Comparative Evaluation of Growth, Survival and Biochemical composition of the Whiteleg Shrimp (PENAEUS VANNAMEI) Cultured under Low Saline and Saline Pond Conditions
Salinity is a crucial environmental variable affecting the growth performance, survival, and biochemical composition of cultivated whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei), especially under field farming environments characterized by inherent environmental variability. Inland low-salinity shrimp farming has proliferated; yet, there is a paucity of field-based data comparing shrimp performance and nutritional quality in low-salty vs saline pond systems. This study sought to compare the growth, survival, production metrics, and biochemical composition of P. vannamei cultivated in low-saline (~5 ppt) and saline (~24 ppt) pond environments across various agricultural sites. Shrimp growth performance, survival rate, feed conversion ratio, and production were documented at harvest, while biochemical analyses of amino acid, fatty acid, and vitamin profiles were conducted using HPLC and GC–MS methodologies. Multivariate techniques were utilized to investigate overall growth and production patterns among salinity regimes. Shrimp cultivated in salty pond environments had markedly superior survival and production rates relative to those in low-saline ponds, although average body weight remained consistent. Saline-cultured shrimp exhibited elevated levels of amino acids, lipid-associated compounds, and vitamins, signifying enhanced biochemical quality. The disparities may be ascribed to diminished osmoregulatory energy expenditure and enhanced metabolic efficiency in saline environments. The study illustrates actual farming diversity, emphasizing the impact of salinity regimes on shrimp performance and nutritional composition. The findings offer significant insights for enhancing shrimp cultivation methods and endorse more controlled studies that include intermediate salinity levels and temporal biochemical evaluations.
