The use of corn fermented protein with yeast as an alternative protein source in practical diets for pond production of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

Authors: DAVIS, ALLEN - Auburn University; SAN ANDRES, CRISTHIAN - Auburn University; NGUYEN, KHAN - Auburn University; GONZALEZ, JAIRO - Auburn University; GUTIERREZ, ARNOLD - Auburn University; RHODES, MELANIE - Auburn University; Garcia, Julio; ROY, LUKE - Auburn University

Submitted to: Fish Farming News
Publication Type: Popular Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/4/2024
Publication Date: 12/14/2024
Citation: Davis, A.D., San Andres, C., Nguyen, K.Q., Gonzalez, J.L., Gutierrez, A., Rhodes, M.A., Garcia, J.C., Roy, L. 2024. The use of corn fermented protein with yeast as an alternative protein source in practical diets for pond production of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). Fish Farming News. 2:1-18. Available: https://agriculture.auburn.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Auburn-Agriculture-AFFC-Newsletter-12042024.pdf

Interpretive Summary: Based on previous work, we have transitioned from hand feeding to the use of auto-mated feeding systems reducing our cycle from 120 days to < 90-day while producing a larger biomass and shrimp of larger size resulting in improved economic efficiencies. The acoustic monitors allow feeding activity to be monitored to provide real time adjustment of feed input based on the shrimp demand. Based on laboratory and outdoor green water trials we have had good success with the use of various ethanol by-products. Hence, we are extending our work under controlled conditions to that of demonstration in the field. This trial aimed to determine the effects of the partial replacement of soybean meal and corn gluten meal with increasing inclusion rate of corn fermented protein with yeast (CFPY) in shrimp diets under commercial type pond production conditions. Results from these trials demonstrated that it is possible to use up to 20% inclusion of CFPY in the diets of Pacific white shrimp without compromising growth or health. From a nutritional perspective, we did not manipulate the mineral level of the diets. Since there were shifts in both P and Cu retention, this should be followed up as it could be either improved nutrient availability or simply different levels in the feed due to ingredient shift. Overall, we recommend up to 20% inclusion of CFPY which reduced the cost per unit of shrimp produced significantly.

Technical Abstract: Based on previous work, we have transitioned from hand feeding to the use of auto-mated feeding systems reducing our cycle from 120 days to < 90-day while producing a larger biomass and shrimp of larger size resulting in improved economic efficiencies. The acoustic monitors allow feeding activity to be monitored to provide real time adjustment of feed input based on the shrimp demand. Based on laboratory and outdoor green water trials we have had good success with the use of various ethanol by-products. Hence, we are extending our work under controlled conditions to that of demonstration in the field. This trial aimed to determine the effects of the partial replacement of soybean meal and corn gluten meal with increasing inclusion rate of corn fermented protein with yeast (CFPY) in shrimp diets under commercial type pond production conditions. Results from these trials demonstrated that it is possible to use up to 20% inclusion of CFPY in the diets of Pacific white shrimp without compromising growth or health. From a nutritional perspective, we did not manipulate the mineral level of the diets. Since there were shifts in both P and Cu retention, this should be followed up as it could be either improved nutrient availability or simply different levels in the feed due to ingredient shift. Overall, we recommend up to 20% inclusion of CFPY which reduced the cost per unit of shrimp produced significantly.