Growth potential and immunity of the Indian white shrimp, Penaeus indicus (H. Milne‑Edwards, 1837), cultured in grow‑out ponds at varying densities and salinities

Abstract

With an aim to evaluate the culture potential of Indian white shrimp, Penaeus indi cus grow-out farming trials were carried out under different salinity regimes and stock ing densities across the coastal states of India (West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala). The growth performance and immunity status were assessed under two different stocking densities (low and high) at each salinity regime (S1: 3–7; S2: 8–15; S3:15–25; S4:25–35; and S5:40–60 ppt) for a period of 80–120 days. Signifi cantly higher growth was observed in the salinity range of 15 to 35 ppt with average daily growth (ADG) up to 0.195 ± 0.032 compared to low ADG of 0.125 ± 0.021 in very low and very high salinity range (< 7 ppt and > 40 ppt). Similarly, the final mean harvest weight of P. indicus reared at 15–25 ppt salinity was significantly (p < 0.05) higher compared to other salinity ranges. The lower stocking density treatment ponds demonstrated higher mean harvest weight (18–30 g) with a production ranged from 2200.59 ± 331.09 kg/ha/ crop to 3611.02 ± 218.23 kg/ha/crop compared to higher density ponds (12–20 g) which was ranged from 4338.67 ± 650.37 kg/ha/crop to 7817.31 ± 158.78 kg/ha/crop. The total productivity (kg/ha/crop) significantly (p < 0.05) increased with increase in stocking den sity by 20–30% while it was comparable between salinity ranges. The prophenoloxidase (PPO) activity gradually increased or decreased correspondingly to the salinity level with significantly lower PPO activity being observed at very low (5 ppt) and very high (60 ppt) than other salinity ranges. The serum protein and lysozyme also varied with the salinity range. Different densities did not affect immune parameters much, although lower stocking density was showing marginal increase. This study is based on large data from multi-loca tion trials undertaken across different salinity ranges and stocking densities and provides a field-level assessment of growth potential of this native shrimp species in different geo graphic locations.