Outside the known pigmentation effects, carotenoids, such as astaxanthin, have been found to play a crucial role in enhancing zootechnical performance, improving antioxidant status, boosting immune function, and increasing disease resistance in both fish and shrimp. Astaxanthin, primary carotenoid pigment in aquatic animals, is found in various organisms such bacteria or algae, and known for several biological activities. It exhibits powerful antioxidant properties, neutralizing harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can lead to oxidative stress and damage cellular structures. Paracoccus carotinifaciens, is a gram-negative, aerobic microorganism which contains up to 40 g kg-1 of total carotenoids, including red carotenoids such as astaxanthin, adonirubin, canthaxanthin and adonixanthin. The commercial product known as Panaferd®-AX has been approved since 2007 by the European Food and Safety Authority (EFSA) as a feed additive in aquatic feeds for salmonids and its efficiency and added value well assessed for various species.
This review will update the benefits of Panaferd-AX natural carotenoids for two warmwater species and specific stages:
Natural carotenoîds derived from Paracoccus carotinifaciens can enhance pigmentation but also greatly contributes to sustain the animal health status during challenging farming conditions..