Stress in shrimp, especially during weather changes, high stocking density, or EHP outbreaks. Oxidative stress is a "silent enemy," making shrimp weak, reducing feed intake, and leading to mass mortality. However, since applying Lallemand's Lalpack Immune, I have controlled the situation, increasing survival rates to 85-90% and achieving stable harvests. Today, I will describe in detail how to use this product to control stress in shrimp, based on practical experience and Lallemand's documentation, for fellow farmers to refer to and apply.
Understanding stress in shrimp and why it needs to be controlled
Firstly, stress in shrimp is often caused by oxidative stress – an imbalance between free radicals (ROS such as superoxide, hydrogen peroxide) and the antioxidant system. In shrimp farming, stress occurs due to:
- Environmental: Low temperature (cold season), reduced dissolved oxygen, high ammonia/nitrite.
- Biological: High stocking density, infectious diseases (EHP, Vibrio), feed changes.
Consequences: Slow growth, weakened immune system, increased mortality, reduced meat quality (white feces, soft shell).
According to Lallemand's documentation, oxidative stress affects from the molecular level (lipid, DNA damage) to the farm level (reduced productivity, economic losses). I have seen severe shrimp stress lead to 30-40% losses in just 1 week. Controlling stress not only saves shrimp but also optimizes FCR (feed conversion ratio) and profitability.
What is Lalpack Immune and how does it control stress?
Lalpack Immune is a premium probiotic product from Lallemand, specifically designed for intensive shrimp farming. It combines an anti-oxidative stress duo: a natural source of superoxide dismutase - SOD from melon extract and selenized yeast with > 98% organic selenium. This is a primary antioxidant duo, helping to combat stress and strengthen the shrimp's antioxidant defense system.
- Contains primary antioxidant enzymes (first line of defense). SOD converts superoxide into hydrogen peroxide, preventing free radical chain reactions.
- Provides organic selenium, a cofactor for glutathione peroxidase (GPx) – an enzyme that eliminates hydrogen peroxide and protects cells.
Unlike secondary antioxidants (vitamins A, E, C) which only "sacrifice" 1:1 with ROS, Lalpack Immune stimulates the shrimp's body to produce endogenous enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx) at a ratio of 1:1,000,000 – significantly more effective. From experience, this product not only combats stress but also boosts immunity, helping shrimp better withstand harsh conditions.
Mechanism of action of Lalpack Immune in controlling stress in shrimp
Lalpack Immune works by "prevention from within":
- Protection and absorption: The product has a patented coating, protecting SOD from shrimp stomach acid. It passes through the stomach intact, acting in the upper intestine. SOD is not directly absorbed into the bloodstream (due to its large molecular weight) but interacts with receptors in the intestinal wall, stimulating the production of endogenous antioxidant enzymes throughout the body.
- Regulating oxidative stress:
- Reducing excess ROS: In mitochondria (the source of ROS), SOD from "Melon extract" controls free radical production at the source (upstream, preventive effect).
- Increasing endogenous enzymes: Stimulates the expression of SOD, CAT, GPx to increase by 25-30% in tissues (based on chicken trials, but the principle is similar in shrimp). Highly absorbable organic selenium supports GPx, creating a complete antioxidant system.
- Preventing chain reactions: If ROS escape into the cytoplasm, secondary antioxidants (from feed) will act as an "immediate extinguisher," while Lalpack Immune provides the primary foundation for root protection.
- Practical application in shrimp:
- In trials (Gutierrez et al., 2009), Melofeed (under the name Promutase) improved shrimp reproduction and transport, reducing stress under low temperature/dissolved oxygen conditions.
- In salmon and tilapia, it stimulates SOD in skin/tissues, reduces inflammation, and improves growth under temperature/oxygen stress.
- In shrimp: Reduces muscle/tissue inflammation, increases muscle fiber diameter by 20-34%, improves overall health, especially reducing the impact of EHP and white feces caused by stress.
In my pond, after use, shrimp showed less erratic swimming, better feed intake, harder shells, and good coloration – clear signs of reduced stress.
How to apply Lalpack Immune to control stress: Detailed instructions from practical experience
I apply Lalpack Immune as part of a comprehensive "stress prevention" program, combined with pond management (maintaining pH 7.5-8.5, regular water changes). The dosage is low but highly effective due to its concentrated formulation.
- Dosage and application:
- Mix into feed: 5-10 g/kg of feed. I use 5 g/kg daily for shrimp post-larvae to build early immunity. During high stress (temperature below 28°C or after rain), increase to 10 g/kg for 7-10 days.
- Frequency: Daily during stress-prone periods; 2-3 times/week during stable periods. Combine with Lalpack Probio (gut probiotic) and Lalsea Biorem/SoilMax/Max 4000 (pond water treatment) for optimal results.
- Application stages:
- Early stage (1-25 days): To activate the microbial system, reduce initial stress. Focus on combating environmental stress, helping shrimp gain weight quickly (10-15% increase according to trials).
- Later stage (over 25 days): Combating stress during pond transfer/transport, reducing mortality during harvest.
- Emergency situations: When ammonia is high or there are signs of disease, use a high dose combined with 20-30% water change.
- Monitoring and adjustment:
- Check: Observe shrimp behavior (swimming, feeding), measure ROS/stress if a lab is available).
- Actual results: Reduced stress, FCR 1.2, harvest of 15 tons/ha. Less antibiotic use, higher quality shrimp.
Benefits and considerations for use
- Benefits: Controls stress by boosting immunity, reducing disease, optimizing performance. According to Lallemand Animal Nutrition, controlling oxidative stress leads to optimized performance – which has been proven.
- Considerations: The product is safe. Store in a cool place, use completely after opening. Combine with good pond management for maximum effectiveness.
Lalpack Immune is not a "miracle drug" but a powerful tool for stress control, contributing to sustainable shrimp farming. I recommend trying it on a small batch first and monitoring closely. For specific advice, contact Thần Vương. Wishing all farmers a successful and healthy shrimp season!
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