AF4: Successful Preliminary Trial of Pacific White Shrimp in APRAS
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In conclusion, this preliminary trial encouragingly demonstrated that Pacific white shrimp (L. vannamei) can effectively be raised in APRAS at low (3 ppt) salinity. The intent going forward is to ensure the economic viability of the approach. Targets include a growth rate of 2 grams/week (20 grams within 60 days of growout after nursery), at densities between 5-10 kg/m3. Samocha et al. (2012) obtained up to 1.95 grams/week and 9.87 kg/m3 to 25 grams individual weight of fast-growth L. vannamei in zero-water exchange, 18 ppt salinity, high-density biofloc raceways in the U.S. Some well-managed intensive ponds in China harvesting between 3-5 kg/m3 have reportedly obtained growth rates of up to 2 grams per week after nursery stocking, and FCR’s closer to 1.2 – 1.4. Preliminary economic projections indicate that with this level and other minor assumptions, a total profit of well over 50% can be achieved in APRAS for this species. Better biological performance than observed in this study can likely be achieved with faster growth in the nursery, increased feeding rate to account for maximum growth, higher quality feed, higher salinity and/or mineral levels, and use of refuges, in addition to continued microbial management and improved management of the APRAS APM. Subsequent trials will address such issues and establish growth rates at various densities.