The effects of the prebiotic supplement inulin on improving growth, digestive, hematological and immune indices in juvenile Pacific whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the effects of the prebiotic supplement inulin on growth, digestive, hematological, and immune indices in juvenile Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei).

Materials & Methods: In this experiment, 25 shrimp with an average weight of 4.88 ± 0.03 g were randomly distributed in 12 polyethylene tanks (300 liters, 25 shrimp per tank) with aeration, and fed a commercial diet for 14 days. Different levels of inulin extracted from the root of chicory were added to the commercial diet. After the culture period, five shrimp from each tank were randomly selected for biochemical analysis.

Results: The results showed that the treatment containing 2% inulin resulted in a higher weight gain compared to other treatments. Also, the highest specific growth rate and the lowest food conversion rate were observed in the treatment containing 2% inulin. Regarding hematological indices, the values of total hemocyte count and semi-granular cell count were significantly different in treatments containing 0.5% and 1% inulin compared to the control, but no significant difference was observed in the treatment containing 2% inulin. In terms of immune indices, the values of lysozyme and phenoloxidase enzymes were higher in treatments containing 1% and 2% inulin. Based on the results, the use of inulin as a probiotic can be effective in improving growth, hematological, and immune indices in Pacific white shrimp.

Conclusion: Based on the results obtained, the treatment containing 2% inulin had the best performance compared to other treatments and can be considered as the best treatment for feeding Pacific white shrimp using inulin as a prebiotic.