In a significant stride towards sustainable shrimp farming, researchers have found that natural dietary supplements can boost growth, immunity, and disease resistance in Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei). The study, led by Dinamella Wahjuningrum from the Department of Aquaculture at Bogor Agricultural University in Indonesia, compared the effects of algal, herbal, and fungal ingredients across different cultivation environments.
The research, published in the journal *Comparative Immunology Reports* (which translates to English as “Comparative Immunology Reports”), revealed that fungal supplements, particularly Nodulisporium sp. KT29, led to the highest final weight and specific growth rate in shrimp. This is likely due to the presence of β-glucans and other bioactive compounds that enhance nutrient absorption and feed efficiency. “Shrimp fed with fungal supplements showed denser and more organized intestinal microvilli,” Wahjuningrum noted, suggesting improved gut health and nutrient absorption.
The study was conducted in two contrasting environments: floating net cages and land-based ponds. In ponds, no significant growth differences were observed between the control group and those receiving supplements. However, in cages, fungal supplements yielded significant growth improvements over the control. Algal and herbal supplements had limited effects in cages but showed some promise in enhancing immune responses.
Immunostimulants significantly enhanced immune parameters, including total hemocyte count, respiratory burst, and phenoloxidase activity. Fungal supplementation had the strongest impact on hemocyte count at both sites, while algae improved respiratory burst and phenoloxidase activity in cages. In ponds, fungi had the greatest effect on these immune markers. These immune enhancements were associated with improved resistance to Vibrio harveyi, a common pathogen in shrimp aquaculture.
For maritime professionals, these findings present a promising alternative to antibiotics, promoting growth and health in shrimp aquaculture while contributing to sustainable farming practices. The use of natural immunostimulants could reduce the reliance on chemical treatments, lowering costs and environmental impact. As Wahjuningrum explained, “These findings underscore the potential of natural immunostimulants as effective alternatives to antibiotics.”
The study highlights the importance of considering environmental factors such as water flow and structure, which may influence immune outcomes. While water quality met standards in both systems, the differences in immune responses between cages and ponds suggest that further research is needed to optimize these supplements for various cultivation environments.
In summary, this research offers valuable insights for the maritime sector, particularly in shrimp farming. By incorporating natural dietary supplements, farmers can enhance growth performance, immune response, and disease resistance in Pacific white shrimp, leading to more sustainable and profitable aquaculture practices.