Influence of Buffer-Protected Sodium Butyrate Supplementation in the Diet of Penaeus vannamei

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the optimal inclusion level of protected sodium butyrate (PSB) in diets for Penaeus vannamei during the postlarvae to grow-out phase. A completely randomized design was used with four dietary treatments: 0, 2, 4, and 8 kg/t of PSB (54% sodium butyrate). The PSB product (Novation SL 2002, Spain) contains 54% sodium butyrate protected by a physical and chemical matrix based on buffer salts. Growth performance, feed efficiency, survival, histological parameters of the intestine and hepatopancreas, and meat quality were evaluated. The results demonstrated that PSB supplementation significantly improved growth performance, feed conversion ratio (FCR), survival, and gut histomorphology, as well as enhanced meat production and quality. Based on the growth and feed efficiency responses, the optimal PSB inclusion level is recommended between 4 and 6 kg/t. Therefore, PSB is an effective dietary additive to improve productivity, gut health, and product quality in P. vannamei farming.