Application of the microalga Arthrospira platensis in the nursery phase of Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei, Boone 1931) culture in a biofloc system
Author: Navinésia Carolina Joaquim Rungo (Currículo Lattes)
Advisor: Dr. Luis Henrique da Silva Poersch
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of adding dry biomass of the microalga Arthrospira platensis on the growth and proximate composition of Penaeus vannamei post-larvae reared in a biofloc system. Four treatments were used: (BFT) control, without the addition of A. platensis; (Sp40) biofloc treatment with the addition of 40 mg/L of A. platensis; (Sp50) biofloc treatment with the addition of 50 mg/L of A. platensis; and (Sp60) biofloc treatment with the addition of 60 mg/L of A. platensis. Shrimp with an average weight of 0.015 ± 0.009 g were stocked at a density of 2,000 post-larvae/m³ in 50 L polyethylene tanks and fed with commercial feed, supplemented with powdered A. platensis. The culture lasted 35 days, during which zootechnical performance, water quality parameters, and the proximate composition of both shrimp and biofloc were evaluated. Significant differences were observed in water quality parameters, and treatments with Spirulina inclusion showed higher biomass gain and survival rates compared to the control treatment. Additionally, the analysis of the shrimp's proximate composition revealed higher protein and ash content and lower lipid levels in the treatments with Spirulina supplementation. Therefore, the addition of powdered A. platensis improved the zootechnical performance and proximate composition of P. vannamei post-larvae, although it influenced water quality parameters in the biofloc system.