Effect of Black Mulberry ( Morus nigra ) Powder on Growth Performance, Biochemical Parameters, Blood Carotenoid Concentration, and Fillet Color of Rainbow Trout

Effects of diets containing grape pomace on the growth, nutrition indices, and the quality traits of common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

The fish diet is one of the essential factors in the development of aquaculture. The purpose of present study was to evaluate using grape pomace as a main feed ingredient on growth performance, body chemical composition, survival rate, and morphological indices of the carp (Cyprinus carpio). 200 fish with an average weight of 7 ± 0.4 g were randomly distributed in four tanks for total of 56 days. The fish were fed with a diet containing 5%, 10%, and 15% grape pomace in different feeding groups designated as G1, G2, and G3. The average daily weight gain (g), weights gain (g), and specific growth rate (%) were significantly higher (p < .05) in G3 as compared to G1 and G2 groups. The lowest feed conversion ratio was recorded in G3 group. The morphological indices, condition factors, viscerosomatic index, and hepatosomatic index were significantly higher in G3 group as compared to other treatments. The protein, fat, moisture, and ash contents in the C. carpio fillets were significantly influenced by feeding rate. The results showed that grape pomace had a positive effect on growth, survival, and nutritional indices in the carp fish. According to the obtained results, grape pomace (150 g/kg food) can be considered as the diet component for the carp fish.

Mulberry plant as a source of functional food with therapeutic and nutritional applications: A review

Medicinal plants from the family Moraceae have diverse applications in agriculture, cosmetics, food, and the pharmaceutical industry. Their extensive spectrum of pharmacological activity for treating numerous inflammatory illnesses, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and gastrointestinal problems reflects their biological and therapeutic value. This article summarizes the molecular mechanisms related to the biological implications of mulberry extracts, fractions, and isolated bioactive compounds from different parts in various health-related ailments. Additionally, the food industry and animal nutrition applications are summarized. Phytochemicals such as steroids, saponins, alkaloids, glycosides, polysaccharides, and phenolic compounds including terpenoids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and tannins are found in this medicinal plant. The aqueous, ethanolic, and methanolic extracts, as well as bioactive compounds, have anti-oxidative, hypoglycemic, nephroprotective, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, anti-mutagenic, hepatoprotective, anthelmintic, immune-modulatory, cardioprotective, and skin protecting activities. Mulberry supplementation in food products improves the stability of phenolics, sensory properties, antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial properties. Mulberry leaves in animal feed increase the nutrient digestibility, growth parameters, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This review summarized the in vivo and in vitro biological activities of the mulberry and isolated constituents in various health conditions. In addition, the food uses such as antioxidant potential, antimicrobial, and physicochemical properties were discussed. Furthermore, in vivo studies revealed mulberry as a significant protein source and its flavonoids as potential animal foliage.

The pharmaco-therapy potential of astaxanthin: human and animal targeting roles

The recent pandemic stress and the impacts of climatic changes on humans’ and animals’ health status and well-being resulted in severe drawbacks. Initially, stress-induced oxidation resulting from the generation of free radicals leading to the impairment of cellular function and a high possibility of attack with infection. Astaxanthin is a bioactive material derived from fish, crustaceans, and algae with high antioxidative potential. Astaxanthin is a lipid-soluble carotenoid that can easily cross through the cellular membrane layers to catch the reactive oxygen metabolites. Astaxanthin also has pigmentation properties making it suitable for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, nutraceutical, agriculture, and aquaculture sectors. Recently, astaxanthin is suggested as a natural scavenger for free radicals induced by COVID-19. Besides, using astaxanthin as antioxidative and immunostimulant agents is well-reported in several clinical studies. The output of these investigations should be simplified and presented to the scientific community to utilize the available information and fill the gap of knowledge. Also, it is necessary to update the researchers with the recent recommendations of applying astaxanthin in vivo and in vitro to help in proposing new horizons for engaging natural antioxidative agents to protect human and animal health. Herein, this review article tackled the nature, sources, potential roles, applicable sides, and availability of astaxanthin to fortify the scientific community with the required knowledge for further research efforts.

