Enhancing Growth of Vannamei Shrimp with Chlorella vulgaris Extracts as Immunostimulants

Recent research has explored the effects of *Chlorella vulgaris* extract on the growth of vanname shrimp (*Litopenaeus vannamei*), particularly in the context of ectoparasitic infections. The study aimed to evaluate how different doses of *Chlorella vulgaris* and varying rearing durations impacted the growth and survival rates of these shrimp.

Experimental Design

The experimental design was based on a completely randomized approach, focusing on two primary variables: the dosage of *Chlorella vulgaris* extract (categorized as no extract (A0), 400 mg/kg (A1), 800 mg/kg (A2), and 1200 mg/kg (A3)) and the duration of rearing (0 days (B1), 7 days (B2), 14 days (B3), 21 days (B4), and 28 days (B5)). Key metrics evaluated included survival rate (SR), specific growth rate (SGR), and absolute growth (GR), while controlling for water quality parameters such as temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, salinity, and ammonia levels.

Results

Results indicated that shrimp receiving an 800 mg/kg dose of *Chlorella vulgaris* extract for a rearing period of 28 days achieved a survival rate of 50%, along with a specific growth rate of 4.17% and an absolute weight gain of 1.39 grams. In comparison, the control group that did not receive any extract displayed a lower survival rate of 36%.

Analysis

The analysis revealed no significant interactions between the dosage of *Chlorella vulgaris* and the duration of rearing concerning survival rates. However, the data suggested that the 800 mg/kg dosage administered over 28 days was associated with favorable growth performance, likely due to the nutritional properties of the extract, which includes carotenoids that may improve immunological resistance to parasitic infections.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the study presents *Chlorella vulgaris* extract as a viable immunostimulant that positively influences the growth and survivability of vanname shrimp. The findings indicate that an optimal dosage of 800 mg/kg over a 28-day period may enhance both growth and resilience to ectoparasitic challenges. This research, conducted by Prof. Dr. Gunanti Mahasri, highlights the potential applications of *Chlorella vulgaris* in aquaculture to improve shrimp health and production outcomes.

Original source: https://unair.ac.id/en/growth-of-vaname-shrimp-infested-with-ectoparasites-as-immunostimulant/