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Veterinary Research Communication
Springer
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Abstract: |
Aquaculture is an important food sector throughout the globe because of its importance in ensuring the availability of
nutritious and safe food for human beings. In recent years, this sector has been challenged with several obstacles especially
the emergence of infectious disease outbreaks. Various treatment and control aspects, including antibiotics, antiseptics, and
other anti-microbial agents, have been used to treat farmed fish and shrimp against diseases. Nonetheless, these medica-
tions have been prohibited and banned in many countries because of the development of antimicrobial-resistant bacterial
strains, the accumulation of residues in the flesh of farmed fish and shrimp, and their environmental threats to aquatic
ecosystems. Therefore, scientists and researchers have concentrated their research on finding natural and safe products to
control disease outbreaks. From these natural products, bovine lactoferrin can be utilized as a functional feed supplement.
Bovine lactoferrin is a multi-functional glycoprotein applied in various industries, like food preservation, and numerous
medications, due to its non-toxic and ecological features. Recent research has proposed multiple advantages and benefits of
using bovine lactoferrin in aquaculture. Reports showed its potential ability to enhance growth, reduce mortalities, regulate
iron metabolism, decrease disease outbreaks, stimulate the antioxidant defense system, and recuperate the overall health
conditions of the treated fish and shrimp. Besides, bovine lactoferrin can be considered as a safe antibiotic alternative and
a unique therapeutic agent to decrease the negative impacts of infectious diseases. These features can be attributed to its
well-known antibacterial, anti-parasitic, anti-inflammatory, immunostimulatory, and antioxidant capabilities. This literature
review will highlight the implications of bovine lactoferrin in aquaculture, particularly highlighting its therapeutic features
and ability to promote immunological defensive pathways in fish. The information included in this article would be valu-
able for further research studies to improve aquaculture’s sustainability and the functionality of aquafeeds.
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