This study aimed to determine the optimal co-feeding combination for the early larval and post-larval stages of Litopenaeus vannamei (Pacific white shrimp) by investigating the effects of different levels of Artemia nauplii Instar I co-fed with two commercial micro-particulate diets. Two independent larval experiments were conducted, and the performance of L. vannamei postlarvae was evaluated in terms of survival, growth, specific growth rate (MGR), osmotic stress test, fatty acid and amino acid composition, as well as whole-body composition. The results showed that increasing the inclusion levels of Artemia significantly improved survival during the hatchery cycle (PL15) up to a maximum level of 5,900 g of Artemia per million L. vannamei postlarvae produced.
Survival rates further improved with increased Artemia inclusion levels during the extended nursery life stages up to PL 35. However, biochemical analysis did not provide a clear explanation for the enhanced survival rates. Additional research is required to fully understand the underlying mechanisms behind the observed improvements. These findings contribute to our understanding of co-feeding strategies for L. vannamei postlarvae and emphasize the importance of further investigation in this area.