High Stocking Density Research Articles

Lernaeid parasites prevalence in commercial freshwater fish species at various fish farms in Pakistan.

Reports abound on Lernaea parasitizing the brood stock, fingerlings, and marketable-sized culturable freshwater fish species in various parts of the world. We investigated seven small-scale aquaculture farms and how the prevailing Lernaea is impacting them. Randomly seven fish farms were selected to determine the prevalence percentage of lernaeid ectoparasites. Relevant information of the fishponds to estimate the various aspects such as effects of water source and quality, feed, stocking density, treatment used, and weight and length of fish, concerned with Lernaea infestation and prevalence was gathered. The results indicated that Catla catla (F. Hamilton, 1822) showed highest prevalence (41.7%) among the seven fish species, whereas Oreochromis niloticus showed zero. Other five fish species Ctenopharyngodon idella, Cirrhinus cirrhosis, Cyprinus carpio, Labeo rohita and Hypophthalmichthys molitrix showed 13.2%, 8.1%, 7.7%, 7.4%, 0.9% prevalence, respectively. In Royal Fish Farm 84.3% lernaeid infestation was observed, while no parasite was observed in the Vicent's Chunnian fish farm. The water source, quality, feed, fertilizers, stocking density, water temperature, and potential treatment options displayed varying tendencies among fish farms and prevalence. Depending on the weight and length, the highest prevalence (56.7%, and 66.7%) was observed in 3501-4000 g and 81-90 cm groups. The infestation rate varied in various fish body parts with the dorsal fin the most vulnerable organ and showed 2.3% overall prevalence (while 18.4% contribution within total 12.6% infestation). Out of 147 infected fish samples, 45 were extensively contaminated by Lernaea spread. In conclusion, our findings confirm that Lernaea could pose a considerable threat to marketable fish, and various treatment options should be educated to the farmers to help mitigate the spread and potential losses. Furthermore, Catla catla is more vulnerable to Lernaea infestation (41.7%), so are the fish species being cultured at higher stocking densities.

Chitosan complex usage efficiency when broiler growing in conditions of high stocking density

Chitosan complex usage efficiency when broiler growing in conditions of high stocking density

Effect of food strategy and stocking density on larval performance of captively reared Mytilus galloprovincialis

Food availability is a crucial factor influencing the behavioral responses, development and physiology of bivalve’s larvae. In this study, we investigated the effects of two feeding strategies (Fv: number of microalgae cells per volume and Fb: number of microalgae cells per biomass) on Mytilus galloprovincialis larvae reared at three different stocking densities (D5: 5 larvae/ml, D15: 15 larvae/ml and D30: 30 larvae/ml). The results showed that larvae fed per volume (Fv) exhibited the highest survival rates across all tested densities (59%, 53% and 39% for D5, D15and D30 respectively), compared to larvae fed per biomass (Fb) (40%, 39% and 32% for, D15, D30 and D5 respectively). Conversely, feeding per biomass led to a significant increase in cumulative shell length gain (D5: 211.4 µm; D15: 214.99 µm and D30: 208.11µm) compared to feeding per volume (D5: 201.12 µm; D15: 166.23 µm and D30:130.09 µm). Statistical analysis revealed that food availability significantly influenced survival only at low larvae density (D5: F=20.13; P<0.01). However, it significantly affected cumulative gain only at high stocking densities D15 (F=148.96; P<0.001) and D30 (F=318.74; P<0.001). These findings emphasize the importance of feeding strategy and stocking density as crucial factors in regulating larval performance during captivity rearing.

Masere ve Soğuk Pres Susam (Sesamum indicum L.) Yağının, Yüksek Yoğunlukta Stoklanmış Gökkuşağı Alabalıkları (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Walbaum, 1792)’nın Antioksidan Enzim Aktiviteleri, Hematolojik Parametreleri, Nitro Blue Tetrazolium (NBT) Aktivitesi ve Et Verimi Üzerine Etkileri

The study was aimed to determine the effects of macerated sesame oil (MSO) and cold pressed sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) oil (CPSO) on antioxidant enzyme activities, hematological parameters, nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) activity and proximate composition of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Walbaum, 1792) at high stocking density. Fish (55.89±2.05 g) were fed diets supplemented with same concentration (%2) of MSO and CPSO for 21 days. It was determined that the values of mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), platelet (PLT) values of the CPSO and group and the corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), platelet (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet-large cell ratio (PLCR), granulocyte (GRAN), nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) levels of the MSO group were increased. It was found that glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) activities of CPSO groups were rised. The results were statistically significant at P< 0.05 level. In the study, the dry matter ratio increased in each experimental group compared to the control group, the moisture, ash and protein ratio did not change, the fat ratio decreased compared to the control group. Both macerated sesame oil and cold pressed sesame oil could be recommended to alternative food additives.

