FISHERIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE,MOA,TAIWAN

Trials were conducted to evaluate the effects of α-1,3-glucan from Schizophyllum commune, on the survival and resistance to stress, vibriosis, and viral infection of white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei postlarvae. White shrimp nauplii were exposed to different concentrations of α-1,3-glucan (0.25, 0.50, 1.00, and 2.00 mg/ml) for 3 h and then cultured to postlarvae before being examined using bath challenge with Vibrio harveyi and oral challenge with white spot syndrome virus (WSSV). Enhanced viability was observed in nauplii immersed in -1,3-glucan at concentrations of 0.50 and 1.00 mg/ml. The results showed that increased viability and protective effects of glucan treatment were observed in shrimp treated with 0.50 and 1.00 mg/ml α-1,3-glucan, but not in shrimp treated with 0.25 and 2.00 mg/ml glucan. Thus, white shrimp larvae immersed in a α-1,3-glucan suspension showed improved resistance to unfavorable conditions, and their survival rate would increase.