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Functional amino acids supplementation for shrimp to support moulting: improved cuticle formation leads to higher growth performance
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B. Pratoomchat   , P. Kersanté * , R.T. Pereira , G. Le Reste |
| BCF Life Sciences, Boisel, 56140 Pleucadeuc, France |
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Abstract: (67 Views) |
This study explores the benefits of functional amino acids (AA) in shrimp nutrition, expanding beyond the conventional classification of indispensable and dispensable AA. The effects of supplementing 1% poultry hydrolysate keratin-derived free amino acids (KFAA1%) on whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) were evaluated over a 60-day feeding trial. Two diets were tested: a control diet and a KFAA1% diet, with five replicates per treatment (n=225 shrimp/treatment). Growth performance was assessed (65 shrimp/treatment), while exoskeleton structure and composition were analyzed (15 shrimp/treatment) during the early premoult stage (proecdysis). Exoskeleton formation after moulting was evaluated based on cuticle thickness and the number of layers measured using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The composition of mineral and elemental deposits in the exoskeleton was determined using. Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS). Overall, shrimp fed KFAA1% for 60 days showed a higher average daily gain and weight gain, resulting in higher final body weight and an improved feed conversion rate (-24.8%). Exoskeleton formation was enhanced, with increased chitin content (+19.4%), greater cuticle thickness (+39.7%), and a higher number of layers (+37.7%) in shrimp fed KFAA1%. Supplementing functional AA also increased calcium (+8.1%) and magnesium (+20.0%) in the exoskeleton while reducing sodium (-22.7%) and chloride (-52.2%). These results highlight the benefits of supplementing KFAA1% to support moulting and exoskeleton formation in shrimp during the grow-out stage. For precision nutrition, this study encourages a broader discussion on the roles of amino acids in physiology beyond traditional classifications as indispensable or dispensable.
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| Keywords: Sustainability, Shrimp exoskeleton, Precision nutrition |
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Full-Text [PDF 832 kb]
(44 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/08/3 | Accepted: 2025/10/2 | Published: 2025/08/10
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