Partial inclusion of Ulva lactuca and Gracilaria parvispora meal in balanced diets for white leg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

The algae Ulva lactuca and Gracilaria parvispora are abundant in the Gulf of California, rich in nutrients, and may be used as a source of protein in balanced diets for shrimp. This study tests whether their meal, as a partial inclusion in diets for juvenile Litopenaeus vannamei, is feasible. Percentages of inclusion were 5, 10, and 15 %. Results showed that final weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate varied significantly among diets (P < 0.05). There were significant differences in growth among the trials of amount of inclusion of meal when using U. lactuca (P < 0.05), and no significant differences among the trials when using G. parvispora (P > 0.05). In general, better results were obtained when using G. parvispora compared with U. lactuca. When compared to the control diet (without inclusion), diets that included 10 and 15 % U. lactuca meal yielded a significantly lower growth (P < 0.05), but no significant differences were detected when using U. lactuca 5 % meal (P > 0.05), suggesting the feasibility of inclusion to this limited percentage. No significant differences were detected between the control and the three treatments with G. parvispora, suggesting the possibility of using higher percentages of inclusion. We conclude that both seaweeds may be used as a component in preparing feed for juvenile L. vannamei.