Effect of feeding pineapple waste on growth performance, texture quality and flesh colour of nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings

The study aims to evaluate the effects of pineapples waste on the growth, texture quality and flesh colour of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings. Fingerlings were fed with four different levels of pineapple waste diets throughout 56 days, which contain a control group (Diet 1) and experimental diets that formulated with 10% (Diet 2), 20% (Diet 3) and 30% (Diet 4) of pineapple waste. The experimental diet was formulated with rice bran, fish meal, soybean meal, vitamin and mineral premix, vegetable oil and binder to attain 32% dietary protein. The results revealed that the formulated fish diet with pineapple waste given the optimum weight gain, weight gain percentage, specific growth rate than the control group, where Diet 4 has shown the highest value (p < 0.05). There were no effects of the pineapple waste diet on the texture quality of the fillet, while only red chromaticity (a*) showed a significant difference (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the addition of pineapple waste can improve the growth rate of Nile tilapia, and the supplementation level of the pineapple waste in the diet was 30% of the total feed formulation.

Antiparasitic and Antibacterial Functionality of Essential Oils: An Alternative Approach for Sustainable Aquaculture

Using synthetic antibiotics/chemicals for infectious bacterial pathogens and parasitic disease control causes beneficial microbial killing, produces multi-drug resistant pathogens, and residual antibiotic impacts in humans are the major threats to aquaculture sustainability. Applications of herbal products to combat microbial and parasitic diseases are considered as alternative approaches for sustainable aquaculture. Essential oils (EOs) are the secondary metabolites of medicinal plants that possess bioactive compounds like terpens, terpenoids, phenylpropenes, and isothiocyanates with synergistic relationship among these compounds. The hydrophobic compounds of EOs can penetrate the bacterial and parasitic cells and cause cell deformities and organelles dysfunctions. Dietary supplementation of EOs also modulate growth, immunity, and infectious disease resistance in aquatic organisms. Published research reports also demonstrated EOs effectiveness against Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, Gyrodactylus sp., Euclinostomum heterostomum, and other parasites both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, different infectious fish pathogenic bacteria like Aeromonas salmonicida, Vibrio harveyi, and Streptococcus agalactiae destruction was confirmed by plant originated EOs. However, no research was conducted to confirm the mechanism of action or pathway identification of EOs to combat aquatic parasites and disease-causing microbes. This review aims to explore the effectiveness of EOs against fish parasites and pathogenic bacteria as an environment-friendly phytotherapeutic in the aquaculture industry. Moreover, research gaps and future approaches to use EOs for sustainable aquaculture practice are also postulated.

Effect of allicin on antioxidant defense system, and immune response after carbofuran exposure in Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus

In this work, allicin was evaluated as an immunostimulant and antioxidant agent preventing Nile tilapia; Oreochromis niloticus against carbofuran toxicity. Fish (60 ± 8 g) were allocated to five groups; the first group (control), the second group was fed 1 g/kg allicin-supplemented diets without carbofuran intoxication, the third group exposed to 1/10 LC₅₀ carbofuran (0.246 mg/L). While the fourth, and fifth groups were fed allicin supplemented diet at concentration of 0.5 and 1 g/kg diet, respectively, and exposed to carbofuran at the same concentration similar to the one of the third group. After 30 days, fish exposed to carbofuran showed high ALT, AST, ALP, cholesterol, glucose, cortisol, uric acid, and creatinine levels. However, serum AChE, total proteins, immunoglobulins, and lysozyme activity were markedly (P ≤ 0.05) reduced in carbofuran exposed tilapia fish. Moreover, malondialdehyde (MDA) level was significantly increased in liver, and kidneys tissues of carbofuran exposed fish. Whereas, catalase (CAT) activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were decreased (P ≤ 0.05) significantly in both liver, and kidneys tissues after exposure to carbofuran. Interestingly, tilapia fish treated with carbofuran (0.246 mg/L) and fed (0.5 and 1 g/kg diet) allicin in both the 4th & 5th groups, respectively, decreased serum biochemical parameters; and hepatorenal (MDA) levels, as well as increased AChE, immunological profile, and oxidative stress biomarkers. The results suggested that co- administration of allicin at the high dose is more capable of improving the biochemical, and immunological parameters, and tissue antioxidant responses of carbofuran treated fish.

