The effects of on growth enhancement, innate immunity, and microbiome profiling in .

Background: In aquaculture, feed additives are widely explored. Among them, Meyer, a natural herbal remedy, has demonstrated its efficacy in many aquaculture species. However, research regarding shrimp, one of the most significant species in aquaculture, remains limited.

Methods: This study investigates the benefits of for , specifically its effects on growth, innate immunity, and shrimp microbiome. Juvenile were fed commercial feed mixed with red ginseng extract at 5 concentrations (0.00 %, 0.05 %, 0.10 %, 0.50 %, and 1.00 %) for 6 weeks. Body weight was measured on days 21 and 42. On day 42, three shrimp per group were selected for further analysis.

Results: In the growth study, Group 0.10 % displayed significantly improved FBW, WG, SGR, and FCR compared to those in Group 0.00 % on day 42. The qPCR assay showed significantly higher IGF-BP gene expression in Groups 0.05 %, 0.10 %, and 1.00 % compared to Group 0.00 %. In the innate immunity analysis, SOD activity was significantly higher in Groups 0.05 % and 0.50 % compared to that in Group 0.00 %. In the bacterial community analysis, Group 0.10 % exhibited higher Flavobacteriaceae and lower Vibrionaceae at the family level compared to Group 0.00 %. At the genus level, Group 0.10 % showed increased unspecified Flavobacteriaceae and decreased Vibrio compared to Group 0.00 %.

Conclusion: Adding to the feed enhanced growth, immune response, and microbiome composition in . Further research on refining dosage levels and utilizing red ginseng residues could boost commercial productivity and economic benefits in aquaculture practices.