Succinic Acid: A Natural Feed Additive for Healthier Shrimp in Aquaculture

Succinic Acid in Modern Aquaculture

With the rapid expansion of shrimp feeding, disease outbreaks have become a major challenge, causing significant economic losses for farmers. The overuse of antibiotics—especially in Asian aquaculture—has led to antibiotic resistance and residual contamination, posing serious threats to both aquatic life and public health. To counter these challenges, researchers and farmers alike are turning to natural alternatives. Among them, organic acids such as succinic acid have shown promising effects in promoting growth, enhancing digestion, and boosting disease resistance in farmed species like tilapia, trout, and shrimp.

What Is Succinic Acid (SA)?

A Natural and Functional Organic Acid

Succinic acid (chemical formula: C₄H₆O₄), also known as butanedioic acid, is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid found in many foods such as broccoli, beets, and cabbage. It appears as a white crystalline powder and is widely used in food, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries.

In aquaculture, succinic acid is gaining attention as a functional feed additive due to its:

• Excellent water solubility and absorption

• Ability to support energy metabolism

• Positive impact on immune and digestive health

Scientific Study: Succinic Acid in Pacific White Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

Study Overview

A recent study explored the effects of succinic acid on the growth, digestive enzyme activity, immune responses, and stress resistance of Pacific white shrimp. The shrimp were fed diets with different concentrations of succinic acid:

• Control group (0% SA)

• SA1: 0.25% SA

• SA2: 0.50% SA

• SA3: 1.0% SA

The feeding period lasted 56 days, followed by a 48-hour ammonia stress challenge.

Key Findings

1. Improved Growth Performance

Shrimp fed with SA-supplemented diets showed better weight gain and survival rates, especially in the SA2 group (0.50% supplementation).

2. Enhanced Digestive Enzyme Activity

The activity of key digestive enzymes—including amylase, lipase, and protease—increased in the SA-fed groups, indicating improved digestion and nutrient absorption.

3. Stronger Immune and Stress Responses

Shrimp exposed to high ammonia levels demonstrated elevated immune parameters (T-AOC, PO) and increased expression of immune-related genes (proPO, HSP70, SOD, Toll, Imd) in the SA groups. This suggests that SA supplementation improves the shrimp’s ability to withstand environmental stress.

Why Use Succinic Acid in Shrimp Farming?

A Sustainable Alternative to Antibiotics

As a natural, safe, and residue-free additive, succinic acid provides a viable solution to reduce antibiotic use in aquaculture. It:

• Supports gut and immune health

• Improves feed efficiency and growth

• Enhances shrimp resistance to stress and pathogens

• Leaves no harmful residues

This makes it an ideal choice for high-density and intensive shrimp farming systems, where water quality fluctuations and disease risk are common.

Recommended Dosage

The study indicates that the optimal inclusion rate is 0.50% of the feed (i.e., 5 grams per kilogram of feed). At this level, shrimp showed the best balance of growth and immune enhancement under ammonia stress.

As global aquaculture moves toward sustainable and health-focused practices, succinic acid emerges as a valuable tool in improving shrimp performance naturally. Its role in promoting growth, digestion, and immunity makes it a promising feed additive for the future of antibiotic-free aquaculture.