Feed additive is a substance added to animal feed to improve feed quality and animal’s growth and health. This substance is used in the livestock and fishery industries to meet the nutritional needs of livestock and cultivated animals, improve feed efficiency, and provide health benefits. Feed additives are usually given by mixing with shrimp feed.
In the fishery industry, the use of feed additives, especially in shrimp farming, has become a common practice to improve the growth and health of shrimp. Several types of feed additives that are commonly used include prebiotics, probiotics, digestive enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. The use of the feed additive itself depends on the purpose or problem that will be solved.
The benefits of feed additive for shrimp farming
Feed additives have various benefits for shrimp farming, especially regarding shrimp health. The benefits are:
- Helps the shrimp digestion process
Feed additives can help improve the absorption of feed nutrients on the digestibility of shrimp. The addition of feed additives can help shrimp absorb nutrients and improve health and immunity.
- Increase the growth rate of shrimp
Some feed additives, such as prebiotics, probiotics and amino acids, contain additional nutrients needed by shrimp so that the growth rate of shrimp will be faster.
- Improve shrimp health
Feed additives help boost the shrimp's immune system thereby reducing the risk of disease infection and improving the overall health of the shrimp.
- Improve feed quality
Basically, feed additives serve as nutrients to increase feed quality. Therefore, feed additives do not have much effect on the nutritional value of feed, but more on feed performance. The nutritional value of the feed is determined from the raw material formulation with the ingredients needed by the shrimp, for example protein and fat.
Where can we get feed additives?
Feed additives for shrimp farming can be obtained from various sources. Here are some options:
- Shrimp feed manufacturer and distributor
Many companies produce and distribute feed additives for various types of cultivated animals including shrimp.
- Cultivation supply store
Various types of feed and feed additives for aquaculture needs can be found in aquaculture supply stores.
- Cultivation exhibitions and conferences
Aquaculture exhibitions and conferences are often places where aquaculture producers, distributors, and service providers come together. They usually open a booth so that customers can get direct information about the products they offer.
Before buying a feed additive, make sure to do thorough research regarding cultivation needs and the most suitable type of feed additive. Make sure that the feed additive purchased comes from a trusted source and has the appropriate certification. It is also advisable to consult with experienced aquaculture experts or researchers before choosing and using suitable feed additives for shrimp farming. In the end, choosing the right and environmentally friendly feed additive can support the success of cultivation.
Sources
Ecosystems and Human Well-Being | FAO
Hamsah, Darmawati, Nurhijrah S. 2020. Pengaruh Pemberian Pakan dengan Penambahan Mannanoligosakarida (MOS) terhadap Kinerja Pertumbuhan Udang Vaname (Litopenaeus vannamei) | Octopus: Jurnal Ilmu Perikanan Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar
