Abstract

HERNANDEZ-SANDOVAL, Pedro et al. Increase in the survival of whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) infected with white spot virus and fed a diet supplemented with coconut (Cocos nucifera) oil. Abanico vet [online]. 2022, vol.12, 106.  Epub Oct 31, 2022. ISSN 2448-6132.  https://doi.org/10.21929/abavet2022.2.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiviral potential of coconut (Cocos nucifera) oil supplemented in the diet of whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) to reduce the mortality caused by the white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) under shrimp culture. Two bioassays were conducted for shrimp juveniles. The first bioassay (20 days) consisted of supplying the following feeds: I) commercial feed (CF); II) CF + 2.5% of extra virgin coconut oil (EVCO); III) CF + 5% EVCO and the second bioassay (27 days), the following feeds were supplied: I) CF + WSSV; II) CF + 2.5% EVCO + WSSV; III) CF; IV) CF + 2.5% EVCO. Specific growth rate (EGR), survival, and total hemocyte count (THC) were determined in both bioassays. The prevalence of WSSV was only determined for the second bioassay. The results of EGR, THC and prevalence of WSSV indicate that there were no significant differences among treatments in both bioassays nor in survival during the first bioassay. However, in the second bioassay, differences were found (p = 0.0030) between I (83.3%) and the rest of treatments, which showed higher survival values. We conclude that the supplementation of 2.5-5.0% of EVCO in shrimp feed promoted a decrease in the prevalence and viral load of WSSV in juveniles of L. vannamei. In addition, this supplement did not show negative effects in survival and EGR. Finally, no immunosuppression or reduction of the immune response of THC was detected among treatments in both bioassays.

Keywords : Cocos nucifera; Litopenaeus vannamei; fatty acids; WSSV; immunostimulants; antiviral activity.