Role of Gut Health in managing challenging environment in Shrimp

Optimum nutrient utilization is the key for accelerating the growth of shrimp and augmenting the production potential. Consumer preference for the antibiotic-free shrimp and fish products attracted the scientists to find out natural growth promoter, as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in aquafeed. Dietary supplementation of organic acids and their salts as growth promoter has been proven in animal feed and well documented. Aquafeed sector has equally benefitted with this novel additive though it was lately introduced. However, unlike animal feed additives the use of acidifier in aquafeed needs a different approach due to diversified feeding habit and wide variation in structure of the digestive system and physiological function. Dietary organic acids can stimulate secretion of pancreatic enzymes, lower gastric pH, inhibit pathogens, act as a source of energy, improve mineral utilization and enhance nutrient digestibility, which could lead to enhanced growth performance of shrimp. It is envisaged that intensive aquaculture will be the major focus in coming decades to supply the quality protein to the burgeoning population with the limited water, land and feed resources.