Mineral deficiencies in ponds

Mineral deficiency can lead to several body conditions like a blue-coloured exoskeleton, cramping, stiffness, deformities, slow growth, lower immunity etc. 

Reasons for mineral deficiency?

• Repeated moulting demands more mineral
• Higher stocking density and requirement
• Utilization of existing minerals in water leads to depletion
• Inherent water mineral composition (varies in different areas)

Ionic balanceIonic balance

• The ratio of sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium appears to be more important than pond water salinity
• The ideal ratio of major minerals should be like seawater for optimal growth and survival
• Improper mineral ratios can lead to osmotic stress and affect growth and survival
• Mineral ratios are crucial to meet the physio-biological needs of shrimp

Osmoregulation

• Process in which aquatic species regulate the intra- and extra-cellular body fluids under wide salinity variations
• In high salinities: creates low osmotic pressure. Animals absorb water and lose salt
• In ideal salinities: shrimps do not need to compensate for any loss of water or minerals
• In low salinities: creates high osmotic pressure. Animals lose water and retain minerals

Moulting

The process is essential for growth, removal of bacteria from internal organs, removal of dirt and parasites, recovery from damage or abnormalities in an exoskeleton 

Pond Management – Mineral Balance

AquaCare Mineral Balance is Skretting’s water care portfolio.

Mineral imbalance in pond water can affect shrimp development. To achieve the desired productivity, pond water may require supplementation of minerals.

AquaCare Mineral Balance supports shrimp in adapting to environmental conditions. The highly bioavailable formulation contains macro and trace minerals that help maintain the mineral balance in pond water.

• Maintenance of ionic balance for welfare and performance
• Osmoregulation
• Moulting and exoskeleton development
• Shrimp physiology and muscle function