Effects of dietary glycerol monolaurate on the growth performance, digestive enzymes, body composition and non-specific immune response of white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary glycerol monolaurate (GML) on the growth performance, digestive enzymes, body composition, and non-specific immune response of white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). The shrimp was fed with four different diets supplemented with 0, 350, 700, and 1050 mg/kg of GML for 60 days. The study results indicated that 700 and 1050 mg/kg of GML, significantly improved the growth performance, lipase and protease activity in the intestine, while inclusion of 1050 mg/kg of GML in the diet increased the serum lipid and whole-body crude lipid contents. Furthermore, when GML used at concentrations of 350 and 700 mg/kg, boosted the immunity of shrimp by improving the antioxidant and antimicrobial status. This study showed the potential of low GML as a feed additive to improve the growth, digestive enzyme activities, and the non-specific immunity of white shrimp. Based on the study’s findings, the optimal dietary supplementation dose of GML in the shrimp diet was 700 mg/kg.

Keywords

• Glycerol monolaurate (GML)
• Growth performance
• Non-specific immune response
• Litopenaeus vannamei