Methionine (MET) supplementation is a current strategy to achieve shrimp requirement. Notwithstanding, the efficiency of the precisely formulated feeds can be diminished since shrimps are slow eaters and masticate feed externally which results in nutrient leaching. In this regard, a methionine dipeptide (DL-Methionyl DL-Methionine) benefits the feed industry by reducing MET water solubility while increasing its bioavailability. Therefore, the effects of feeding whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus

more »

... with increasing levels of methionine dipeptide was evaluated on zootechnical performance and methionine-, immune- and antioxidant- related pathways. A 74 days growth trial was conducted by feeding a control diet and four diets supplemented with AQUAVI® Met-Met at 0.08, 0.12, 0.24 and 0.32% of DM. Diet digestibility, body AA composition and nitrogen metabolites, metabolic enzymes, oxidative status and gene expression were evaluated. It can be concluded that graded dietary increase of methionine dipeptide up to 0.24 % for 74 days translated in significant gains on the growth performance, feed efficiency, nutrient and nitrogen gain and shrimp survival. Moreover, it was showed that Met-Met dietary spare leads to an improvement of free-AA pool and nitrogen metabolites concentration and reduces the signs of oxidative stress. Finally, in a closer look to the MET-related pathways passive to be altered by Met-Met spare, a clear modulation of the described antioxidant and cell proliferation routes was detected.