Effects of dietary glycerol monolaurate on the growth performance, digestive enzymes, body composition and non-specific immune response of white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary glycerol monolaurate (GML) on the growth performance, digestive enzymes, body composition, and non-specific immune response of white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). The shrimp was fed with four different diets supplemented with 0, 350, 700, and 1050 mg/kg of GML for 60 days. The study results indicated that 700 and 1050 mg/kg of GML, significantly improved the growth performance, lipase and protease activity in the intestine, while inclusion of 1050 mg/kg of GML in the diet increased the serum lipid and whole-body crude lipid contents. Furthermore, when GML used at concentrations of 350 and 700 mg/kg, boosted the immunity of shrimp by improving the antioxidant and antimicrobial status. This study showed the potential of low GML as a feed additive to improve the growth, digestive enzyme activities, and the non-specific immunity of white shrimp. Based on the study's findings, the optimal dietary supplementation dose of GML in the shrimp diet was 700 mg/kg.