The effects of two fish species mullet,Mugil cephalus,and tilapia,Oreochromis niloticus,in polyculture with white shrimp,Litopenaeus vannamei,on system performances: A comparative study

A comparative study was carried out to compare the effect of caging mullet and tilapia in a shrimp polyculture system. In six shrimp tanks (three tanks for each fish species), either mullet, Mugil cephalus (CCT‐SM), or tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (CCT‐ST), was stocked in cages. In three other tanks, mullets were allowed to roam freely in shrimp tanks (D‐SM). White shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei (0.50 g), was cultured as the predominant species were distributed randomly into nine fibreglass tanks (5 m³) at a density of 300 shrimp/tank, while fish (1.50 g) were stocked at the same density of 10% of the initial total shrimp biomass. The results showed that water quality parameters were not significantly different among treatments (p > .05), except for total suspended solids (TSSs). System performances based on parameters such as total weight gain (2,808.15 g/tank) and nutrient recovery were higher in D‐SM treatment (39.80% for nitrogen and 27.40% for phosphorus) than in CCT‐SM and CCT‐ST treatments (p < .05). These system performance parameters were significantly affected by the mullet‐holding strategy; however, they were not affected by fish species. The addition of mullet or tilapia in shrimp tanks did not affect shrimp growth differentially. Fish growth performances based on parameters such as final weight (98.43 g/fish) and DGR (1.29 g/day) were significantly higher in D‐SM treatment and were significantly different among D‐SM, CCT‐SM and CCT‐ST treatments (p < .05). It is concluded that in shrimp–fish polyculture with a stocking density of fish at 10% of the initial total shrimp biomass, tilapia is more effective than mullet, when caged. However, under free‐roaming conditions, the use of mullet is more effective in terms of system performances relative to a system holding caged tilapia.     

Intensive production of juvenile tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon: An evaluation of stocking density and artificial substrates

Tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon were intensively grown from PL₁₅ for 56 d in tank systems at stocking densities of 1000 and 2000 shrimp m^− 3, with and without the addition of artificial substrates (AquaMat® (buoyant and non-buoyant) and polyethylene mesh) at each density. Shrimp growth was significantly greater at the lower density and when substrates were added. Mean shrimp weight at harvest ranged from 0.64 ± 0.06 g (2000 shrimp m^− 3, no added substrate) to 1.17 ± 0.01 g (1000 shrimp m^− 3, added substrate). Survival was high and averaged 79.5 ± 2.7% across all treatments. The addition of substrates significantly increased survival at both stocking densities; however, survival was not significantly affected by stocking density. A maximum harvest density of 1645 shrimp m^− 3 and biomass of 1.27 kg m^− 3 were produced at a stocking density of 2000 m^− 3 with added substrates. Both harvest density and biomass significantly increased with stocking density and addition of substrates. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) of formulated feed was significantly lower when substrates were added. The results show that growth of P. monodon juveniles was inversely related to stocking density during intensive production. However, production output was significantly increased by addition of artificial substrates, which enhanced both growth and survival.     

Effect of stocking density on shrimp growth rates in manure-fertilized ponds

Ecuadorian Penaeus vannamei were cultured in eight 200-m² dirt ponds at four stocking densities (5, 10, 15 and 20 shrimp/m²). No commercial feed was given to the shrimp. The only input to the ponds was about 36 kg of feedlot cattle manure per pond per week (1800 kg manure ha⁻¹ week⁻¹).Shrimp growth was not correlated with variations in water quality among treatments (e.g., temperature, pH, DO, secchi visibility). Water-column nutrient levels were less than or equal to nutrients in incoming water and did not increase with addition of cattle manure. Water ATP concentrations were correlated with shrimp stocking density while numerous other biochemical parameters were not. No coliform bacteria were detected in any pond water samples during the study period. Phytoplankton densities and species composition were not different among treatments but varied over time. Two diatoms were the dominant species throughout the study.There was a negative correlation between stocking density and growth. Mean (±SD) weekly shrimp growth across treatments was 0.68±0.00, 1.06±0.02, 1.72±0.2 g individual⁻¹ week⁻¹ for densities of 20, 15, 10, and 5 shrimp/m², respectively. Survival averaged 70.8±6.3% for all ponds and was not different among treatments. Shrimp production was 19.3±0.1, 23.0±0.4, 22.8±1.2, 12.3±1.1 kg ha⁻¹ day⁻¹ for densities 20, 15, 10, and 5 shrimp/m², respectively. Shrimp production and carrying capacity were not significantly different among the three higher stocking densities.     

