In addition to using primary feeds in the form of pellets, the cultivation of vannamei shrimp requires the use of feed additives. These feed additives are essential to support the health and better growth of the shrimp.

The addition of feed additives is usually done by mixing them with the feed that will be given to the shrimp, in specific doses according to the shrimp’s age, requirements, and health status. However, some types of feed additives, when given in incorrect doses, can reduce the effectiveness of the additives or even have negative impacts on the health, growth, and survival of the shrimp.

So, what are the excellent types of feed additives for vannamei shrimp cultivation? Read more in the following article!

Also Read: The Importance of Minerals in Vannamei Shrimp Farming

What is a Feed Additive?

A feed additive is an additional substance or ingredient given to vannamei shrimp and other aquaculture commodities to enhance feed efficiency and optimize shrimp growth. Feed additives can include both nutritional and non-nutritional components, which are mixed into the feed.

Additionally, feed additives can play a role in improving shrimp health and helping to maintain a stable pond environment.

Types of Feed Additives

1. Probiotics

Probiotics are live microorganisms given in sufficient amounts to provide benefits to the host. As one of the feed additives for vannamei shrimp, probiotics help maintain a balance of beneficial bacteria in the shrimp’s digestive system, which positively impacts its health and immune system.

Furthermore, probiotics can enhance digestion efficiency and nutrient absorption, leading to improved vannamei shrimp growth.

2. Prebiotics

Prebiotics are substances that cannot be digested by the host but serve as food sources for beneficial microorganisms in the digestive tract. Prebiotics stimulate the growth of natural probiotic bacteria in the digestive system of vannamei shrimp.

With prebiotics in the feed, the quantity and quality of probiotic bacteria increase, which has a positive effect on shrimp health and growth performance.

3. Synbiotics

Synbiotics are a combination of probiotics and prebiotics added simultaneously to the feed of vannamei shrimp. Shrimp fed with synbiotics reportedly exhibit better digestive and immune systems and enhanced growth compared to those given only probiotics or prebiotics.

4. Enzymes

Enzymes in feed additives help break down complex feed components into simpler forms that can be easily absorbed by shrimp. Commonly used enzymes for shrimp include amylase, lipase, and protease.

Enzymes in vannamei shrimp feed improve feed efficiency, reduce nutrient waste, and enhance pond water quality. Lysozyme is an enzyme that can be added to the feed, enhancing the shrimp’s resistance to pathogenic infections.

5. Fish Oil

Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids crucial for vannamei shrimp growth and development. Omega-3 supports immune system strength, reduces inflammation, and boosts shrimp reproduction.

Using fish oil in feed additives improves appetite, and shrimp survival rates, and reduces stress caused by environmental changes.

6. Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamins and minerals are essential for the health and growth of vannamei shrimp. Commonly used vitamins include vitamin C, E, and B complex. Meanwhile, minerals like zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), selenium (Se), magnesium (Mg), and calcium (Ca) are also necessary in appropriate amounts. Feed additives containing vitamins and minerals address nutrient deficiencies and enhance shrimp’s resistance to diseases.

7. Amino Acids

Amino acids are protein building blocks necessary for growth and tissue repair. Some essential amino acids cannot be produced by the shrimp’s body and must be obtained from the feed. Feed additives containing amino acids ensure the availability of these essential nutrients, supporting vannamei shrimp growth and reproduction.

8. Organic Acids

Organic acids are commonly used as feed additives and preservatives to prevent feed spoilage. Some organic acids include sodium, potassium, and calcium salts. These organic acids possess antimicrobial activities against certain pathogenic bacteria like Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., and Vibrio spp.

Also Read: Using Probiotics for Shrimp Health, What’s the Impact?

Benefits of Feed Additives for Vannamei Shrimp

The use of feed additives in vannamei shrimp feed offers several benefits, including:

1. Improved Feed Efficiency

Feed additives containing exogenous enzymes or ingredients that enhance enzyme production in shrimp intestines aid in better digestion and nutrient absorption, reducing nutrient waste, and optimizing resource utilization.

2. Enhanced Health

Probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and vitamins help maintain digestive health and the immune system of vannamei shrimp, reducing the risk of infections and diseases.

3. Increased Growth

Feed additives contribute to improved feed efficiency, allowing shrimp to grow faster and reach larger harvest sizes in a shorter period.

4. Enhanced Reproduction

Appropriate nutrients like omega-3 and amino acids can enhance and accelerate vannamei shrimp reproduction, resulting in healthy and rapid population growth.

5. Improved Water Quality

By optimizing digestion and feed utilization, the metabolic waste released is reduced, leading to better water quality in ponds and the shrimp’s environment.

Also Read: Types of Vannamei Shrimp Feeds to Make Your Shrimp Grow Faster

Boost Your Pond’s Productivity with DELOS!

Feed additives play a significant role in enhancing the productivity of vannamei shrimp cultivation. Although they accompany the main feed, feed additives provide nutrients that improve feed efficiency, health, and growth of your vannamei shrimp.

Alongside feed additives, effective shrimp pond management also influences the success of your vannamei shrimp cultivation. With DELOS, you can enhance your pond’s productivity!

DELOS is a leading aqua-tech company that integrates science, technology, and operational management to help you improve and manage your pond’s productivity.

DELOS’s pond management is also integrated with the AquaHero application, allowing you to monitor your pond’s condition daily.

Contact the DELOS team through contact@delosaqua.com or submit through the contact form on our website www.delosaqua.com to learn more about our services. Entrust your vannamei shrimp cultivation to DELOS!