Effect of salinity on physiological energetics of white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone)

Abstract

The energy balance was determined with in Litopenaeus vannamei, juveniles acclimated to salinity where they were hyperosmotic (20 ups), isosmotic (26 ups), and hypo-osmotic (32 ups). Also O:N atomic ratio was calculated. The ingestion rate, oxygen consumption, ammonium excretion and scope for growth were affected significantly (p < 0.05) when the organisms were acclimated at 20, 26 and 32 ups. The highest energy contained from the food consumed was obtained in the organisms maintained in 26 ups. The lowest energy expense derived to routine metabolism, and excretion of nitrogenous products was obtained in the animals maintained at 26 ups. The high quantity of energy channeled to the scope for growth (671.1 J g-1 day-1 d.w.) was obtained in the shrimps acclimated to salinity of 26 ups. The O:N atomic ratio calculated for the juveniles indicated a catabolism of carbohydrates for the organisms maintained in the isosmotic condition. The apparent heat increment, the feces production, and energy lost by exuviae, not were significantly different (p > 0.05) in the shrimps exposed to the three salinities. We recommend maintaining Litopenaeus vannamei juveniles at the salinity level which is isosmotic (26 ups), where they are free of environmental stress, these conditions for white shrimp juveniles would enhance production in the cultivation of this species.