Effects of chitooligosaccharides on growth and immunity of Litopemaeus vannamei

A 4-week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of chitooligosaccharides (0, 250 mg · kg^-1, 500 mg · kg^-1, 750 mg · kg^-1 and 1 000 mg · kg^-1) on the growth and non-specific immunization of Litopenaeus vannamei. Results demonstrate that there is significant difference in the total number of hemocytes, growth rate and survival of L.vannamei at 250 mg · kg^-1 and 500 mg · kg^-1 COS (P < 0.05); there is significant difference in peroxidase activity of L.vannamei at 250 mg · kg^-1 COS (P < 0.05); the acid phosphatase activity and lysozyme activity of L.vannamei at 500 mg · kg^-1 COS are significantly improved (P < 0.05); there is no significant difference in the total superoxide dismutase activity at 250 mg · kg^-1 and 500 mg · kg^-1 COS (P > 0.05). In conclusion, 250~500 mg · kg^-1 COS can improve the cell immunity and total activity of humoral immune factor, increasing the growth rate and survival of L.vannamei.