Effects of Lyophilized Açaí (Euterpe oleracea) Supplementation on Oxidative Damage and Intestinal Histology in Juvenile Shrimp Penaeus vannamei Reared in Biofloc Systems

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Açaí (Euterpe oleracea) is a fruit of Amazonian origin rich in phenolic compounds, which are responsible for the high antioxidant capacity of this fruit. In addition to contributing to the maintenance of water quality, bioflocs serve as a supplementary food for farmed shrimp. Because they also contain bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties, the consumption of bioflocs by shrimp helps maintain the balance of physiological functions and the antioxidant status of these crustaceans. Studies have demonstrated the ability of bioflocs to incorporate exogenous antioxidants into a biofloc technology system (BFT). In this context, the antioxidants present in açaí, when added to the cultivation of juvenile shrimp Penaeus vannamei in a BFT system, can be assimilated by bioflocs, serving as a vector for the transfer of these bioactive compounds to the shrimp. ABSTRACT: The objective of this was to evaluate the ability of bioflocs to assimilate and transfer antioxidant compounds present in açaí Euterpe oleracea to juvenile Penaeus vannamei shrimp grown in a biofloc system. Juvenile shrimp were distributed into four treatment groups (control, 5, 20, and 80 mg açaí L(−1)), containing 31 shrimps/tank (90 L), and cultivated for 30 days. Every 24 h throughout the experimental period, the respective açaí concentrations were added directly to the cultivation water. The bioflocs and hepatopancreas lost their antioxidant capacity with increasing concentrations of açaí; however, lipid damage was mitigated after treatment with 20 mg of açaí L(−1) (p < 0.05). The application of 20 mg açaí L(−1) increased the mean height and area of the middle intestinal microvilli (p < 0.05). Mortality and protein and lipid damage in shrimp muscle increased with daily administration of 80 mg açaí L(−1) (p < 0.05). It is concluded that the bioflocs were able to assimilate the antioxidants present in açaí and transfer them to the shrimp, and the administration of 20 mg açaí L(−1) presented the best performance, demonstrating the possibility of its application in the cultivation of P. vannamei in a biofloc system.