In shrimp cultivation, nutrition is one of the key factors that must be considered for optimal shrimp growth. In addition to proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates that shrimp can obtain from their feed, farmers also need to provide vitamins to support shrimp growth. Vitamins are typically mixed into the feed at a dose of around 3 g/1 kg of feed. What are the essential vitamins for vannamei shrimp to grow faster? Read more in this article.
Vannamei Shrimp Vitamins
1. Vitamin A
Vitamin A, also known as retinol, is essential for growth, development, and reproductive health in shrimp. It also helps with the formation of pigmentation in shrimp. Vitamin A can be provided through supplements containing beta-carotene, such as spirulina or plankton. The daily requirement of vitamin A for vannamei shrimp is around 5,000 IU/kg of feed.
2. Vitamin B complex
Vitamin B complex (B1, B2, B6, B12) is essential for shrimp to metabolize carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, making them crucial for growth and energy production. The B complex vitamins also stimulate shrimp appetite, helping them grow larger and boosting their immune system against diseases. These vitamins are typically available in feed additives along with other vitamins and minerals. The daily requirement of B complex vitamins for vannamei shrimp is:
- 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
3. Vitamin C
Vitamin C or ascorbic acid is required by shrimp at a dose of 150 mg/kg of feed for optimal collagen formation. Collagen determines the growth rate and immunity of shrimp. Vitamin C also protects cells from damage due to free radicals. Vitamin C is available in a range of feed additives, but as this vitamin is quite unstable, choose products which offer vitamin C in a stable form, such as microencapsulated vitamin C or ascorbyl polyphosphate.
4. Vitamin D
Vitamin D plays an important role in the regulation of the minerals calcium and phosphorus in shrimp, which supports the formation of strong shells. It also aids the immune response and lipid metabolism. Shrimp need 1,000 IU/kg of feed daily. Vitamin D is usually provided through feed additives in combination with calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium.
5. Vitamin E
Vitamin E is needed at a daily dose of 620 mg/kg of feed to help shrimp withstand environmental stress. It also reduces the risk of diseases. Vitamin E can be sourced through fish oil or plant-based oil feeds.
Conclusion
Vitamins are an essential nutrient for vannamei shrimp to grow optimally. Some of the important vitamins for faster shrimp growth include:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B complex
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
Vitamin E
Providing vitamins for vannamei shrimp throughout cultivation should follow the recommended dosage to be effective and meet the shrimp’s needs. Be sure to record vitamin supplementation as part of your treatment on JALA App to monitor the amount and timing of supplementation and assess its impact on shrimp growth.
In addition to vitamin supplementation, you can record over 40 cultivation parameters on JALA App to better understand pond conditions and take appropriate action. What are you waiting for? Register yourself through app.jala.tech and download the mobile version from Google Play Store or App Store!
Resources
Conklin, D. E. (1989). Vitamin requirements of juvenile Penaeid shrimp. Advances in tropical aquaculture. Pathinathan, P., & Roshan, H. K. T. (2024). Optimizing nutritional requirements for sustainable shrimp and prawn aquaculture. Acta Scientific Veterinary Sciences, 6(4).