Effects of stocking density on the performance of brown shrimp Farfantepenaeus californiensis co‐cultured with the green seaweed Ulva clathrata

The brown shrimp Farfantepenaeus californiensis and the seaweed Ulva clathrata, both native to north‐west Mexico, were co‐cultured in lined ponds during 18 weeks. The aim of this study was to evaluate different stocking densities (10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 per m²) in terms of shrimp yield to see if the co‐culture method results in shrimp yields suitable for commercial production. The presence of Ulva results in good water quality and allows culture of brown shrimp with low water exchange (10% weekly) and with low nitrogen and phosphorus content in discharged water. The final weight and specific growth rate (SGR) in shrimp between 10 and 30 per m² were significantly higher (12.5–12.0 g and 4.56–4.53% day⁻¹ respectively) than 40 and 50 per m² (9.1 and 8.6 g, and 4.31% and 4.26% day⁻¹ respectively). Total shrimp biomass generated in 30 or more shrimp per m² was significantly higher (2.7–3.1 t ha⁻¹) compared with 10 and 20 shrimp per m² (1.0 and 2.0 t ha⁻¹ respectively). The lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) (0.97) was shown in the 10 shrimp per m² case, and the highest FCR was seen with 50 shrimp per m² (1.37). Shrimp survival ranged between 71% and 81%, where the highest mortality was shown in 50 shrimp per m². The results show that the co‐culture method can result in commercially interesting yields, suggesting that 30 shrimp per m² is the best stocking density for co‐culturing F. californiensis with U. clathrata, based on the shrimp performance.     

Use of soy protein concentrate in practical diets for Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) reared under field conditions

The objective of this study was to evaluate the production response of Litopenaeus vannamei fed with production diets containing increasing percentages (0, 4, 8, and 12%) of soy protein concentrate (SPC). The diets were commercially produced and evaluated in outdoor tanks and 0.1-ha production ponds. In the outdoor green water tank system, the four test diets and a commercial reference diets were offered to juvenile shrimp (1.0 g initial weight) reared over a 10-week period at a stocking density of 30 shrimp per tank. At the conclusion of the tank trial, there were differences in final weight (13.5–15.0) biomass (399 g–432 g), and FCR (1.17–1.28) with the reference diet generally producing significantly better results than the test diets albeit there were no significant differences among the SPC test diets. In addition, the test diets were evaluated in 0.1-ha ponds using four replicates per diet. Nursed juvenile shrimps (0.013 g initial weight) were stocked at 35 shrimp m⁻² and were cultured under standardized pond production conditions for 18 weeks. At the conclusions, net yield (4,190–5,051 kg/ha), final mean weight (13.5–15.7 g), survival (86.7–93.3%), and FCR (1.3–1.59) were evaluated with no significant differences between dietary treatments. The results from this study demonstrated that SPC inclusion up to 12% SPC in soybean-based diet can be used in commercial feed formulations for L. vannamei without causing negative effect on growth, feed conversion, survival and net yield.     

