Replacement of fish meal in practical diets for the Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) reared under pond conditions

Increasing economical and ecological concerns regarding the use of fish meal in diets for marine shrimp have led to the development of replacement strategies where soybean meal has received ample attention. Most studies evaluating these strategies have been carried out under laboratory conditions which greatly differ from production conditions in ponds. This study evaluated a fish meal replacement strategy using vegetable protein sources in practical feeds for marine shrimp reared in ponds. Juvenile Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) (0.03 g) were stocked into 16 0.1-ha low-water exchange ponds and reared over an 18-week period. Four commercially extruded diets formulated to contain 35% crude protein and 8% lipids were evaluated. These diets included varying levels of fish meal (9, 6, 3, and 0%) which was replaced by a combination of increasing levels of soybean meal (32.5, 34.9, 37.2 and 39.6% respectively) and corn gluten meal (0.0, 1.7, 3.2, and 4.8% respectively) to replace the protein originating from fish meal. At the conclusion of the experimental period, there were no significant differences (P ≥ 0.05) in shrimp production among the test diets. Mean final yield, final weight, feed conversion ratio and survival values ranged from 5363–6548 kg ha^− 1, 18.4–20.7 g, 1.38–1.12 and 84.0–94.0%, respectively. Although not significant, as higher levels of plant protein sources were included in the diets, the economic analysis showed a general increase in the partial gross returns of shrimp production. Results from this study demonstrate that fish meal can be completely replaced using alternative vegetable protein sources in practical shrimp feeds without compromising production and economic performance of L. vannamei reared in ponds.     

Effect of partial and total replacement of fish, shrimp head, and soybean meals with red crab meal Pleuroncodes planipes (Stimpson) on growth of white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone)

Red crab meal (RCM), as a potential protein source in diets for juvenile shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei, was evaluated over a 45‐day growth trial under laboratory conditions. Eight experimental diets were tested. The basal diet contained fish (tuna by‐product), shrimp head and soybean (solvent extracted) meals as primary protein sources. Fish or soybean meals were substituted, on an equal‐protein basis, at 33%, 66% and 100% by RCM, whereas shrimp head meal (SHM) was substituted at 100%. A commercial diet was included as a reference. Final weight ranged between 2.23 and 3.36 g and growth rates (GRs) between 0.048 and 0.073 g day⁻¹. Where 66% or 100% of the protein from fish or soybean meals was substituted by RCM, the diets produced significantly higher final weights and GRs than other diets. Regression analysis showed that final weight of shrimp depended significantly on the percentage of substitution, and that the maximum weight gain would be obtained when substituting RCM for 80.2% of fish meal and 81.2% of soybean meal. Feed conversion ratio was below 1.8 for all treatments and there was no apparent relationship with other aspects of the diet. Red crab meal served as a suitable protein source for partial or total replacement of tuna by‐product, soybean and SHMs for cultivated juvenile shrimp L. vannamei.     

Lupin kernel meal as fishmeal replacement in formulated feeds for the Whiteleg Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

Rapidly expanding global aquaculture requires sustainable, local protein sources to supplement the use of fishmeal. Lupin seed meal (Lupinus angustifolius) was tested as sustainable diet component for Whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). Controlled feeding experiments were conducted in a recirculating aquaculture system for eight weeks. Juvenile shrimps were provided formulated diets containing various levels of lupin meal inclusion (0, 100, 200 and 300 g kg^?1) supplementing the fishmeal component, and a commercial feed as general reference. Shrimp survival, growth, metabolic and immune parameters were analysed. Survival did not differ significantly between groups. Growth performance was significantly impaired in shrimp fed diets containing more than 100 g kg^?1 lupin meal. Lupin meal supplementation did not affect haemolymph protein content, whereas glucose and acylglyceride concentrations varied between treatments and were highest in animals fed the 100 g kg^?1 lupin meal diet. Phenoloxidase activity was highest in shrimp fed 100 g kg^?1 lupin meal diet indicating improved immune status. The present study indicates that low inclusion levels of lupin meal do not cause adverse effects and seem to stimulate the immune system of juvenile L. vannamei.     

