Growth
and reproductive performance of broodstock shrimp reared in a biosecure
recirculating aquaculture system versus a flow-through pond
C.A. Otoshi, S.M. Arce, S.M. Moss-2003
Aquacultural Engineering, 29(3-4): 93-107
Abstract:
Over the past decade, viral pathogens have caused
mass mortalities of farmed shrimp throughout the major shrimp farming
regions of the world. In addition, the global shrimp farming industry has
been criticized for negatively impacting coastal environments. These issues
have raised concerns about the sustainability of traditional shrimp farming
practices, and have prompted farmers and researchers to develop biosecure
technologies that promote a sustainable industry. Current technologies
include the use of specific pathogen free (SPF) shrimp that are grown to
market size in recirculating systems that rely on pathogen exclusion.
Inherent in this approach is the need to produce SPF broodstock under
biosecure conditions. However, there is a paucity of information on
broodstock growth and reproductive performance when they are reared in
recirculating systems. The present investigation compares shrimp growth and
reproductive performance in two trials where shrimp were cultured from
market size (~20 g) to broodstock size (~40–60 g) in a recirculating
aquaculture system (RAS) versus a flow-through earthen pond (EP). In trial
1, mean growth rates of males and females in the RAS were 0.83 and 1.33
g/week, respectively. In the EP, males and females grew 1.07 and 1.48
g/week, respectively. In trial 2, mean growth rates of males and females in
the RAS were 0.90 and 1.53 g/week, respectively, whereas in the EP, males
and females grew and 1.24 and 1.78 g/week. Slower growth rates in the RAS
may be attributed to the lack of natural productivity, which provides
supplemental nutrition to the shrimp. In addition to growth rates,
reproductive performance of broodstock reared in the RAS was compared with
historical reproductive performance of broodstock reared in the EP. Data on
spawning success and production of viable nauplii revealed no significant
differences (P>0.05) between broodstock shrimp reared in these two
systems. These results indicate that broodstock shrimp can be cultured in a
biosecure RAS while maintaining good growth and high survival. In addition,
reproductive performance of broodstock shrimp reared in a RAS is not
compromised when compared with broodstock shrimp reared in a conventional,
flow-through pond.
(The Oceanic Institute, 41-202 Kalanianaole Hwy.,
Waimanalo, HI 96795, USA, e-mail: cotoshi@oceanicinstitute.org)