Krill meal, sourced from Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) harvested in the Southern Ocean, is a nutrient-rich feed ingredient containing approximately 60% protein and 25% lipids high in phospholipids, omega-3 fatty acids, and astaxanthin esters. Additionally, it contains chitin, trimethylamine oxide, free amino acids, and nucleotides, serving as potential feeding stimulants. Partial replacement of fish meal with krill meal in diets has shown to stimulate feed intake and enhance growth performance in whiteleg shrimp ( P. vannamei ). Moreover, studies have explored its effects on immune gene expression and hepatopancreas function , highlighting its role in supporting shrimp health . Lastly, the inclusion of dietary krill meal was investigated in relation to Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) infection in shrimp, demonstrating improved growth outcomes.
This presentation aims to summarize how krill meal functions as a feeding stimulant, growth accelerator, health promoter, and cost-effective solution in aquaculture, providing insights into its multifaceted benefits and potential for sustainable aquafeed formulation.