High Health Functional Shrimp Feed:

the next generation of SGH

HH

Albert G.J. Tacon PhD

STP Nutrition Consultant
Aquahana LLC
Kailua HI 96734 USA
agjtacon@aol.com
 Genetics & Nutrition determine the
health & well-being of all Shrimp

Genetics & breeding Nutrition Nutrition & feeding

Selection criteria: disease
& Feeding Nutrient sources
resistance, growth, Feed formulation
reproduction, color, Feed manufacture
temperature tolerance Feed management

Culture Health &

Environment Disease
Currently: wide range of farming systems, feeds & feeding
systems employed by shrimp farmers

• Stocking densities • Natural foods

• Production units • Supplementary
• Water management • Farm-made
• Aeration methods • Pelleted feeds
• Feeding methods Nutrition • Extruded feeds
& Feeding

Culture Health &

Environment Disease

Bottom line: $ Cost/unit production over culture cycle

CONTRIBUTION OF NATURAL FOODS & COMPOUND
AQUAFEEDS IN DIFFERENT FARMING SYSTEMS

Nutritional contribution
Extensive
of natural food
Extensive organisms

Semi-intensive

Semi-intensive

Dependance
Intensive
on compound feeds
Intensive – open/closed systems

Farming systems Production Cost & Feed Use

Need for strict environmental control to minimize shrimp
tress & thereby optimize shrimp health & wellbeing

Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Syndrome continued

B
R

Normal shrimp hepatopancreas with distinct R, B, F and Proximal-to-distal progression of lesion in the
E (inset) cells. hepatopancreas with dysfunction of R, B, F and E cells.
Source: C Lavilla-Pitogo Source: D Lightner

Nutrition Sloughing of HP cells Lack of E-cell mitosis Lack of B, F and R cells

& Feeding Enlarged HP nuclei Hemocytic infiltration Secondary bacterial infection

Histopathology of Penaeus vannamei hepatopancreas from Thailand affected by AHPNS.

Source: T Flegel

Culture Health &

Environment Disease
Major shrimp stressors through diet,
feeding & culture environment

Nutrition &
feeding
stressors
Nutrition
Sub-optimal feed & nutrition
& Feeding Poor ingredient quality
Antinutrients & toxins
Poor feed management
Over & under feeding
Viable pathogens
through feeds

Culture Health &

Environment Disease
 Environmental culture stress Imbalanced sub-optimal feed

Infectious disease agents parasites, injuries, toxins

Open unstable environment Reduced Feed Intake Sub-optimal feed

Sub-optimal water quality
Poor water management
Toxic sediment buildup
Algal blooms & crashes
Competing bacterial
flora & biota
Poor ingredient quality
Antinutrients & toxins
Reduced Nutritional Status Poor feed management
Over & under feeding
Viable pathogens
through feeds

Reduced Shrimp Health

≠
Change in dietary nutrient Reduced gut health & Gut: first line
requirements nutrient absorption of defense

Nutrition & Health Interactions 7

(modified after Tacon & Tran, 2022)
 Nutritional disorders Pathology signs
EXTERNAL
Related to Ø Animal behavior
Ø Proteins & amino acids Ø Body shape & size
Ø Lipids & fatty acids Ø Eyes, fins & gills
Ø Minerals & trace Ø Lesions & hemorrhage
elements Ø Skin color & pigmentation
Ø Vitamin imbalances Ø Feed intake & FCR
Ø Anti-nutritional factors INTERNAL
Ø Feed contaminants Ø Blood & hematology
Ø Gut structure & function
Usually results in Ø Heart
Ø Reduced growth & FCR Ø Immunity & disease resistance
2022
Ø Reduced disease Ø Liver/hepatopancreas
resistance, health & Ø Muscle S & F
survival Ø Skeletal & bone abnormality
Ø Kidney/spleen S & F
 Example of major pathology signs related to nutrition

Major pathology sign Nutrient

Reduced disease resistance Ø Essential amino acid deficiency: Arginine,

& immune function Isoleucine, Methionine, Phenylalanine,
Taurine, Threonine, Tryptophan & Valine
Ø Essential fatty acid deficiency
Ø Mineral deficiency: Copper, Chromium
Ø Vitamin deficiency: Vitamin A, Vitamin E,
Vitamin C, Thiamine, Riboflavin,
Pantothenic acid, Nicotinic acid, Folic
acid, Choline
Ø Oxidized lipids
Ø Mycotoxin contamination
Functional health properties of key amino acids
 Feed Formulation Risks:
feed ingredient selection

