Bioantibody Biotechnology Co., Ltd. , https://www.bioantibodymedical.com
Improve the effectiveness of white shrimp culture in South America
According to a recent survey, many farmers faced challenges last year while raising South American white shrimp, including low survival rates and small sizes. These issues were primarily caused by factors such as the quality of shrimp species, timing of stocking, seed desalination, stocking density, and disease prevention measures. Poor-quality shrimp significantly impacted aquaculture efficiency. To address these problems, we are now sharing effective techniques for large-scale, high-quality cultivation of *Penaeus vannamei*.
First, selecting high-quality shrimp seedlings is essential for improving survival and yield. When purchasing, farmers should look for healthy, active shrimp with uniform size, clear bodies, full muscles, and good responsiveness. It’s also recommended to test for viruses if possible to ensure they are disease-free. Additionally, using a water resistance test can help identify superior seedlings.
Second, timely stocking is crucial. Farmers should gradually reduce salinity using a method called "Tangkou scattered dilution." In the pond, a small area (3%–5%) is sealed off with plastic film, and low-salt water (3–4‰) is prepared. Seedlings are desalted at a density of 1200–1500 per square meter. After about two weeks of gradual adjustment, shrimp grow to around 2 cm in length and are then transferred to the main pond, where the stocking density is approximately 70,000 per mu.
Third, maintaining good water quality is key. The ideal water color for white shrimp is green or yellow-green, often due to algae or diatoms. Early on, organic fertilizers can be added, and top-dressing should be done based on water clarity, pH, and other conditions, typically once a week. As waste increases, water color darkens, so regular water changes or lime application can help manage it. Microbial preparations like photosynthetic bacteria and EM-bacteria can also be used to break down organic matter, reduce oxygen consumption, and stabilize water color. Maintaining pH between 7.8–8.5 and dissolved oxygen levels above 5 mg/L (and 3 mg/L at the bottom) is essential, which can be achieved through aeration and lime use.
Fourth, feeding should be scientific. A balanced diet is usually provided, with feed amounts adjusted based on shrimp size, survival rate, water quality, and weather. For shrimp between 3–8 cm, feed should be 6–8% of their body weight, while for larger shrimp, it's 4–5%. Feeding twice daily—once at 7 AM and once at 7 PM—with night feeding accounting for half the total amount. Food should be evenly distributed along the pond edge.
Fifth, disease prevention is critical. Good water management is the foundation of disease control. Regular disinfection with agents like dibromohydantoin and avermectin in June and August helps prevent outbreaks. Proactive measures are more effective than reactive treatments.
Finally, proper management and record-keeping are vital. All staff should document water temperature, feeding, medication, and shrimp growth regularly. Establishing detailed pond records allows for timely adjustments in management and provides valuable data for future breeding seasons. This systematic approach ensures sustainable and efficient shrimp farming.