Effect of supplementing ascorbic acid (L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate) in broodstock diet of the white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei

Diets are often supplemented with ascorbic acid as an essential dietary requirement in penaeid shrimp. Deficiencies in ascorbic acid (AA) can result in poor feed conversion, poor growth, incomplete molting, decreased resistance to stress, high mortality, impaired wound healing and melanised lesions underneath the exoskeleton. The present study aimed to investigate and monitor the different levels of AA present in wild caught broodstock and subsequently processed through a maturation facility. A second aim was to determine the main store of AA in broodstock shrimp and to observe for any relocation during spawning. Finally, two artificial diets were administered, one with a vitamin C enhanced feed (EF) and a standard feed (SF), given together with fresh frozen marine organisms to see if increased levels of vitamin C increases survivorship, especially after ablation and spawning.