Shrimp farming is an emerging lucrative aquaculture activity that provides a significant income and nutrition source worldwide. However, shrimp farmers face challenges, especially in the winter, when cold temperatures can increase mortality rates. Due to low water temperatures, shrimp face challenges in the winter, such as reduced metabolism, weak immunity, and increased vulnerability to diseases like the white gut.
Cold stress can result in abnormal moulting, soft shell formation, compromised hepatopancreatic function, low survival rates, and reduced growth. Nutritional deficiencies further stress the shrimp, reducing feed utilisation. Poor water quality exacerbates the issue, creating an environment conducive to pathogens.
Hence, practical strategies, such as temperature regulation, additives like ox bile extract in animal feed or formulations, and other required measures, are essential for improving survival rates and maintaining shrimp health in winter. Therefore, there is an urgent need to understand and address key factors contributing to shrimp health during winter to maintain productivity and reduce losses.
Key Factors Affecting Shrimp Health
1) The Impact of Low Temperatures
Shrimps are ectothermic animals; the surrounding environment influences their body temperature. The drop in water temperature in winter may lead to the following issues:
- Reduced Metabolism- The metabolic rates in shrimps are reduced in colder water, thus slowing their growth and weakening immunity.
- Stress & Disease Susceptibility- Long-term exposure to cold temperatures enhances stress levels, making shrimp vulnerable to diseases and infections.
- Feeding Challenges- Shrimp eat less in cold water, which can result in nutritional deficiencies and stunted growth.
Hence, the water temperature must be maintained between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius, which is optimal for shrimp species. Aerators or heating systems must also be used to regulate water temperature.
2) Water Quality Management
Water quality is vital to shrimp health, significantly in winter when biological processes slow down. Poor water quality can exacerbate the effects of cold temperatures. Various key parameters should be monitored for shrimp health.
- Dissolved Oxygen- The low temperature reduces oxygen solubility, resulting in oxygen deficiency.
- Ammonia & Nitrite Levels- The accumulated organic matter & reduced microbial activity can enhance toxic compounds.
- pH Levels- pH fluctuations in winter can stress shrimps
The aeration system can improve oxygen levels and facilitate waste decomposition. Also, regular monitoring of ammonia, nitrite and pH levels must be done.
3) Nutritional Management
Proper nutrition is vital for maintaining shrimp health in winter when their metabolic requirements are changed. The nutritional management of the shrimps can be done by following methods:
- Adjust Feeding Rates- The feeding quantity and frequency can be changed to match the animals’ lower metabolic rate.
- Enhance Feed quality- The quality of feed rich in vitamins, minerals, and immunostimulants must be used.
- Supplement Diets- Feed additives such as butyrates, mucopolysaccharides, and Ox bile extract must be incorporated into supplement diets to enhance immune function and gut health.
Benefits of Ox Bile Extract
- Improved Digestion– Ox bile extract helps absorb and emulsify dietary fats, ensuring shrimps get maximum energy from their feed.
- Enhanced Nutrient Absorption- It helps the better uptake of fat-soluble vitamins and promotes overall growth and health.
- Strengthen Immunity- Ox bile extract helps boost the shrimps’ immunity by improving gut health.
- Stress Reduction- Ox bile extract helps to enhance digestion by minimising stress caused by suboptimal metabolic activity.
- Improved Hepatopancreas Function- Ox bile extract supports the hepatopancreas (shrimp’s vital organ) by enhancing nutrient metabolism and overall health.
Ox Bile Extract helps to address specific issues in shrimps
- Immunity- Ox bile extract fortified with other additives strengthens shrimp immunity and reduces susceptibility to winter diseases.
- Survival Rate- Enhanced nutrition and better water quality management result in a high winter survival rate.
- Soft Shell Formation & Abnormal Moulting- The proper balance of minerals and ox bile extract in the feed helps prevent moulting issues and soft shell formation.
- White Gut disease- Feed additives such as ox bile extract and probiotics promote gut health, reducing the risk of white gut disease.
4) Disease Prevention and Biosecurity
Winter conditions often weaken shrimps’ immune systems, increasing their risk of diseases such as vibriosis and white gut disease. Hence, effective biosecurity measures are essential to prevent these outbreaks.
Disease Management Strategies:
- Quarantine New Stock- The new shrimp can be isolated for at least two weeks before being introduced to the existing pond.
- Probiotics help maintain a healthy microbial balance in ponds and reduce the risk of pathogenic outbreaks.
- Reduce Stress- Avoid sudden changes in water parameters and manage shrimps gently during stocking and harvesting.
