Increased production of inland shrimp farms

Increased production of inland shrimp farms

Summary

Ion availability in inland, saline waters where shrimp are being produced was thought to be limiting production. We conducted tests to evaluate the strategies of supplementing diets and pond water with potassium (K) and with magnesium (Mg) to improve the growth and osmoregulation ability of Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei in low salinity water. The effects of supplemented diets were examined in replicated greenhouse trials were conducted with shrimp acclimated to low salinities (4-5 ppt) in raceways. Tests examining the effect of adding K to the pond water were evaluated in replicated tests with shrimp held in tanks. Supplementing the diets with either K or Mg did not result in better shrimp growth. Similarly, there were no significant differences in the growth of shrimp related to K content of the water. The osmolarilty of shrimp hemolymph was not affected by the supplemented diets or water. Our data do not support the use of this strategy for increasing shrimp production in inland, saline waters.

Objectives/Performance Targets

The overall goal of the project is to increase the viability of inland shrimp farms in the WSARE region by improving farm productivity. The project objectives are: 1) to determine the concentrations of K and Mg, both in the pond water and feed, needed to reduce osmoregulation stress, and related mortalities, to shrimp in low-salinity ponds; and 2) to develop pond management strategies based on these results.

Accomplishments/Milestones

1) We conducted replicated, growth trials with commercial feeds supplemented with K and Mg;
2) We conducted similar growth trials testing the effect of adding KCl to pond water on shrimp growth and osmoregulation;
3) Three graduate students and two undergraduate students have received training by participating in this project;
4) Some of the results were presented at an international symposium on shrimp culture and have also been accepted for presentation at the next meeting of World Aquaculture Society;
5) Manuscripts are being prepared for submission to appropriate journals.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

The results of these studies contribute to clarification of a major issue in, the development of inland shrimp aquaculture. The results may stimulate additional research in this area. In addition, the results will bring attention to potential of using saline groundwater as a resource for inland aquaculture.

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