Histological Alterations in the Hepatopancreas and Growth Performance of Pacific White Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei, Boone 1931) Reared in Potassium Fortified Inland Saline Ground Water

Study was conducted to determine the effect of potassium fortification on histological alterations of hepatopancreas and growth performance of pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, reared in different salinities of inland saline ground water (ISGW). Shrimps were subjected to different salinities (5 ppt, 10 ppt and 15 ppt) with potassium fortified to 25% (T1), 50% (T2), 75% (T3) and 100% (T4), ISGW without supplementation i.e. raw water (RW) and Artificial sea water (ASW). Significant increase in growth was observed with the enhanced salinity and K+ fortification during the experimental period of 60 days. Final weight and weight gain of shrimp reared at 15ppt was significantly higher in ISGW of 15 ppt, fortified with 100% K+ to the level of ASW. Distinct histological alterations were observed at 5ppt and 10ppt salinity and in less K+ levels. However, at 15 ppt ISGW there were insignificant changes in hepatopancreas and almost similar to that of the shrimps reared in ASW. Thus the results of this study suggests that K+ deficiency in ISGW has a negative effect on hepatopancreas histology and growth of L. vannamei post-larvae, augmenting importance of K+ fortification in ISGW to a similar level as in ASW for its culture.