Sustainable Shrimp Farming: Tilapia Waste Feed & Biofloc Carbon Sources

What is it about?

Shrimp farming is a major industry, but finding sustainable and affordable feed ingredients is a constant challenge. This study looked into a greener way to feed shrimp by using discarded tilapia processing waste in their diets. We combined this with a special water management system called 'biofloc technology' (BFT), which allows beneficial microbes to grow in the water and serve as an additional food source for the shrimp, reducing the need for traditional feed and limiting water exchange. We tested different amounts of tilapia processing waste silage (a preserved by-product) in shrimp diets. We also compared two carbon sources—sugarcane molasses and cassava flour—which are added to the water to encourage the growth of these beneficial biofloc microbes. Our results showed that shrimp fed diets including up to 6% tilapia waste silage performed well, with high survival rates. Importantly, sugarcane molasses was more effective than cassava flour for improving shrimp survival and overall weight gain, likely due to how it supports the microbial community in the biofloc. This research suggests that using tilapia waste and selecting the right carbon source like molasses can lead to more eco-friendly and cost-effective shrimp production.

Featured Image

Photo by Ben Wicks on Unsplash

Photo by Ben Wicks on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This research offers a sustainable solution for shrimp farming by repurposing tilapia waste into feed and optimizing biofloc systems. It reduces feed costs and environmental impact, fostering a more circular and efficient aquaculture industry.

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