Replacement of fish meal by meat and bone meal in practical diets for the white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamai (Boone)

The use of meat and bone meal (MBM) was evaluated as a replacement for fish meal in a practical diet formulated to contain 41% protein and 8% lipid. Anchovy meal was replaced by 0%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60% and 80% of MBM (diets 1–7) respectively. Healthy post larvae of Litopenaeus vannamei were reared in an indoor, semi‐closed recirculating system. Each dietary treatment was fed to triplicate groups of 40 shrimp per tank (260 L) arranged in a completely randomized design. The shrimp were hand‐fed to near‐satiation three times daily between 07:00 and 18:00 hours for 56 days. There were no significant differences (P>0.05) in growth performance among shrimp fed diets 1–6. However, shrimp fed diet 7 had significantly lower (P<0.05) growth than those fed diet 2 or diet 4. Survival ranged from 95% to 100% and did not significantly (P>0.05) differ. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) and carcass composition of the shrimp were not significantly (P>0.05) affected by dietary treatments. No significant differences (P>0.05) in protein efficiency ratio (PER) were found among shrimp fed diets 1‐6. However, shrimp fed diet 7 had significantly lower (P<0.05) PER than those fed diet 1 or diet 4. Results showed that up to 60% of fish meal protein can be replaced by MBM with no adverse effects on growth, survival, FCR, PER and body composition of L. vannamei.     

Replacement of fish oil with a DHA‐rich Schizochytrium meal on growth performance,activities of digestive enzyme and fatty acid profile of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) larvae

This trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of replacing dietary fish oil with Schizochytrium meal for Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) larvae (initial body weight 4.21 ± 0.10 mg). Six test microdiets were formulated using Schizochytrium meal to replace 0 g/kg, 250 g/kg, 500 g/kg, 750 g/kg, 1000 g/kg or 1500 g/kg fish oil DHA. No significant differences were observed in survival, growth, final body length and activities of digestive enzyme among shrimp fed different diets (p > .05). No significant differences were observed in C20:5n‐3 (EPA) in muscle samples (p > .05). C18:3n‐3 and C20:4n‐6 in muscle increased as Schizochytrium meal replacement level increased (p < .05). No significant differences were observed in C22:6n‐3 (DHA) and n‐3 fatty acids among shrimp fed diets that algae meal replaced 0 g/kg ‐ 1000 g/kg of fish oil. Shrimp fed diet R150 had higher DHA content than other groups and had higher n‐3 fatty acids than that of shrimp fed diets R50, R75 and R100 (p < .05). C18:2n‐6, PUFA and n‐6 fatty acids in muscle increased, while n‐3/n‐6 ratio decreased with increasing algae meal replacement level from 0 g/kg to 1000 g/kg (p < .05). In conclusion, Schizochytrium meal could replace 1500 g/kg fish oil DHA in the microdiets without negatively affecting shrimp larvae survival, growth and activities of digestive enzyme.     

Effects of dietary nucleotides on growth,survival and metabolic response in whiteleg shrimp,Litopenaeus vannamei against ammonia stress condition

This trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of nucleotides on growth of whiteleg shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, and the survival and metabolic responses to ammonia stress test. Experimental diets were as follows: low fish meal diet (LFMD), and four LFMD test diets, each supplemented with 0.1% guanosine monophosphate (GMP), 0.1% inosine monophosphate (IMP), 0.1% mixture of GMP and IMP and 0.1% mixture of GMP, IMP, uridine monophosphate (UMP) and cytidine monophosphate (CMP). The shrimp specimens (initial body weight: 0.99 ± 0.01 g) were randomly allocated into five groups and fed four times daily for 8‐weeks. After the trial, final body weight was recorded and haemolymph was withdrawn for haematological analysis. The shrimp was then challenged with 70 mg/L ammonia (LC50) for 10 days. Survival and haemolymph of the shrimp were taken after exposure to ammonia. The highest growth performance was observed in the shrimp fed diet supplemented with GMP (p < .05), while survival was not influenced by the test diets in the feeding trial. In the ammonia challenge test, the highest survival was observed in the shrimp fed GMP supplemented diet compared to others. The plasma protein, glucose and cholesterol levels increased in all the treatments while triglycerides level decreased post challenge. Cortisol level recovered at day 10th after the challenge. Shrimps fed with nucleotides diets showed higher protein and glucose level compared to control groups post challenge. In general, nucleotides supplemented in the diet enhanced growth, improved stress resistance while modulating the haemolymph metabolites in L. vannamei under ammonia stress.     

