Although the benefits of incorporating algal oil (AO) in plant-based aquafeeds have been established for most commercial fish species, knowledge on the effects of such incorporation in shrimp feeds is scarce. The present study assessed how AO inclusion at different levels in a plant-based shrimp feed could promote growth and FA deposition in the muscle. Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei , were fed a reference diet with marine animal ingredients (F0) or a plant-based diet with vegetable oil alone (P0), or in combination with 1% (P1) or 2% (P2) AO. After 51 days of culture, zootechnical and nutritional performance of shrimp fed with AO supplemented diets was significantly improved. The sensory attributes of shrimp fed P1 and P2 were slightly improved relative to P0 while the EPA and DHA content was three to four times higher, thereby increasing the nutritional value of shrimp. Therefore, plant-based feeds can sustain an efficient production of L. vannamei with controlled fatty acid profiles, provided they are supplemented with AO. In addition, the use of AO eliminates the reliance of shrimp feeds on the limited supplies of marine ingredients while maintaining the forage fish dependency ratio for fish oil of zero and allows for the use of more flexible formulae based on different meals of terrestrial origin.
In conclusion, the incorporation of algal oil in plant-based shrimp feeds offers a sustainable and nutritionally adequate alternative to traditional marine-based feeds. This approach supports the efficient production of Litopenaeus vannamei, enhances the nutritional value of the shrimp, and contributes to the overall sustainability of the aquaculture industry. As the demand for seafood continues to rise, innovations such as these will be essential in ensuring the long-term viability and environmental stewardship of global food production systems.