ABSTRACT: Host genetics and diet can exert an influence on microbiota and, therefore, on feeding efficiency. This study evaluated the effect of genetic line (fast-growth and high-resistance) in Pacific white shrimp ( Litopenaeus vannamei ) on the hepatopancreatic microbiota and its association with the feeding efficiency in shrimp fed with diets containing different protein sources. Shrimp (2.08 ± 0.06 g) from each genetic line were fed for 36 days with two dietary treatments (animal and vegetable protein). Each of the four groups was sampled, and the hepatopancreatic metagenome was amplified using specific primers for the variable V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. The PCR product was sequenced on the MiSeq platform. Nineteen bacterial phyla were detected, of which Proteobacteria was the most abundant (51.0 – 72.5 %), Bacteroidetes (3.6 – 23.3 %), Firmicutes (4.2 – 13.7 %), Actinobacteria (1.9 – 12.1 %), and Planctomycetes (1.3 – 9.5 %). Diet was the most influential factor in the taxonomic composition of the microbiota, while genetic line was not a strong influential factor. The results suggest that the taxonomic profile of the bacteria colonizing shrimp hepatopancreas was determined by the diet consumed, similar to what occurs in the intestine. Shrimp in the fast-growth line had greater feeding efficiency regardless of the diet supplied. Finally, the results suggest that Proteobacteria influenced ( p < 0.05) the feeding efficiency of shrimp fed with a vegetable diet. Nevertheless, further studies are required to explore how shrimp genetic line–diet interaction influences microbiota for probiotic development and functional food formulation for farmed shrimp according to the genetic line.

ABSTRACT This short-term study evaluated the effect of non-lethal high CO2 concentration on the transcriptional response of immune-related genes of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) cultured in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). Two experimental groups were created: high CO2 (47.67±2.04 mg L−1) and low CO2 (2.0±1.93 mg L−1). Shrimp of 8.85±1.20 g were placed randomly at a density equivalent to 100 individuals m−3 and were monitored at 6, 12, 18, and 24 h. The transcriptional response of immune-related genes was analyzed by qPCR. Gene expression of hemocyanin, prophenoloxidase, and heat shock protein 60 was downregulated at 24 h, suggesting affectations on oxygen transportation, melanization, and protein functioning of L. vannamei under high CO2 concentrations. Also, gene up-regulation of lipopolysaccharide- and β-glucan-binding protein and cytosolic manganese superoxide dismutase can impair the bacterial recognition and antioxidant defense of shrimp exposed to high CO2 concentrations. These results suggest that concentration at about 47 mg L−1 of CO2 can significantly influence the transcriptional response modulation of immune-related genes.

ABSTRACT The present study was focused on assessing the effect of diets formulated with different sources and levels of protein on the production response of white leg shrimp Penaeus vannamei farmed at low salinity (3 g L-1). The protein sources were: soy meal (SM) and fish meal (FM), included at three levels: low (22-25%), medium (32-35%), and high (41-45%). A bioassay of 49 days was done in experimental tanks of 100 L (three tanks per treatment). Juvenile P. vannamei having a mean weight of 1.41 ± 0.30 g were stocked at a density of 100 ind m-3. Shrimp fed diets formulated with FM recorded significantly higher weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), and protein assimilation efficiency rate (PER). Additionally, it showed a higher concentration of essential amino acids like methionine and threonine, and higher ash, calcium, iodine, phosphorous, and sodium content, which could favor the growth and survival of shrimp. Regression analysis showed that the optimum protein levels for diets formulated with SM and FM were 34.8 and 29.3%, respectively. These findings may help shrimp farmers to implement better feeding strategies for P. vannamei farmed at low salinity and on the use of alternative ingredients to substitute fish meal in the formulated feed.