The functional effects of Calanus finmarchicus hydrolysate as a novel feed ingredient for whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

Summary

Introduction: Whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) faces nutritional and disease challenges exacerbated by reliance on plant proteins with limited amino acid profiles and antinutritional factors. Functional marine-derived ingredients can improve growth, immunity, and resilience, but sustainable alternatives are needed. Zooplankton, particularly the copepod Calanus finmarchicus, represents a vast, underutilized biomass with promising potential as a novel feed resource.Methods: Five experimental diets were formulated for whiteleg shrimp (L. vannamei), including a control and four test diets with 50% reduced fishmeal, compensated by soybean meal and one of four marine ingredients: C. finmarchicus hydrolysate (CH), squid-liver meal, krill meal, or tuna hydrolysate. Diets were produced by extrusion and standardized for protein, lipid, and energy content. A 62-day feeding trial was conducted, assessing growth performance, feed utilization, and whole-body composition. Following the trial, shrimp were subjected to an acute salinity challenge to evaluate immune, oxidative stress, and metabolic responses.Results: Inclusion of CH supported growth comparable to squid-liver and krill meal, with improved feed efficiency and nutrient retention relative to control and tuna hydrolysate diets. CH-fed shrimp showed enhanced protein and energy retention. Following a hyposalinity challenge, survival was highest in shrimp fed CH and krill meal, accompanied by elevated immune activity, reduced lipid peroxidation, and increased antioxidant enzyme responses. Metabolic markers indicated lower amino acid catabolism and improved osmoregulatory adaptation in shrimp fed CH, supporting resilience under environmental stress.Discussion: This study demonstrates that CH can replace 50% of fishmeal in whiteleg shrimp (L. vannamei) diets without compromising growth. CH improved feed efficiency, nutrient retention, and resilience to salinity stress through enhanced antioxidant defenses, immune functionality, and metabolic adaptations. These benefits highlight CH as a sustainable, functional ingredient for shrimp aquaculture. Further research should optimize inclusion levels and validate long-term effects across production systems.

Read publication here:

DOI : doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2026.182...
NVA : hdl.handle.net/11250/5559084