Activity pattern of the marine shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone 1931) in laboratory as a function of different feeding frequencies

Management practices on most Brazilian shrimp farms have resulted in high expenses for producers and damage to the environment. Applied ethology could provide information on the pattern of shrimp activity, enabling more efficient feeding frequencies. Behavioural activities of the shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei were recorded during different feeding frequencies. The shrimp were kept in aquariums on a 12:12 h light/dark cycle. They were fed commercial ration three (at 6:00, 12:00 and 18:00 hours), four (at 6:00, 10:00, 14:00 and 18:00 hours) or seven times per day (at 6:00. 8:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00 and 18:00 hours). We observed animals at 15 min^?1 aquarium^?1 time periods, recording feeding, substrate exploration, swimming and inactivity. Feeding and exploration were the highest for shrimp fed three times per day, swimming was greatest when animals received four feedings, whereas inactivity was higher for shrimp fed seven times per day. There was greater food ingestion between 12:00 and 14:00 hours for animals fed three and four times per day, whereas swimming was high mainly at 18:00 hours for shrimp fed three and seven times per day. The results indicate higher forage‐related activities (exploration/ingestion) when feed was offered three or four times, suggesting optimization in the pattern of shrimp activities based on these feeding frequencies.     

Influence of stocking density on the behaviour of juvenile Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone, 1931)

Applied ethology can help to improve Litopenaeus vannamei aquaculture. Our purpose was to demonstrate an influence of stocking density on behaviour. The shrimp were first distributed in aquaria and observed via an ad libitum observational method to construct an ethogram of social and feeding behavioural categories. The resulting ethogram consisted of retreat, cannibalism, getting to the feeding tray, occupying the feeding tray and getting feed. We then kept shrimp in aquaria at densities of 50, 75 and 100 animals m^?2 and observed them via a behavioural sampling method using our ethogram as well as focal animal sampling of behaviours derived from the literature. These literature‐derived behaviours consisted of inactivity, feeding, crawling, exploration, burying, swimming and cleaning. We found that stocking density affects the behaviour of the shrimp. Optimal searching and feeding and a low frequency of crawling and swimming occurred at a density of 50 animals m^?2, indicating a higher potential for growth and welfare at this density.     

Nutritive values of low and high fibre canola meals for shrimp (Penaeus vannamei)

This study was undertaken to determine acceptable dietary concentrations of high-fibre canola meal (CMHF) and low-fibre canola meal (CMLF) for juvenile shrimp, Penaeus vannamei. Four groups of 0.78 g shrimp held in running, 24.0–27.8°C sea water on a 12 h light: 12 h dark cycle were each fed one of seven isonitrogenous (340 g kg^?1 protein) and isoenergetic (18.5 MJ of gross energy kg^?1) diets to satiation four times daily for 56 days. Each of the test canola protein products comprised either 150, 300 or 450 g kg^?1 of the protein in a basal (practical) diet by replacement of one-third, two-thirds or all of the menhaden meal protein. Shrimp that ingested diets in which CMHF and CMLF comprised 450 and 300 g kg^?1 of the protein, respectively, exhibited significant reductions in growth and feed intake relative to those fed the basal diet. Feed and protein utilization were not significantly depressed unless menhaden meal in the basal diet was completely replaced by CMHF or CMLF. In general, percentage survival and final whole-body levels of protein, minerals, and thyroid hormones were not significantly affected by dietary treatment. Terminal whole-body levels of moisture were raised significantly in shrimp fed diets containing the highest levels of CMHF and CMLF. Potassium levels were significantly higher in shrimp fed the diet containing the lowest level of CMLF relative to those fed the basal diet and the diet with the highest level of CMLF. Water stability of the diet pellets was negatively correlated with their levels of CMHF and CMLF. It is concluded that commercial high-fibre canola meal can constitute 300 g kg^?1 of the dietary protein of juvenile shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) without compromising growth, feed intake and feed and protein utilization. However, because of a trend towards reduced shrimp survival at this dietary concentration of canola meal, it is recommended that this protein source not exceed 150 g kg^?1 of the protein in practical juvenile shrimp diets. Fibre-reduced canola meal did not have improved nutritive value for shrimp. However, we postulate that one or more fibre-reduced, and solvent-extracted canola protein products may be cost-effective substitutes for fish meal protein.     

