Abstract
The present study investigates the effect of symbiotic feed additives on the veterinary sanitary quality of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) raised under aquaculture conditions in southern Kazakhstan. Symbiotics - combinations of probiotics and prebiotics—have emerged as promising alternatives to antibiotics in modern aquaculture due to their ability to modulate gut microbiota, enhance nutrient absorption, and improve immune response. In this experiment, catfish were divided into control and experimental groups, with the latter receiving a complex symbiotic supplement containing lactic acid bacteria and enzymatic components. Over a 28-day feeding period, parameters such as growth rate, organoleptic characteristics, physicochemical properties (pH, peroxidase activity), and biochemical freshness indicators (ammoniacal nitrogen) were assessed. The results showed a significant improvement in growth performance (final weight and feed conversion ratio), enhanced muscle texture and appearance, and positive peroxidase and pH readings indicating high product freshness. Organoleptic analysis revealed superior external quality and tissue integrity in the experimental group. Furthermore, the absence of spoilage indicators confirmed microbiological safety of the fish meat. This study demonstrates that the use of symbiotics in aquaculture not only improves production efficiency but also contributes to the sanitary safety and sensory quality of fish products. Veterinary sanitary examination methods proved essential in confirming these effects. The findings support the integration of microbiome-based dietary strategies as a sustainable approach in fish farming systems and underscore the importance of sanitary control in protecting public health.