The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of organic acids on the growth and digestive performance of Penaeus vannamei. The organic acids were extracted from the biofloc culture water was confirmed using GC-MS and were supplemented in the commercial feed at the rate of 2%. The treatment group includes a) control (C) b) biofloc (T1) and c) diet supplemented with organic acids (T2). The animals (Initial weight- 1.08g) were stocked at a density of 500/m3 in 100L FRP tanks in triplicates for 60 days. Water quality parameters were maintained under optimum conditions and the enzyme parameters such as Lipase, Amylase and Protease were analysed fortnightly. The final weight of the experimental groups was as follows: C- 3.27, T1- 4.14 and T2- 4.65g. The highest weight gain was found in the animals fed with organic acids. Apparent digestibility of the shrimp was found to be higher in T2(C- 80.96%, T1-73.92%, and T2-83.43%). Lipase, Amylase and protease activity was higher in T2 and T3 than control at the end of the culture trial. The current study proved the positive effect of supplementing organic acids in the growth and digestive performance of P. vannamei.
Keywords: Organic acids, GC-MS, enzyme parameters, apparent digestibility