Evaluation of cholesterol additions to a soyabean meal-based diet for juvenile Pacific white shrimp, Penaeus vannamei (Boone), in an outdoor growth trial

Cholesterol is considered a required nutrient for penaeid shrimps, but an optimal level has not been defined. A 68-day grow-out trial was conducted in 1300-L outdoor tanks in Hawaii, USA, to determine the cholesterol level required in a soyabean meal-based diet for juvenile Pacific white shrimp, Penaeus vannamei (Boone). Test feeds were prepared by adding six cholesterol levels (1.0-10.2 g kg^?1, as-fed basis) to a standard diet high in plant-protein meals, starch and flour. These feeds were provided to the shrimp three times daily. Harvest weights and weekly growth increments varied significantly among diets. The 2.3 g kg^?1 and 4.2 g kg^?1 cholesterol diets yielded better growth than the 1.0 g kg^?1 and 10.2 g kg^?1 diets. Survival and feed conversion ratios did not vary significantly among diets. Significant dietary cholesterol effects on growth of P. vannamei in conditions resembling commercial grow-out indicate that its inclusion in practical diets at more accurately defined levels is necessary. Optimal cholesterol levels for juvenile shrimp may be lower than those now utilized, and may vary relative to the contribution of free sterols from natural foods in shrimp ponds.     

EFFECT OF LIGHT INTENSITY AND MALE AND FEMALE EYESTALK ABLATION ON REPRODUCTION OF Penaeus stylirostris AND P. vannamei

This 97-day study, conducted during midwinter using a recirculating water system, was designed to evaluate the effect of light intensity and male and female eyestalk ablation on reproduction of P. vannamei and P. stylirostris. Four light intensities were established using various levels of fluorescent lighting (bright, 14.7 μEm^-2s^-1; moderate, 4.4 μEm^-2s^-1; dim, 0.6 μEm^-2s^-1; and dark, 0.0 μEm^-2s^-1) and the fifth consisted of artificial lighting supplemented with natural light through a translucent skylight (skylight, 4.7–9.3 μEm^-2s^-1). Unilateral eyestalk ablation was performed on all male P. vannamei in one of each pair of tanks within a treatment. In addition, half of the females in each tank were unilaterally ablated. Ovarian maturation, spawning, molting rate, and survival were monitored daily within each tank. Growth and gonad development were measured at termination. The optimum light intensity for P. stylirostris appeared to be lower than that for P. vannamei. P. stylirostris matured and spawned more frequently in the skylight and dim treatments than in the moderate, dark, and bright treatments. P. vannamei matured and spawned more frequently in the skylight, bright, and moderate treatments than in the dim and dark treatments. Natural light supplementation beneficially affected reproduction of both species. Male eyestalk ablation increased gonad size and doubled mating frequency of P. vannamei in comparison to unablated controls. This is the first documentation of increased penaeid shrimp reproduction by unilateral eyestalk ablation of males. Even more significant may be recognition that male gonadal development is a limiting factor in reproduction of shrimp in captivity.     

Production Methods and Resource Use at Litopenaeus vannamei and Penaeus monodon Farms in India Compared with Previous Findings from Thailand and Vietnam