Extract of grape seed enhances the growth performance, humoral and mucosal immunity, and resistance of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) against Aeromonas hydrophila

This study evaluated the effects of grape seed extract (GSE) on the growth performance, immune response, and disease resistance of common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Fish were distributed in four groups and fed diets with varying levels of GSE at 0, 10, 20, and 30 g/kg for 56 days. The final length in fish fed with 20 and 30 g GSE/kg diet significantly increased in comparison with the control group (P<0.05). The final weight and weight gain of fish fed with GSE were statistically higher than for the control diet, while the feed conversion ratio was lower in GSE groups than the control. Hematological parameters did not statistically improve with GSE supplemented diets (P>0.05). However, fish fed with 30 g GSE/kg diet displayed a significantly higher WBC count than the other group (P<0.05). The serum total protein and globulin in fish fed with 20 g GSE/kg diet significantly increased compared to the control (P<0.05). A similar pattern was noticed in results for serum and mucus lysozyme activity with a significant increase in fish fed with 20 and 30 g GSE/kg diet compared to the control (P<0.05). Total antibody levels in serum and mucus samples were also increased in fish by dietary GSE with maximum levels by 20 and 30 g GSE/kg diet. Besides, mucus protease activity was higher in fish that received 20 and 30 g GSE/kg diet with maximum level shown in fish fed with 30 g GSE/kg diet compared to the control group (P<0.05). Meanwhile, all groups showed higher mucus antibacterial activity against Aeromonas hydrophila with the highest activity in 30 g GSE/kg diet in comparison with the control group. The cumulative mortality was 36.67% when fish were fed with 30 g GSE/kg diet and challenged with A. hydrophila. However, the mortality rate was 40% and 53.33% in fish fed 20 and 30 g GSE/kg diet, respectively. This study suggests that supplementation of GSE could significantly enhance the growth performance, immune responses, and disease resistance against A. hydrophila in common carp.

Effects of dietary pomegranate peel meal on the growth performance, blood indices, and innate immune response of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

The present study aimed at evaluating the influences of pomegranate peel meal on the growth performance, hematology, and blood biochemistry of rainbow trout. Fish were fed 5 varying levels of pomegranate peel meal (0%, 1%, 2 %, 3%, and 4%) for 60 days. The obtained results showed that weight gain was significantly higher in fish fed at the rate of 1% than the other groups, while specific growth rate (SGR) was significantly increased in fish fed 1% and followed by the ration of 2% (P<0.05). SGR of fish fed at the rate of 4% revealed the lowest value among the groups (P<0.05). However, feed conversion ratio displayed the lowest values in fish fed at the rate of 1% or 2%, while the highest value was observed in fish fed at the rate of 4% (P<0.05). The survival rate was increased by the rate of 1% in relation to the control without differences with the other groups (P<0.05). Red blood cells were significantly higher in fish fed at the rate of 0%, 1%, and 2% than fish fed at the rate of 3% and 4%. Hematocrit and hemoglobin levels were increased by feeding pomegranate meal at the rate of 1% compared to the other groups, while fish fed the control diet displayed higher Hb and HCT levels than fish fed at the rate of 2%, 3%, and 4% (P<0.05). White blood cells displayed significant differences among the groups and increased by increasing the level of pomegranate meal in the diet. The blood total protein was decreased in fish fed 2%, 3%, and 4% compared to fish fed at the rate of 0% and 1% of pomegranate meal. The glucose value displayed the highest level in fish fed at the rate of 3% of pomegranate meal compared to the other groups. The triglycerides were reduced by pomegranate meal at the rate of 2% than 3% and 4% without differences with the control and 1%. The blood total cholesterol was reduced in fish fed at the rate of 1% of pomegranate meal compared to the other groups (P<0.05). The blood IgM and complement components (C3 and C4) were increased by increasing the supplementation level of pomegranate meal with the highest value in fish fed at the rate of 3% (P<0.05). In conclusion, dietary pomegranate meal at the rate of 1% is recommended for enhancing the growth rate and health status of rainbow trout.

