What is it about?
This study explored how adding common vegetable materials like wheat bran, oat bran, or amaranth seeds could improve shrimp farming using biofloc technology. Biofloc systems are a sustainable method where microbes in the water help maintain water quality and provide extra food for the shrimp. We raised Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) for five weeks, comparing their performance in tanks with and without these added substrates. We discovered that these vegetable additions did not negatively affect water quality. Crucially, they significantly enhanced shrimp growth and feed efficiency. Oat bran, in particular, resulted in larger shrimp and better utilization of feed. Wheat bran also increased beneficial bacteria within the biofloc. Our findings suggest a simple, effective way to boost shrimp production and sustainability in aquaculture.
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Why is it important?
This research offers a practical, low-cost strategy to improve shrimp farming. By using readily available vegetable materials, farmers can enhance shrimp growth and feed efficiency, contributing to more sustainable and profitable aquaculture.
Perspectives
Looking ahead, we aim to delve deeper into how these vegetable substrates specifically interact with the shrimp's gut microbiome and immune system. Understanding these biological pathways could unlock even greater benefits. We envision developing optimized substrate formulations that further reduce reliance on commercial feeds, potentially integrating other agricultural by-products to create a more circular and environmentally friendly shrimp farming model. This could also extend to other farmed aquatic species.
Dr. Anselmo Miranda-Baeza
Universidad Estatal de Sonora
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Effect of adding vegetable substrates on Penaeus vannamei pre grown in biofloc system on shrimp performance, water quality and biofloc composition, Latin American Journal of Aquatic Research, November 2019, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Valparaiso,
DOI: 10.3856/vol47-issue5-fulltext-7.
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