Shrimp farms in India had average yields (pond surface basis) of 7.86 ± 1.04 (SE) m.t./ha/yr for Litopenaeus vannamei (n = 89) and 3.88 m.t./ha/yr for Penaeus monodon (n = 11). Average feed conversion ratio was 1.48 ± 0.04 for L. vannamei and 1.24 ± 0.12 for P. monodon. Land use for production ponds, supporting area, and feed ingredients averaged 0.634 ± 0.053 ha/m.t. for L. vannamei and 0.716 ± 0.087 ha/m.t. for P. monodon. Saline water volume used at farms without water exchange was 18,522 ± 4065 m³/m.t. for L. vannamei and 9528 m³/m.t. for P. monodon. Farms exchanging water used 149,188 m³/m.t. for L. vannamei and 191,500 m³/m.t. for P. monodon. Freshwater embodied in feed was 1678 ± 508 m³/m.t. for L. vannamei and 1401 ± 137 m³/m.t. for P. monodon. Average energy use for farm construction and repair, farm operations, and embodied in feed and liming materials was 82.14 ± 9.08 GJ/m.t. for L. vannamei and 59.03 ± 24.92 GJ/m.t. for P. monodon. Wildfish used to make fishmeal included in feed was 1209 kg/m.t. for L. vannamei and 1611 kg/m.t. for P. monodon. Farm infrastructure, pond management methods, yields, and resource use in India were similar to those previously reported for shrimp farms in Thailand and Vietnam.     

Effect of the addition of diatoms (Navicula spp.) and rotifers (Brachionus plicatilis) on water quality and growth of the Litopenaeus vannamei postlarvae reared in a biofloc system

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of Navicula spp. and Brachionus plicatilis on water quality and growth of postlarvae shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei reared in a biofloc system. Four treatments were considered: a control (biofloc system – BFT); BFT with the addition of Navicula spp. (BFT‐N); BFT with the addition of Brachionus plicatilis (BFT‐B) and BFT with the addition of Navicula spp. and Brachionus plicatilis (BFT‐NB), each in triplicate. Shrimp (16.2 ± 0.03 mg) were stocked at a density of 2500 shrimp m^?3 and plankton were added on days 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 at a density of 5 × 10⁴ cells mL^?1 (Navicula spp.) and 30 organisms L^?1 (Brachionus plicatilis). The shrimp were fed a formulated feed in four daily rations composed of 40% crude protein and 8% lipids. Significant differences between treatments were observed for final weight, yield, feed conversion ratio, specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio and protein content of the shrimp. The combined plankton addition of Navicula spp. and B. plicatilis had better performance parameters, indicating their benefit as natural food sources for postlarvae L. vannamei in biofloc systems.     

Effects of a yeast‐based additive on growth and immune responses of white shrimp,Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone, 1931), and aquaculture environment

A 60 days feeding experiment was conducted to determine the effects of YK‐6 (a yeast culture feed supplement) on growth and immune responses of white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei and aquaculture environment in commercial scale farms composed of nine ponds. Three treatments (control, Diet 1 and Diet 2) were designed to contain YK‐6 levels of 0.0, 1.0 and 1.5 g kg^?1 respectively. At the end of the test, the mean production of Diet 1 (0.649 ± 0.030 kg m^?2) and Diet 2 (0.648 ± 0.033 kg m^?2) were significantly higher than that of the control by 29.5% and 29.3% respectively. The feed conversion ratio decreased significantly by 12.3% (Diet 1) and 8.5% (Diet 2) compared with the control group respectively. The environmental indices indicate that the quality of water and pond sediment was improved. The endotoxin concentrations, the number of Vibrios and heterotrophic bacteria in the shrimp intestine of the treatment groups were significantly lower than that of the control, particularly in the later stage of the farming period. The YK‐6 extended positive effects on growth, improved sediment quality, reduced endotoxin in shrimp intestine, and enhanced activities of lysozyme and phenoloxidase.     

Effects of supplementing bioactive compounds to a formulated diet on sensory compounds and growth of shrimp,Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone, 1931)