Biofloc technology with addition molasses as carbon sources applied to Litopenaeus vannamei juvenile production under the effects of different C/N ratios

The current study was conducted to evaluate the effects of increasing carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratios on water quality, growth performance, and body composition of Litopenaeus vannamei juveniles. Shrimp with initial average weight of 2.50?±?0.3 g were cultivated for 35 days in 300-L tanks (160 L of water volume) with a density of 1 g per liter. The experiment was performed in five treatments with three replicates. One control group and four biofloc treatments with different C/N ratio were considered: C/N of 10 (CN10), 14 (CN14), 18 (CN18), and 22 (CN22). Shrimp were fed three times a day, and molasses just was added as a carbon sources to the biofloc treatments after each feeding. According to the results, the lowest amount of dissolved oxygen (5.33 mg L^?1) and pH (7.83) was observed in CN22 treatment, which showed a significant difference with other treatments (P?<?0.05). The highest level of total ammonia nitrogen (1.05 mg L^?1) and nitrite (mg L^?1) were recorded in control group, while the highest total density of heterotrophic bacteria was obtained in CN22 treatment. Growth performance parameters were at the highest level in the CN14 treatment, so the highest amount of final weight (6.88 g), biomass, and survival rate (94.79%) were observed in this treatment. The biochemical composition (protein, lipid, and ash) of the shrimp body and produced biofloc were affected by different C/N ratios, so these parameters were increased by rising of C/N ratio. In general, this study showed that the growth performance and body composition of Pacific white shrimp juveniles and water quality were suitable for rearing in biofloc system with C/N ratio of 14 than other treatments.

     

The effects of sediment redox potential and stocking density on Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei production performance and white spot syndrome virus resistance

Redox potential represents the intensity of anaerobic condition in the pond sediment, which may affect the dominant microbial transformations of substances, the toxins production, mineral solubility, as well as the water quality in the sediment–water interface inhabited by the shrimp. This study evaluates the effect of sediment redox potential in conjunction with stocking density on shrimp production performance, immune response and resistance against white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) infection. A completely randomized two factors experimental design was applied with three different sediment redox potential, i.e. ?65, ?108 and ?06 mV, and two shrimp densities, i.e. low (60 shrimp m^?2) and high (120 shrimp m^?2). Shrimp juveniles with an initial mean body weight of 5.32 ± 0.22 g were maintained in semi‐outdoor fibre tanks (270 L in capacity) for 35 days of experimental periods. At the bottom of each tank, 5‐cm deep soil substrate with different redox potential was added according to the treatments. The survival and biomass production were significantly reduced at ?206 mV sediment redox potential, regardless of stocking density. Highly negative sediment redox potential (?206 mV) and higher stocking density significantly reduced total haemocyte counts and phenoloxydase activity, and shrimp resistance to WSSV infection. We recommend to maintain the redox potential of pond sediment at a level of more than ?206 mV.     

Applying biofloc technology in the culture of juvenile of Piaractus brachypomus (Cuvier, 1818): Effects on zootechnical performance and water quality

The aim of this study was to assess the zootechnical performance and water quality of a cachama blanca (Piaractus brachypomus) culture using biofloc technology (BFT) versus a system with daily water exchange (DWE). To do this, 180 juveniles (mean initial weight: 5.40 ± 0.19 g) were distributed in 12 circular plastic tanks with stocking densities of 20 or 40 individuals m³; then, they were cultured for 91 days. BFT treatments kept a C:N ratio approximately of 15:1. Temperature, pH and oxygen were monitored daily, while the other variables were measured weekly. Most productive variables were significantly influenced by both culture system and stocking density with significantly higher values of daily weight gain, total weight gain and total length for fish kept in DWE 20. However, only minor differences were observed within the BFT system. With the exception of the toxic nitrogen compounds (NH₄⁺ and NO₂^?), all the other water quality parameters were within the acceptable ranges for the cultivation of tropical fish. Microorganisms started to settle from the first week. A total of 23 genera were present, the most outstanding of which being seven genera of ciliates and three rotifers, rhizopods and chlorophytes. In conclusion, both systems BFT and DWE are useful for increasing the production of P. brachypomus in captivity. Additionally, the BFT system can potentially be applied for growing juveniles of this specie in regions with scarce water resources.     

