Overview of recent research and development in temperate culture of the freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii De Man) in the South Central United States

Abstract

Research and development efforts concerning freshwater prawn farming have in the past been principally conducted in tropical regions. However, activities in temperate regions also date back several decades. Culture of Macrobrachium in temperate zones offers positive opportunities, despite the inability to culture year-round. Unique problems imposed by a restricted growing season must be addressed, and opportunities capitalized on, to attain commercially viable production in these regions. Much recent research in the South and Central USA has been directed towards intensifying production (kg ha−1) without decreasing average harvest sizes or deteriorating water quality. Particular areas of research include evaluating and maximizing the relative contributions of natural foods, effects of artificial substrates on growth and prawn population structure and grading of animals before pond stocking to reduce heterogeneous individual growth and aggressive interactions. Recent studies have concentrated on combining these factors into a ‘best management practices’ (BMPs) production model. With these factors combined, production has increased from an average of 1000 kg ha−1 of 30 g animals to almost 3000 kg ha−1 of 40 g animals produced in research ponds in 110 days of culture. In commercial ponds, 1500–2000 kg ha−1 has been achieved in a similar period using BMPs.