Experimental diets were processed at the Oceanic Institute by adding various bioactive compounds (lutein, fucoxanthin, astaxanthins (Ax), glucosamine, carotenoid mix, phytosterol mix, bromophenol (Bp) mix or their combination) to a formulated (control) diet to examine their effects on sensory composition and growth of shrimp. These diets and a commercial feed were fed to ～1.6 g shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) in four replicates in an indoor laboratory under flow‐through conditions for 8 weeks. Results indicated that all the supplementations of the bioactive compounds did not improve shrimp growth (0.79–0.97 g week^?1) compared with that (0.94 g week^?1) of the control diet (P>0.05). However, inclusion of lutein (200 mg kg^?1) or carotenoid mix (827 mg kg^?1) in the control diet (with supplemental Ax) resulted in much higher free Ax (48.3 or 46.5 mg kg^?1) and esterified Ax (6.2 or 3.9 mg kg^?1) content in shrimp tails than the control diet (28.4; 1.4 mg kg^?1 respectively) (P<0.05). Inclusion of Bp (2 mg kg^?1) in the control diet resulted in higher levels of Bp (160 μg kg^?1) in shrimp tail muscle than the control diet (81 μg kg^?1) (P<0.05). Three free amino acids, glycine, proline and alanine might be mainly responsible for the sweet taste of L. vannamei. The results suggest that the supplementation of the bioactive compounds may not affect shrimp growth performance, but some may affect the composition and taste of shrimp.     

Growth and nutrient conversion of white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone) and Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus L. in an integrated closed recirculating system

We investigated the effects of the stocking density of white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) on shrimp and tilapia growth and nutrient conversion in an integrated closed recirculating system both with and without Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). A 2 × 3 factorial design involving tilapia presence/absence and shrimp stocking densities of 40, 80 and 120 m^?2 was applied, using a tilapia:shrimp ratio of 0.025. There were no significant interactions between tilapia presence and shrimp stocking density in terms of shrimp growth performance or feed utilization. The presence of tilapia had no effect on the shrimp growth rate, survival rate or total weight gain (%). Shrimp growth declined significantly with increased shrimp stocking density, but the growth of tilapia was not significantly different among the three shrimp densities tested. The conversion of feed nitrogen and phosphorus into total harvested animal biomass was significantly higher in the presence than in the absence of tilapia. The nutrient conversion rate at the lowest shrimp density (40 m^?2) was significantly higher than at the highest density tested (120 m^?2).     

Pond production of Pacific white shrimp,Litopenaeus vannamei,fed grain distillers dried yeast

The objective of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of four diets formulated to contain increasing levels (0, 50, 100 and 150 g kg^?1 of diet) of grain distillers dried yeast (GDDY) in production diets for Litopenaeus vannamei, reared in outdoor tanks or production ponds. The production pond trial was carried out in 16, 0.1‐ha ponds using four replicates per diet. Juvenile shrimp (38.1 ± 4.26 mg, initial weight) were stocked at 30 shrimp m^?2 for a 16‐week period. The same four diets and a commercial reference diet were offered to shrimp maintained in outdoor tanks over a 12‐week period. A total of 20 tanks were stocked with juvenile shrimp (3.05 ± 0.22 g, initial weight) obtained from production ponds at a density of 30 shrimp per tank (40 shrimp m^?2). At the conclusion of these trials, mean final weight ranged from 19.77 to 23.05 g, yield ranged between 4760 and 5606 kg ha^?1, survival ranged from 69.6% to 89.4%, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) was between 1.02 and 1.23. Shrimp reared in the outdoor tanks confirmed the results of the pond trial. Mean final weight ranged between 18.12 and 18.97 g, survival ranged from 93.3% to 98.3%, and FCR was between 1.25 and 1.29. In both trials, there were no significant differences regarding mean final weight, FCR and survival among dietary treatments. Based on this study, GDDY up to 150 g kg^?1 of diet can be used in L. vannamei commercial feed formulation.     