Dietary nucleotide‐rich yeast supplementation improves growth,innate immunity and intestinal morphology of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

An 8‐week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary nucleotide (NT)‐rich yeast supplementation on growth, innate immunity and intestinal morphology in Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). Four isonitrogenous and isolipidic practical diets were formulated to contain 0 (control), 10, 30 and 50 g/kg of NT‐rich yeast, respectively. A total of 480 shrimp with an average initial body weight of 1.86 ± 0.02 g were randomly allocated into four groups, with four replicates per group and 30 shrimp each replicate. The results indicated that shrimp fed the diet containing 50 g/kg NT‐rich yeast had significantly higher weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) than those fed the control diet, and the lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) was observed in the shrimp fed the 50 g/kg NT‐rich yeast supplemental diet. However, there was no significant difference in survival among all treatments. The crude protein of whole shrimp in the 50 g/kg NT‐rich yeast group was higher than that in the control group. Total protein, triglyceride concentrations, the activities of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase in serum were significantly influenced by the dietary NT‐rich yeast supplementation. The activities of serum phenoloxidase (PO) and lysozyme (LZM) of shrimp fed the diet containing 50 g/kg NT‐rich yeast were higher than those in shrimp fed the other diets. Relative expressions of alp and lzm significantly upregulated in the 30 g/kg NT‐rich yeast group compared to the control group. The intestinal fold height and fold width in the 30 g/kg NT‐rich yeast group were significantly higher than those fed the control diet; and the highest microvillus height occurred in the shrimp fed the 50 g/kg NT‐rich yeast diet. In summary, dietary 30–50 g/kg NT‐rich yeast supplementation promotes growth performance, enhances innate immunity and improves intestinal morphology of Litopenaeus vannamei.     

Apparent digestibility of selected feed ingredients for white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei,Boone

Apparent digestibility coefficients of dry matter (DM), crude protein, crude lipid, gross energy, phosphorus and amino acids in Peruvian fish meal (FM), fermented soybean meal, extruded soybean meal, soybean meal, peanut meal, wheat gluten meal, corn gluten meal, shrimp byproduct meal, meat and bone meal (MBM), poultry meat meal and plasma protein meal (PPM) were determined for white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). A reference diet (RF) and test diets (consisting of 70% RF diet and 30% of the feedstuff) were used with 0.5% chromic oxide as an external indicator. A total of 1440 shrimp (initial mean body weight 1.05 ± 0.01 g) were randomly stocked into thirty‐six 500‐L fibreglass tanks with 40 shrimp per tank and three tanks per diet. Faeces were collected from triplicate groups of shrimp by a faecal collection vessel attached to the shrimp‐rearing tank. The shrimp were fed to apparent satiation four times a day and the feeding experiment lasted for 6 weeks. Statistics indicate that apparent DM digestibilities for white shrimp (L. vannamei) were the highest for FM, ranged 52.83–71.23% for other animal products and 69.98–77.10% for plant products. The protein and lipid from plant and animal sources were well digested by white shrimp. Apparent protein and lipid digestibility were in the range 87.89–93.18% and 91.57–95.28%, respectively, in plant products, and 75.00–92.34% and 83.72–92.79%, respectively, for animal products. The white shrimp demonstrated a high capacity to utilize phosphorus in the ingredients. The apparent phosphorus digestibility ranges of animal feedstuffs and plant feedstuffs were 58.90–71.61% and 75.77–82.30% respectively. Amino acid availability reflected protein digestibility, except that in MBM, for which the availability of some amino acid was lower, possibly due to protein damage during processing. Digestibility information could promote the use of ingredient substitution in least‐cost formulated diets for white shrimp.     