Dietary supplementation of black mulberry (Morus nigra) syrup improves the growth performance, innate immune response, antioxidant status, gene expression responses, and disease resistance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

The present study investigated the effects of black mulberry (Morus nigra) syrup supplementation on growth performance, hematological, serum biochemical, innate immune parameters, immune and antioxidant related gene expression responses, and disease resistance of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Five isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were formulated to contain black mulberry syrup at levels of 0%, 0.75%, 1.5%, 2.0%, and 3.0%. Fish were fed experimental diets for 60 days. Dietary black mulberry syrup increased activities of serum lysozyme, myeloperoxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase, and increased the expression levels of immune-related genes (interleukin 1, beta, tumor necrosis factor, immunoglobulin M, interferon gamma and heat shock protein 70) in the spleen and antioxidant-related genes (superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase) in the liver of fish fed especially with 1.5%, 2.0%, and 3.0% black mulberry syrup supplemented diets. Furthermore, at 2.0% incorporation level, growth performance increased. The findings of the present study indicate that Nile tilapia fed with diet containing 2.0% black mulberry might be adequate to improve the growth performance, innate immune parameters, antioxidant related gene expression responses, and disease resistance against Aeromonas veronii.

Selenium Nanoparticles and Spirulina Alleviate Growth Performance, Hemato-Biochemical, Immune-Related Genes, and Heat Shock Protein in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

The present investigation aimed to evaluate the influence of selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) or/and spirulina (SP) on the growth, immunity, and oxidation resistance of Nile tilapia. Four groups of fish fed diets with Se-NPs or/and SP at 0 g (control), 1 g SP/kg diet (SP), 1 mg Se-NPs/kg diet (Se-NPs), and 1 g SP + 1 mg Se-NPs/kg diet (SP/Se-NPs) for 60 days. Fish fed Se-NPs or/and SP displayed significantly improved weight gain (WG) and decreased feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05). The highest WG has observed in fish fed both Se-NPs and SP, while the specific growth rate was improved by feeding Se-NPs only or both Se-NPs and SP (P < 0.05). Blood albumin was increased significantly with Se-NPs with regard to the control (P < 0.05), while there were no significant differences between fish fed Se-NPs or/and SP. Blood total protein also was improved by feeding Se-NPs only or both Se-NPs and SP (P < 0.05). Further, blood immunoglobulin M was increased by feeding both Se-NPs and SP (P < 0.05), while the differences were insignificantly differing with fish fed only Se-NPs (P > 0.05). The transcription of liver superoxide dismutase (SOD) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) genes was upregulated significantly by Se-NPs or/and SP (P < 0.05). Interestingly, TNF-α was significantly upregulated by SP when compared to those fed Se-NPs only or both Se-NPs and SP. However, heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) gene transcription was downregulated by Se-NPs or/and SP (P < 0.05). Based on the measured parameters, the mixture of both Se-NPs and SP is highly recommended for the welfare of Nile tilapia.

Assessing the Impact of Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) on Growth Performance, Anti-Oxidative, and Immune Activities in Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)

In this study, the basal diet was supplemented with ethanolic extract of purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) and the possible effects on growth performance, anti-oxidative, and immune activities of grass carp were evaluated. Fish with initial weight 1.23 ± 0.11 g were randomly divided into four groups (triplicates) and fed purslane extract at 0% (T0), 0.5% (T1), 1% (T2), and 1.5% (T3) for 56 days. At the end of the feeding trial, the results showed that growth parameters were enhanced in T1 groups compared to the control group (P<0.05). Lipase activity in T1 and T2 groups increased, whereas no significant changes were noticed in cases of amylase and protease activities (P>0.05). Catalase and superoxide dismutase activities were enhanced in all groups fed the supplemented diets in comparison with the control group (P<0.05). However, no significant alteration was noticed in the case of glutathione peroxidase activity following the administration of purslane extract (P>0.05). A significant increase in total immunoglobulin level was noted in the T1 group, but lysozyme activity was higher in T1 and T2 groups compared to the control group (P<0.05). In conclusion, supplementation of grass carp diet with the purslane ethanolic extract, especially at 0.5%, can improve growth performance, lipase activity, the antioxidant enzyme activities as well as the immune response of grass carp fingerlings.

