To improve the reputation of US soybean meals and promote the use of soy-optimized diets, we must continually demonstrate and promote the use of soy-based feeds as economically viable and sustainable solutions. Towards this goal, we are systematically demonstrating the utility of US soybean meals in shrimp feeds from various soybean meal types which include traditional solvent extracted meal (SE-SBM) and several specialty soybean meals. Thus, producing science-based demonstration of the efficacy of soy optimized feeds for shrimp. The work has relied on traditional measures of performance (e.g., growth, survival, and nutrient retention) as well as health metrics such as shift in gut structure, enzyme activity and immune system responses. This research leveraged previous results and methods to ensure the success of the project. We have sourced solvent extracted soybean meal from our local vendor and use this as the reference in our basal diet at an inclusion level of around 50% of the diet. This soybean meal was then incrementally replaced with other soy products to create a series of diets that included: Basal diet (0% replacement) and diets with graded levels (40, 60, 80, 100%) of the soybean meal replaced with either Bright Day (Benson Hill) or HP300 (Hamlet Protein Inc) on an equal protein basis. These diets have been fed to juvenile shrimp in indoor clear water systems as well as outdoor green-water system which mimics a pond-based environment. Both the green water and clear water trials have been completed and we are working to finalize biological data and develop manuscripts. Overall growth was excellent and the new soy sources resulted in very good performance with no signs of enteritis or other negative health effects. Results of this work support the continued expansion of soy-based ingredients in shrimp feed formulations.

To improve the reputation of US soybean meals and promote the use of soy-optimized diets, we must continually demonstrate and promote the use of soy-based feeds as economically viable and sustainable solutions. Towards this goal, we are systematically demonstrating the utility of US soybean meals in shrimp feeds from various soybean meal types which include traditional solvent extracted meal (SE-SBM) and several specialty soybean meals. Thus, producing science-based demonstration of the efficacy of soy optimized feeds for shrimp. The work has relied on traditional measures of performance (e.g., growth, survival, and nutrient retention) as well as health metrics such as shift in gut structure, enzyme activity and immune system responses. This research leveraged previous results and methods to ensure the success of the project. We have sourced solvent extracted soybean meal from our local vendor and use this as the reference in our basal diet at an inclusion level of around 50% of the diet. This soybean meal was then incrementally replaced with other soy products to create a series of diets that included: Basal diet (0% replacement) and diets with graded levels (40, 60, 80, 100%) of the soybean meal replaced with either Bright Day (Benson Hill) or HP300 (Hamlet Protein Inc) on an equal protein basis. These diets have been fed to juvenile shrimp in indoor clear water systems as well as outdoor green-water system which mimics a pond-based environment. Both the green water and clear water trials have been completed and we are working to finalize biological data and develop manuscripts. Overall growth was excellent and the new soy sources resulted in very good performance with no signs of enteritis or other negative health effects. Results of this work support the continued expansion of soy-based ingredients in shrimp feed formulations. Benefits to U.S. Soybean Farmers This research was designed to build the knowledge base on soy-based feeds, answer industry relevant questions on shrimp performance on high soy feed formulations and promote the use of specialized soy products. Shrimp aquaculture represents one of the most valuable culture species produced in aquaculture with an estimated production of 5.88 MMT in 2024.The Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) continues to dominate as the shrimp species of choice. It is well documented that this species is very tolerant to plant-based proteins; hence, it is ideally suited to soy-based feeds. Based on industry observations, soy-based products are not used to their full capacity which means there is room to expand the inclusion level of soy-based ingredients in shrimp feeds. To promote the adoption of higher levels of inclusion of soy there is a need to continue to build the knowledge base on soy products and continually provide examples of soy optimized diets that demonstrate technologies that support performance of shrimp. Thus, results of this work are expected to promote the continued adoption of soy into shrimp feed formulations.