Effect of Probiotics and Feed Supplements on Running Mortality Syndrome (RMS) in Whiteleg Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei, Boone, 1931) Culture in Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

This study evaluated the performance of shrimp culture in four ponds with a stocking density of 50 m², harvested on the 116th day of culture. Water quality parameters, including salinity (20–22 ppt), alkalinity (220–260), pH (7.9–8.5), ammonia (0.1–0.2 ppm), nitrite (0.1 ppm), and dissolved oxygen (5.4–6 ppm), were maintained within optimal ranges. Microbial colony counts varied, with yellow colonies ranging from 600 to 660 and green colonies from 70 to 180. Pond 1 achieved the highest survival rate (97%) and growth (33.5 g), followed by Pond A (95% survival, 10,374 kg production). In contrast, Pond 2 and Pond B exhibited lower survival rates (73% and 70%, respectively), reduced growth (21.8 g in Pond B), and higher feed conversion ratios (1.5 in Pond B, 1.48 in Pond 2). Pond 2 and Pond B also showed signs of Running Mortality Syndrome (RMS), including antennae cuts, reddish uropods, reddish-yellow hepatopancreas, and pale white bodies, with continuous daily mortalities. Pond 1 and Pond A, however, recorded no mortalities, attributed to the consistent use of specific probiotics. This study highlights the critical role of probiotics in enhancing survival, growth, and production while mitigating RMS in shrimp farming.