Comparative Immunology Reports · Published 2026-04-19 · DOI 10.1016/j.cirep.2026.200282
In the present study, a mixture of amino acids (NutriMix, composed of 42% arginine, 39% lysine, and 19% methionine) was used to evaluate its effects on growth performance, non-specific immunity and intestinal health in Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). In a 42-day feeding trial, shrimp with an initial weight of 2.45 ± 0.03 g were divided into six groups: a basal diet control (CT), three graded levels of amino acid mixture (0.5‰, AL; 1‰, AM; 2‰, AH) and two low-fishmeal diets supplemented with 1‰ (FM) and 2‰ (FH) amino acids. The results showed that the weight gain rate and specific growth rate were significantly increased in the AH group (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the immune defense ability of hemocytes was effectively enhanced by NutriMix, as evidenced by maintained ROS homeostasis, elevated phagocytic activity, and reduced apoptosis rate (P < 0.05). Moreover, NutriMix upregulated the expression of antioxidant genes (GPX) in gills, and increased the activities of POD, ACP, and AKP in hepatopancreas, thereby improving the antioxidant capacity and immune function of tissues. For intestinal health, NutriMix enhanced intestinal antioxidant enzyme activities, optimized nutrient absorption and strengthened the intestinal barrier, especially in the AH group. 16S rRNA sequencing showed that NutriMix improved gut microbiota structure, elevated the relative abundance of Bacteroidota, inhibited Vibrio proliferation and reduced inflammatory risk, meanwhile, Lysobacter and Xanthomarina showed significantly positive correlations with the growth of shrimp. In conclusion, 2‰ dietary amino acid mixture improves growth, systemic immunity and intestinal health of shrimp, even under low fishmeal conditions. This study provides a theoretical basis for applying amino acid mixtures in shrimp aquaculture, and future research can focus on their molecular mechanisms and practical application effects.
Abstract from DOAJ. Public domain (CC0 1.0).
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