Shrimp aquaculture is a vital global industry providing a valuable protein source. However, optimizing hatchery performance remains a critical challenge. Recent research has shed light on the potential of specific carbon sources to enhance survival rates of Penaeus vannamei larvae.
A recent study published in Blue Biotechnology by scientists from Acharya Nagarjuna University investigated the impact of different carbon sources, including fructose, lactose, and dextrose, on survival rates of P. vannamei larvae in a zero-exchange biofloc system. The research focused on the crucial stages from mysis 1 to postlarva 10, a period of rapid growth and development.
Applications of Biofloc Technology (BFT) in Shrimp Aquaculture
BFT has been successfully applied to various stages of shrimp production, including:
- Broodstock: Enhancing reproductive performance and fry quality.
- Hatcheries: Improving larval survival and growth rates.
- Nurseries: Promoting rapid growth and development of postlarvae.
- Grow-out: Optimizing growth rates and feed efficiency.
However, limited information is available regarding the effectiveness of BFT during the larval and postlarval stages of P. vannamei.
The Study
The study employed a fixed C:N ratio of 15:1 with a stocking density of 100 L−1 and three treatments using different carbon sources: fructose, lactose, and dextrose, alongside a control group. Water quality and survival performance were monitored and compared across treatments.
Key Findings
- Improved Water Quality:
The biofloc technology (BFT) treatment using dextrose demonstrated superior water quality compared to the control group. This included lower nitrite and nitrate levels and higher alkalinity. - Enhanced Survival Rates:
Dextrose consistently outperformed other carbon sources in larval survival. At the postlarva 1 stage, dextrose achieved a remarkable survival rate of 93%, significantly higher than fructose (88.67%), lactose (86.33%), and the control group (79.33%). - Sustained Benefits:
The positive effects of dextrose extended to later developmental stages. At postlarva 5 and 10, larvae treated with dextrose exhibited significantly higher survival rates than other groups.
Implications for Shrimp Aquaculture
These findings have significant implications for the sustainable development of shrimp aquaculture. By adopting BFT systems with optimized carbon sources, shrimp hatcheries can:
- Practical Applications: Implement these findings in practical settings to enhance sustainability and efficiency in shrimp aquaculture systems.
- Carbon Source Selection: Highlight the importance of selecting the appropriate carbon source, with dextrose emerging as a promising option.
- Water Quality Management: Demonstrate the role of dextrose and other carbon sources in maintaining optimal water quality in hatchery systems.
- Shrimp Hatchery Systems: Use these findings to improve the design and operation of shrimp hatchery systems, leading to higher survival rates and more sustainable aquaculture practices.
Conclusion
This study highlights the potential of biofloc technology (BFT) to revolutionize shrimp hatchery practices. By carefully selecting and managing carbon sources, researchers demonstrated significant improvements in water quality and shrimp survival rates.
- Optimal Carbon Source:
The study revealed that a combination of dextrose, fructose, and lactose at a specific 15:1 ratio proved to be the most effective carbon source for BFT systems. - Enhanced Water Quality:
Utilizing this optimal carbon source while eliminating the need for water exchange maintained suitable water quality parameters, reducing environmental impact and operational costs in shrimp hatcheries. - Improved Shrimp Survival:
Notably, shrimp larvae (M1 and PL10 stages) exhibited higher survival rates when reared in BFT systems using dextrose as the primary carbon source. This suggests that dextrose provides essential nutrients and creates a favorable environment for larval development.
Finally, the findings suggest the need for further research to fully understand the effects of different carbon sources in BFT systems and identify the optimal carbon source for specific hatchery systems. Additionally, scaling these results to larger systems is essential to determine the feasibility of using dextrose and other carbon sources in commercial shrimp aquaculture operations.
Contact
Kola Suneetha
Aquatic Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology & Aquaculture, Acharya Nagarjuna University
Nagarjuna Nagar-522101, Andhra Pradesh, India
Email: suneetha.kola59@gmail.com
Reference (open access)
Suneetha, K., Padmavathi, P. & Chatla, D. Hatchery performance of Pacific white shrimp, Penaeus vannamei in Biofloc technology by using different carbon sources. Blue Biotechnology 1, 13 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s44315-024-00016-4
