The effect of Aloe vera powder on phagocytosis activity and growth of Litopenaeus vannamei

Some common issues in shrimp culture include slow growth and diseases outbreaks. Aloe vera contains polysaccharides, minerals, vitamins, amino acids, and proteases that can improve the immune and growth of shrimp. The shrimp immune system is reflected in phagocytic activity. This study analyzed the effect of the addition of A. vera powder to shrimp feed on the phagocytic activity and absolute biomass gain of white leg shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei. This experimental study was performed using a completely randomized design (CRD) consisting of 4 treatments with 3 replications. The test animals were L. vannamei (PL21), while the feed was supplemented with A. vera powder with different doses: 0 g kg-1 of feed (A), 20 g kg-1 feed (B), 40 g kg-1 feed (C), and 60 g kg-1 of feed (D). Parameters being observed included the phagocytic activity, absolute biomass gain, and survival rate (SR). This study was performed in 40 days. The results showed that treatment D produced the highest phagocytic activity and absolute biomass gain compared to other treatments. The highest phagocytic activity reached 68% and the absolute average biomass gain was 11.73 g. The survival rate of L. vannamei in all treatments was 100%.