Selko, the feed additives brand of Nutreco, is unveiling its latest research findings on dietary interventions to reduce Vibriosis pressure in shrimp farming. Study results will be presented during the Asia-Pacific Aquaculture 2024 event in Surabaya, Indonesia, from July 2-5. Saravanan Subramanian, global technical commercial manager aquafeed at Selko®, will share findings from a study investigating the dietary effect of an organic acid-based additive (Selko® Selacid® GG) in supporting shrimp under a Vibriosis challenge.
Researchers at the Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture (ICAR) looked at shrimp survival and the total Vibrio load in the hepatopancreas (HP) seven days following a Vibrio sp. immersion challenge. Shrimp in three treatment groups received diets with specific inclusion levels of an organic acid blend Selacid® GG (0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%) and findings for each treatment group were compared to shrimp in a positive and negative control group receiving the same diet without the organic acid blend.
Researchers looking at growth parameters including final body weight, weight gain, specific growth rate, and survival rate reported that shrimp fed the 0.2% organic acid blend diet had significantly higher values than the positive control group. Additionally, microscopic analysis revealed relatively less degeneration and necrosis of HP tubules and HP epithelial cells, along with fewer inflammatory indicators, among the group receiving the 0.2% organic acid blend. Shrimp receiving the organic acid blend at 0.2% in the diet had significantly reduced Vibrio load in HP along with improved immunity, growth and survival compared to the positive control group.
The findings show how nutritional interventions can help manage a biological challenge threatening the sustainable growth and economics of shrimp farms around the world. Imposing a steep financial cost, the annual loss associated with Vibriosis on Indian shrimp farms was USD 39.3 million between 2018 and 2019. As organic acids have antimicrobial properties, they offer a better alternative to antibiotics in reducing the growth of pathogenic bacteria and enhancing the immune responses of shrimp.
Remarking on the study, Subramanian noted that “disease caused by Vibriosis, along with other opportunistic pathogens, present a constant threat to shrimp farmers’ businesses, leading to high mortality and slow growth of shrimp. These findings further support the confident use of organic acids as an alternative tool for feed producers and shrimp farmers in managing disease pressure in shrimp farming”.
Visitors to the Asia-Pacific Aquafeed 2024 event can learn more about Selko’s research and solutions at Trouw Nutrition booths 197 and 198.
