Efficacy of Mango Leaf-Based Feed Additive on Growth Performance, Antioxidant Status and Digestive Enzyme Activities in Litopenaeus vannamei

Shrimp farming is one of the fastest-growing food-producing sectors worldwide. However, its rapid expansion has raised concerns about sustainability, particularly regarding the heavy reliance on antibiotics and synthetic additives. Mango leaf powder (MLP), a potential natural alternative to synthetic additives and antibiotics, was evaluated as a dietary supplement in the aquaculture of Litopenaeus vannamei. This study aimed to assess the effects of MLP at 4% and 8% inclusion levels on shrimp growth, antioxidant status, digestive enzyme activities, and hepatopancreatic structure. A total of 540 shrimp were fed experimental diets for 42 days. Both MLP treatments significantly promoted weight gain and specific growth rate. They also enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity rates, such as superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase, and total antioxidant capacity, while decreasing malondialdehyde levels. The 8% MLP group also showed significantly increased digestive enzyme activities (amylase, trypsin, and lipase) compared to that in the control. These findings demonstrate the potential of MLP as a suitable feed additive that facilitates growth, antioxidant capacity, and digestive ability in shrimp. Importantly, this study reveals the potential of mango leaf powder as a novel feed additive for L. vannamei.