Optimising feed management for green tiger shrimp (Penaeus semisulcatus) in a biofloc system: impacts on growth performance, body composition and antioxidant activities

Mohammad Hossein Khanjani; Moslem Sharifinia

doi:10.17017/j.fish.1038

Mohammad Hossein Khanjani Department of Fisheries Sciences and Engineering, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Jiroft, Jiroft, Kerman 7867155311, Iran
Moslem Sharifinia Shrimp Research Center, Iranian Fisheries Sciences Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Bushehr 75169-89177, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.17017/j.fish.1038

Keywords: antioxidant activity, biofloc system, feeding levels, green tiger shrimp, growth performance

Abstract

This study conducted over a 45-day period examined how different feeding strategies affect green tiger shrimp (Penaeus semisulcatus) development in biofloc aquaculture systems. The investigation focused on juvenile shrimp with an initial mean weight 2.85 ± 0.22 g, distributed across various experimental conditions. Five distinct treatment groups were considered, each consisting of tanks with a volume of 150 L of filtered seawater. Each tank was stocked with 53 shrimp, maintaining a stocking density of ~1 g L^–1. Four groups utilised biofloc technology (BFT) with varying feeding levels: 0% (BFT0), 2% (BFT2), 4% (BFT4) and 6% (BFT6) of body weight per day. One additional group served as control, using a clear water system with feeding level of 6% (CW6) body weight daily. The BFT systems successfully maintained optimal water parameters despite minimal water exchange requirements. Performance metrics indicated that shrimp in the BFT4 and BFT6 groups achieved higher biomass production and survival rates. Biochemical analyses demonstrated enhanced nutritional profiles (protein, lipid and ash) in BFT-treated specimens. Antioxidant enzyme activity was significantly elevated in BFT systems, indicating improved overall health status. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities were significantly higher in BFT groups than control. These findings suggest that feeding juvenile green tiger shrimp at 4% body weight within a BFT system represents an optimal strategy, achieving balanced growth performance while maintaining superior water quality and enhanced animal health indicators without compromising survival rates or body composition.

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