Role of dietary photoprotective compounds on the performance of shrimp Pleoticus muelleri under UVR stress

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of ultraviolet radiation (280–400 nm) on survival, concentration of photoprotective compounds and total antioxidant capacity of Pleoticus muelleri. Two experimental diets were prepared: control diet and other supplemented with Undaria pinnatifida extract (3 g/100 g diet), a brown seaweed rich in photoprotective compounds. Animals were exposed for 7 days to two radiation treatments: a) PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation: 400–700 nm) b) PAR + UVR: total radiation spectrum (UVR 280–400 nm + PAR), under controlled conditions (20 ± 0.8 °C, S = 33, pH = 7.5). Shrimp in UVR treatments without supplemented diet, showed the highest mortality (72%). Under UVR-stress, concentrations of UV absorbing compounds were highest in animals fed the diet supplemented with U. pinnatifida, while the carotenoid concentration decreased, and the total antioxidant activity was the highest. These results suggest that under in UVR-stress animals could bioaccumulate photoprotective compounds from a diet with added seaweed extract.