Tambaqui Production at Different Stocking Densities in RAS: Growth and Physiology

Stocking densities were evaluated for the rearing tambaqui in an RAS system. Experiment 1 used juveniles weighing 0.54 g at the following densities for 15 days: D0.3—0.3; D0.6—0.6; and D0.9—0.9 kg m−3. Experiment 2 used juveniles weighing 8.22 g at the following densities for 75 days: D0.8—0.8; D1.2—1.2; and D1.6—1.6 kg m−3. Experiment 3 used juveniles weighing 142.18 g at the following densities for 75 days: D2—2; D4—4 and D6—6 kg m−3. In Experiment 1, density did not influence performance (p > 0.05), with the exception of biomass, which was greatest in D0.9 (p < 0.05). In Experiment 2, final weight, weight gain and daily weight gain were highest for D0.8 (p < 0.05), as was triglycerides (p < 0.05), whereas biomass increased with increasing density (p < 0.05). In Experiment 3, weight, weight gain and daily weight gain were greater for D2 and D4 (p < 0.05), while final biomass was lowest for D2 (p < 0.05). Hemoglobin was lower for D4 and D6 (p < 0.05), while cholesterol and glucose levels were higher for D2 and D6 (p < 0.05). Colossoma macropomum demonstrated adaptive capacity for reared in RAS at high stocking densities.

Effects of broodfish sex ratio, broodfish stocking density, and postspawn broodfish holding‐pond density on reproductive efficiency in pond‐spawned Channel Catfish

AbstractObjectiveThree trials were conducted to determine the effects of broodfish management on reproductive efficiency of pond‐spawned Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus.MethodsTrial 1 compared male to female broodfish sex ratios of 1:1 versus 1:4, trial 2 compared low (1065 kg/ha) versus high (2050 kg/ha) broodfish stocking densities, and trial 3 compared low (1525 kg/ha) and high (5780 kg/ha) postspawn broodfish holding‐pond densities on measures of reproductive efficiency.ResultMales had lower survival than females in all trials. Age, weight, and survival of broodfish were similar for each treatment within trials. A higher percentage of females spawned at the 1:1 male to female ratio than at the 1:4 ratio (40.8% versus 12.5%), resulting in more eggs per hectare, eggs per kilogram of broodfish, fry per hectare, and fry per kilogram of broodfish for the 1:1 ratio compared to the 1:4 ratio. Male spawning success (~31%) was similar for 1:1 and 1:4 sex ratios. Spawning fish weighed more than nonspawning fish for both sexes, and surviving males weighed less than nonsurviving males in trial 1. In trial 2, the percentage of egg masses collected per female stocked was higher for the high broodfish density than the low density (34.0% versus 16.4%), resulting in more eggs per hectare and fry per hectare for the high stocking density resulting in whole‐farm economic benefits ranging from US$323/ha to $828/ha primarily from the reduction in the area required for broodstock.ConclusionResults indicate that the 1:1 male to female broodfish ratio (trial 1) and high broodfish stocking density (trial 2) resulted in better reproduction than the 1:4 sex ratio and low broodfish stocking density. The effects of low versus high broodfish holding‐pond densities did not affect reproductive output.

Preliminary Screening of Brucella Antibodies in Sera of Persons in Contact with Animals in Mahlab 2-Hilat Koukou, Khartoum, Sudan in 2022

Brucellosis remains a major zoonosis worldwide. This study was intended to estimate Brucellosis prevalence among people living and working in a high stocking density area (Mahlab 2) and risk factors. A cross-sectional study was done among randomly selected males and females in the area of Mahlab 2. Data was collected using questionnaires and laboratory investigations. Blood samples were collected from participants. The Rose Bengal Plate (RBP) test was used for the detection of Brucella antibodies in serum samples and a modified Rose Bengal Plate (mRBP) test was used for confirmation. A total of 69 participants were enrolled in this study. The majority of those participants were between 18–29 years of age. The seropositivity of patients’ blood samples using these tests, was 28.4%. Socio-demographic characteristics, occupation, clinical signs of disease, types, and size of herds reared by animal owners, sanitary practices, and awareness about zoonosis, Brucellosis, and symptoms of Brucellosis showed no significant correlation with seropositivity among patients’ blood samples for Brucellosis. It is recommended that surveillance and extension programs should be carried out to evaluate the magnitude of Brucellosis and to increase awareness about it. For proper control and prevention to decrease the incidence in animals, hence decreasing the incidence in humans, animal vaccination is essential.

