Shrimp needs various nutrients to grow and be healthy. One of them is vitamin C. Vitamin C is considered an essential nutrient because shrimp cannot produce it on its own, thus it needs to obtain this vitamin from supplements. Sufficient vitamin C ensures normal onset of physiological processes in shrimp. What are the benefits of vitamin C for shrimp health? Learn more in this article!
The main benefits of vitamin C for shrimp
1. Supporting the immune system
Vitamin C acts as an immunostimulant, enhancing shrimp's resistance to various pathogens and diseases. With sufficient vitamin C intake, shrimp are better prepared to fight infections, reducing mortality rates caused by diseases.
2. Repairing tissues and synthesizing collagen
Vitamin C is needed for collagen synthesis, which is crucial for the formation of connective tissues and the shrimp's exoskeleton. When shrimp experience injuries, such as damage from molting, vitamin C accelerates the healing process by promoting tissue regeneration.
3. Fighting free radicals
As an antioxidant, vitamin C protects shrimp’s body cells from damage caused by free radicals that lead to oxidative stress. In pond environments exposed to pollution or feed residues, oxidative stress can occur, and vitamin C helps maintain overall cell health.
4. Reducing stress
Supplementation of vitamin C can help reduce stress in shrimp, especially during environmental changes or water quality fluctuations. By minimizing stress, shrimp can adapt more quickly and grow optimally.
Effects of vitamin C deficiency
1. Hindered growth
Shrimp lacking sufficient vitamin C experience slow growth. Research shows that shrimp deprived of adequate vitamin C have lower growth rates compared to those receiving vitamin supplementation.
2. Decrease in molting frequency
Shrimp with vitamin C deficiency will have less molting frequency. Molting is essential for shrimp growth. Incomplete or infrequent molting can lead to developmental issues and hinder physical growth.
3. Weakened immunity
Vitamin C deficiency causes shrimp to be more susceptible to stress and diseases. Their immune system does not function effectively, increasing the risk of bacterial and viral infections.
4. Lack of appetite
A lack of vitamin C is also associated with reduced appetite, negatively affecting feed consumption and overall health. Shrimp become less active in seeking food, which disrupts the farming process.
Recommended dosage for vitamin C
The vitamin C requirement for shrimp varies according to its species and life stage. The recommended dose generally varies from 150 to 600 mg/kg of feed, and research has shown that a dosage of 375 mg/kg of feed can improve growth and survival rate of vannamei shrimp.
Conclusion
Vitamin C is essential for various physiological processes in shrimp, such as supporting the immune system and helping shrimp recover from stress, as well as serving as an antioxidant to protect cells from damage due to oxidative stress. Vitamin C also helps with collagen synthesis, which is crucial for the growth and repair of body tissues, and speeds up exoskeleton regeneration.
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