Infrastructure, management and energy efficiency in a hypothetical semi‐intensive shrimp model farm in Brazil: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

AbstractThe goal of this study was to characterize the main operational processes adopted by a shrimp aquaculture pond system in Brazil and to account the flows of energy use. The characterization was carried out via application of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses (PRIMA) methodology. The accounting of the energy flows was made through the quantification of the energy coming from economically required resources. Based on the data and characteristics identified in Brazilian shrimp farms, a hypothetical farm consisting of four nursery tanks, nine ponds, feed, fertilizer and general deposits, a refectory, restrooms and dressing rooms, garage, and main and secondary access roads. In this hypothetical shrimp farm, the water pumping was performed by a 20 hp pump, and aeration was performed via 4 hp paddle‐type aerators. A biphasic operating system and a semi‐intensive production regime were adopted, with a initial stocking density of 43 shrimp m−2 and harvest occurring when the shrimp reached an average weight of 12 g. The cultivation cycle lasted 90 days and include the pond preparation and curing period. The final yield was estimated to be 3500 kg ha−1. The total energy cost was calculated as 835.597 MJ. The most energy inputs were feed, fuels and lubricants and electricity. Shrimp production in ponds is a very intensive activity relative to the energy demand and that increasing energy efficiency is one of the essential conditions for the truly sustainable production of long‐term Brazilian shrimp farming not only for environmental but also mainly for economic reasons.