A combined use of Panax ginseng extract and the probiotic, Lactobacillus plantarum in the diet of Asian seabass, Lates calcarifer: Effects on growth, immunity and survival after bacterial challenge

This study evaluated the effects of the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum (LAC-P) and powdered Panax ginseng extract (GINS) on the growth, immunity, and survival of Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) following a Streptococcus iniae infection. Eight groups were tested: control, LAC-P (1 × 1010 CFU L. plantarum /100 g diet), varying doses of GINS (0.1 %, 0.5 %, 1 %), and combinations of LAC-P with these doses of GINS. All experiments were carried out in three replicates and fish (Mean weight: 25.3 ± 4.2 g) of all treatments fed for 60 days. After this feeding period, a challenge test was also done with Streptococcus iniae over 14 days. The growth performance and digestive enzyme activities (trypsin, chymotrypsin, lipase) significantly improved in fish supplemented with LAC-P and LAC-P + GINS (0.1–1 %) (P