Effect of fertilization on growth, survival, food conversion ratio, and production of Pacific white shrimp Penaeus vannamei in earthen ponds in Sonora, Mexico

摘要

A 19-week study was conducted in Bahia Kino, Sonora, Mexico, to evaluate the effects of fertilization (as cattle manure) in the promotion of natural feed in earthen ponds and to assess the contribution of natural feed in the growth and production ofthe white shrimp. The contribution of phytoplankton, zooplankton, and benthos to shrimp food supply was assessed by examining changes in the abundance of these organisms in the ponds, as well as in shrimp gut contents. Shrimp growth and biomass were higher in fertilized ponds, despite a lower feeding rate. Liveweight gain was best when 2% feeding rate was used in a fertilised pond. No significant differences in survival were observed between treatments. Feed conversion efficiency was better (P<0.05) infertilised ponds than in unfertilised ones. The results suggest that fertilization enhances natural feeds and contributes to shrimp nutrition. Biota were more abundant in fertilized ponds. Guts of shrimp from fertilized ponds had significantly higher abundances of zooplankton and benthic organisms than guts of shrimp from unfertilized ponds.