5) Pond Design and Maintenance
Proper pond design and maintenance are crucial for mitigating the effects of winter.
Considerations for Pond Design
- Depth- The deeper ponds retain heat better and help stabilise temperature during winter.
- Shelters & Covers- Floating structures or pond covers help reduce heat loss and shield shrimp from extreme weather conditions.
- Slope- The farmers must ensure that the pond bottoms are sloped properly to facilitate drainage and reduce waste accumulation.
Maintenance Tips
- Remove debris and uneaten feed regularly to prevent the build-up of harmful compounds.
- Clean and repair aerators and pumps to ensure optimal functionality.
6) Stocking Density Management
The high stocking densities can exacerbate stress and increase competition for resources, particularly in challenging winter conditions.
Best Practices
- The stocking densities can be reduced to ensure the shrimps get sufficient oxygen and food.
- Avoid overcrowding of shrimps to minimise waste build-up and improve overall water quality.
- The shrimps of uniform size can be stocked to reduce competition and cannibalism.
7) Emergency Preparedness
Winter conditions can change rapidly, necessitating swift action to protect shrimp health.
Emergency Measures
- The backup generators and aerators must be ready to manage unexpected power outages or equipment failures.
- Monitor ponds frequently, especially during extreme weather events, to detect and address issues early.
- Have a contingency plan for disease outbreaks, including medication access and veterinary support.
8) Utilizing Technology
Modern technology can increase shrimp farming efficiency and sustainability, particularly during winter.
Innovative Tools
- Temperature Sensors- Monitor water temperatures and receive alerts for any deviations.
- Automatic Feeders- Optimize feeding schedules based on shrimp behaviour and environmental conditions.
- Water Quality Monitoring Systems- Using IoT-enabled devices to track real-time parameters like pH and ammonia.
9) Understanding Shrimp Species
The different shrimp species have varying tolerances to cold temperatures, and understanding their specific requirements can help tailor management strategies.
Common Species
- Litopenaeus vannamei (Whiteleg Shrimp) is hardy but needs careful temperature regulation.
- Penaeus monodon (Tiger Shrimp) is more sensitive to cold and prone to stress-related diseases.
- Macrobrachium rosenbergii (Giant Freshwater Prawn) requires higher temperatures for optimal growth.
10) Training and Capacity Building
The investment in knowledge and skills is critical for effective shrimp farm management.
Training Focus Areas
- Water quality monitoring and management techniques.
- Disease identification and biosecurity practices.
- Best practices for feeding and pond maintenance.
Conclusion
Winter poses many challenges for shrimp farmers, but careful management and planning can mitigate the risks and ensure a healthy shrimp population. The farmers can create a stable and supportive environment even in harsh weather conditions by focusing on key factors like water quality, nutrition, temperature regulation, and biosecurity.
The strategies discussed in the blog help farmers prevent shrimp mortality and optimise overall operations, thus ensuring sustainability and profitability throughout the year. Hence, consistent monitoring and proactive measures are the keys to successful shrimp farming in winter.
Ox bile extract can benefit shrimp farming, especially during winter, by aiding their digestion and overall health. Titan Animal Nutrition (A group company of Titan Biotech Limited) manufactures and exports Oxibil® (Ox Bile Extract). Here’s how it can help protect shrimp in colder conditions:
- Enhanced Digestion- Oxibil® improves the emulsification and absorption of fats, which is essential for shrimp energy. This is especially important in cold temperatures when metabolic rates slow. Better digestion ensures that shrimp efficiently use the nutrients from their feed.
- Improved Nutrient Absorption- Shrimp metabolism decreases, especially in winter, making nutrient absorption more critical. Oxibil® can enhance the uptake of essential fatty acids and vitamins, helping maintain shrimp health despite reduced feeding activity.
- Boosted Immunity- Oxibil® improves nutrient absorption and can support shrimp’s immune system. A stronger immune response helps shrimp resist infections and stress, which are more prevalent in winter due to lower temperatures and increased susceptibility.
- Reduced Risk of Digestive Disorders- Cold water temperatures can lead to slower digestion and potential digestive issues. Oxibil® helps mitigate these problems by promoting smoother digestion and reducing the risk of gut-related diseases.
- Enhanced Survival Rates- Oxibil® improves overall health, digestion, and immunity, leading to higher survival rates during the challenging winter months. Thus, it is a valuable additive in shrimp feed.
Thus, integrating Oxibil® into shrimp feed during winter can support shrimp health and farm productivity.
References
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0044848621010759
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2023.1171344/full
- https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4446568
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6287190/