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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Auburn, Alabama » Aquatic Animal Health Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #411304
Research Project: Integrated Research to Improve Aquatic Animal Health in Warmwater Aquaculture

Location: Aquatic Animal Health Research

Title: The effects of stocking density on growth the growth of juvenile Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) in a green water system

Author
item BAJRACHARYA, SHRIJAN - Auburn University
item Garcia, Julio
item DAVIS, ALLEN - Auburn University
item ROY, LUKE - Auburn University

Submitted to: Aquaculture America
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/17/2023
Publication Date: 2/18/2024
Citation: Bajracharya, S., Garcia, J.C., Davis, A., Roy, L. 2024. The effects of stocking density on growth the growth of juvenile Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) in a green water system [ABSTRACT]. Aquaculture America 2024. San Antonio, Texas. February 18-21, 2024.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Stocking density is a pivotal factor in shrimp cultivation. High stocking density can enhance shrimp yields, yet it necessitates greater feed input, potentially leading to water quality degradation. High stocking density has the potential to influence shrimp growth, survival rate, and contribute to stress due to overcrowding. The objective of this study was to evaluate the response of L. vannamei cultured at different stocking densities in a green water system. The experiment was conducted in an outdoor green water recirculating aquaculture system consisting of 20, 800L culture tanks. The shrimp were stocked at 50, 100, 200, 300, and 400 shrimp/m3 and raised for 8-weeks. All treatments were provided a commercial shrimp diet (Zeigler Shrimp Grower HI-35, CP 35%) four times per day via hand feeding. At the end of the study, significant differences in growth and feed conversation ratios (FCR) between treatments were observed. The highest mean weight (16.8 g) and weight gain percentage (4040%) were recorded in shrimp cultured at 50 shrimp/m3. A decrease in the final mean weight, weight gain (%), and survival (%) were observed with an increase in stocking density. FCR and final biomass both increased with increasing density. A higher biomass is desirable from a producer standpoint, and higher stocking densities would potentially make this possible. However, overcrowding due to elevated stocking densities has the potential to result in reduced survival, elevated FCR, and diminished water quality. Therefore, ensuring a harmonious balance among stocking density, growth expectations, and water quality management is essential for optimizing shrimp growth in green water systems.