Dietary peppermint (Mentha piperita) powder affects growth performance, hematological indices, skin mucosal immune parameters, and expression of growth and stress-related genes in Caspian roach (Rutilus caspicus)

Peppermint is a popular herbal medicine due to its several pharmaceutical applications. In this study, peppermint powder was used as a feed additive to evaluate growth performance, hematological parameters, protein profile of skin mucus, and immune parameters, as well as growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor (IGF), and 70 kDa heat shock protein (HSP70) gene expression in Caspian roach (Rutilus caspicus). The fingerlings (average weight of 2.40 ± 0.12 g) were fed with diet containing 0 (control), 2, 3, and 4 g/kg peppermint for 8 weeks. The addition of peppermint significantly enhanced the growth parameters and decreased the food conversion ratio. Hematological indices of fish fed with peppermint-supplemented diets were significantly different from the control group (P < 0.05). Soluble protein, alkaline phosphatase, and lysozyme enzyme activity in mucus samples showed an incremental trend by increasing the peppermint levels in the diet. Evaluation of mucosal immunity indicated a remarkable difference between the protein profile in treatments fed with peppermint-supplemented diets and the control group. A new protein band (approximately 27 kDa) was also found in the skin mucus of fish fed with the diet containing 4 g/kg peppermint, and the highest band density was observed in this treatment. The highest IGF and GH gene expression were observed in 4 g/kg peppermint treatment. There was a significant difference in HSP70 expression between the fish fed with peppermint powder and the control group (P < 0.05). Overall, the results showed that dietary oral administration of peppermint at 4 g/kg of feed can act as a growth promoter and immunostimulant.

The protective role of spirulina and β-glucan in African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) against chronic toxicity of chlorpyrifos: hemato-biochemistry, histopathology, and oxidative stress traits

Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is an insecticide that is commonly applied in the agriculture sector. However, little is known about the protective role of Spirulina platensis (SP) and/or β-glucan (BG) on African catfish exposed to chronic CPF toxicity. The fish (95 ± 5 g, initial weight) were assigned to 5 fiberglass tanks (500 L, 50 fish/tank) where the 1st and 2nd fed the basal diet, while the 3rd, 4th, and 5th fed diets with SP, BG, and SP+BG at 0.5%, respectively. Fish in 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th groups were exposed to CPF at a dose of 1.5 mg/L and fed the respective diets for 60 days. In comparison with the control group, CPF-exposed fish exhibited significantly lower (P ≤ 0.05) body weights, feed intake, red blood cells count, hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume (PCV) (%), lymphocytes, monocytes, phagocytic activity, and phagocytic index, while feed conversion ratio, white blood cell count, and neutrophils count were significantly increased. Fish exposed to CPF also revealed a significant elevation in aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoproteins (LDL), very-low-density lipoproteins (vLDL), glucose concentration, urea, and creatinine as well as low total proteins, albumin, globulins, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) concentration. Fish exposed to CPF also exhibited a high concentration of malondialdehyde while glutathione content, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase activities were significantly decreased in the liver, gills, brain, and intestine tissues. Moreover, exposure to CPF resulted in higher transcription of cytochrome P450 (CYP1A-P450) gene expression than the 1st group. Histopathological investigations revealed various degrees of pathological lesions in different organs like the liver, kidney, brain, spleen, and intestine tissues. Interestingly, dietary SP supplementation either alone or combined with BG significantly ameliorated the alterations mitigated by CPF-induced organ injuries and genotoxicity. Therefore, it could be concluded that SP or/and BG are able to induce the protective consequences on health status, immunity, and antioxidative response of African catfish exposed to CPF.

