Changes in body composition of western white leg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) at different stages of growth

The study of changes the amount of protein, lipid, carbohydrates, fiber, ash and moisture of farmed Litopenaeus vannamei at different stages of growth was performed. Samples at the stages of post larvae 12, shrimp with 1, 2 and 3 months age, grow-out and market shrimp at the end of the period were provided from hatchery and breeding centers in Khuzestan province. Chemical composition w measured by standard methods (AOAC) in muscle of L. vannamei. The highest moisture level in shrimp with 1 month age was 78.3% and the lowest in the market shrimp was 71.43% (P<0.05). The highest protein in muscle of shrimp was 20.18 % and the lowest was in post larvae 12, 15% (P<0.05). The highest lipid in muscle of shrimp was 0.83% and the lowest was 0.4% at stage of 12 post larvae (P<0.05). The highest of carbohydrate in post larvae 12 was 5.73% and the lowest in market shrimp was 0.14%. The highest amount of fiber (0.23%) was measured in 3 months age shrimp (P>0.05). According to the results, by the time that L. vannamei grows, the amount of protein in the muscles increases and this feature makes it suitable for human consumption.