The Role of Zinc in Vannamei Shrimp Aquaculture

Zinc (Zn) is an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in supporting growth, immune system function, and physiological balance of Vannamei shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated that zinc supplementation, particularly in organic forms, provides significant benefits to intensive shrimp aquaculture performance.

1. Zinc and Growth Rate Improvement
   
   Zinc functions as a cofactor for various metabolic enzymes involved in protein synthesis and cell division. Zinc deficiency in feed has been proven to limit shrimp growth and increase Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR). Studies show that supplementation with organic zinc such as zinc amino acid chelate can significantly increase weight gain and feed efficiency. The optimal zinc requirement for juvenile Vannamei shrimp is reported to range between 66.8–104.8 mg/kg of feed.
   
   
2. The Role of Zinc in the Non-Specific Immune System
   
   Zinc plays an important role in hemocyte activation and enhancement of non-specific immune responses. Zinc supplementation has been shown to increase Total Haemocyte Count (THC) and phenoloxidase (PO) enzyme activity. Research reports that zinc supplementation at a dose of 45 mg/kg feed was able to increase Daily Growth Rate from 3.11% to 3.54%, while simultaneously improving shrimp resistance to Vibrio parahaemolyticus infection.
   
   
   
3. Zinc as an Antioxidant and Homeostasis Regulator
   
   Under intensive culture conditions, shrimp are highly susceptible to oxidative stress. Zinc contributes to enhanced antioxidant capacity by inducing the expression of enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. In addition, zinc also helps maintain digestive health by balancing gut microbiota, increasing beneficial bacterial populations, and suppressing pathogenic growth.
   
   
   
4. Safe Threshold and Risk of Zinc Toxicity
   
   Despite its benefits, zinc application must be carefully controlled. Zinc sulfate concentrations in water at 8 mg/L have been reported to reduce survival by up to 7% and inhibit shrimp growth. The LC50 value of zinc sulfate for Vannamei shrimp is recorded at approximately 0.71 ppm, indicating that direct zinc application into pond water without proper calculation poses significant risks.

The use of organic zinc in feed at a dosage of 40–100 mg/kg of feed is recommended to achieve optimal growth and strong immune performance. Avoid high-dose zinc application directly into water to prevent toxic effects.

References

• https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aqrep.2021.100638
• https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2025.743193
• https://doi.org/10.31018/jans.v15i1.3969
• https://doi.org/10.31093/joas.v3i2.54
• https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox11081492