ULVA MEAL AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR FISH MEAL IN PRACTICAL DIETS FOR PACFIC WHITE SHRIMP Litopenaeus vannamei

To develop sustainable and economical aquaculture, various plants based proteins are potential alternative sources for fish meal. Microalgae have received particular interest in the aquaculture sector because they are rich sources of vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and carotenoid pigments for aquatic animals. To evaluate the potential of ulva meal in practical diets for Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei, a six weeks growth trial was conducted in a recirculation system consist at E. W Shell Fisheries Research Station, Auburn, AL, USA. Shrimp were fed four times daily. All test diets share an equal protein and lipid basis (35% protein and 8% lipid).  The first diet is the basal diet that contain 10% fish meal without ulva meal inclusion, whereas the next four diets supplemented with ulva meal to replace an increasing level of fish meal (2%, 4%, 6%, and 8%). Growth performance results for the six weeks trial were presented in the Table 1. Final mean weight was significantly reduced, while feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly increased at 6% and 8% fish meal replacements. Weight gain (WG) was significantly decreased when ulva meal replace 4%, 6%, and 8% fish meal. At the conclusion of six weeks growth trial, 4 shrimp were randomly selected for biochemical analysis which is ongoing. Apparent digestibility coefficients for energy, protein and phosphorus will be determined using chromic oxide as inert marker and 70:30 replacement technique. The analysis is still ongoing.