The value of sea urchin,Lytechinus variegatus,egesta consumed by shrimp,Litopenaeus vannamei

Sea urchins produce high‐energy, membrane‐bound fecal pellets that contain residual nutrients and large quantities of microbiota. These egesta are readily consumed by the shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei. Egesta of the sea urchin, Lytechinus variegatus, were evaluated as a feed supplement or total replacement for a commercial shrimp diet. Shrimp were stocked at 0.49 g ± 0.06 g initial body weight and housed individually in 2.8‐L tanks in a commercial recirculating zebrafish system. Shrimp were assigned to one of six diets: commercial shrimp feed, reference sea urchin feed, collected dried sea urchin egesta, collected wet sea urchin egesta, half ration of shrimp feed and half collected wet sea urchin egesta, and egesta naturally produced by two sea urchins in polyculture. Equivalent dry matter amounts of each diet were proffered to shrimp in each treatment twice daily, except for those that had complete access to natural egesta excreted by sea urchins in polyculture. Sea urchins were proffered a reference sea urchin feed at 2% body weight daily. After 27 days, shrimp proffered collected dried or wet egesta did not differ significantly in percent weight gain and showed the lowest weight gain. The percent weight gain of shrimp fed the commercial shrimp diet did not differ significantly from that of the shrimp fed half commercial shrimp diet and half egesta. The highest weight gain was recorded for those shrimp that consumed the untouched egesta produced by sea urchins in polyculture. These data suggest that consumed egesta have noteworthy nutritional value and therefore would be beneficial to the culture of extractive species in an integrated multitrophic aquaculture system.     

Utilization of sorghum distillers dried grains in extruded and steam pelleted shrimp diets

Use of distillers dried grain with solubles from sorghum (sDDGS) was studied with respect to processing and physicochemical quality of shrimp feed, followed by growth trials with Litopenaeus vannamei (Pacific white shrimp). Shrimp diets with 0%, 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% sDDGS inclusion, as a replacement for soybean meal, were produced using extrusion and steam pelleting. Bulk density of extruded feed (0.53–0.58 g cm^?3) was lower than that of pelleted feed (0.61–0.65 g cm^?3), although sDDGS level did not have an impact. Finished diets were 100% sinking, with some exceptions in the case of extruded feed. Pellet durability index (89.4–96.3%) had an increasing trend up to 20% and 30% sDDGS for extruded and pelleted diets respectively. Extruded feed had higher degree of gelatinization than pelleted feed, although proportion of gelatinized starch generally decreased with sDDGS level. Water stability (76.2–91.6%) was higher for extruded feed as compared to pelleted feed, and remained unchanged or decreased with sDDGS level. The extruded and pelleted diets were evaluated in two growth trials with L. vannamei for duration of 9 and 6 weeks in 40 and 60 tanks (initial weight 0.36–0.38 g; 10 shrimps per tank) respectively. Significant differences were not observed in final mean weight and survival with respect to sDDGS level, indicating that up to 40% of this novel protein source can be used in feed formulations without affecting the performance of L. vannamei. Comparison of extruded feed with pelleted feed for impact on mean weight and feed conversion ratio did not yield conclusive results.     

Feeding responses of juvenile shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone) fed at different frequencies under laboratory conditions

In shrimp farms, food partitioning during the course of the day is contradictory, ethology studies may help in determining the proper frequency. Litopenaeus vannamei juveniles were placed in 30 L aquariums (41 m⁻²), exposed to a 12:12 h light–dark cycle. Feeding was provided at 10% of biomass three, four and seven times per day, with observations made in 15 min h⁻¹ windows, initiated after the ration was offered. Latency to access the feeding tray and to start eating was recorded using instantaneous focal sampling and digestive tract filling (DTF) by the continuous focal method. Weight gain was recorded at the end of the experiment. We performed seven repetitions, with 28 individuals observed for 33 days for each treatment (490 h of observation). The three-times offering induced less latency for accessing the tray and for ingesting the feed as well as a higher DTF when compared with the other frequencies. Animals fed three and four times had similar weight gains, and were greater than those fed seven times. Our results indicate that a more spaced food offering stimulates the search for and ingestion of feed. As compared with other frequencies, the three-times-per-day option assumes lower labour costs and a more efficient use of the feed.     

