Abstract
The aim of the study is to explore the effects of glutamate (Glu) supplementation on feed consumption, digestibility, intestinal histology, growth, gut barrier, and the antioxidant-immune-related genes during the juvenile stage of freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii). The supplementation of Glu at doses of 55 and 550 mg/kg feed significantly enhanced feed consumption, digestion, digestive enzyme activities, and gut histology (P P P < 0.05). Survival rate (SR) was significantly higher for juvenile prawns receiving diets with Glu supplementation at weeks 8 and 12. Collectively, these results indicate that Glu function as an appetite stimulant, growth enhancer, and immune modulator; therefore, this neurotransmitter may be a potential food additive for improving the production of juvenile prawns raised in an aquaculture system.