Synergistic interactions of zeolite, stocking density, and water exchange: A holistic approach to optimizing aquaculture performance of juvenile European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

Effective water management is an essential component of sustainable fish farming practices, particularly in the context of global water scarcity. The accumulation of ammonium ions (NH4+) from fish metabolism necessitates frequent water changes, posing a challenge to the sustainability of fish farming operations. Zeolite materials have emerged as a promising solution, offering enhanced ammonium cation removal compared to conventional nitrifying bacteria. This innovative approach alleviates the pressure on water resources and promotes environmental sustainability in fish farming. Over 75 days, this study examined how zeolite, stocking density, and water exchange affected European seabass water quality and growth. 250 kg of seabass, 25.61 ± 2.39 g/fish. Three factors: zeolite levels (Z: 0, 10, and 15 ppt), density (D: 1, 2.5, and 5 kg/m3), and water exchange (W: 10, 25, and 50 %), using 81 hapas with 0.5 m3 vol each (triplicates for each treatment) fixed in concrete ponds, fish were randomly distributed among 81 experimental hapas in 27 ponds. This research illuminates the potential benefits of various therapies. Zeolite in seabass culture improved water quality. It reduced ammonia derivatives, improving water quality. Adjusting seabass stocking density to low or high improved water quality measures. This change kept dissolved oxygen levels within the target range, providing a good home for farmed fish. Zeolite supplements, reduced stocking density, and optimum water exchange improved European seabass growth, along with water quality improvements. These interventions improved feed consumption and growth rates. These approaches promoted fish growth and reduced stress by limiting the negative effects of high stocking density. The study also examined immune-related, hematobiochemical, and plasma biochemical characteristics after the interventions. Zeolite supplementation, to low stocking density, and water exchange improved these characteristics. They strengthened the European seabass' immune system and preserved healthy plasma and hematobiochemical parameters. In conclusion, optimizing European seabass culture with zeolite (15 ppt), stocking density (1 kg/m3), and water exchange (50 %) enhances water quality, growth performance, and physiological parameters. This contributes to improved aquaculture sustainability and efficiency. Further research is required to fully elucidate the molecular mechanisms of those factors that affect fish health and aquaculture practices.

Promoting Growth and Health of African Catfish, Clarias gariepinus, Through Dietary Novel Supplement, Ginger, Zingiber officinale Rosc, Leaf Powder

African catfish is a popular freshwater aquaculture species as it can be farmed at high stocking density. However, high stocking density caused growth and health impairment. Hence, nutritional approach such as feed additive can be applied in fish farming to overcome this issue. This study evaluated the impacts of ginger (Zingiber officinale) leaf powder (GLP) on growth performance, digestive enzymes activities, antioxidative response, and disease resistance towards Edwardsiella tarda infection in African catfish. A feeding trial was performed using a control diet and four formulated diets with GLP at 1, 2, 3, and 4%. Ginger is an herb used in cuisine and traditional medicine. It was reported possesses medicinal values such as antimicrobial, anti-oxidant, and immune system modulator. After eight weeks, the growth performance of GLP-treated African catfish was significantly improved than control, and the best results were observed in the 2 and 3% groups (p<0.05). Meanwhile, fish supplemented with 1 and 4% GLP demonstrated comparable growth performance. There was a significant decreasing trend in FCR, HSI, and VI, where the lowest values were recorded by the 2 and 3% GLP diet groups, followed by 1% GLP, 4% GLP, and control groups (p<0.05). The digestive enzymes activity, including amylase, lipase, and protease, was significantly higher in dietary GLP groups than in control, where the highest activity was exhibited by groups 2 and 3% GLP (p<0.05), followed by 1% and 4% GLP groups. There was an increasing trend in the antioxidative response, where the GLP-treated groups had significantly higher catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities than the control, and the highest was observed in fish fed with 2 and 3% GLP (p<0.05). Furthermore, the GLP-treated groups had a significantly higher cumulative survival rate than the control, where 2 and 3% GLP groups demonstrated the highest survival (p<0.05), followed by 1 and 4% GLP groups. In summary, this study revealed that dietary GLP potentially enhanced African catfish production at recommended doses of 2 and 3%.

