How to supplement Vitamin C for shrimp and fish

(Baonghean.vn) -Farmed shrimp and fish often suffer from various diseases due to environmental factors and nutritional deficiencies. Vitamin C is one of the essential factors supporting the growth of shrimp and fish.Boost immunity;It is very necessary during the transitional period between seasons.

The role of vitamin C

The role of vitamin C in aquaculture is most evident in the synthesis of collagen and several other trace elements. Vitamin C helps shrimp and fish increase immunity, reduce stress, and better withstand environmental impacts, especially during weather changes and transitions from spring to summer and from autumn to winter.

Vitamin C also limits the harmful effects of ammonia on the growth rate of shrimp and fish, and reduces the toxic effects of nitrite in intensive aquaculture systems.

In cases where shrimp and fish become diseased due to various factors, vitamin C should also be used to boost their immune system when signs of illness appear.

There are two main types: pure vitamin C and commercial vitamin C. When using it, farmers need to carefully check the ingredients and vitamin C content; depending on farming conditions and market supply, they should choose the appropriate type.

Symptoms of vitamin C deficiency in shrimp and fish.

Shrimp deficient in vitamin C will develop black muscle patches under the chitinous shell on the dorsal side of the abdomen, on the swimming and walking legs, and black streaks on the gills. Black patches may also appear in the stomach and intestines. Diseased shrimp exhibit loss of appetite, reduced food intake, decreased shock tolerance, increased susceptibility to various secondary pathogens, and reduced wound healing ability, resulting in slower recovery.

Fish deficient in vitamin C often show signs such as: spinal deformities, arching of the back, and hemorrhages at the base of the fins, around the mouth and eyes; and a darkening of the body color. Diseased fish exhibit reduced growth; and also have decreased resistance to shock and the invasion of pathogens.

Needs and usage patterns

Fish and shrimp species all have specific vitamin C requirements, which vary depending on factors such as size and growth rate.; farming methods and characteristics of the aquatic environment.

Vitamin C requirements vary depending on the developmental stage. Shrimp and fish larvae require a higher amount of vitamin C than adult and broodstock stages (For giant freshwater prawn larvae, 200 mg of vitamin C/kg of feed is needed, while for juvenile prawns, 100 mg/kg of feed is required).

For fish, the vitamin C requirement varies by species (carp fry require 45 mg/kg of vitamin C, while sea bass fry require only 20 mg/kg).

To minimize vitamin C loss, farmers must supplement it in feed in various forms; vitamin C can be added to microencapsulated feed because the vitamin C content in this form is about 80-90% and can be stored for several months.

How to supplement vitamin C

While compounded feed already contains a certain amount of multivitamins, vitamin C is lost during processing and storage. Without supplementation, shrimp and fish will develop diseases.

The amount of vitamin C needed varies depending on the type of animal being raised and the specific type of vitamin C used.

For shrimp, supplement by dissolving vitamin C in water, spreading it onto the feed at a dosage of 1 kg of vitamin C per 500 kg of feed, and mixing thoroughly; use a binder to create a cohesive coating on the feed, helping shrimp to eat more effectively; this should be used from the time of stocking until harvest.

For fish, dissolve Vitamin C in water and sprinkle it onto the feed at a dosage of 2g Vitamin C/kg feed, mix well and use a binder to coat the outside, or mix directly into the feed; it should be used 3 times/week, from the time of rearing to harvest.

Ngoc Anh

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