Farmer Knowledge Hub

Educational resources and practical guidance for shrimp farming operations.

This knowledge hub provides practical information for shrimp farmers and technical managers. Content focuses on operational procedures, water quality management, and farm planning based on established aquaculture practices.

These resources complement technical support from our regional teams. For specific farm conditions or technical queries, contact your local business unit.

Water Quality Management

Critical Water Parameters

Maintaining stable water parameters forms the foundation of successful shrimp farming. Temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, and alkalinity require regular monitoring and adjustment throughout the production cycle.

Temperature should remain between 28-32°C for optimal growth. Salinity requirements vary by species and life stage, typically 15-25 ppt for Vannamei in brackish water systems. Dissolved oxygen levels above 5 mg/L support healthy shrimp metabolism and feeding activity.

pH stability between 7.5-8.5 prevents stress and maintains water chemistry balance. Alkalinity above 80 mg/L provides buffering capacity against pH fluctuations. Regular testing allows early detection of parameter drift before affecting shrimp health.

Water Exchange and Treatment

Water exchange strategies balance waste removal with biosecurity considerations. Partial water exchange removes accumulated metabolites while minimizing pathogen introduction risk when source water receives proper treatment.

Filtration systems remove particulates and potential disease vectors from incoming water. Sedimentation tanks, sand filters, and bag filters provide mechanical treatment. UV sterilization or chlorination offers additional pathogen control for source water.

Water exchange rates depend on stocking density, feeding rates, and pond conditions. Higher stocking densities typically require more frequent exchange or enhanced aeration systems to maintain water quality parameters within acceptable ranges.

Pond Preparation and Stocking

Pre-Stocking Procedures

Thorough pond preparation between production cycles reduces disease carryover and establishes optimal conditions for new stock. Complete draining, sun drying, and bottom treatment eliminate pathogens and accumulated organic matter from previous cycles.

Lime application adjusts soil pH and provides disinfection. Dosage depends on soil conditions, typically 500-1000 kg per hectare. Allow treated ponds to dry completely before refilling to maximize pathogen elimination.

After refilling, stabilize water parameters for 7-10 days before stocking. Develop natural productivity through fertilization to establish food sources for post-larvae. Test water quality parameters daily during this preparation period.

Stocking Density and Acclimation

Stocking density decisions balance production goals with management capacity and risk tolerance. Lower densities (30-50 PL/m²) reduce disease pressure and simplify management. Higher densities (60-100 PL/m²) increase production potential but require enhanced water quality management and aeration.

Proper acclimation reduces stocking stress and improves survival. Float sealed bags in pond water for 20-30 minutes to equalize temperature. Gradually mix pond water with bag water over 30-45 minutes to adjust salinity and pH differences.

Stock during cooler parts of the day (early morning or evening) to minimize temperature stress. Release post-larvae gently into shallow areas with good water circulation. Monitor behavior for 24-48 hours after stocking to verify successful acclimation.

Disease Prevention and Biosecurity

Farm-Level Biosecurity

Biosecurity protocols prevent pathogen introduction and limit disease spread between ponds. Controlled access to farm areas, equipment sanitation, and water treatment form the foundation of effective biosecurity programs.

Implement footbaths with disinfectant at pond entrances. Dedicate equipment to specific ponds rather than sharing between production units. Clean and disinfect all equipment between uses when sharing becomes necessary.

Source post-larvae from hatcheries with verified biosecurity protocols and testing programs. Request batch documentation including PCR test results for major pathogens. Quarantine procedures for new stock additions provide additional protection.

Early Detection and Monitoring

Regular monitoring enables early disease detection before significant production losses occur. Daily observation of feeding behavior, swimming patterns, and physical appearance identifies potential health issues.

Reduced feeding activity, lethargy, or abnormal swimming behavior indicate stress or disease. Physical signs include discoloration, shell abnormalities, or gill damage. Document observations systematically to track trends over time.

Laboratory testing confirms disease presence and identifies specific pathogens. PCR testing detects viral diseases before clinical signs appear. Microscopic examination identifies parasites and bacterial infections. Early diagnosis allows targeted response strategies.

Feeding Management

Feed Selection and Quality

Feed quality directly impacts growth rates, feed conversion ratios, and production economics. Select feeds formulated for specific life stages with appropriate protein levels and nutrient profiles.

Protein requirements decrease as shrimp grow. Early stages require 35-40% protein, while later stages perform well with 30-35% protein feeds. Proper feed storage prevents nutrient degradation and contamination. Store in cool, dry conditions and use within manufacturer recommendations.

Feed pellet size should match shrimp size for optimal consumption. Undersized pellets waste feed through leaching. Oversized pellets reduce consumption and feeding efficiency. Transition pellet sizes as shrimp grow throughout the production cycle.

Feeding Strategies and Monitoring

Feeding rates balance growth optimization with water quality maintenance and economic efficiency. Base feeding rates on estimated biomass, adjusting for water temperature, dissolved oxygen levels, and observed feeding response.

Multiple daily feedings (3-4 times) improve feed utilization compared to single large feedings. Distribute feed evenly across pond areas to ensure all shrimp access food. Reduce feeding during low dissolved oxygen periods or after water quality disturbances.

Check trays monitor feeding response and adjust ration accordingly. Place trays in multiple pond locations and check 1-2 hours after feeding. Complete consumption indicates potential for increased ration. Remaining feed suggests overfeeding or health issues requiring investigation.

Harvest Planning and Execution

Harvest Timing Decisions

Harvest timing balances size targets, market conditions, and production cycle management. Regular sampling throughout the grow-out period tracks growth rates and size distribution to inform harvest decisions.

Target sizes depend on market requirements and price structures. Count-based pricing rewards larger sizes, while some markets prefer specific size ranges. Calculate expected harvest size based on current growth rates and remaining culture period.

Consider seasonal factors affecting market prices and logistics. Coordinate with buyers before harvest to confirm requirements and arrange transportation. Plan harvest timing to minimize stress and maintain product quality.

Harvest Procedures

Proper harvest procedures maintain shrimp quality and maximize recovery rates. Stop feeding 12-24 hours before harvest to clear digestive tracts. Partial water drainage concentrates shrimp for efficient collection.

Harvest during cooler periods (night or early morning) to reduce temperature stress. Use appropriate nets and handling techniques to minimize physical damage. Maintain shrimp in clean, well-aerated water during collection and sorting.

Ice shrimp immediately after harvest to preserve quality. Maintain cold chain throughout transportation to processing facilities or markets. Document harvest weights, sizes, and quality observations for production records and cycle analysis.

Technical Support

For specific technical questions or farm consultations, contact your regional business unit team.

Contact Technical Team