Optimizing Shrimp Farming: Water Quality, Probiotics & Feeding

Control of water quality and feeding

The main criterion is control of water quality. Probiotics are applied according to the target; the protocol of the different probiotics is adjusted depending on the biomass, water quality and animal health conditions. The objective is to maintain optimal conditions in order to keep the animal healthy for it to express the compensatory growth potential when transferred.

In the case of feeding, lower quality feeds with fines will affect water quality and shrimp performance. As such, higher quality hatchery feeds with less fines are most desirable.

Especially feeds with a 42% crude protein and high energy feeds are fed at 2-hour intervals. Feed amounts are adjusted depending on feed trays, water quality and animal growth.

Water quality is the most important element to achieve a successful crop. The entire culture is dependent on this aspect and to maintain a good water quality, we must adopt following methods.

  • Maintain reservoir for water treatment.
  • Use double layered 60 mesh to avoid unwanted carriers and use 80 mesh below the inlet.
  • Use good quality bleaching powder (35% or 70%) for treatment, do not use any pesticide and insecticide.
  • Use triple salt compounds like AquaCare 3D to avoid pathogens in water.
  • To maintain healthy plankton bloom, apply fermented juices with yeast and apply good quality probiotics like AquaCare Control.
  • Chain dragging is also recommended when healthy bloom has not happened.
  • Use good quality minerals to maintain ionic balance in the water system especially calcium, magnesium, and potassium like AquaCare Mineral Balance. 

Use of Limited Discharge Practices:

Studies showed that L. vannamei can be raised with reduced water exchange without adverse effect on its growth, survival and yield. In limited discharge systems, shrimp depend on commercial feed as the primary source of food, use of high-quality feed with adequate management can significantly improve shrimp performance, water quality and the Economics. Microbial communities in these systems can serve as a source of single cell protein that provides supplemental food source.