Dietary protein level and natural food management in the culture of blue (Litopenaeus stylirostris ) and white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei ) in microcosms

Abstract

The effect of dietary protein level and natural food management on the production parameters of blue and white shrimp, as well as on water quality, was evaluated in a microcosms system (plastic pools simulating aquaculture ponds). Two experimental trials were carried out in the facilities of DICTUS, University of Sonora, Northwest Me´xico. Treatment with low protein diet (LP) consisted of a low protein input (diet with 250 g kg À1 crude protein) through the culture period; treatment with high protein diet (HP) consisted of a high protein input (diet with 400 g kg À1 crude protein) through the trial, and finally treatment VP consisted of an adjustment of protein input (diets with 250, 350 or 400 g kg À1 crude protein), depending on the abundance of biota (zooplankton and benthos) in the system. Each species responded differently to the treatments. For blue shrimp, low protein input resulted in the lowest final body weight (12.9 AE 0.6 g) and biomass (696.0 g pool À1 ). Survival and feed conversion ratio were similar in the three treatments. For white shrimp, the best growth, biomass and food conversion ratio were obtained in the low protein input treatment. Water quality parameters such as nitrate, ammonia and organic matter during the two trials, were better for LP and VP treatments. White shrimp seems to have lower protein requirements than blue shrimp. For the blue shrimp culture, adjusting protein input according to natural food abundance (zooplankton and benthos) in the system, seems to be advantageous because of the possibility of getting a production similar to that obtained with a high protein input through the farming period, but at lower feed cost, and with a lower environmental impact. It is concluded that a high protein input through the whole farming period is not the best feeding strategy for any of the two species.KEY WORDS KEY WORDS: blue shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei), dietary protein level, shrimp feeding, white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

Nitrogen dynamics model in zero water exchange, low salinity intensive ponds of white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei, at Colima, Mexico

“…In contrast, this study yielded a feed N recovery of 43.4% in unfertilized ponds E11 and E21. Such results are consistent with the fact that shrimp fed with differing protein content had equal growth in the presence of phytoplankton (Martínez-Córdoba et al, 2003), yet in clear aquariums, shrimp grew faster with higher protein content (Leber & Pruder, 1988), implying the usage of nutrients from the environment and that the microalgae are consumed by shrimp (Gómez-Aguirre & Martínez-Córdoba, 1998), particularly as juveniles (Mishra et al, 2007). In general, production is higher in what is considered poor water quality (high nutrient concentrations, high and unstable phytoplankton numbers, and high bacterial numbers) (Burford et al, 2003).…”

Partial replacement of red crab (Pleuroncodes planipes) meal for fish meal in practical diets for the white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei. Effects on growth and in vivo digestibility

“…Formulated feed plays an important role as the source of nutrients, and protein is recognized as one of the most important dietary components. Levels of crude protein in commercial shrimp feeds vary between 30% and 50%, and most feeds contain some fish meal protein (Martinez-Cordoba et al, 2003). Protein quality of fish meal varies widely and its nutrient composition depends on many factors (Davis et al, 2004).…”

Effect of practical diets with different protein levels on the performance ofFarfantepenaeus paulensisjuveniles nursed in a zero exchange suspended microbial flocs intensive system

“…2002; Moss 2002). Along with the reduction of production costs, the use of lower protein feeds are part of environmentally sound aquaculture practices, considering that aquaculture effluents would have less nitrogenous compounds, diminishing the risks of eutrophication in adjacent coastal areas, as well as the reduction of dependence on fish meal component (Martinez‐Cordova et al. 2003).…”