FONTES E NíVEIS DE VITAMINA C PARA O CAMAR O Litopenaeus vannamei NA FASE DE RECRIA

The inclusion of different sources and levels of vitamin C was evaluated on growth, survival, protein retention and health of Litopenaeus vannamei with initial weight of 5.90 ± 0.57 g. Five hundred and forty individuals were distributed in 27 cages in a completely randomized design in a 4x2 factorial scheme (four sources and two levels) (n = 3). The sources used were ascorbic acid crystal, coated ascorbic acid, ascorbic acid monophosphate and ascorbic acid PEG (polyethylene glycol) with two levels: 180 and 260 mg kg-1. No influence was observed (P>0.05) from the source, level of vitamin C nor interaction of these factors on growth, survival, retention of protein and parameters of health of the shrimp. Necrosis was observed in the abdomen of all animals. The use of vitamin C in sources and levels estimated for the shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei weighing over 5 g shows no improvement in growth, survival, protein retention and health of shrimp.