Feed management and stocking density of the endangered wild zebra pleco: Implications for captive breeding

Due to the economic potential of Hypancistrus zebra in the ornamental fish market and its current classification as an endangered species in its natural occurrence sites, the present study sought to determine a suitable feed management strategy and stocking density to allow for an adequate captivity maintenance of this fish species. Three experiments were conducted as follows: (1) feed preference (artemia Artemia sp., shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei, fish Cynoscion spp. or mussel Perna perna); (2) determination of feeding rate (5% and 10% live weight day^?1) and frequency (1, 2 or 3 meals. Day^?1); and (3) evaluation of stocking density (0.25, 0.50, 1.00 and 2.00 g/L). Zebra pleco did not present the characteristic buccal scraping behaviour on the feed, commonly seen in other Loricariids. Artemia was the preferred diet followed by fish, shrimp and mussels. The frequency of two daily meals and the feeding rate of 10% live weight day^?1 allowed for an improved zootechnical performance. Zebra pleco showed enhanced specific growth rate at the density of 2 g/L. Our results suggest that, to improve the zebra pleco rearing conditions, it should be maintained at a density of 2 g/L, fed two daily meals at a feeding rate of 10% live weight day^?1. These findings correspond to useful information for an adequate management of this species and could assist in the supply of healthy specimens to the ornamental fish market as well for the restocking of declining wild populations.     

Effect of promoted natural feed on the production,nutritional, and immunological parameters of Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone, 1931) semi‐intensively farmed

The effect of promoted biota on the production parameters, water quality, nutritional and immunological condition of Litopenaeus vannamei was assessed in semi‐intensive ponds. Earthen ponds were used as experimental units: three with formulated + natural promoted feed + shrimp (T1), three with formulated feed + shrimp (T2), and three with promoted natural feed without shrimp (Control). The dissolved oxygen (DO) levels were optimal for all treatments (≥6 mg L^?1) as well as the pH (8.4–8.6). Total ammonia nitrogen was greater in T2 (0.10 mg L^?1) than T1 (0.07 mg L^?1) and the Control (0.06 mg L^?1). Phytoplankton, zooplankton and benthos were more abundant in T1 and the Control. The promotion of natural feed had a positive effect on all the production parameters of shrimp with an increase of 19.0%, 3.5% and 23.9% in weight gain, survival, and final biomass, respectively; also it was observed a decrease of 13.9% in feed conversion ratio. No differences in haemolymph parameters were observed for nutritional indicators (glucose, cholesterol, proteins, and triglycerides) nor for immunological response (phenoloxidase and prophenoloxidase). The results indicate that the promotion of biotic communities enhances the production parameters of farmed shrimp, without affecting the nutritional and immunological status. Also the water quality was improved by the presence of biota.     

Effect of different total suspended solids levels on a Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone, 1931) BFT culture system during biofloc formation

In a Biofloc Technology System (BFT), there is constant biofloc formation and suspended solids accumulation, leading to effects on water quality parameters that may affect the growth performance of cultured shrimp. This study aimed to analyse during biofloc formation the effect of different total suspended solids (TSS) levels on water quality and the growth performance of Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp in a BFT system. A 42‐day trial was conducted with treatments of three ranges of TSS: 100–300 mg L^?1 as low (TL), 300–600 as medium (TM) and 600–1000 as high (TH). The initial concentrations of 100 (TL), 300 (TM) and 600 mg L^?1 (TH) were achieved by fertilization before starting the experiment. Litopenaeus  vannamei juveniles with an average weight of 4.54 ± 1.19 g were stocked at a density of 372 shrimp m^?3. Physical and chemical water parameters and shrimp growth performance were analysed. After 6 weeks, TSS mean concentrations were 306.37, 532.43 and 745.2 mg L^?1 for, respectively, TL, TM and TH treatments. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed in TSS, settleable solids, pH, alkalinity and nitrite, especially between the TL and TH treatments. Similarly, differences (P < 0.05) were observed in the growth performance parameters, specifically final weight, survival, feed conversion and productivity. The water quality parameters at lower range of total suspended solids concentration (TL) treatment resulted in a better performance of L. vannamei in the BFT system. The maintenance at range of 100–300 mg L^?1 TSS is thus important to the success of shrimp culture.     