Replacement of fish meal with co-extruded wet tuna viscera and corn meal in diets for white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei Boone)

A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the potential of replacing fish meal with co‐extruded wet tuna viscera and corn meal in diets for juvenile white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei. Five practical diets were formulated to contain 30% crude protein and 16.6 kJ g^?1. The feeding experiment was carried out in a recirculating seawater system with fifteen 25‐L tanks with 15 shrimp per tank. Each dietary treatment was fed in triplicate in a completely randomized design for 41 days. Percent weight gain (WG%), survival (S%) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were calculated, comparisons of these parameters showed no statistical differences (P>0.05) among treatments. The shrimp almost tripled their weight during the feeding trial. Under the experimental conditions S%, WG% and FCR were either improved or were not significantly influenced by the replacement of fish meal with double co‐extruded viscera+corn, except for a slight increase in feed consumption without affecting FCR. Hence, this product can be included by up to 40% in practical shrimp diets without any detrimental effects.     

Growth performance,haematological parameters,antioxidant status and salinity stress tolerance of juvenile Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) fed different levels of dietary myo‐inositol

A 10‐week growth trial was run to evaluate effects of myo‐inositol (MI) on growth performance, haematological parameters, antioxidative capacity and salinity stress tolerance of Litopenaeus vannamei. Six practical diets supplemented with graded levels of MI (designated as MI0, MI600, MI1200, MI2400, MI 3600 and MI4800 for 448.8, 974.2, 1568.0, 2810.6, 3835.5 and 4893.6 mg/kg diet, respectively) were fed to six replicate groups of L. vannamei (mean initial body weight 0.63 ± 0.00 g). The results showed that significant increment of growth performance was observed in shrimp fed MI600 diet than those fed MI1200 diet. Lipid concentration in whole body of the shrimp fed MI600 diet was significantly increased. Shrimp fed MI0 diet had lower total protein (TP) as compared to shrimp fed the MI‐supplemented diets (except MI4800 diet). In general, lower activities of antioxidant enzymes and higher malondialdehyde (MDA) content in haemolymph and hepatopancreas were recorded in shrimp fed MI0 diet, compared to those fed the MI‐supplemented diets. Reduced survival after 7‐h salinity stress was present in shrimp fed MI0 diet as compared to those fed MI4800 diet. Dietary MI requirement for glutathione peroxidase activity of L. vannamei was 2705 mg/kg diet.     

Supplementation with 2‐hydroxy‐4‐(methylthio)butanoic acid (HMTBa) in low fish meal diets for the white shrimp,Litopenaeus vannamei

This work evaluated the performance of Litopenaeus vannamei to low fish meal diets supplemented with 2‐hydroxy‐4‐(methylthio)butanoic acid (HMTBa). A basal diet with 150.0 g kg^?1 of anchovy fish meal was designed. Two positive control diets were formulated to reduce fish meal at 50% and 100% with 1.0 and 2.0 g kg^?1 of MERA? Met_Ca (calcium salt with 84% HMTBa activity), respectively. Two nearly equivalent diets acted as negative controls, without HMTBa supplementation. A total of 50 clear‐water tanks of 500 L were stocked with 2.22 ± 0.19 g shrimp under 70 animals m^?2. Shrimp survival (92.3 ± 5.1% and 81.4 ± 8.0%), yield (808 ± 12 and 946 ± 17 g m^?2) and FCR (2.17 ± 0.19 and 3.12 ± 0.37) showed no differences among diets after 72 or 96 days, respectively. A significantly higher shrimp body weight and weekly growth were observed for those fed with the basal diet or diets supplemented with HMTBa compared with non‐supplemented ones. This study has shown that L. vannamei growth, body weight, survival, yield and FCR were supported by HMTBa supplementation when 150.0 g kg^?1 of fish meal was replaced by soybean meal and other ingredients, at 50% and 100%.     

