Shrimp farming, or aquaculture, has become a rapidly expanding sector, both economically and productively. As the industry grows, concerns over shrimp health and cultivation practices are rising. Ensuring optimal shrimp health and productivity requires attention to balanced nutrition, which is vital for maximizing growth, improving overall health, and ensuring survival throughout all stages of development.
This article seeks to explore the protein requirements of shrimp at various stages of growth, emphasizing how proper nutrition can enhance shrimp farming outcomes. Protein plays a pivotal role in shrimp development, as it is essential for muscle synthesis, cellular regeneration, and metabolic performance. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), crustaceans typically require protein levels ranging from 30 to 55% of their diet, depending on the specific growth stage and environmental conditions.
Each developmental stage of shrimp presents unique nutritional demands. Adjusting protein content in the diet based on these needs is crucial to optimize feeding efficiency and minimize costs. For instance, during the post-larval stage (the first 10 to 20 days after hatching), shrimp require a high-protein diet (40 to 55%) to support rapid growth and cellular differentiation. High-digestibility ingredients, such as those rich in bioactive peptides, are particularly beneficial at this stage, promoting better absorption and digestion while improving overall health and survival rates.
As shrimp transition into the juvenile stage, lasting approximately 25 to 35 days, their protein needs decrease slightly to around 35 to 40%. Although protein remains essential for growth, it also plays a critical immunological role, enhancing the shrimp’s ability to resist pathogens. Maintaining a balanced diet during this phase, combining protein with appropriate amounts of lipids, helps improve resilience against environmental stressors and promotes healthier development.
In the fattening stage, which spans 35 to 45 days, the focus shifts towards optimizing feed efficiency with a balanced protein diet of 30 to 35%. This phase emphasizes feed conversion rates and weight gain, aiming to maximize yield before harvesting. Balanced diets during this period contribute to muscle mass growth, crucial for enhancing the zootechnical value of shrimp.
Protein quality is equally as important as quantity. Diets comprising highly digestible proteins with balanced amino acid profiles result in better feed conversion rates and reduced nitrogen excretion. This is especially valuable in intensive farming settings where maintaining a clean and healthy aquatic environment is paramount.
BioActio Health & Performance, a product developed by BRF Ingredients, stands out as a high-quality hydrolyzed chicken protein enriched with bioactive peptides. Studies conducted with partner universities have demonstrated that this protein enhances the bioavailability of essential amino acids, resulting in less waste and improved growth efficiency. It also boosts feed palatability and overall attractiveness, making it an ideal choice for shrimp nutrition.
Produced through a rigorous standardization process using fresh raw materials from BRF’s integrated supply chain, BioActio Health & Performance boasts a minimum digestibility rate of 90% (as measured by pepsin). Its crude protein content ranges between 75% and 81%, making it a robust protein source for muscle development. Additionally, its low mineral content (capped at 6%) provides a high protein density with minimal mineral intake, aligning with sustainability goals.
Research conducted with a partner university revealed that shrimp fed a diet containing BioActio Health & Performance exhibited higher survival rates when exposed to Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Furthermore, feed supplemented with BioActio helped maintain optimal water salinity, thereby improving the overall cultivation environment.
In intensive aquaculture systems, the quality of feed inputs significantly influences the effectiveness of the system and the ecological health of ponds. Balancing nutrition, managing stocking density, and controlling feed quantities are essential. Pelletized or extruded feeds offer greater physical stability, reducing water contamination and lowering organic loads. Ingredients with high digestibility and low phosphorus content further contribute to a sustainable pond environment by minimizing nitrogen excretion.
Proper nutrition tailored to the specific needs of shrimp at every stage of development not only fosters growth and survival but also supports the long-term sustainability of shrimp farming. Utilizing innovative solutions like BioActio Health & Performance highlights the advancements in aquaculture nutrition, demonstrating the power of biotechnological innovation in creating efficient and environmentally friendly protein sources.
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