Application of red onion (Allium ascalonicum) and turmeric (Curcuma longa)rhizome extract in feed of black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) and white legshrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) aquaculture

Red onion (Allium ascalonicum) bulb and turmeric (Curcuma longa) rhizome are important crops with high economic value. The present research aimed to evaluate the application of red onion (Allium ascalonicum) extract (6, 9, 12, 15, 18 g/kg diet) combined with turmeric (Curcuma longa) rhizome extract (2, 4, 6, 8, 10 g/kg diet) in a basal diet on growth performance, survival rate and feed utilization of black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) and white leg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). A total of 240 kg of black tiger shrimp (initial weight 150±10 g) and 240 kg of white leg shrimp (initial weight 50±5 g) were reared separately in two groups, each group including 16 indoor shrimp farming tanks (120 × 60 × 50 cm) (length × width × height) with continuous aeration. Results showed that red onion extract 12 g/kg diet or turmeric rhizome extract 8 g/kg significantly improved growth performance, survival rate and feed utilization of black tiger shrimp and white leg shrimp. In 5 different formulas in a combination of red onion and turmeric rhizome extract (7 g onion + 3 g turmeric/ kg diet, 6 g onion + 4 g turmeric/ kg diet, 5 g onion + 5 g turmeric/kg diet, 4 g onion + 6 g turmeric/ kg diet, 3 g onion + 7 g turmeric/ kg diet), we found that 6 g onion + 4 g turmeric/ kg diet resulted to the best growth performance, survival rate and feed utilization in aquaculture of these shrimps. It is suggested that red onion combined with turmeric rhizome extract would be considered an effective phyto-additive incorporated into feed during aquaculture farming.