Grow-out of sandfish Holothuria scabra in ponds shows that co-culture with shrimp Litopenaeus stylirostris is not viable

We examined the potential for producing the large numbers of sandfish (Holothuria scabra) needed for restocking programmes by co-culturing juveniles with the shrimp Litopenaeus stylirostris in earthen ponds. Our experiments in hapas within shrimp ponds were designed to detect any deleterious effects of sandfish on shrimp, and vice versa. These experiments showed that a high stocking density of juvenile sandfish had no significant effects on growth and survival of shrimp. However, survival and growth of sandfish reared with shrimp for 3 weeks were significantly lower than for sandfish reared alone. Increased stocking density of shrimp also had a significant negative effect on survival and/or growth of sandfish. A grow-out trial of juvenile sandfish in 0.2-ha earthen ponds stocked with 20 shrimp post-larvae m^− 2, and densities of sandfish between 0.8 and 1.6 individuals m^− 2, confirmed that co-culture is not viable. All sandfish reared in co-culture were dead or moribund after a month. However, sandfish stocked alone into 0.2-ha earthen ponds survived well and grew to mean weights of ∼ 400 g within 12 months without addition of food. The grow-out trial demonstrated that there is potential for profitable pond farming of sandfish in monoculture. Further research is now needed to identify the optimal size of juveniles, stocking densities and pond management regimes.     

The effects of artificial substrate and stocking density on Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) performance and water quality dynamics in high tunnel-based biofloc systems

The use of artificial substrates in shrimp aquaculture may allow for production of shrimp at increased densities while providing a growth medium for microbes that assist with water quality processes and provide supplemental nutrition for shrimp. Greenhouse-based shrimp production systems can extend the shrimp production season in temperate climates while conserving water and energy. For this study, we evaluated the effects of providing extra substrate and shrimp density on water quality and shrimp production in greenhouse-based biofloc systems. Four 11-m³, wood framed, and rubber-lined tanks were constructed in each of four high tunnel greenhouses (for a total of 16 tanks). Four treatments were evaluated: high-density stocking with substrate (HDS), high-density stocking with no substrate (HDNS), low-density stocking with substrate (LDS), and low-density stocking with no substrate (LDNS). Each treatment was randomly assigned to one tank in each tunnel to block for location. No artificial heat was used, and shrimp were grown for 120 days. High-density systems were stocked at 200 shrimp/m³ while low-density tanks had 100 shrimp/m³. Adding substrate increased total in-tank surface area by 13.4%. The addition of substrate had no significant effect on any shrimp production or standard water quality parameters. Shrimp had significantly greater final weight, faster growth rate, and lower feed conversion rate in low-density treatments (P ≤ 0.02 for all). Total shrimp biomass production was significantly higher in high-density treatments (HD: 4.0 kg/m³; LD: 2.3 kg/m³; P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in survival between densities (HD: 91.3%; LD: 94.5%; P = 0.43). Peak and overall mean nitrite levels were significantly higher in high-density treatments compared to low-density treatments. Dissolved oxygen levels and pH over the course of the study were significantly lower in high-density treatments, likely due to increased respiration rates in the water column. This project shows the feasibility of shrimp production in temperate climates with no artificial heat using high tunnel greenhouses, few impacts of added substrate on shrimp production, and increased shrimp density can result in much larger harvests with few negative impacts on production metrics.     

