Shrimp
larval quality in relation to broodstock condition
I.S. Racotta, E. Palacios, A.M. Ibarra
Aquaculture, 227(1-4): 107-130
Abstract:
This review focuses on the different criteria
currently used to assess offspring quality of penaeid shrimp and the factors
that affect this characteristic. The term `larval quality' generally refers
to the physiological condition of the larvae and is related to survival and
growth rates during several larval developmental stages. The criteria fit
into five general categories, depending on the approach used: biochemical,
morphological, behavioral, production and survival to stress tests. Several
variables at the broodstock management level are known or suspected to
affect larval quality. These include variables that can be more easily
controlled by producers or researchers than others. Broodstock nutrition is
probably the best reviewed aspect and is supported by many papers on the
metabolism of several components during maturation, use of fresh vs.
artificial food and specific requirements of particular components, such as
lipids and vitamins. Endocrine control of reproduction has been widely
studied in crustaceans. Eyestalk ablation still represents the most commonly
used endocrine manipulation to induce maturation and spawning. Other
alternatives are considered although few evaluate larval quality and none
has been used in production. More recently, the use of captive broodstock
and genetic improvement programs have gained importance. The effect of other
biological characteristics of shrimp, such as age and size, season of the
year when induced to intensive maturation conditions, time spent in
maturation tanks and consecutive spawnings are also considered.
(Programa de Acuicultura, Division de Biologia
Marina, Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas del Noroeste, Mar Bermejo 195,
Playa Palo de Santa Rita, Apdo. Postal 128, La Paz, Baja California Sur C.P.
23000, Mexico, e-mail: iracotta@cibnor.mx)