Novacq promotes growth and survival in white-leg shrimp – the world’s most important aquaculture crustacean
NovacqTM is a natural feed additive developed and patented by CSIRO. It has repeatedly been demonstrated to improve the growth and health of tiger shrimp Paneaus monodon1,2,3,4 the main prawn aquaculture species grown in Australia. Now CSIRO researchers have discovered similar effects in the white-leg shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei.
White-leg shrimp is the world’s most important species of shrimp used in aquaculture, with global production exceeding five million tonnes. It is not grown in Australia as it is exotic to our shores. However, it is the staple species grown in Asia and America, with the product exported to markets globally.
CSIRO’s Animal Nutrition team investigated the efficacy of Novacq in white-leg shrimp, by collaborating with Viet-Uc, a company that dominates production of white-leg shrimp postlarvae and owns the Novacq license in Vietnam. In a co-funded project, our researchers discovered that Novacq improves growth of post-larvae and improved both growth and survival in juveniles. In addition, Novacq contains very little protein and could potentially lead to reduced nitrogenous waste and eutrophication when used in commercial settings. Thus, the benefits of Novacq are potentially two-fold, increasing production whilst reducing environmental impact.
The research has been published in the journal Aquaculture.
Contact:
Artur Rombenso – CSIRO Livestock & Aquaculture, Research Scientist
Barney Hines – CSIRO Livestock & Aquaculture, Research Technician
