Methodology for the identification and quantitative measurement of chemical stimulants for penaeid shrimp

Abstract

In a recently developed paradigm for the feeding behaviour of Crustacea, chemical stimuli are postulated to play a key role in mediating the various stages of feeding from initial excitation to sustained feeding. A hierarchical testing protocol for the screening of compounds or mixtures as chemical stimuli for Penaeus spp. was designed, utilizing: (a) a static chamber for an initial rapid assay for behavioural excitation; (b) a novel flow-through chamber for demonstrating chemotaxis; (c) a modified Y-maze choice chamber for more detailed studies on chemotaxis and feeding stimulation; and (d) aquarium feeding trials in which the most potent chemical attractants and/or feeding stimulants are incorporated into experimental feeds. In shrimp aquaculture, efficient feed utilization is of paramount importance to the economics of production and water quality. Identification and incorporation into the feed of ingredients that act as chemoattrac-tants and/or chemical feeding stimulants should lead to better food utilization, e.g. lower feed conversion ratios (FCRs), thereby producing quicker growth rates and lowering the incidence of water pollution and disease.