Biofloc biosecurity: A revolutionary paradigm in augmenting aquaculture health and resilience against Aeromonas hydrophila

Abstract

This research embarked upon an in-depth exploration of the pioneering concept of biofloc biosecurity, assessing its instrumental role in amplifying fish growth dynamics, hematological indices, biochemical metrics, chemical body composition, and immunological defenses, both pre- and post-infection by Aeromonas hydrophila. By juxtaposing biofloc-reared Oreochromis niloticus against traditionally reared fish, intricate observations of histopathological changes and clinical symptomatology were undertaken. Employing 16S RNA, the bacterial strain Aeromonas hydrophila (ATCC 7966) was precisely identified and banked It into gene bank and given accession number (OR452335). After a preparatory period of ten weeks in the Biofloc system, O. niloticus faced a challenge with Aeromonas hydrophila. Empirical findings revealed that fish from the Biofloc cohort displayed marked advancements across all investigational parameters, before and after infection, as opposed to the control set. In the aftermath of the Aeromonas hydrophila confrontation, biofloc-acclimatized fish manifested an elevated resilience against the bacterial onslaught, displaying superior metrics in growth, hematology, biochemistry, body constitution, and immunological response. Biofloc group showed a strong immune response, particularly in terms of Lysozyme and Total Antioxidant Capacity. Additionally, there was a significant impact on Immunoglobulin and Complement 3 after infection, highlighting the group's increased immune activity. Furthermore, these fish attenuated the pernicious morphological indicators and histopathological anomalies instigated by septicemic bacteria, which otherwise inflict substantial economic detriments upon the aquaculture industry. This research underscores the immense promise biofloc biosecurity holds in bolstering the overall health and performance metrics of cultured O. niloticus.