Inland shrimp aquaculture has been on an upswing since the last decade. There is a constant push to increase production output leading to an increase in stocking densities. The major challenge with intensive farming is to determine the most efficient feed management strategy in terms of timing and quantity of feed. Feed being the primary cost factor in shrimp production, getting this answer right becomes critical. Unlike livestock and poultry wherein visual inspection aids in optimizing the feeding process, turbid waters of a shrimp pond make it nearly impossible to see beyond a few centimeters. Too little feed will lead to growth stagnation, while too much will increase costs, foul the water, and trigger disease-related issues. So how do we solve this complex problem?
Passive acoustics monitoring (PAM) is an exceptional technology to analyze the feeding behavior of shrimp. Shrimps like other crustaceans produce several different sounds due to their movement, molting, social behavior, stress, etc. However, one sound, in particular, can be used to optimize feeding. The “click-click” sound produced during the consumption of feed by the mandibular occlusion is a clear indicator of the appetite levels of shrimp.
We have identified the unique patterns in sound signature of Vanammei shrimps from years of research and have effectively managed to reduce FCR by up to 30% under commercial shrimp farming production systems. We started experimenting in labs in Singapore and gradually expanded to commercial-scale farms in Singapore, Indonesia, and Vietnam. The technology paired with AIoT further optimizes feeding based on a variety of variables such as water quality, the behavior of shrimp, environmental conditions, and feed demand. The system tirelessly works for the success of the farmer, freeing his time to focus on other aspects of production.
The technology has a lot of potential to be further developed and leveraged for identifying patterns leading to an onset of a disease or mass molting or biomass estimation, amongst others.