Effect of feeding with Phronima sp. on growth, survival rate and nutrient value content of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) Post-larvae

Abstract

The amphipod Phronima sp. is used as a natural feed for aquaculture activities as it has an adequate content of polyunsaturated fatty acids—namely, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)—and high protein content. It is thus used as an alternative protein source in shrimp cultures, replacing Artemia sp. In this study, we evaluated the effects of using different feed treatments including Phronima sp. on Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) post-larval growth rate, survival rate, and nutritional quality. The post-larvae herein used weighed 0.029 ± 0.001 g/individual and were maintained at a stocking density of 5 individuals/L. The experiment was carried out for 30 days. A completely randomized design was used for the experiment, with five treatments and three replicates each. The feeding treatments were: A, 100% Artemia sp.; B, 75% Artemia sp. and 25% Phronima sp.; C, 50% Artemia sp. and 50% Phronima sp.; D, 25% Artemia sp. and 75% Phronima sp.; and E, 100% Phronima sp. The shrimp were fed four times a day 20% of their biomass weight. Relative growth rate (RGR), absolute length growth, biomass weight, grazing rate, survival rate, and nutritional quality were analyzed. Treatment B produced the highest RGR (34.98 ± 0.13%), absolute length growth (1.83 ± 0.06 cm), biomass weight (0.0101 ± 0.05), and survival rate (95 ± 6.11%). Treatment A produced the highest grazing rate (21.889 ± 0.13 individuals/day). The highest nutritional quality was found in treatment B, i.e., protein and fat contents of 63.75% and 8.24%, respectively, and EPA and lysine levels of 8.25% and 48.98 ppm, respectively. In summary, we found that using a feed proportion of 75% Artemia sp. and 25% Phronima sp. (treatment B) is the best option for the aquaculture of Pacific white shrimp post-larvae. This best feed formulation should give an impact on aquaculture research and production in reducing feed production cost.