Shrimp farming, particularly of the Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei), is a cornerstone of global seafood production. Within this industry, nutrition is a critical factor, as feed constitutes over half of all production costs. Trace minerals, such as copper, are vital for essential functions, including shrimp growth, immunity, and energy metabolism.
While inorganic mineral sources have been used traditionally, their bioavailability is often limited. Organic trace minerals (OTMs), such as copper proteinate, are emerging as a superior alternative due to their higher absorption rates and immune-enhancing benefits. However, the precise impact of these organic sources on the shrimp’s complex community of microorganisms—its microbiota—had not been deeply explored until now.
A recent study published in Animal Microbiome by a team of researchers from several Chinese institutions investigated exactly this: how organic copper supplementation influences the health of Penaeus vannamei by affecting the microbiota in its gut, gills, and the surrounding water. The findings provide a new perspective on developing innovative and sustainable feed options for the aquaculture industry.
Key findings
- Shrimp fed with organic copper (Cu-proteinate) demonstrated a superior ability to digest and absorb both copper and zinc compared to those fed with inorganic copper (CuSO₄) or a diet with no supplement.
- The organic copper group accumulated more copper, zinc, carbon, and nitrogen, indicating an improved overall nutritional status.
- Organic copper supplementation fostered a microbial community with more complex and robust interactions, suggesting the shrimp were better equipped to resist environmental disturbances and pathogens.
- A significant increase was observed in bacteria associated with nutrient metabolism—such as Butyricicoccus, Lactobacillus, and members of the Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae families—which correlated directly with improved health indicators.
Research design: Comparing copper sources
To understand copper’s effects, researchers conducted an 8-week feeding trial with three experimental diets:
- Control (CO): A diet with no added copper supplement.
- Inorganic (S30): A diet supplemented with 30 mg/kg of inorganic copper (copper sulfate).
- Organic (O30): A diet supplemented with 30 mg/kg of organic copper (Cu-proteinate).
Throughout the trial, they analyzed key physiological markers like nutrient digestibility and accumulation. They also used 16S rRNA gene sequencing to map and compare the microbial communities in the shrimp’s gut, gills, tank water, and feed.
The tangible benefits of organic copper
More efficient nutrition
The physiological results were definitive. The group fed organic copper (O30) outperformed the others in several ways:
- Higher Apparent Digestibility Coefficient (ADC): These shrimp absorbed copper and zinc far more efficiently, showcasing the high bioavailability of organic copper, which prevents negative interactions with other feed components.
- Greater Nutrient Accumulation: This group showed higher retention of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) in both their whole body and muscle tissue. This points to better protein and energy assimilation, leading to improved overall health.
A more stable and resilient microbiota
Analysis of the microbial co-occurrence networks—a map of how different bacteria interact—revealed that the O30 group had a much more stable and complex community. This network featured:
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- More positive interactions between microorganisms.
- Greater overall connectivity and robustness.
These features indicate that the microbiota in shrimp fed organic copper is more resilient against stressors like environmental changes or pathogen invasion, a critical advantage in intensive aquaculture.
Promotion of beneficial bacteria and metabolic functions
Organic copper not only stabilized the microbial community but also encouraged the growth of specific bacteria known to benefit host health. The O30 group saw a significant enrichment of genera that produce beneficial organic acids, including:
- Butyricoccus (produces butyrate)
- Lactobacillus (produces lactate)
- Genera from the Lachnospiraceae, Prevotellaceae, and Ruminococcaceae families.
These microbes are directly linked to better gut health, a more effective immune response, and optimized energy metabolism. Conversely, genera often associated with disease in shrimp, such as Aeromonas, were significantly less abundant in the O30 group.
The gills as a microbial “bridge”
One of the study’s most interesting discoveries was the role of different microbial environments. The researchers demonstrated that the microbial composition is unique to each site: the gut, the gills, and the water.
They observed a “host selective pressure,” where microbial diversity decreased progressively from the water to the gills and finally to the gut. This suggests the gills may act as a transitional “bridge” or filter, shaping the microbial community that ultimately colonizes the intestinal tract. Organic copper appeared to strengthen this filtering process, promoting a more unique and functionally specialized gut microbiota.
Conclusion and implications for aquaculture
This study provides compelling evidence that organic copper is more than just a mineral source. It acts as a powerful modulator of the shrimp’s microbiota, creating a microbial ecosystem that is more stable, resilient, and beneficial to the animal.
For shrimp producers, these findings have direct practical implications. Including copper proteinate in feeds not only improves the absorption of essential minerals but also strengthens the shrimp’s overall health from its microbial core. This can lead to greater disease resistance, improved feed conversion, and ultimately, a healthier and sustainable production system.
Contact
Yanjiao Zhang
The Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Nutrition and Feed (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs), The Key Laboratory of Mariculture (Ministry of Education), Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China
Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao, 266237, China
Email: yanjiaozhang@ouc.edu.cn
Reference (open access)
Yang, J., Yao, X., Zhang, Z. et al. Unlocking microbiota potential: the role of organic copper in enhancing healthy white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) farming. anim microbiome 7, 87 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s42523-025-00450-8
Editor at the digital magazine AquaHoy. He holds a degree in Aquaculture Biology from the National University of Santa (UNS) and a Master’s degree in Science and Innovation Management from the Polytechnic University of Valencia, with postgraduate diplomas in Business Innovation and Innovation Management. He possesses extensive experience in the aquaculture and fisheries sector, having led the Fisheries Innovation Unit of the National Program for Innovation in Fisheries and Aquaculture (PNIPA). He has served as a senior consultant in technology watch, an innovation project formulator and advisor, and a lecturer at UNS. He is a member of the Peruvian College of Biologists and was recognized by the World Aquaculture Society (WAS) in 2016 for his contribution to aquaculture.
