Feed technology shows benefits to supercharge global shrimp production
October 3, 2023
Calgary, ALBERTA – Study results with a new feed additive option for shrimp farming show substantial advantages to transform the success of commercial operations.
The results demonstrate that with the addition of an innovative yeast autolysate supplement – Maxi-Nutrio® from CBS Bio Platforms – producers can expect major improvements in immunity, performance and overall sustainability.
“The results are very exciting,” says Sabrina Zettell, Nutrition & Technical Service Manager with CBS Bio Platforms. “They reveal a new pathway for shrimp farming operations to reduce risk, improve performance and achieve a higher level of overall success. The data highlights this technology as an important innovation to make shrimp farming more sustainable and profitable.”
The new results are based on two recent trials conducted at Kasetsart University, Faculty of Fisheries, in Bangkok, Thailand. Information on results and the feed technology involved will be featured at VIETSTOCK 2023, Oct. 11-13 in Ho Chi Minh City.
The first trial focused on evaluating the impact of the feed technology on sustaining growth performance and strengthening immunity in shrimp raised under normal growing conditions. The trial utilized 750 juvenile white shrimp, of 1-2g body weight, stocked at 25/tank with 6 replicate tanks per treatment, fed a commercial shrimp formula containing fish, meat and SBM fed 3x/d at 3-4% of body weight. Shrimp were fed 1 of 5 treatment diets, including a control diet and four diets with different levels of supplementation with the feed technology.
The results were very positive across the board – showing the addition of the feed technology to shrimp diets can help increase growth performance, average daily gain (ADG) and survivability. Shrimp also showed improved colour, indicating improved antioxidant function and reduced oxidative stress. In addition, they showed decreased pathogen load, suggesting a potential mediation for food-borne disease in humans.
“The many advantages shown are very encouraging - we have high confidence they will translate to all types of commercial operations,” says Zettell. “The findings open the door to significant improvements to shrimp farming models, bringing reduced risk and cost along with improved yields for greater sustainability.”
(Chart shows performance data: Higher ADG with higher treatment)
Among standout treatment results, findings showed the addition of the feed technology at 1000 ppm in shrimp diets for at least the first two weeks can help improve overall production and final cooked colour, while aiding in supporting the immune system. They also showed providing at least 500 ppm for shrimp grown greater than six weeks can maintain growth performance while continuing to benefit from immune support.
“With shrimp production growing across the board, it is very encouraging to see these results,” says Zettell. “They show this feed technology can be a valuable addition to the shrimp farming toolbox, helping to give shrimp growers more control over the success of their operations.”
Shrimp production worldwide was estimated to be over $60B USD in 2022 and is expected to increase in demand for the foreseeable future. “The advantages we’re seeing will support this trend by decreasing mortality rates and improving yields. Controlling pathogen loads in shrimp will also help reduce food-borne illnesses in humans.”
(Chart shows immune parameters data: Higher immunity with higher treatment)
The second trial was designed to investigate potential benefits under disease pressure. Researchers evaluated the impact of the feed technology on sustaining growth performance and improving immune support when fed to shrimp challenged with a common pathogen (Vibrio parahaemolyticus).
The trial utilized 150 juvenile white shrimp, 8wk old, stocked in 100L tanks for pathogen immersion treatment. Once again shrimp were fed 1 of 5 treatment diets, including a control diet and four diets with different levels of supplementation with the feed technology. Shrimp were challenged with 2.7 x 107 cfu/ml of the pathogen and monitored for mortality for a total of 24d. Hemocyte count and bacterial counts at the hepatopancreas and intestines were determined at the end of the trial.
The data showed shrimp fed the feed technology had improved sustainability post disease challenge and were protected within the first week post-infection. Key treatments maintained over 50% total survivability compared to control and pathogen levels were significantly lower for shrimp fed all levels of Maxi-Nutrio.
“The greatest reductions were seen in the highest level of disease challenge,” says Zettell. “This demonstrates the ability of the shrimp to clear the pathogen with support from the feed technology.”
Overall, results from both studies point to Maxi-Nutrio as a valuable new option for the shrimp farming toolbox, she says. “For the shrimp industry, this could be a profitable addition to the diet for overall improved performance and immune status.”
CBS Bio Platforms is an innovation focused bio-based technology company developing Feed Science Platform (FSP) options across livestock sectors including expansion into aquaculture. Learn more about CBS at www.cbsbioplatforms.com and about FSPs at fsp.cbsbioplatforms.com.
(Hear further information and insights from Zettell in this video)
