Endotoxin, a lipop olysaccharide component of gram-negative bacteria’s outer cell wall membrane , is a common denominator in many animal diseases . Its significant impact includes the suppression of immunity in various animals, including those in aquaculture. Despite reports of aquatic species’ resilience to endotoxin, continual exposure to Gram-negative bacteria, prevalent in aquatic ecosystems, can compromise immune function and growth stimulation.
To address the challenges posed by endotoxin, a 45-day feeding trial was conducted in 100 L tanks focusing on Liptopenaneus vannamei. The study aimed to explore the potential benefits of a mineral-bound prebiotic-phytogenic blend (MBPB). Feeds containing three different levels of MBPB (0, 100, and 1000 g/ton feed) were tested alongside three doses of orally administered endotoxin (0, 10 ppm, and 100 ppm).
Twenty-seven shrimp tanks were randomly assigned to each diet, stocked at a density of 20 shrimp per tank (with an average body weight of 3-5 g per shrimp), and maintained in 25-30 ppt salinity . Feeding rates were adjusted based on body weight throughout the trial period. Survival rates were recorded at the trial’s conclusion, and hemolymph samples were collected to assess immune parameters among dietary treatments (n=5 per treatment). Data analysis using the GLIMMIX SAS procedure revealed significant differences between shrimp-fed MBPB-containing feeds and those on the control diet. The effects were most pronounced with the highest MBPB levels (1000 g/ton feed), compared to the lower MBPB diet (100 g/ton feed), across varying endotoxin doses (Fig 1).
These results suggest that MBPB additives in shrimp feed enhance immune response and survivability.