Live-feed Enriched with Microalgae as a Potential Diet to Enhance Growth Performance, Survival and Proximate Composition of Shrimp (Penaeus monodon) Post-Larvae

Abstract

The present study investigated the efficacy of Gonyostomum sp. and Tetraselmis sp., respectively as enrichment agents for rotifers and as direct dietary components in the larval rearing of Penaeus monodon post-larvae (PL). Five treatment groups were evaluated over a 30-day period: direct feeding with Gonyostomum sp. (LG), direct feeding with Tetraselmis sp. (LT), rotifers enriched with Gonyostomum sp. (ERG), rotifers enriched with Tetraselmis sp (ERT), and commercial hatchery feed (CF). Growth performance, survival, proximate composition, fatty acid profile, haemolymph parameters, and cadmium (Cd) stress tolerance were assessed. The CF and ERG groups exhibited nearly same performance in most growth parameters with slight elevation in CF (p < 0.05), while ERG significantly enhanced early survival (PL5-PL15) and immune responses, as indicated by elevated total hemocyte count, protein concentration, and triglyceride levels. ERG also showed superior resistance to Cd exposure, with the lowest cumulative mortality at 48 h. LT and LG treatments demonstrated suboptimal growth and survival, suggesting limited nutritional adequacy when applied directly. Fatty acid profiling revealed that ERG group had the highest n-3 PUFA content, correlating with improved physiological performance. These findings highlight the potential of Gonyostomum sp.-enriched rotifers as a sustainable live-feed during larval stages, while emphasizing the necessity of transitioning to formulated feeds during late post-larval or juvenile stages to achieve optimal growth and stress resilience.