Aquaculture America 2024

February 18 - 21, 2024

San Antonio, Texas

THE EFFECTS OF STOCKING DENSITY ON GROWTH OF JUVENILE PACIFIC WHITE SHRIMP Litopenaeus vannamei IN A MIXOTROPHIC WATER SYSTEM

Shrijan Bajracharya*, Julio C. García , D. Allen Davis, and Luke A. Roy

School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences

Auburn University

Auburn, AL 36849

szb0213@auburn.edu

 



 Stocking density is a pivotal factor in shrimp cultivation. High stocking density can enhance shrimp yields , yet it necessitates greater feed input, potentially leading to water quality degradation.  High stocking density has the potential to influence shrimp growth, survival rate, and contribute to stress due to overcrowding.  The objective of this study was to evaluate the response of  L. vannamei cultured at different stocking densities in a mixotrophic system.  The experiment was conducted in an outdoo r mixotrophic water recirculating aquaculture system consisting of 20 , 800L culture tanks. The shrimp were stocked at 50, 100, 200, 300, and 400 shrimp/m3 and raised for 8-weeks. All treatments (4 replicates each) were provided a commercial shrimp diet (Zeigler Shrimp Grower HI -35, CP 35%) four times per day via hand feeding.  Feed inputs were proportional to stocking density. At the end of the study, significant differences in growth and feed conversion ratio (FCR) between treatments were observed. The highest mean weight (16.8 g) and weight gain percentage (4040 %) were recorded in shrimp cultured at 50 shrimp/m3. A decrease in the final mean weight, weight gain (%), and survival (%)  were observed  with an increase in stocking density. FCR and  final  biomass both increased with increasing density. A  higher biomass is desirable from a producer standpoint , and higher stocking densities would potentially make this possible. However,  overcrowding due to elevated stocking densities has the potential to result  in reduced survival, elevated FCR, and diminished water quality.  Therefore, e nsuring a harmonious balance among stocking density, growth expectations, and water quality management is essential for optimizing shrimp growth in  mixotrophic systems.