Effects of Dietary Algae Supplementation on Growth, Hepatopancreatic Histopathology, and Disease Resistance in Post-Larval White Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

Maliwan Kutako; Sasikarn Prueprak; Piraya Iamsa-ard; Janjarus Watanachote; Molruedee Sonthi

Authors

Maliwan Kutako Faculty of Marine Technology, Burapha University, Chanthaburi, 22170 Thailand https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3707-6442
Sasikarn Prueprak Faculty of Marine Technology, Burapha University, Chanthaburi, 22170 Thailand
Piraya Iamsa-ard Faculty of Marine Technology, Burapha University, Chanthaburi, 22170 Thailand
Janjarus Watanachote Aquatic Animal Disease Diagnostics and Immunology Research Unit, Burapha University, Chanthaburi, 22170 Thailand
Molruedee Sonthi Faculty of Marine Technology, Burapha University, Chanthaburi, 22170 Thailand

Keywords:

Algae, Survivalrate, Histopathology, L. vannamei

Abstract

Algae have been increasingly incorporated into aquaculture feeds as functional additives with dual roles as immunostimulants and growth enhancement. Various species serve as rich reservoirs of essential nutrients and bioactive constituents—such as vitamins, antioxidants, phycocyanin, minerals, amino acids, carotenoids, proteins, and fatty acids—that collectively promote growth and stimulate immunity. A 28-d feeding trial was conducted to assess the impact of different algae-based supplements on growth performance, hepatopancreatic histology, and resistance to Vibrio parahaemolyticus in post-larval Litopenaeus vannamei. Shrimp were divided into 4 groups: control (F0) received the basal diet alone, while treatment groups were fed the basal formulation supplemented with 5 g/kg of dried Ulva sp. (F1), Sargassum sp. (F2), and Spirulina platensis (F3). The results revealed that the F3 group (S. platensis) achieved the greatest improvement in final body weight, weight gain, average daily gain (ADG), and feedconversion ratio (FCR) compared to F0, F1, and F2 (p≤0.05). Following a 168-h V. parahaemolyticus challenge, shrimp in the F3 group exhibited the lowest cumulative mortality rate (6.60 %), significantly lower than that of all other treatments (p≤0.05). Histological examination of the hepatopancreas revealed superior tissueintegrity and a marked reduction in pathogen burden within the F3 group (p≤0.05). In summary, the study highlights the potential of algae as functional additives in shrimp feed demonstrating their capacity to enhance growth performance, induce beneficial histological alterations, and enhance resistance to V. parahaemolyticus. Among the algae tested, S. platensis proved to be the most effective supplement.

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