Optimization of the stocking parameters for mud spiny lobster Panulirus polyphagus (Herbst, 1793) capture‐based aquaculture in tropical open sea floating net cages

Mud spiny lobsters, Panulirus polyphagus (Herbst, 1793), were reared at four different stocking sizes and stocking densities in open sea cages to evaluate their effects on growth performance. To evaluate the effect of stocking size on the growth performance, the lobsters were segregated into four different treatment groups according to size and were stocked at a density of 300 animals per cage. To evaluate the effect of stocking density on the growth performance, lobsters of 81–100 g were stocked in four different stocking densities, i.e. 16/m², 24/m², 32/m² and 40/m². The results showed that the growth rate of (60–80 g) size group, was significantly higher compared to the size groups, i.e. 101–120 g and 121–140 g comprising of larger individuals. The final body weight, though significantly higher in 81–100 g as compared to 60–80 g, the growth performance (i.e. weight gain percentage (WG %) and specific growth rate (SGR)) were not significantly different. The density‐dependent influence on growth performance was evident in this study. The WG % and SGR during 90 days’ culture period was significantly higher in 24/m² compared to other groups. This study provides crucial information about the appropriate stocking density and stocking size of lobsters at the field level, which would help to promote sustainable lobster cage farming by maximizing the production potential of the system.     

Growth parameters of whiteleg shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei and red seaweed Gracilaria corticata in integrated culturing method under zero water exchange system

Growth parameters of whiteleg shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei and red seaweed Gracilaria corticata were measured using integrated culturing method under zero‐water exchange system in a 45‐day period. A 2 × 3 factorial design was used with two levels of shrimp stocking densities and three levels of seaweed weight densities. G. corticata was cultured on a net tied to a round polyethylene frame. Culture tanks were filled with 750‐L filtered seawater. A 40‐W compact fluorescent lamp was hung over each tank to provide adequate and sufficient light for seaweed growth. Growth parameters of shrimp and seaweed such as specific growth rate (SGR), weight gained (WG) and average daily growth (ADG) were computed based on the initial and final weight of shrimp and seaweed. The maximum and minimum SGR of L. vannamei (1.97 and 1.69%/day) were observed in treatment S₁A₃ (25 shrimp/m² and 400 g seaweed/m²) and S₂A₁ (50 shrimp/m² without seaweed) respectively. The best survival rate (94.67 ± 1.33%), WG (129.9 ± 2.9%) and feed conversion ratio (1.67 ± 0.04) were also observed in treatment S₁A₃. The SGR of G.corticata in the treatment S₁A₃ (1.97 ± 0.00%/day) was significantly higher, compared to others. Strong positive correlations were obtained between the density of G. corticata and the growth parameters of L. vannamei. The red seaweed G. corticata could boost the growth parameters, survival rate and total production of L. vannamei under zero‐water exchange system.     

Effects of low salinity exposure on immunological,physiological and growth performance in Litopenaeus vannamei

Growth, immunological and physiological parameters of white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei reared at different salinity levels (1, 10, 15, 25 and 35 g/L) at stocking density of 214 shrimp/m³ were examined at 1, 30 and 63 days. Results showed that the total haemocyte count (THC) of shrimp decreased with time at all salinity levels, indicating a potential reduction in the resistance of shrimp against pathogens, since a low value of THC indicates a perturbation of the immune system. Glucose and protein values observed in the haemolymph throughout the study indicate that shrimp adapted well to low salinities (1, 10 and 15 g/L). Although of those shrimp reared at 10 g/L only 83.3% survived, at this salinity, shrimp depicted a higher glucose concentration in haemolymph at the beginning and end of the study.     

Zootechnical and physiological responses of whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) postlarvae reared in bioflocs and subjected to stress conditions during nursery phase