Effects of community camel and sheep grazing on vegetation cover in Al-Mayla rangeland in northern Saudi Arabia

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of community camel and sheep grazing on vegetation cover and production at Al-Mayla rangeland enclosure in Arar, northern Saudi Arabia, protected for 40 years. Following a first vegetation sampling conducted in August 2022, two different sites (Artemisia and Atriplex sites) were identified and management plan involving grazing for one month on the Artemisia site by 769 heads of camels and the Atriplex site by 2739 heads of sheep was proposed. Upon pressure from the pastoral community, the number of sheep was increased to 7500 head and the grazing period was reduced to 2 weeks in September 2022. Field data collection was conducted after grazing. Total plant cover and soil surface states, species cover and density, and biomass available for grazing were measured and compared to the situation before introducing animals. Results showed that long-term protection (40 years) had a negative effect on vegetation cover dynamics through the development of more competitive and stress-tolerant low-range value species and hard soil crust which reduces infiltration, emergence of seedlings, and growth of plants. The findings suggested that short-period grazing with a high stocking density of mixed herds of camel and sheep which reduced animal selectivity and improved soil structure is not harmful to vegetation cover and range production and had social implications by allowing the grazing of more herds from the community

The effects of stocking density on growth, morphological development, behavior, and welfare parameters in pheasants (Phasianus colchicus).

In pheasants, which are generally raised in large flocks, stocking density is important for their growth and development, normal behavior and welfare. But there is still a lack of information on the optimum stocking density for game birds. This research was conducted on a total of 200 pheasants to examine the effects of low (5 pheasant/m2) and high (10 pheasant/m2) stocking density rearing practices on body weight, morphological development, behavioral characteristics and welfare parameters such as foot-pad dermatitis and plumage quality. When we look at the study results, it was determined that the density of stocking did not make a difference in the first 13 weeks of age, but pheasants reared at low density at the ages of 14-16 weeks reached higher body weight. In terms of body weight at 14, 15, and 16 weeks, the low stocking density group had an average of approximately 41, 71, and 94 g higher than the high stocking density group, respectively (p<0.05). It had been found that low density provides better morphological development. The low group was found to be significantly higher than the high group in terms of ornithological size, wingspan, back length, tail length, head length and head width, 5.9 cm, 2 cm, 1.3 cm, 7.6 cm, 1.7 mm and 1 mm, respectively (p<0.05). Since the animals in the low group had more individual space, they had the opportunity to perch and therefore exhibit more passive behavior. On the other hand, pheasants in the low group exhibited higher levels of aggressive behavior (p<0.05). More foraging behavior was observed in the higher group and the low-density group consumed more feed in the 14th week (p<0.05). But no significant differences were detected between groups in terms of feed consumption in other weeks (p>0.05). A 1.12 point higher score was calculated in the low group compared to the high group, especially in terms of tail feather quality, and as a result, pheasants reared in low stocking density had better plumage quality (p<0.05). It had been determined that as the stocking density decreases in the rearing of pheasants, they exhibit easier flight and roosting behaviors and therefore they were less affected by feather pecking behavior and had better feather quality. In addition, it had been determined that pheasants grow and develop better in this group, which had more rest opportunities. In conclusion, rearing at low stocking density is recommended for better fattening performance and better welfare conditions.

The effects of using different stocking volumes on the development of broodstocks of the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus Rathbun, 1896 (Brachyura, Portunidae)

Abstract The aim of this study is to determine the effect of different stocking volumes on the survival and growth of broodstocks of the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus. Based on a Pearson correlation test, 0.70 litre tanks with three groups at different stocking densities (15, 10 and 5 individuals per tank) have been used in this study. The results show that the mortality rate due to cannibalism was high in the first test group, while it was found to be lower in the third group. There were significant differences in survival rates in the three different groups used in this trial of broodstock cultivation (). The higher the stocking densities, the lower the survival rates, i.e., significantly increasing the broodstock density reduces the survival rate. Statistical differences have also been found in the development rates of broodstock crabs (), and it has been noted that there is slower development at higher stocking densities. If calculating the optimal stock density for mass production purposes is desired, less density thus appears to be more advantageous for both survival and growth rate.

