The subject of his research project, conducted in partnership with Lallemand Animal Nutrition, is the evaluation of probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici MA 18/5 M (Bactocell^®) in Litopenaeus Stylirostris shrimp farming.

The rewarded study is the result of a three-years joint research program between IFREMER and Lallemand Animal Nutrition .

This program is conducted by Mathieu Castex in Nouméa, at the Département Aquacole de Calédonie and the project has permitted to confirm the potential of Bactocell for shrimp farming, both a financial and sanitary potential.

Bactocell showed positive effects on growth performance, enhanced survival and increased resistance against vibriosis.

Modes of action studied
The probiotic modes of action in shrimps were also scrutinized. Microbiological effects at the shrimp’s gut level and effects on the digestive functions were shown.

Moreover, the study highlighted a positive interaction with the animal’s own anti-oxidant defenses, an innovative and promising path for probiotic research.