Executive Summary & Species Rules
- Maintain stocking density between 35-60 PL/m² for semi-intensive to intensive Vannamei culture.
- Calculate 1 HP paddlewheel aeration per 300-350 kg expected shrimp biomass.
- Check tray consumption precisely at 2.0 to 2.5 hours to keep Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) strictly below 1.25.
- Broadcast Quicklime (CaO) @ 1,200 kg/ha during pond preparation to eradicate residual EHP microsporidia spores.
- Cut feeding rations by 40% to 50% during heavy rainstorms, overcast skies, or when dissolved oxygen drops below 4.0 ppm.
1. Site Selection, Pond Soil Dry-Out & Disinfection
Successful shrimp farming begins with thorough pond preparation. Acid sulfate soils or poorly dried pond bottoms harbor lethal pathogens like Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) microsporidia spores and Vibrio parahaemolyticus colonies from previous crops.
After harvesting the previous crop, drain the pond completely and allow the bottom soil to sun-dry until cracks form to a depth of 2 to 3 inches. Sun drying oxidizes toxic organic sludge and destroys pathogen spores naturally.
| Pond Preparation Stage | Chemical / Input | Dosage (per Acre) | Operational Objective |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soil Drying | Sunlight exposure | 7 to 10 days | Oxidize organic sludge & crack soil to 3" |
| Soil Neutralization | Agricultural Lime (CaCO₃) | 250 – 400 kg | Buffer soil pH between 7.5 – 8.0 |
| Water Sterilization | Bleaching Powder (35% Cl) | 120 kg (30 ppm) | Eliminate wild vectors, Vibrio & spores |
| De-chlorination | Continuous Aeration | 48 – 72 hours | Dissipate active chlorine before bloom |
2. SPF Post-Larvae (PL) Selection & Salinity Acclimatization
Always procure Specific Pathogen Free (SPF) post-larvae (PL 10 to PL 12) from CAA-certified hatcheries with PCR test certificates negative for WSSV, AHPND/EMS, EHP, and IHHNV.
Before stocking into the grow-out pond, check PL vigor using a stress test: place 100 PLs in a basin of freshwater for 30 minutes. A healthy batch must show >95% survival rate upon return to pond water salinity.
3. Optimum Water Chemistry & Mineral Balance Benchmarks
Maintaining stable water parameters reduces stress-induced moulting failures and Vibrio infections. Water alkalinity must be maintained strictly above 120 ppm, while calcium and magnesium ions must be kept in a 1:3 ratio.
| Water Parameter | Optimum Target Range | Testing Frequency | Correction Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH Range | 7.5 – 8.2 (Daily variation < 0.5) | Twice daily (6 AM & 3 PM) | Apply quicklime if pH < 7.2 |
| Dissolved Oxygen (DO) | > 4.5 mg/L (Critical min 3.0) | Continuous night monitoring | Turn on reserve paddlewheel aerators |
| Total Alkalinity | 120 – 180 ppm (mg/L) | Twice weekly | Dose Sodium Bicarbonate @ 25 kg/acre |
| Salinity | 10 – 25 ppt (Tolerates 2-35 ppt) | Weekly | Adjust feed protocol if salinity drops |
| Calcium (Ca²⁺) | 300 – 400 ppm (at 20 ppt) | Weekly | Dose CaCl₂ @ 20 kg/acre during moult |
| Magnesium (Mg²⁺) | 900 – 1200 ppm (at 20 ppt) | Weekly | Dose MgSO₄ @ 50 kg/acre |
4. Checktray Feeding Protocols & FCR Optimization Math
Feed represents over 60% of total operating expenditure. Deploy 4 checktrays (80x80cm) per hectare placed 6 meters from pond embankments. Allocate 0.8% of each ration onto the trays and check strictly at 2.0 to 2.5 hours post-broadcast.
5. Aeration & Biomass Calculation
Deploy 1 HP of mechanical paddlewheel aeration per 300 to 350 kg of expected standing biomass. Scale aeration from 4 HP at DOC 30 up to 16-24 HP during the final 30 days prior to harvest.
6. Biosecurity & Disease Management
Install 0.5-meter smooth HDPE crab fencing around all farm boundaries and overhead bird lines. Maintain green Vibrio colony counts below 100 CFU/mL on TCBS agar plates.
7. Harvest Protocol & Chill Killing
Harvest strictly during early morning (2:00 AM to 6:00 AM) to prevent solar heat damage. Use a 1:1 ice slurry ratio immediately upon netting to maintain translucent color and Grade-A export quality.
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