Ektobakteri Pada Ikan Nila (Oreocromis niloticus) Di Desa Lihung Kecamatan Karang Intan Kabupaten Banjar Propinsi Kalimantan Selatan

Intensive cultivation often risks the emergence of disease, this is because in intensive cultivation tilapia are kept with high stocking densities and intensive use of feed, which causes a decrease in water quality which in turn can trigger the emergence of disease. Fish diseases arise due to an imbalance between fish as gills of pathogens/microorganisms that carry disease, and the environment. The fish's defense system can be disrupted due to environmental changes and the development of pathogens in a cultivation container. This research aims to find out whether there are ectobacteria in tilapia fish in fish farming ponds in Lihung Village. The results of the research will make it easier to provide information about sick fish and how to deal with disease in the environment of fish cultivating ponds that are attacked by ectobacteria. The research was carried out for 10 days, 4–14 March 2023 at the KIPM Banjarmasin Laboratory, starting from taking test fish samples, necropsy, microscopic examination, as well as the types of ectobacteria found in tilapia seeds taken from fish farming ponds. Necropsy activities are carried out by weighing the weight of the test fish, checking the completeness of the fish's body organs and checking the body of the fish that will be observed. All samples of the test fish are weighed according to the required standard of at least 10 grams with a fish body weight of 50 grams, for completeness. body organs of all test fish samples are complete. From the sample results, it was found that there were 2 bacteria that attacked Tilapia fish in Lihung Village, namely Aeromonas sp. and Proteus sp bacteria

Routes of dispersion of antibiotic resistance genes from the poultry farm system

Poultry farms are hotspots for the development and spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), due to high stocking densities and extensive use of antibiotics, posing a threat of spread and contagion to workers and the external environment. Here, we applied shotgun metagenome sequencing to characterize the gut microbiome and resistome of poultry, workers and their households - also including microbiomes from the internal and external farm environment – in three different farms in Italy during a complete rearing cycle. Our results highlighted a relevant overlap among the microbiomes of poultry, workers, and their families (gut and skin), with clinically relevant ARGs and associated mobile elements shared in both poultry and human samples. On a finer scale, the reconstruction of species-level genome bins (SGBs) allowed us to delineate the dynamics of microorganism and ARGs dispersion from farm systems. We found the associations with worker microbiomes representing the main route of ARGs dispersion from poultry to human populations. Collectively, our findings clearly demonstrate the urgent need to implement more effective procedures to counteract ARGs dispersion from poultry food systems and the relevance of metagenomics-based metacommunity approaches to monitor the ARGs dispersion process for the safety of the working environment on farms.

Stress response and oxygen consumption level of vaname shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) infested by Ciliata pathogens on culture system with high stocking densities

One of the technology used to increase the production of vaname shrimp is by culture system with high stocking densities. Disease cases that are often reported to attack vaname shrimp in rearing with high stocking densities are derived from ectoparasites Ciliata pathogens such as Vorticella sp., Zoothamnium sp. and Epistylis sp. This study aimed to determine the effect of high stocking density, rearing time and the interaction between high stocking density and rearing time on the stress response (blood glucose level) and oxygen consumption level of vaname shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) infested by Ciliata pathogens. This study used an experimental method using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with a 3×5 factorial pattern consisting of 3 treatments and 6 replications. Factor A is high stocking density (10 prawns/10L, 15 prawns/10L and 20 prawns/10L) and factor B is rearing time (day-0, 2, 4, 6 and 8). The results of this study showed that high stocking density and rearing time had a significant effect (p<0.05) and there was a significant interaction (p<0,01) with a high stocking density of 20 prawns/10L and rearing time on day-8 of increasing blood glucose level and oxygen consumption level of vaname shrimp infested by Ciliata pathogens.

Different stocking density on growth and survival rate of tilapia seeds (Oreochromis niloticus)

Stocking density is one aspect of cultivation that needs to be known because it affects the growth rate and survival rate that determines the level of production. High stocking density will result in competition in getting feed and space, resulting in growth variations. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of stocking density on growth and survival of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) seeds. The observation method was carried out experimentally with the treatments given in this observation: treatment P1 = 100 head stocking density; P2= 200 head stocking density; p3 = 300 head stocking density. The results showed that different densities resulted in different growth and survival rates, treatment 1 had an SGR value of 5.58% and an SR of 94%; Treatment 2 obtained an SGR value of 4.96% with an SR value of 88% and the lowest results were obtained in treatment 3 with an SGR value of only 2.02%/day and an SR of 83%. Water quality at the time of maintenance showed optimum results with a temperature range between 27-29°C, pH around 6.9-7.7 and DO around 3-5 Mg/l