Compensatory growth and digestive enzyme activity of Litopenaeus vannamei submitted to feeding restriction in a biofloc system

Feeding restriction is a strategy in shrimp farming management that may promote compensatory growth after feeding is re‐established. This study aims to evaluate the effects of two feeding restriction regimens on the compensatory growth and digestive enzymes activity of Litopenaeus vannamei reared in biofloc system. Juvenile shrimp (0.46 ± 0.18 g) were stocked (320 individuals/m³) in 310 L tanks. The experiment comprised two phases: (a) Feeding Restriction (30 days) when shrimp were submitted to three feeding regimes, Control (fed daily), R1F1 (repetitively fasted one day and fed one day) and R2F1 (repetitively fasted 2 days and fed 1 day); and (b) Refeeding (28 days) when shrimp were fed daily. In the restriction phase, shrimp growth and digestive enzyme activities were reduced in R2F1 and R1F1. However, during the refeeding phase, enzyme activities and feed conversion improve significantly in R2F1 and R1F1. Control group attained higher final weight, but its final biomass was similar to R1F1. Litopenaeus vannamei exhibited partial compensatory growth, probably due to improved feed conversion efficiency driven by increased enzyme activity. It is possible to reduce feeding by 50% (R1F1) in biofloc systems for 28 days, without compromising the biomass produced at the end of a 30‐day refeeding period.     

Effects of spray‐dried blood cell meal with microencapsulated methionine substituting fish meal on the growth,nutrient digestibility and amino acid retention of Litopenaeus vannamei

The effect of substitution of fish meal (FM) by spray‐dried blood cell meal (SBCM) with microencapsulated dl ‐methionine supplementation in trial diets for Litopenaeus vannamei was evaluated. Six isonitrogenous (320 g kg^?1) and isolipidic (85 g kg^?1) diets were formulated to feed shrimp (2.3±0.2 g shrimp^?1) for 56 days. Shrimp were fed with six diets in which FM protein was gradually replaced by SBCM protein (0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% in diets 0–5). Growth performances and feed utilization of shrimp fed diets containing 0%, 3.5%, 7.0% and 10.5% SBCM protein were not significantly different (P>0.05). Growth, feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio of shrimp fed diets (80 and 100% FM substitution) were significantly poorer compared with other treatments (P<0.05). With increased levels of dietary SBCM, apparent digestibility coefficient of dry matter, crude protein enhanced from 76.9% to 82.3%, 84.8% to 89.0%, but crude lipid decreased from 90.6% to 88.3% respectively. The carcass composition values were not significantly (P>0.05) affected by the replacement level of FM, except lipid. There were no significantly differences (P>0.05) in amino acid retentions among Diets 0–3. The results suggest that the dietary FM protein could efficiently be substituted by SBCM up to 60%, without adverse effects on the growth of L. vannamei.     

Nutritional Contribution of Biofloc within the Diet of Growout and Broodstock of Litopenaeus vannamei,Determined by Stable Isotopes and Fatty Acids

The relative contributions of feed sources were determined through the isotopic signal (δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N) and fatty acid profile of feed items, shrimp muscle, and eggs of Litopenaeus vannamei reared in a biofloc system. In the growout phase, the isotope analysis showed the biofloc particle size class ≥250 μm contributed 55–100%; size ≥50 < 250 μm contributed 0–22%; and artificial feed contributed 0–45%. Principal component analysis applied to fatty acid profiles showed that biofloc ≥250 μm and artificial feed were the most important items in shrimp growout. For the egg production, isotope analysis suggested that the most important feed sources according to their relative contributions were polychaetes (0–100%), followed by artemia biomass (0–86%) and semi‐moist feed (0–66%), with lower contributions from squid, mussel, and the muscle of L. vannamei broodstock that had been cultured in biofloc. In terms of fatty acids, the most important items were artemia, polychaetes, and semi‐moist feeds. This work clarified the importance of feed sources for shrimp during culture in biofloc systems and during reproduction. Analysis of stable isotopes and fatty acids can be successfully used to trace the assimilation of nutrients during the nutrition of shrimp.