Penaeus vannamei, commonly known as the Pacific white shrimp, is a highly valued species in aquaculture due to its rapid growth, short breeding cycle, strong resistance to disease, and adaptability to high temperatures and low dissolved oxygen levels. It also requires lower protein content in feed, making it economically viable. In May 2007, Chengwu County, with support from the Municipal Bureau of Aquatic Products, introduced this high-quality shrimp into a specially designed pond in Dangji Township. A standard 10-mu pond was carefully managed by technical staff, and by the Mid-Autumn Festival, they successfully harvested 3,526 kg of shrimp. The product quickly became a market favorite, selling at 45 yuan per kilogram—three times the price of conventional varieties. This high profit sparked interest among farmers in nearby Sili Township. By 2008, eight households in Zhanglou Township and Tiangong Town began cultivating Penaeus vannamei, covering a total of 200 acres. This marked the beginning of large-scale shrimp farming in Chengwu County, drawing visitors from neighboring areas who came to learn from local practices.
Now, based on practical experience, we will discuss the techniques for pond culture of South American white shrimp, offering insights for aquaculture enthusiasts.
I. Selection of Aquaculture Ponds and Facilities
1. New or modified intensive shrimp ponds should be between 5 to 10 mu in size, with a water depth of 2 to 3 meters. The shape should be square for optimal water circulation.
2. Whether intensive or semi-intensive, the layout must follow scientific management principles. The reservoir area should be 1/2 to 1/3 of the total culture pond area. No other aquatic species should be stocked in the reservoir to ensure water quality and effective stocking.
3. Aerators must be installed according to design specifications. Impeller or waterwheel types are typically used. For intensive ponds, 0.5–1 kW per acre is recommended, with aerators arranged in a circular pattern every 5–10 meters. For semi-intensive ponds, 1 kW per 3–4 acres is sufficient. All necessary equipment, including generators, must be fully functional.
II. Preparation Before Stocking
1. Shrimp ponds must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. After cleaning, the bottom should be cleared of debris, avoiding accumulation on the dam slopes. One month before stocking, quicklime (100–150 kg/mu) or bleach (30–60 ppm available chlorine) should be applied evenly across the pond. New ponds may require only partial disinfection.
2. Reservoir water must also be disinfected. Fill the reservoir first, then apply a bleaching agent with at least 30% available chlorine at 30 ppm. This kills all bacteria and algae, and the water can be used once the chemicals have dissipated.
3. After dredging, the pond should be filled twice from the reservoir to flush out residual chemicals. Then, water should be added to a depth of 60–70 cm, followed by fertilization. For new ponds, 15–20 kg of fermented chicken manure, 2 kg of superphosphate, and 1 kg of ammonium bicarbonate per mu are recommended. Old ponds can use half that amount. The water should turn light yellowish-brown or green, with a transparency of 30–40 cm. Freshwater should be gradually added, maintaining ideal water conditions for the shrimp.
III. Shrimp Selection, Holding, and Transport
1. Healthy, virus-free seedlings are essential for successful farming. Only shrimp that have been tested and approved should be stocked.
2. Seedlings measuring 6–8 mm, with water temperatures above 20°C and sufficient natural food, can be directly released into the pond. Alternatively, they can be held in intermediate pools. These can be placed in the middle or corner of the main pond using a 40-mesh net to create a holding area. A density of 200,000–300,000 tails per mu is ideal, allowing the shrimp to grow to 2–3 cm.
3. Stocking density should vary depending on the pond conditions. A target yield of 100–150 kg per mu is typical, with an initial stocking rate of around 115,000 tails per mu. Better conditions allow for higher densities.
4. While Penaeus vannamei can tolerate a wide temperature range, young shrimp are sensitive to sudden changes. Water temperature and salinity should be adjusted before release to match the nursery or culture pond conditions. The temperature difference should not exceed 5°C, ideally kept within 2°C.
5. Seedlings should be released on warm, windless days when the water temperature is above 19°C, preferably during midday. Slowly introduce the shrimp into the pond to reduce stress.
IV. Cultivation Management
1. Water Quality Management
Throughout the growing period, regular monitoring of physical, chemical, and biological factors in the pond and sediment is crucial. Key indicators like pH, dissolved oxygen, ammonia, and hydrogen sulfide should be checked daily. Ideal water parameters for Penaeus vannamei include:
- Temperature: 15–37°C, best between 19–33°C
- pH: 7.6–8.3, but can tolerate 7.3–8.6
- Dissolved Oxygen: ≥ 3 mg/L
- Ammonia: ≤ 0.2 mg/L
- Hydrogen Sulfide: ≤ 0.1 mg/L
- Organic Matter in Sediment: ≤ 5 mg/L
- Transparency: 30–45 cm
Water color should reflect dominant plankton species. Light brown (diatoms), light green (green algae), or a mix of both are ideal.
(1) Pre-cultivation (before 6 cm): Maintaining a stable bio-community is key. Fertilize and add water based on water color and biomass. Avoid frequent water changes. During normal weather, add 1–2 ppm of water once a week. Add freshwater in the morning, stir the fertilizer, and spread it evenly. This promotes the growth of natural food organisms. Monitor daily indicators like dissolved oxygen, pH, and biomass to keep them stable.
(2) Mid-Growing Phase (6–10 cm): As water temperature rises, feeding increases, leading to more organic matter and phytoplankton blooms. Some zooplankton and protozoa may become harmful. Introduce small fish like squid to control these populations and improve water quality. Monitor dissolved oxygen, pH, ammonia, and hydrogen sulfide twice daily during this stage.
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