Effects of dietary mangosteen peel extract on growth performance, jejunum morphology, cytokines profiles, and fecal microbiome in growing pigs with high stocking density

Effects of dietary mangosteen peel extract on growth performance, jejunum morphology, cytokines profiles, and fecal microbiome in growing pigs with high stocking density

Analysis on intensive program of vaname shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) enlargement in the technical implementation unit of brackish and sea water cultivation (UPT BAPL) Bangil, Pasuruan Regency, East Java

Vannamei shrimp (L. vannamei) is one of the popular aquaculture commodities in Indonesia. This is because vaname shrimp has various advantages compared to other species, such as fast growth rate, can be cultivated with high stocking density, tolerant of high salinity ranges, relatively uniform harvest size, and easy to cultivate. Vannamei shrimp also has many benefits. For example, its meat can be processed as nuggets or food and the shell can be used for medical, cosmetic and even biotechnology. This study aims to determine the production of vaname shrimp at UPT Bangil, one of the largest shrimp productions in East Java. The results of this study showed that the average daily gain of vaname shrimp at UPT Bangil had a yield of 0.33 g/day, and the weight of each shrimp increased to 15.7 g/head. Vannamei shrimp could be harvested at DOC 83 and yields 193.5 kg, with a size of 58. This shows good performance of vaname shrimp enlargement in UPT Bangil.

Study of the population Vibrio Sp. on the health of vanname shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) in Cv. Reksa Bumi Situbondo

Vannamei shrimp is one of the commodities of excellence in aquaculture. The production system is carried out mass with high stocking density causes vannamei shrimp culture susceptible to disease. One type of disease that can cause mass mortality in cultured shrimp is vibriosis. This activity aims to study the abundance of bacterial populations Vibrio sp. and its effect on the health of Vanname Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) at CV. Reksa Bumi Situbondo East Java. Identification of Vibrio sp. performed on TCBS agar media. Clinical symptoms of shrimp that are attacked by vibriosis. Besides the attack vibrio sp. produce clinical symptoms such as body flushing, red swimming legs and red tail. The abundance of Vibrio sp. that exceeds the threshold causes WFD disease attacks and IMNV. The high abundance of Vibrio sp. caused by conditions unfavorable aquatic environment due to entering the transition season resulting in sudden changes in water quality and increase the abundance of bacteria.

Evaluation of High Stocking Densities on the Water Quality and Growth Performance of Pacific White Shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei Reared in a Mixotrophic Biofloc Nursery System

The present study aimed to explore the effects of intensive culture densities on the water quality and growth performance of the Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei reared in a mixotrophic biofloc system (heterotrophic/chemoautotrophic) at three stocking rates of 5,000, 4,000, and 3,000 PL/m3 (namely G5000, G4000, and G3000, respectively) for 21 days. At the end of the study, the mean values of water temperature, dissolved oxygen, dissolved oxygen saturation level, pH, oxidation-reduction potential, free carbon dioxide, alkalinity, total ammonia nitrogen (TAN), nitrite-nitrogen (NO2-N), nitrate-nitrogen, and settleable solids did not substantially differ among study groups ( p &gt; 0.05 ). In addition, the highest mean levels of TAN and NO2-N recorded were 1.27 mg/l (G4000) and 9.23 mg/l (G3000), respectively. The results of growth performance revealed that final body weight, weight gain, weekly growth rate, and specific growth rate were not affected by the studied densities ( p &gt; 0.05 ). Although no significant differences were observed ( p &gt; 0.05 ), the G3000 treatment exhibited the highest survival rate (80.66% ± 8.56%), followed by G4000 (75.05% ± 0.31%) and G5000 (71.63% ± 2.11%). However, the shrimp yield was meaningfully higher for G5000 treatment (1.72 ± 0.0.09 kg/m3, 0.69 ± 0.03 kg/m2) compared with G3000 group (1.27 ± 0.0.12 kg/m3, 0.48 ± 0.04 kg/m2) ( p &lt; 0.05 ). Our results indicate L. vannamei can be reared at intensive nursery densities of up to 5,000 PL/m3 (2,000 PL/m2) until reaching 0.5 g without significant retardation in water quality, growth, and survival.