Replacement of fish oil with alternative lipid sources in plant‐based practical feed formulations for marine shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) reared in outdoor ponds and tanks

The objective of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of partial substitution of menhaden fish oil by alternative lipid sources (soybean oil, poultry grease and flaxseed oil) in non‐marine protein‐based shrimp production diet, its influence on fatty acid profile and its final product flavour. Results for the pond study (17 weeks) showed no differences (P ≥ 0.05) in shrimp production among different test diets. Production ranged from 5070 to 5363 kg ha^?1; mean final weight, 18.0 to 21.6 g; weekly growth, 1.04 to 1.25 g; survival, 65.6 to 75.4%; and FCR, 1.37 to 1.45. Results from the tank trial (12 weeks) confirmed these findings, final weight, 13.8–14.8 g; weekly growth, 1.1–1.2 g; survival, 92.5–98.3%; FCR, 1.05–1.11; and final standing crop, 4738–5024 kg ha^?1. The fatty acids profiles of edible tail muscle reared on the various diets displayed a similar fatty acid profile to that of the diets. The sensory test showed no statistical differences in texture, appearance, aroma and flavour between the shrimp fed diets containing menhaden fish oil and soybean oil. These studies demonstrated that practical shrimp feeds containing non‐marine protein ingredients and a percentage of fish oil replaced by alternative lipid sources had no negative impact on mean final weight, weekly growth, survival, FCR, final standing crop, fatty acids profile and organoleptic properties of Litopenaeus vannamei.