EVALUATION OF FEEDING RATES IN THE PRODUCTION OF LITOPENAEUS VANNAMEI SHRIMP USING ARTIFICIAL SUBSTRATES

César Rocha Nunes Antunes,Clóvis Matheus Pereira,José Dos Santos,Carlos Alberto Da Silva Ledo

doi:10.1590/1809-6891v19e-50805

Abstract

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the the influence of feeding rate and different artificial substrates on both the water quality and growth performance of Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp. The experimental design was randomized blocks with five treatments and four replicates, with a density of 30 shrimp m-2 and mean weight of 2.8 g. The experiment lasted 49 days, and during this period, artificial substrates did not influence the water quality. The increase in the feeding rate influenced the dissolved oxygen of treatments. The final average weight, average final length, final biomass, productivity, and feed conversion rate showed significant differences (p > 0.05). The best food conversion factor was provided by the treatment with a feeding rate of 2%. The treatment with a feeding rate of 4% of biomass showed the best growth performance, except for the feed conversion rate. Results showed that for the percentage of 25% of the area of artificial substrates, there is an optimum feeding rate of between 5.13% and 5.54% of shrimp biomass, resulting in maximum production.

Highlights

In the Brazilian shrimp farming industry, there is a predominance of semi-intensive and intensive cultivation of white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)
Shrimp show higher growth and survival rates when cultured in the presence of biofilm, showing that the use of artificial substrates can reduce the negative effects caused by increased stocking density
The aim of this study was to obtain information on the effect of using different feeding rates on both the water quality and growth performance of L. vannamei produced with artificial substrates

Summary

Introduction

In the Brazilian shrimp farming industry, there is a predominance of semi-intensive and intensive cultivation of white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). Penaeid shrimp are omnivorous diggers that feed on a wide variety of benthic organisms and detritus. These shrimp have a continuous or frequent feeding activity [2]. The relative amount of each item consumed depends on its availability in the environment, and the growth stage and species of shrimp [3]. According to Viau et al [4], the biofilm adhered to substrates is formed by heterotrophic bacteria, filamentous cyanobacteria, ciliates, nematodes, and diatoms. Shrimp show higher growth and survival rates when cultured in the presence of biofilm, showing that the use of artificial substrates can reduce the negative effects caused by increased stocking density

Objectives

Methods

Results