The Influence of Some Phyto-Additives on Bio-Productive Performances and the Health of the Farmed Fish – Review

Aquaculture plays a substantial role in global food security as an important source of protein which could alleviate worldwide poverty levels. Furthermore, this sector also supplies ecosystem services such as bioremediation, habitat restoration, and wastewater treatment, including replenishing wild fish populations. The challenge of the aquaculture sector is mainly driven by being prone to diseases triggered by versatile pathogenic microorganisms, which contribute to increased mortality levels of fish, reduction of growth performance, which leads to economic loss and the requirement for antimicrobial treatment usually accompanied by antibiotics. Currently, antibiotics are under restrictions in the aquaculture sector, and vaccination demonstrated a relatively low efficiency in combating bacterial and parasitic fish infections. Several alternative approaches have been suggested to prevent disease outbreaks, promote the fish performance and limit the usage of veterinary drugs in aquaculture, such as plant functional feeds and phyto-additives supplements. The present review highlights the current state of phyto-additives supplementation in important aquaculture fish species, evidenced through the attribution of growth stimulation, tackling and resistance against bacterial diseases, augmentation of antioxidant defence and stress tolerance. Filling the performance, immunology and disease knowledge gaps of plant feed additives emphasized here will assist in reducing aquaculture losses in the future.