Abstract
AbstractThe effects of continuous paddlewheel operation on shrimp growth, yield and crop value were studied in Hawaii. Six 0.4 ha earthen ponds were stocked with Penaeus vannamei at 25 postlarvae/m2. Three ponds served as controls with no mechanical aeration or mixing. Each of the other three ponds had two 1 hp paddlewheel aerators (3.7 kw/ha) running continuously throughout the five month trial (29 April‐8 October 1986). All other management factors were applied uniformly.Daily water temperature and use were significantly different between treatments. Paddlewheel ponds had lower water temperatures (28.3 vs. 28.5 C) and lower water use (0.8% exchange per day vs. 2.2% exchange per day) than control ponds.Faster shrimp growth in paddlewheel ponds was evident in week 8. At week 14, mean shrimp body weights and growth rates were significantly greater. Shrimp at harvest were 21.2 ± 2.6 g in paddlewheel ponds versus 15.3 ± 2.6 g in control ponds. Mean shrimp production was 2,852 ± 222 kg/ha in paddlewheel ponds compared to only 2,061 ± 558 kg/ha in controls. Mean crop value was $13,719 per pond per crop for paddlewheel ponds versus $9,111 for control ponds. Hence, paddlewheels afforded an increase of 42% in net crop value after subtracting purchase and operating costs.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.