Apparent energy,dry matter and amino acid digestibility of differently sourced soybean meal fed to Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei

Due to the variations in nutrient quality of soybean meal (SBM) that is a result of differences in production location and processing specifications, a study was conducted to determine the fluctuations in apparent digestibility coefficients of differently sourced SBM fed to Pacific white shrimps (Litopenaeus vannamei). Twenty‐four SBM‐based diets were formulated by mixing a basal diet and test ingredients on a dry matter basis (70:30 ratio), while 1% chromic oxide was used as the inert marker. The digestibility trial was carried out in a semi‐closed recirculation system with six replicate groups per treatment (mean shrimp weight of 10.2 g). Significant differences were observed for apparent dry matter, energy and protein digestibility coefficients (p < .05 was considered significant) among 24 sources of SBM and digestibility values ranged from 45% to 90%, 56% to 93% and 87% to 98%, respectively. Based on multivariate analysis, acid detergent fibre, neutral detergent fibre, lignin, raffinose and trypsin inhibitor were screened as the key chemical characteristics in SBM that influenced digestibility of nutrients in Pacific white shrimps. Variations in growth performances of shrimp were in line with the variations in apparent digestibility coefficients of SBM verifying the importance of digestibility data in shrimp feed formulations.     

Effect of dietary lipid level on growth,lipid metabolism and health status of the Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei at two salinities

Three isonitrogenous diets containing 60 g kg^–1, 90 g kg^–1 or 120 g kg^–1 lipid were formulated and fed to the Litopenaeus vannamei (2.00 ± 0.08 g) under two salinities (25 or 3 psu) in triplicate for 8 weeks. Shrimp fed 90 g kg^–1 lipid had higher weight gain and specific growth rate than shrimp fed the other two diets regardless of salinity, and the hepatosomatic index increased with increasing dietary lipid at both salinities. The shrimp at 3 psu had significantly lower survival and ash content, higher condition factor, weight gain and specific growth rate than the shrimp at 25 psu. Increasing dietary lipid level induced the accumulation of serum MDA regardless of salinity, and at 3 psu, it reduced the serum GOT and GPT activities and the mRNA expression of TNF‐α in intestine and gill of L. vannamei. The hepatopancreatic triacylglycerol lipase (TGL) and CPT‐1 mRNA expression showed the highest value in shrimp fed 90 g kg^–1 lipid diet at 3 psu. This study indicates that 120 g kg^–1 dietary lipid may negatively affect the growth and induce oxidative damage in shrimp, but can improve immune defence at low salinity; 60 g kg^–1 dietary lipid cannot afford the growth and either has no positive impact on the immunology for L. vannamei at 3 psu.     

Apparent digestibility of animal,plant and microbial ingredients for Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei

A digestibility trial was conducted to determine apparent digestibility coefficients of dry matter, protein, energy and amino acids of animal, plant and microbial ingredients for Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. The tested ingredients included traditional soybean meal (TSBM), PepsoyGen soybean meal (PSBM), NutriVance soybean meal (NSBM), fish meal (FM), poultry meal (PM), squid hydrolysis (SQH), scallop hydrolysis (SCH), flash dried yeast (FDY), two batches of Ulva meal (UMF and UMS) and bacteria biomass (BB). A basal diet was formulated and produced along with the experimental diets which included 300 g/kg of each ingredient and 700 g/kg of the basal diet. Juvenile shrimp (initial mean weight: 12 g, six shrimp/tank, n = 3) were stocked in a recirculation system. Apparent dry matter, protein and energy digestibility coefficients ranged from ?40.11% to 78.51%, 15.17% to 97.03% and 13.33% to 82.56% among different protein sources, respectively. In general, protein and energy digestibilities in soy sources (77.6% to 97.03% and 62.77% to 82.56%, respectively) are higher than the tested animal protein (51.39% to 71.41% and 45.29% to 69.77%, respectively) and single‐cell protein sources (15.17% to 53.47% and 13.33% to 40.39%, respectively). Among the three soybean sources, TSBM showed highest protein and energy digestibility. Apparent individual amino acid digestibility coefficients were also variable among different types of ingredients, and there was a reasonable correspondence to protein digestibility. The most digestible feed ingredients for Pacific white shrimp in this study were conventional soybean meal (SBM) and NutriVance soybean meal (NSBM), which indicated that these ingredients are good protein and amino acid sources for Pacific white shrimp. Resultant digestibility data may provide useful information to commercial shrimp feed industry.     