The essen5al dietary nutrients of fish & shrimp

H20 The essen5al dietaryPROTEINS
CARBOHYDRATES nutrients of fish LIPIDS
& shrimp ASH

Arg His Iso Leu Lys Met Phe Thr Try Val Tau

18:2n-6 18:3n-3 20:4n-6 20:5n-3 22:6n-3 Cholesterol Phospholipids

Ca Mg P K Na Cu Zn Fe Mn Se Co I Se

A D E K B1 B2 B6 Pa Ni Bio

B12 Fo Ch In C Ast Mo

46-50 essen5al dietary nutrients present in a diges5ble & available form

Si V
Plant feed ingredients
Func5onal ingredients with reported health benefits
Nutrients Non-nutrients
containing
Amino acids Alginates
Nucleo5des
FaLy acids
Vitamins
Minerals
Beta glucans
Carageenans
Chitosans
Lactoferrin
Mannans
endogenous
Others
Essen5al oils
Organic acids
Prebio5cs
Probio5cs
Pep5doglycan
Plant extracts
anti-nutritional
Ingredients with func5onal proper5es may improve fish survival but are not a
panacea to eliminate disease problem
factors (ANFs)
)
that may promote
leaky guts

11/5/23 11
Major reported health effects of aflatoxin (AFL), fumonisin (FUM), ochratoxin A (OTA), deoxynivalenol
(DON), and zaralenone (ZEN) in humans and animals (modified after Cinar & Onbasi, 2019)

AFL FUM OTA DON ZEN

Carcinogenic

Hepato-toxic

Immuno-toxic

GI-toxic

Nephro-toxic

Neuro-toxic

Oestrogenic

Teratogenic

Tacon & Tran (2022)

 But rate production in the gut has beneficial functions

Cell proliferation Tight junction Anti-inflammatory

and migration repair/strenghtening responses

PPAR activation
anti-inflammatory
transcription factor
Filip Van Immerseel
11/5/23 Ghent University 13
 Moisture Crude NFE
fiber Ash
Crude Goss Crude
protein energy lipid Proximate feed analysis

Water Feed label depending in the USA

Protein Lipid

Fiber Ash
NFE

Although proximate chemical analysis is routinely used by feed laboratories for monitoring the composition of feed
ingredients & finished feeds, the results have little practical value due to the non-specific nature of the methods used
& the fact that no information is provided on the nutrients present or concerning their bioavailability
 Crustacean
species
73

Essential Dietary Nutrients

Essential nutrients EAA Fatty Essential nutrients
Arginine amino Water acids 18:2n-6, 18:3n-3, 20:4n-6
NEAA acids
Histidine Protein Lipid 22:5n-3, 22:6n-3
amino
Isoleucine Triglycerides Cholesterol *
acids
Leucine Phospholipids *
Lysine Peptides Phospho Vitamin A, C, D, E, K
Fiber Ash
Methionine -lipids Vitamin B1 B2 B5 B6 B7 B12
Phenylalanine NFE Choline, Inositol, Folic acid,
Threonine Sterols Carotenoids/astaxanthin *
Tyrosine Nucleotides
Valine Calcium, Phosphorus,
Gross Glucose Fat-soluble Potassium, Sodium, Iron,
Taurine *
minerals vitamins Magnesium, Manganese,
Peptides * Trace 50+ Zinc, Copper, Cobalt, Iodine,
Water- Selenium, Chromium,
Nucleotides * elements soluble vitamins
Molybdenum, Silicon *
Dietary nutrient requirements

min max
Dietary Health &
nutrients well-being
Aquatic protein meals & oils 5-20% Ingredients commonly used in feeds for
Fishmeals & oil: wild & farmed 5-20 PENAEID SHRIMP SPECIES
Squid meal, krill meal 2-10
Seaweed meals & products 1-5
Cultured microbial biomass 1-5

Terrestrial animal proteins & oils 5-10%

Poultry by-products 5-10
Porcine by-products 2-5
Ruminant by-products 2-5
Terrestrial invertebrates 1-5

