and diet without additives; YD: yeast in the diet (1 g Kg-1); AW: antibiotic in the water (0.002 g L-1); AWYD: antibiotic in the water, and yeast in the diet (0.002 g L-1 and 1 g Kg-1); and AD: antibiotic in the diet (0.01 g kg-1). The growth parameters as total and standard length, weight, weight gain, biomass, Fulton’s condition factor, specific growth rate and plasma cortisol of tilapia did not show the difference between the treatments. The survival rates and food conversion rate of fish were greater in treatment with florfenicol included in the diet. The commercial probiotic did not improve growth or survival. The administration of the antibiotic florfenicol in the water needs more studies. The inclusion of the antibiotic in the diet promotes growth and survival in Nile tilapia juvenile.