Hydrolysed salmon meal as a replacement for salmon meal in practical diets for Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

A series of growth, feed stability and consumption trials were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of salmon by‐product in practical diets for Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. This included a salmon by‐product meal (Salmon meal: SM) and a silage hydrolysate (hydrolysed salmon meal: HSM). The basal diet containing 120 g/kg SM was incrementally replaced (0. 25, 50, 75, 100%) by HSM to produce five test diets used in two trials. A sixth diet was included which evaluated gelatin supplementation (trial 1) or pH neutralization (trial 2). In trial 1, each diet was produced using two processing conditions (laboratory extruded and formed with meat grinder) and offered to shrimp in a clear water system. The results demonstrate that up to 50% of the SM can be used to replace with HSM; however, further increases resulted in reduced performance of shrimp. The addition of gelatin reduced leaching but there was limited effect of processing on leaching. There were no detectible effects of pH adjustment of the diets. Results indicated that the growth performance of shrimp has not influenced by HSM up to 60 g/kg to replace 50% of the SM in practical diets; however, higher levels resulted in significant decrease in performance.     

Effects of dietary dl‐methionyl‐dl‐methionine (Met‐Met) on growth performance,body composition and haematological parameters of white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) fed with plant protein–based diets

A 10‐week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementing different levels of dl ‐methionyl‐dl ‐methionine (AQUAVI^® Met‐Met) in plant protein–based diets on Litopenaeus vannamei. The positive control (PC) and negative control (NC) diets were designed with 20% and 8% fishmeal respectively, and other six diets were formulated with graded levels of Met‐Met from 0.05% to 0.30% with a 0.05% increment on the basis of NC diet (MM 0.05–MM 0.3). Six replicates were randomly assigned to each diet with 50 shrimp each having initial weight of 0.98 ± 0.02 g. The variation of FM concentration from 20% to 8% and supplemented with graded levels of Met‐Met did not affect the survival rate, feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio, whole body and muscle proximate compositions (p > 0.05). However, diets with ≤0.20% Met‐Met supplementation resulted in significantly increased weight gain and specific growth rate, after which both parameters reached plateau. Shrimp fed the NC diet showed significantly lower total essential amino acid (EAA) content in muscle (p < 0.05). Supplementation of Met‐Met significantly improved apparent digestibility coefficients of dry matter, crude protein, lipid, phosphorus and EAAs (p < 0.05). Based on broken‐line analysis, the methionine requirement for white shrimp was estimated to be 0.87% when using Met‐Met as methionine source.     

Use of salmon by‐product meals as a replacement for anchovy meal in practical diets for the Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

A series of trials were conducted with Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei, to evaluate the efficiency of two salmon meals as compared to anchovy meal. The basal diet contained 200 g/kg anchovy meal, which was systematically replaced (0%, 50%, 75% and 100%) with salmon meal on an isonitrogenous basis. Another two diets were formulated with a hydrolysed salmon meal to replace 50% and 100% anchovy meal. Each diet was randomly fed to four replicate groups of 25 and 30 shrimp per tank in clear (indoor) and green (outdoor) water trials, respectively. The results showed that growth performance and feed conversion ratio were not statistically different when salmon meal replaced anchovy meal in both trials. However, when hydrolysed salmon meal was used to replace 100% of the anchovy meal, growth performance of the shrimp significantly decreased. The four kinds of fish meal (anchovy, salmon by‐product meals and menhaden) were evaluated in an ingredient digestibility trial using the 70:30 replacement technique. In general, dry matter, energy, protein and individual amino acids digestibility of salmon meal were significantly higher than those of menhaden and anchovy meal. Results of this study demonstrated that salmon meals are a good protein sources which can replace anchovy meal.     