Terrestrial plant proteins & oils 10-30%

Oilseed protein by-products 10-30
Cereal protein by-products 5-15
Pulse protein by-products 5-15
Feed additives 0-5%
Other plant proteins 5-15
Vitamins, antioxidants, pigments, emulsifiers
Other plant meals & fillers 25-40% Minerals, trace elements, salt
Cereal meals & by-products 15-50 Amino acids, nucleotides, feeding attractants
Root meals & extracts 2-10 Enzymes, gut modifiers, prebiotics, probiotics, acidifiers
Fruit meals & by-products 1-5 Immune enhancers, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-parasitical
Forage & leaf meals 1-5 Binders, growth promoters, hormones, antibiotics
Aquatic protein meals & oils 5-20% Ingredients commonly used in feeds for
Fish meals & oil: wild & farmed 5-20 PENAEID SHRIMP SPECIES
Squid meal, krill meal 2-10
Seaweed meals & products 1-5
Cultured microbial biomass 1-5

Terrestrial animal proteins & oils 5-10%

Poultry by-products 5-10
Porcine by-products 2-5
Ruminant by-products 2-5
Terrestrial invertebrates 1-5

Terrestrial plant proteins & oils 10-30%

Oilseed protein by-products 10-30
Cereal protein by-products 5-15
Pulse protein by-products 5-15
Feed additives 0-5%
Other plant proteins 5-15
Vitamins, antioxidants, pigments, emulsifiers, MCTs
Other plant meals & fillers 25-40% Minerals, trace elements, salt
Cereal meals & by-products 15-50 Amino acids, nucleotides, feeding attractants
Root meals & extracts 2-10 Enzymes, gut modifiers, prebiotics, probiotics, acidifiers
Fruit meals & by-products 1-5 Immune enhancers, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-parasitical
Forage & leaf meals 1-5 Binders, growth promoters, hormones, antibiotics
 Functional ingredients with reported health benefits
Nutrients
EAA - amino acids Prebiotics
Nucleotides Probiotics
Fatty acids Alginates
Sterols Beta glucans
Vitamins Carageenans
Minerals Chitosans
Others Lactoferrin
Mannans
Enzymes Peptidoglycan
Emulsifiers Plant extracts
Essential oils
Organic acids
Ingredients with functional properties may improve shrimp survival
but are not a panacea to eliminate a disease problem
 Functional Feed Ingredients used within STP High Health
Shrimp Feeds with reported Health Benefits

Nutrients Others
Free amino acids Emulsifiers
Nucleotides Organic acids
Fatty acids Prebiotics
Sterols Beta glucans
Vitamins Mannans
Minerals Zeolites

High Health Functional Shrimp Feed

 Aquatic protein meals & oils 1-25% Major ingredient groups commonly used in

Main factors affecting shrimp on-farm feed performance

Fishmeals & oil: wild & farmed AQUACULTURE FEEDS
Squid meal, krill meal
Seaweed meals & products
Cultured microbial biomass

Terrestrial animal proteins & oils 1-25%

Poultry by-products
Porcine by-products
Ruminant by-products
Terrestrial invertebrates

Terrestrial plant proteins & oils 1-25%

Oilseed protein by-products

1 Controlled by
Cereal protein by-products
Pulse protein by-products
Feed additives 0-5%
Other plant proteins
Vitamins, antioxidants, pigments, emulsifiers
Other plant meals & fillers 1-25% Minerals, trace elements, salt
Cereal meals & by-products Amino acids, nucleotides, feeding attractants
Root meals & extracts Enzymes, gut modifiers, prebiotics, probiotics, acidifiers

Feed company
Fruit meals & by-products Immune enhancers, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-parasitical
Forage & leaf meals Binders, growth promoters, hormones, antibiotics

Farming Feed
system & water formulation &
5 quality nutrient level

2
On-farm Feed
feed handling Processing &
& use feed quality

Feed
transport
& storage

Controlled by
4
3
Farmer
 Feed formulation & nutrient level

• Minimum dietary nutrient levels for each 1 G H

species and size group, including
larval/starter, nursery, grow-out & brood fish
Feed
• Feed ingredient selection & use, including formulation &
minimum & maximum dietary constraints, nutrient level
use of feed additives & formulation costs

Aquatic protein meals & oils 1-25% Major ingredient groups commonly used in
Fishmeals & oil: wild & farmed AQUACULTURE FEEDS
Squid meal, krill meal
455 species
Seaweed meals & products
73 species Cultured microbial biomass

Terrestrial animal proteins & oils 1-25%

Essential Dietary Nutrients
Poultry by-products
Essential nutrients EAA Fatty Essential nutrients Porcine by-products

