Seaweed potential as nutraceutical and functional food ingredient in shrimp aquaculture

Abstract

In shrimp aquaculture, the implementation of seaweed as a functional and healthy additive for shrimp feed, either in its fresh form mixed with pelleted feed, as dry biomass, or liquid extract, has been on the rise as the population grows and the demand for shrimp increases. Seaweed offers vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and bioactive substances like polysaccharides and pigments that enhance the health and growth of shrimp. These compounds possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial characteristics, which benefit aquaculture production by enhancing growth rates, improving feed utilization efficiency, increasing resistance to heat stress, and strengthening immune responses. However, challenges related to the stability and bioavailability of bioactive compounds in conventional formulations highlight the need for more effective delivery strategies. The nanoencapsulation of bioactive compounds from seaweed-based meals is proposed as a promising approach to enhance the bioavailability and systemic distribution of nutrients within the shrimp organism. This strategy is expected to improve nutrient absorption, support growth, boost health status, and optimize overall performance in aquaculture systems.