Theses and Dissertations

ORCID

0000-0003-3671-9298

Advisor

Yamamoto, Fernando

Committee Member

Jordan, Heather

Committee Member

Griffin, Matt

Committee Member

Allen, Peter

Committee Member

Wise, David

Date of Degree

8-12-2026

Original embargo terms

Visible MSU Only 2 Years

Document Type

Dissertation - Campus Access Only

Major

Forest Resources (Wildlife, Fisheries & Aquaculture)

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

College of Forest Resources

Department

Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture

Abstract

Catfish (Ictalurus spp.) is the primary aquaculture fish in the United States. With the adoption of intensive farming practices, frequent disease outbreaks have become a critical challenge for industry production. Meanwhile, meeting nutritional requirements has emerged as another key issue for maintaining production efficiency under high-density aquaculture. This study aims to develop an autochthonous probiotic strain to support hybrid catfish (I. punctatus × I. furcatus) production. Lactococcus lactis MA5, isolated from overperforming pond-raised hybrid catfish populations, exhibited novel probiotic potential in both in vitro and in silico analyses. Two independent feeding trials further supported the role of L. lactis MA5 as a dietary probiotic, demonstrating robust immune modulation, growth enhancement, improved disease resistance, and safety of use. In addition, carbohydrate ingredients in catfish feed were evaluated as prebiotic-like substrates, with yellow field peas and wheat middlings showing the greatest potential to enhance L. lactis MA5 proliferation under in vitro and in vivo conditions. In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the functions of a host-associated probiotic strain, L. lactis MA5, and its potential application strategies for hybrid catfish production.

Sponsorship (Optional)

Government Scholarship for Studying Abroad from the Ministry of Education of Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES) Special Research Initiative (SRI)

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