The white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) is indisputably the king of the shrimp farming industry. Its global demand has driven exponential growth in the industry, generating significant economic benefits. However, this boom faces a critical challenge: high mortality rates caused by bacterial and viral diseases. Unlike vertebrates, shrimp lack an adaptive immune system, so their survival depends solely on their innate immunity.
Researchers from Universiti Putra Malaysia Selangor (Malaysia) and Universitas Airlangga Surabaya (Indonesia) published a scientific mini-review analyzing commercial feeds and microdiets incorporated with probiotics for the farming of P. vannamei, aiming to improve growth and disease resistance.
The Vital Role of Probiotics
A promising strategy to strengthen the natural defense of shrimp is the use of probiotics. These beneficial microorganisms have shown their ability to enhance the growth, survival, and immune response of shrimp against pathogens. Diseases such as vibriosis, white spot syndrome, acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease, and black gill disease pose a constant threat to shrimp farms.
Probiotics, including species of Bacillus, Lactobacillus, Paenibacillus, Pseudomonas, Pseudoalteromonas, and yeasts, can be administered through the diet or directly into the water, contributing to the overall health of the shrimp.
Microdiets and Probiotics: A Strategic Alliance
Nutrition is a fundamental pillar in aquaculture. In recent decades, specialized microdiets for shrimp have been developed, combining essential nutrients with probiotics. This combination offers a safe and effective alternative to antibiotics, whose indiscriminate use can generate bacterial resistance and contaminate the environment.
Key Probiotics in Shrimp Aquaculture
Various bacterial species, such as Bacillus, Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, and Lactococcus, have proven to be particularly effective in shrimp farming. Additionally, yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) also plays an important role in stimulating the immune system.
Multifaceted Benefits of Probiotics
Probiotics not only strengthen shrimp health but also positively impact the aquatic environment. By breaking down organic matter, they reduce pollutant loads and improve water quality. This, in turn, benefits the shrimp and contributes to a more balanced ecosystem.
Different Administration Methods
Probiotics can be administered in various ways, including:
- Enrichment of live feeds: Incorporation into artemia or other organisms.
- Microencapsulation: Protection of probiotics for controlled release.
- Nanoencapsulation: Greater precision in probiotic release.
- Lyophilized probiotics: Easy storage and transportation.
- Incorporation into commercial feeds: Convenience for aquaculturists.
Nutrition, Key to Healthy Shrimp
Nutrition is a determining factor for success in shrimp farming. The use of commercial feeds, primarily fishmeal-based, is essential to provide the necessary nutrients for growth, development, and overall health. However, it is crucial to ensure proper nutritional balance, as excesses or deficiencies can have serious consequences.
A fundamental aspect is protein quality. This is essential for shrimp growth and development, but its excess can lead to water quality problems. On the other hand, protein deficiency can delay growth and increase susceptibility to diseases.
Lipids also play a vital role. Besides being an energy source, they are essential for vitamin absorption and proper hormonal function. Their composition must be carefully balanced to optimize shrimp growth and health.
Vitamins and minerals are indispensable micronutrients. Although required in small amounts, their absence can have severe consequences. For example, vitamin E deficiency can affect shrimp growth.
It is important to highlight that nutrition directly influences shrimp health. A proper nutritional balance strengthens the immune system and reduces susceptibility to diseases. Additionally, water quality is affected by feeding, so it is essential to avoid excesses that could lead to ecological imbalances.
Microdiets: A Promising Future for Shrimp Larvae
Microdiets are emerging as a promising alternative to traditional live feeds in shrimp larvae feeding. Although live feeds are nutritionally valuable, they present challenges such as high production costs, variable quality, and the risk of bacterial contamination.
Microdiets offer significant advantages. They are more economical to produce, allow precise nutritional control, and reduce the risk of diseases. Studies have shown that microdiets can improve the growth, survival, and immune response of shrimp larvae. Additionally, they can be combined with live feeds for even better results.
However, it is important to note that microdiet formulation is complex and requires a deep understanding of the nutritional needs of larvae. Research into different ingredients and production methods is essential to develop optimal microdiets.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the results obtained so far are promising, there is still a long way to go. Optimizing feeding techniques by adequately combining microdiets with probiotics and commercial feeds is essential to maximize disease resistance in shrimp.
Conclusion
Shrimp farming faces serious challenges, mainly related to diseases that cause high mortality rates, leading to significant economic losses for the sector.
Probiotics emerge as a promising alternative to improve shrimp health. These beneficial microorganisms have been shown to strengthen the immune system, improve water quality, and promote healthy growth. Moreover, they represent a safer and more environmentally friendly option compared to antibiotics, whose indiscriminate use can generate bacterial resistance.
However, further research is needed to optimize probiotic administration and their combination with commercial feeds. The goal is to develop effective strategies to prevent diseases and ensure the sustainability of aquaculture.
On the other hand, the quality of commercial feeds also influences shrimp health. Nutritional imbalance can weaken animals and increase their susceptibility to diseases. It is essential to develop balanced diets that provide all the necessary nutrients for optimal growth.
In summary, the combination of probiotics and carefully formulated commercial feeds could be the key to addressing the challenges of shrimp aquaculture. This strategy not only promises to improve animal health but also reduce the environmental and economic impact of diseases.
Ongoing research is clearly needed to harness the full potential of these tools and ensure the sustainability of the shrimp farming industry.
The study was funded by the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia (MOHE) through the Long Research Grant Scheme.
Reference (open access)
Haris, Danial Iman, Yaminudin, Jasmin, Othman, Siti Hajar, Lim, Keng Chin, Ismail, Illisriyani, Wulan Sari, Putri Desi, & Karim, Murni. (2024). The use of commercial feed and microdiets incorporated with probiotics in Penaeid shrimp culture: a short review. Latin american journal of aquatic research, 52(3), 350-367. https://dx.doi.org/10.3856/vol52-issue3-fulltext-3146
