Seeing shrimp grow rapidly, strong shells, and remain healthy throughout the culture cycle is a rewarding outcome for farmers. While water quality and feed management play major roles, shrimp health is not determined by these factors alone. Vitamins are equally important in supporting shrimp immunity and overall performance.
Although vitamins are required only in small amounts, deficiencies can lead to metabolic disorders, slow growth, and increased susceptibility to disease. For this reason, vitamin supplementation, either directly or through vitamin and mineral enriched feed additives, has become a key strategy to maintain optimal shrimp performance in ponds.
Types of Vitamins Based on Shrimp Conditions
1. Vitamins to manage stress and disease
Shrimp raised in intensive farming systems often face stressful conditions such as low dissolved oxygen, extreme temperatures, heavy rainfall, and disease outbreaks, and disease infections. Under these conditions, vitamins C and E play a critical role in protecting shrimp health.
- Vitamin C: Strengthens the immune system and accelerates tissue regeneration after molting. It also helps prevent soft shells and supports wound healing caused by friction in high-density ponds. However, as this type of vitamin is susceptible to degradation when improperly stored, farmers should choose stabilized forms such as microencapsulated vitamin C or ascorbyl polyphosphate. The recommended daily requirement is approximately 150 mg/kg of feed.
- Vitamin E: Helps maintain the integrity of cell membranes and supports hepatopancreas health. When pond water becomes turbid or rich in decomposing organic matter, this vitamin neutralizes toxins produced by lipid oxidation, protecting shrimp blood cells from damage. The typical requirement is around 620 mg/kg of feed per day, commonly supplied through fish oil or vegetable oil based feeds.
2. Vitamins to improve shrimp appetite
Shrimp often reduce feed intake after heavy rainfall or water exchange. During these periods, B complex vitamins (B1, B2, B6, and B12) help stabilize energy metabolism and restore digestive function. These vitamins support enzyme activity and help shrimp regain normal feeding behavior. Recommended B complex vitamin requirements include:
- Vitamin B1: 120 mg/kg of feed.
- Vitamin B2: 40 mg/kg of feed.
- Vitamin B6: 120 mg/kg of feed.
- Vitamin B12: 0,2 mg/kg of feed.