Arginine amino Water acids 18:2n-6, 18:3n-3, 20:4n-6 Ruminant by-products

NEAA acids
Histidine Protein Lipid 22:5n-3, 22:6n-3 Terrestrial invertebrates
amino
Isoleucine Triglycerides Cholesterol *
acids Terrestrial plant proteins & oils 1-25%
Leucine Phospholipids *
Lysine Phospho Oilseed protein by-products
Peptides Fiber Vitamin A, C, D, E, K
Methionine Ash -lipids Cereal protein by-products
Vitamin B1 B2 B5 B6 B7 B12
Phenylalanine NFE Choline, Inositol, Folic acid, Pulse protein by-products
Feed additives 0-5%
Threonine Sterols Carotenoids/astaxanthin *
Nucleotides Other plant proteins
Tyrosine Vitamins, antioxidants, pigments, emulsifiers
Valine Calcium, Phosphorus, Other plant meals & fillers 1-25% Minerals, trace elements, salt
Gross Glucose Fat-soluble Potassium, Sodium, Iron,
Taurine *
minerals vitamins Cereal meals & by-products Amino acids, nucleotides, feeding attractants
Magnesium, Manganese,
Zinc, Copper, Cobalt, Iodine, Root meals & extracts Enzymes, gut modifiers, prebiotics, probiotics, acidifiers
Peptides * Trace Water- 50+
Nucleotides * elements Selenium, Chromium, Fruit meals & by-products Immune enhancers, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-parasitical
soluble vitamins
Molybdenum, Silicon * Forage & leaf meals Binders, growth promoters, hormones, antibiotics
 Feed processing & quality
• Feed processing method
Ø Pelleting, extrusion cooking
Ø Size reduction (grinding)
Ø Pre & post-pellet conditioning
Ø Pellet drying, top coating
Ø Sifting, crumble
Ø Percent fines & reuse
Ø Bagging & labeling 2
Ø Use of specific BMPs or GMPs
• Feed quality control Feed
processing &
Ø Ingredient & feed storage feed quality
Ø Quality control methodology
Ø Nutrient bioavailability
Ø Water stability/leaching
Ø Feed safety controls
Ø Pest control measures
 Feed transport & storage

• Feed transportation to farmer

Ø Method of transport: truck, boat, rail,
plane
Ø Packaging: big bags, sacks, containers
Ø Protection from elements: sun, water,
pests
Ø Location of feed depots & time taken to
reach depots
• On-farm feed storage
Ø Feed record keeping & storage
Ø Feed storage area & storage conditions:
temperature, humidity, ventilation,
Feed
prevention from water damage, pest transport
control & storage
Ø Use of expired feeds
3
 On-farm feed handling & use

• On-farm feed management practice

Ø Feeding method: by hand, boat, tray,
auto-feeder, truck
Ø Feed application criteria: feed table,
appetite, trays, experience, water
quality
Ø Frequency of feed application for each
size age class
On-farm
feed handling • Application of feed additives on-farm
& use
Ø Probiotics, vitamins, additives & method
of application, and criteria for use
Ø Record keeping concerning feed use:
book, board, laptop, tablet, Iphone
4
 Farming system & water quality

• Production system
Ø Raceway, earthen pond, lined pond,
indoor tank
Farming Ø Stocking density
system & water Ø Water management: green water,
5 quality floc or semi-floc, zero-water
exchange, flow-through
Ø Aeration method used
Ø Application/use of probiotics
Ø Natural food availability
• Water quality variation (24h)
Ø Water temperature: min/max
Ø Dissolved oxygen: min/max
Ø NH3 N02 pH PO4 alkalinity
Ø Bacterial/pathogen levels
Ø Phytoplankton/zooplankton
Ø Algal blooms/crashes
 High Health Functional Shrimp Feed

A functional shrimp feed designed to strengthen & enhance shrimp health &
survival, through the use of specific functional feed ingredients & feed additives

Direct benefits to the Indonesian shrimp farmer including:

Ø Increased shrimp disease resistance & immune response capability;

Ø Reduced shrimp stress & improved antioxidant defense capability;
Ø Improved shrimp stress control & osmoregulation capability
Ø Improved shrimp digestive health & nutrient digestibility;
Ø Improved shrimp feeding response & reduced feed wastage;
Ø Improved shrimp survival & farm profitability
Albert G.J. Tacon PhD
Aquahana LLC
Kailua, HI 96734 USA
agjtacon@aol.com