The objective of this study was to assess zootechnical and physiological performance of Litopenaeus vannamei postlarvae (PL) reared in three environments (CW, clear water; B, biofloc; BS, biofloc with artificial substrates) at three stocking densities (300, 600, 900 PL/m³) for 8 weeks. At the end of experimentation, shrimp were subjected to hypoxia, and physiological response was again assessed. During rearing, low levels of total ammonia nitrogen, nitrite (NO₂^?) and nitrate (NO₃^?) were observed in B and BS for 600 and 900 PL/m³. For 300 PL/m³, a slight accumulation of NO₂^? and NO₃^? was detected. For the same stocking density, shrimp reared in B and BS showed significantly higher weights than those grown in CW, except for final weight. No significant differences were observed in survival. The use of biofloc and artificial substrates permitted doubling density from 300 to 600 PL/m³ without affecting growth, survival, feed conversion rate and obtaining twice the biomass. Shrimp grown in B and BS stored a surplus of glycogen and carbohydrates in their hepatopancreas, which probably gave them a better physiological capacity to counteract high‐stocking densities and hypoxia. A tendency of a higher adenylate energetic charge was observed in shrimp maintained in B and BS.     

Effects of stocking density on the survival,growth and physical injury of Marsupenaeus japonicus juveniles in a flowing water aquaculture system

Stocking density is a biotic factor affecting the production of cultivated animals in aquaculture. Herein, a rearing trial was conducted to investigate the impact of stocking density on the survival, growth performance and physical injury of Marsupenaeus japonicus juveniles in a flowing water aquaculture system. Five stocking densities were examined in this study, that is, 10, 20, 40, 80 and 160 individuals/m². Throughout the experiment, ammonia nitrogen and nitrite concentrations ranged from 0.02 ± 0.006 mg/L to 0.08 ± 0.035 mg/L and 0.002 ± 0.001 mg/L to 0.076 ± 0.021 mg/L respectively. The survival rate, specific growth rate (SGR), weight gain (WG), absolute growth rate (AGR) and coefficient of variation for weight (CV) across the stocking densities ranged from 90.38 ± 3.20% to 94.33 ± 4.73%, 1.42 ± 0.16%/day to 1.53 ± 0.05%/day, 1.09 ± 0.19 g to 1.15 ± 0.16 g, 0.018 ± 0.003 g/day to 0.019 ± 0.004 g/day and 16.21 ± 5.78% to 35.09 ± 10.68% respectively. Within the investigated densities, the survival rate and the abovementioned growth parameters were not significantly (p > .05) affected by the stocking density, consequently, a higher stocking density resulted in a significantly (p < .05) greater final biomass. The results regarding physical injury showed that the antennal breakage rate displayed a tendency of a positive correlation with the stocking density. Overall, the current study provides basic data for establishing a viable intensive farming system for M. japonicus and a promising indicator for easily assessing the crowding stress status of M. japonicus.     

Nutrient removal efficiency of Hydropuntia cornea in an integrated closed recirculation system with pink shrimp Farfantepenaeus brasiliensis

In this study, we have tested the effect of seaweed stocking density in an experimental seaweed biofilter using the economically important red seaweed Hydropuntia cornea integrated with the cultivation of the pink shrimp Farfantepenaeus brasiliensis. Nutrient removal efficiency was evaluated in relation to seaweed stocking density (2.5, 4, 6 and 8 g fw L^?1). Total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) was the main nitrogen source excreted by F. brasiliensis, with concentrations ranging from 41.6 to 65 μM of NH₄⁺‐N. H. cornea specific growth rates ranged from 0.8 ± 0.2 to 1.4 ± 0.5% day^?1 with lowest growth rates at higher seaweed stocking density (8 g fw L^?1). Nutrient removal was positively correlated with the cultivation densities in the system. TAN removal efficiency increased from 61 to 88.5% with increasing seaweed stocking density. Changes in the chemical composition of the seaweed were analysed and correlated with nutrient enrichment from shrimp effluent. The red seaweed H. cornea can be cultured and used to remove nutrients from shrimp effluents in an integrated multi‐trophic aquaculture system applied to a closed recirculation system. Recirculation through seaweed biofilters in land‐based intensive aquaculture farms can also be a tool to increase recirculation practices and establish full recirculation aquaculture systems (RAS) with all their known associated benefits.     