Skin Mucosal, Serum Immunity and Antioxidant Capacity of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) Fed Artemisia (Artemisia annua)

In this study, the effect of artemisia (Artemisia annua) leaves extract (ALE) on the immune system, growth performance and antioxidant capacity of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) was investigated. Fish with initial weight (90.32 ± 1.12 g) were fed various levels of ALE (0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5 g/kg) for 8 weeks. The results showed that the growth performance (FW, WG, SGR, PER, and LER) in fish fed 1 g/kg ALE was increased significantly (P<0.05) and the feed conversion ratio (FCR) was improved in fish fed 1 and 1.5 g/kg ALE in comparison to the control group (P<0.05). Skin mucus total protein was higher in fish fed diet containing 0.5 g/kg ALE than the other experimental groups (P<0.05), while the lysozyme, immunoglobulin and protease was increased by increasing of ALE in diets. Respiratory burst activity and serum immune parameters were higher in fish fed 0.5 g/kg ALE than the other treatments (P<0.05). Increasing of catalase (CAT) and decreasing of malondialdehyde (MDA) were observed in fish fed ALE, while glutathione peroxidase (GPx) increased only in fish fed 0.5 g/kg ALE. Hence, it can be concluded that ALE has considerable potential as a natural immunostimulant and growth promotor supplement for the common carp’s aquaculture.

Effects of fucoidan on the hematic indicators and antioxidative responses of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fed diets contaminated with aflatoxin B1

Fucoidan is a rich source of medicinally active immunostimulants that possess various pharmacological properties. This study examined the potential impact of fucoidan on the hematic indicators and antioxidative responses of Nile tilapia fed diets contaminated with aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁). Fish (60 ± 6.1 g) were allocated to five groups; the first (control) and second groups were fed 0% or 1% fucoidan-supplemented diets without AFB₁ contamination, while the third, fourth, and fifth groups were fed diets contaminated with AFB₁ and supplemented with 0%, 0.5%, and 1% fucoidan, respectively. After 30 days, fish fed AFB₁ showed high ALT, AST, ALP, cholesterol, urea, and creatinine levels; furthermore, total blood protein and tissue (liver, kidney, and gill) glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activity significantly (P ≤ 0.05) decreased in fish fed AFB₁, while tissue malondialdehyde significantly increased (P ≤ 0.05). Interestingly, fish fed fucoidan showed decreased ALT, AST, ALP, cholesterol, urea, and creatinine, as well as increased blood protein, GSH, GPx, SOD, and CAT activity. The results suggested that fucoidan is capable of inducing protective activity against AFB₁ toxicity in Nile tilapia by enhancing the serum biochemical and tissue antioxidant responses of fish.

Modulation of transcriptomic profile in aquatic animals: Probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics scenarios

Aquaculture and fisheries have provided protein sources for human consumption for a long time, but diseases have induced declines in product benefits and raised concerns, resulting in great losses to these industries in many countries. The overuse of antibiotics for the treatment of diseases has increased the chemical concentrations in culture systems and weakened the natural immunity of aquatic organisms. Concerns regarding the detrimental effects of antibiotics on the environment and human health due to residual antibiotic-related issues encourage the development of reliable, environmental and health safety methods, such as vaccines, probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics and phytobiotics, for protection against disease and for reducing and possibly eliminating disease occurrence. Immunity has been effectively enhanced by pro-, pre-, and synbiotics, which confer strong protection and reduce the risks associated with stressors and disease outbreaks in culture systems. These agents confer several benefits, including enhancing both host growth and immune responses against pathogens, while sustaining health and environmental stability, and their use is thus widely accepted. Alterations in gene expression in individual cells could serve as an indicator of the immunity and growth rate of aquatic animals after pro-, pre- and synbiotic feeding. This review addresses the potential use of pro, pre- and synbiotics as immunostimulants for improved aquaculture management and environmental health and chronicles the recent insights regarding the application of pro-, pre- and synbiotics with special emphasis on their immunomodulatory and antioxidative responses based on gene expression changes. Furthermore, the current review describes the research gaps and other issues that merit further investigation.