Integrative Analysis of Gut Microbiota and Metabolome Reveals Health Benefits of Postbiotic Supplementation in Asian Seabass (Lates calcarifer)

Abstract

Simple Summary Postbiotics are preparations made from inactivated beneficial microorganisms and their components, which may help improve animal health without using live bacteria. This study examined whether adding a commercial postbiotic product, SYNSEA Premium, to the diet of Asian seabass could affect growth, survival, immune function, resistance to disease, gut bacterial composition, and metabolism. Fish were fed diets with or without the postbiotic for 56 days and were then exposed to a disease-causing bacterium or virus. The postbiotic did not improve growth or feed use, but it increased fish survival and improved resistance to both bacterial and viral infections. It also enhanced several natural immune responses, reduced the abundance of some potentially harmful gut bacteria, and altered metabolic processes related to energy use and antioxidant protection. These findings suggest that dietary SYNSEA Premium can strengthen the overall health and disease resistance of Asian seabass even without promoting faster growth. Such an approach may help reduce losses from disease and support more sustainable and reliable aquaculture production.