Biomass gain, feed efficiency and survival rates in Whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) cultured in Aquamimicry concept and conventional methods with water exchange and settling chamber

In the present study, biomass performance, feed efficiency, and survival rates of shrimp produced in Aquamimicry concept were comparatively evaluated along with conventional water-exchange-systems with -and without the use of settling chamber. Survival rates of shrimps cultured in the Aquamimicry concept were higher (91-92%) than those farmed with water exchange method with (68.6%) or without settling chamber (81%). In the water-exchange method (0.39) and Aquamimicry treated groups (0.32-0.39), apparent FCRs were almost 3-fold lower than the shrimps exposed to water-exchange system equipped with a settling chamber (0.97). Final biomass at harvest were higher in the Aquamimicry groups compared to traditional methods of water exchange with -or without settling chamber. The Aquamimicry group supplied with twice higher pellet-feed, but same amount of rice bran, demonstrated 1.4-fold higher final biomass compared to the less pellet-feed, but same level rice bran supplement group at DOC30. Water temperature (27.28 ± 1.12°C), dissolved oxygen (6.96 ± 0.46 mg/L), and pH (7.65 ± 0.18) were similar in all treatment groups. Minimum total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) of 0.67 and 1.17 mg/L were found in the water-exchange and Aquamimicry treatment with less pellet supply, whereas higher rates of 2.23 and 5.85 mg/L were found for the Aquamimicry group fed twice more pellet-diets and the water-exchange with settling chamber treatment, respectively. The lowest NO₂ level (1.84 mg/L) was obtained in the Aquamimicry group with less pellet supply, and the highest NO₂ (4.02 mg/L) was found in the Aquamimicry group fed with high pellet supply. Alkalinity were similar in both water-exchange treatment groups either with or without settling chamber. The findings of this study provide useful support for farm managers for improving shrimp production towards more environment-friendly level by less -or even zero water exchange, with cost-effective method supporting population stability and economic improvements for the sustainability of shrimp aquaculture in future.