Phytobiotics in aquaculture: advances in animal health and vaccine alternatives

• Grant number: 24/07188-0
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: April 01, 2025
• End date: December 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Animal Husbandry - Animal Production
• Principal Investigator: Michelly Pereira Soares
• Grantee: Michelly Pereira Soares
• Company: Terpenia Desenvolvimento de Bioinsumos Ltda
• CNAE: Aqüicultura em água doce
• City: São Paulo

Abstract

Fish farming in Brazil has grown significantly, driven by the potential of cultivated species and consumer market demand. However, intensive production systems present challenges, including animal stress and the need to use chemotherapy drugs and antibiotics to control common diseases. In recent years, studies have investigated the potential of natural products, such as the alcoholic extract of Artemisia annua (ea-Aa), as an alternative. Laboratory research demonstrated that ea-Aa promoted growth and health in Nile tilapia, minimizing stress and strengthening the immune system. Bioactive compounds such as artemisinin and deoxy-artemisinin have been identified in ea-Aa. A patent has been registered for this group of studies. Studies in a commercial cultivation environment confirmed the laboratory results, showing improvements in weight gain, growth rate and protein efficiency, as well as a reduction in feed conversion. The results indicate the potential of ea-Aa as a food supplement in intensive fish production systems. To advance commercial application, studies are needed on supplementation strategies, effects of heat stress and vaccine replacement. Replacing vaccines with natural immunostimulants offers advantages, such as reducing the use of chemicals, strengthening the fish's immune system and contributing to sustainable and safe food production. These studies are essential to evaluate the economic viability and availability of ea-Aa on the market. (AU)