Stocking density and date decisions in semi‐intensive shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone, 1931) farming: a bioeconomic approach

This article analyses the optimal selection of stocking density and date in semi‐intensive culture of shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone, 1931). The empirical evaluation of productive and economic scenarios derived from the specific choice of these management variables is often unfeasible for decision makers. To overcome this limitation, the bioeconomic modelling is widely applicable in aquaculture systems. In the present study, profit maximization for a semi‐intensive shrimp farm is obtained through the development of a bioeconomic model to analyse the combination of stocking density (range: 6–30 postlarvae (PL) m^?2) and date (from March 1st to June 1st) as decision variables for a shrimp farm located in Sinaloa, Mexico. The results show that pond water temperatures prevailing during culture cycle when the stocking date is June 1st (temperature in 19‐weeks culture period: 30.76 ± 0.87°C) and the stocking density is 20–24 PL m^?2 produce a maximized Present Value Profit (PVπ) of  USThis article analyses the optimal selection of stocking density and date in semi‐intensive culture of shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone, 1931). The empirical evaluation of productive and economic scenarios derived from the specific choice of these management variables is often unfeasible for decision makers. To overcome this limitation, the bioeconomic modelling is widely applicable in aquaculture systems. In the present study, profit maximization for a semi‐intensive shrimp farm is obtained through the development of a bioeconomic model to analyse the combination of stocking density (range: 6–30 postlarvae (PL) m^?2) and date (from March 1st to June 1st) as decision variables for a shrimp farm located in Sinaloa, Mexico. The results show that pond water temperatures prevailing during culture cycle when the stocking date is June 1st (temperature in 19‐weeks culture period: 30.76 ± 0.87°C) and the stocking density is 20–24 PL m^?2 produce a maximized Present Value Profit (PVπ) of  US$^?ha 10 350 and PVπ US$^?ha 2526 for weekly mortality rates at low (2.1%) and medium (5.8%) levels respectively. The marginal change in the cost of feed (±1%) has the greatest effect on PVπ (?0.58% and 0.59% respectively). The discussion focuses on the combined effect of mortality rate, stocking density and especially, on the stocking date decision, for a given production planning framework, taking into account that the stocking date is the main management decision variable to cope with viral diseases outbreaks.     

Pond production of Penaeus monodon in relation to stocking density, survival rate and mean weight at harvest in East Java, Indonesia

The relationships between Penaeus monodon production and three crop characteristics in 107 ponds on nine shrimp farms in East Java were studied. Overall differences of production (Mt ha^-1 year^-1), survival rate (%), stocking density (number m^-2) and mean weight at harvest (g) between regions and between farms were significant, while the difference of production between farms was also significant within regions. Overall analysis revealed that production was positively correlated with survival rate, stocking density and mean weight at harvest, while there was a negative correlation between stocking density and survival rate. Results imply that more attention should be paid to improving shrimp survival. The higher on-farm production in South East Java is linked to higher survival rates and higher post-larvae stocking densities than in North West and North East Java, while similar individual weights at harvest to North West East Java are reached. In this context, the relationship between coastal estuarine water quality and yield needs further investigation. Other parameters which need further investigation are farm management, post-larvae origin and duration of the culture period.     

The impact of tiger shrimp, Penaeus monodon Fabricius, postlarvae stocking density on production in traditional tambak systems in East Java, Indonesia

The effects of stocking density [range: 2.0-5.5 postlarvae (PL) m^?2] and water quality on the production of a traditional tambak tiger shrimp, Penaeus monodon Fabricius, culture system on one farm in Probolinggo, East Java, were studied during one culture period of 126 days using eight ponds. Production characteristics were recorded and water quality parameters monitored. Production was quadratically influenced by stocking density. The optimum density was 4.8 PL m^?2, which corresponds with a production per crop of around 300 kg ha^?1. Production was also quadratically related to mean shrimp body weight at harvest, while there was an inverse relationship between production and bottom organic matter, indicating that shrimp biomass diminishes the amount of organic matter accumulating at bottom of the tambak.