Evaluation of amaranth (Amaranthus caudatus L.) and quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) protein sources as partial substitutes for fish meal in Litopenaeus vannamei grow‐out diets

Two groups of isonitrogenous diets formulated by replacing 15%, 25%, 35% and 45% of fish meal protein by amaranth meal and quinoa meal were used to evaluate the performance of Litopenaeus vannamei. Growth showed significant reduction (P < 0.05) in the group of shrimp fed with amaranth diets, with diet A15 showing the best specific growth rate (SGR = 2.81% day^?1), but after the control diet AQ0 (3.07% day^?1). Diet A15 had significantly (P < 0.05) the best digestibility of dry matter (79.7%) and protein (88.4%) without differences compared to control diet AQ0 (75.1% and 85.2%). Replacement with quinoa meal at any level tested did not significantly affect (P > 0.05) the shrimp growth performance. Shrimp fed with quinoa diets showed better SGR (3.05% day^?1) than those shrimp fed with amaranth (2.56% day^?1). No differences in feed conversion ratio appeared in either of the protein sources, but quinoa diets presented a better average (3.13) than amaranth diets (4.01). The apparent digestibility of dry matter and protein for quinoa diets was similar for all diets, but they were statistically different (P < 0.05) from the control diet. We conclude that quinoa meal can replace fishmeal up to 45%, whereas it can be replaced with amaranth meal up to 15%, without adverse effects on growth and survival.     

Effects of replacement of fish meal with fermented cottonseed meal on growth performance,body composition and haemolymph indexes of Pacific white shrimp,Litopenaeus vannamei Boone, 1931

A feeding trial was performed for 28 days to evaluate the effects of replacement of fish meal (FM) with fermented cottonseed meal (FCM) on growth, body composition and haemolymph indexes of juvenile Litopenaeus vannamei. Four isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were formulated by using FCM (96.4, 206, 317 and 417 g kg^?1) to substitute 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% of FM in a control diet respectively. Each diet was randomly allotted to four tanks with 20 shrimp per tank. The feeding trail was conducted in an indoor flow‐through aquaculture system. Shrimp fed diets containing 317 and 417 g kg^?1 of FCM obtained lower (P < 0.05) final weight, weight gain, specific growth ratio, protein efficiency ratio as well as a higher (P < 0.05) feed conversion ratio compared with shrimp fed the control diet. The body ash content decreased (P < 0.05) in shrimp fed the diet with complete replacement of FM than those in other treatments. Moreover, increasing the dietary inclusion of FCM linearly raised (P < 0.05) the concentrations of total gossypol, (?) and (+) gossypol enantiomers in the whole shrimp body. No difference (P > 0.05) was observed in haematological parameters among the treatments. The results suggest that up to 50% of FM can be replaced by FCM without adverse effects on growth and feed utilization of L. vannamei.     

Effect of polysaccharides extracts of algae Ulva rigida on growth,antioxidant, immune response and resistance of shrimp,Litopenaeus vannamei against Photobacterium damselae

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of water‐soluble polysaccharides extract of algae Ulva rigida (WPU) as dietary supplement on growth performance, antioxidant enzyme activity, lysozyme and phenoloxidase activity, and resistance of shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) subjected to bacterial infection with Photobacterium damselae. Three replicate groups of shrimp (1.0 g) were fed four diets containing four levels, 0 or control, 0.5, 1 and 1.5 g/kg of WPU for 8 weeks over the growth trial. Thereafter, 30 shrimps from each dietary treatment were infected with bacteria P. damselae to evaluate disease resistance of infected shrimp. The results of this study showed that WPU was effective as a growth promoter for L. vannamei. The best growth rate was observed in shrimp fed 1.5 g/kg of WPU diet. Regarding antioxidant defences, the diets supplemented with three levels of WPU stimulated glutathione peroxidase and catalase activates in experimental shrimps. MDA content of L. vannamei‐fed diet containing WPU 1.5 and WPU 1.0 was lower than WPU 0 and WPU 0. 5 diets. Also, lysozyme and phenoloxidase activities of shrimp receiving WPU at 1.0 and 1.5 level were significantly higher than those fed WPU 0 and WPU 0.5 diets. In addition, using WPU extract in all diets decreased mortality in L. vannamei in a dose‐dependent manner after challenge with P. damselae. These results suggest that incorporation of water‐soluble polysaccharides from green algae U. rigida at 1.5 g/kg doses improves growth and antioxidant activity and enhances the immune responses in shrimp L. vannamei.