Utilization of Crustacean Shell Extract as a Natural Antioxidant Source in Functional Feed to Enhance Growth and Immunity of Whiteleg Shrimp (Penaeus vannamei)

Abstract

Astaxanthin is a natural antioxidant that plays a crucial role in enhancing the immune response of aquatic organisms. This study evaluated the effects of crustacean shell extract on the growth performance, survival rate, and immune response of the whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei), and identified the primary bioactive compounds through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The extract was obtained via maceration using 96% ethanol and incorporated into feed at a dose of 2g/ kg for 56 days of rearing. Results showed that the inclusion of crustacean shell extract significantly (P<0.05) improved the specific growth rate (5.10%/day), survival rate (96%), and phagocytosis activity (92%) compared to the control group. The GC-MS analysis identified dominant bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties, including 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (linoleic acid methyl ester; 5.93% area) from the whiteleg shrimp carapace (PUFA omega-6), 5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaenoic acid methyl ester (EPA; 2.81% area) from mud crab shell (PUFA omega-3), and 5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaenoic acid methyl ester (EPA; 1.11% area) from swimming crab shell (PUFA omega-3). These compounds are recognized for their strong antioxidant, immunostimulant, and anti-inflammatory properties. These findings suggest that crustacean shell extract holds significant potential as a natural functional feed additive to sustainably enhance the growth performance, survival, and immune system of the whiteleg shrimp.

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