This document compares shrimp fattening practices to broiler chicken fattening and identifies several key issues with typical shrimp farming practices. It notes that shrimp are often poorly cared for in their early days, resulting in high mortality. In contrast, broiler chickens receive excellent care from the egg stage through fattening. The document recommends using feeding trays to restrict shrimp movement and ensure consistent feeding, which could improve survival rates to over 85% by addressing issues like empty guts and cannibalism. Proper feeding is presented as critical for shrimp to gain sufficient weight and combat diseases during fattening.

1. A practical study of Vannamei aqua cultureis undertaken to eliminatethe problems faced by the industry.I am thankful to Mr. V.V.S. Rayudu for his extraordinary supportto ascertain thereal facts for fattening concept of Shrimp. This is compared to broilers relatingto
poultry industry sincemost of the facts closely related and the MAIN AIM IS FATTENING in other words WEIGHT GAIN.
COMPARATIVE DATA FOR FATTENING CONCEPT
BROILER & SHRIMP
POULTRY SHRIMP
1. SOURCE
Egg
Egg
2. PARENT STOCK
Imported
Imported
3. PARENTS MAINTENANCE
Excellent condition takingtotal concentration and check on weight of male, semen quality,safety environment, free
from litter, frequent and periodical medical care,timely vaccination and daily check on egg production,grading , perfect
feeding system, etc.
Not in proper condition,kept in muddy ponds, fed by broadcastingmethod, identifyingfeed itself takes a lot time, estimated
that it consumes 8 – 10% mud. Fed with most improper manner i.e., litter and feed are mixed and the PLs are uneven in size
(minimum five grading) thereby the buyer is putin to lot of problems whilegrowing and itgreatly reduces the count system at
the time of harvest. It is learntthat they depend on commercial feed in hatcheries without givingimportance to higher protein
feed such as chlorella,MSCD, Spirulinaetc.
4. DELIVERY Delivered in plastic bags dumped in a van and while transporting/shiftingalmostall thebags kept in the bottom are damaged
and a minimum mortality of 15 – 20% is noticed in many places.The farmers are badly advised aboutreceivingPLs arethey
straightaway leavingitinto the pond without noticingor removing the dead ones. They arenot advised to check pH,
temperature and DO levels to be maintained before leavingitinto the pond and proper instructionsareabsentthereby the
morality is rangingfrom8 to 10%. The farmers are not advised properly to take carefor the first30 days,whereas in practi ceitis
found that the growers never bother about the PLs on these days except throw the feed on the corners of the pond. They check
the survival and startcaringtheanimals and by that time the PLs will beunhealthy with minimum survival rate.No scientifi c
approach is taughtto the farmers and they justfollowwhat others do and expect some miracleto happen instead of scientific
methods. It is factthat they may be successful in oneor two crops,but ultimately fail in the next crop onwards,that is the
present trend in India as well as in Thailand,Vietnam and in Ecuador. The pioneers in the industry are popper on accountof the
drawback which is not realized even after losingbillions.
Safely delivered takinginto consideration of climates.The chicks can beeasily identified transport/shiftingmortality is
hardly 0.1 to 0.2% ( 2% extra chicks are provided to compensate these conditions till itreaches farmer’s shed.
5. DAY 1 – RECEIPT OF CHICKS/CULTURE FOR FATTENING
The day 1 weight and length is importantto decide the final weight gain of the chicks.The chick’s length is measured
from beak to leg by spreadingit.If itis below 180 mm itunderperforms, if itis 190 mm it performs betters and for every
10 mm increaseup to 210 mm additional final will beincreased by 100 gms. Further the day 1 weight is expected to be
42 – 45 gms and up t to 40 gms are manageableto get a good weight. The decisivedifference is chick’s length.
Generally PLs aresupplied on 12th day and the day receipt will be13th day. The weight cannot be ascertained or ascertained and
is expected to be > 1.05 gms and more importance is given to the length of the PL. I t must be at least18 mm to 20 mm on the
day in the pond the length will be >50 mm on the 30th day in the pond and expected weight is above 4 gms. The decisive
difference is PL’s length. Further the mode of receipt, special carefor day 1, checkingthe feed in take etc are explained here
below. Length rangingfrom 9 mm to 12 mm, too much of mortality whiletransportingPLs to the pond, receivingthe PLs before
brightsunlightall will combinetogether and the crop is unableto face threats likediseases,insectbites,predators etc and the
crop will certainly bea failureor underperforming one. Care should be taken to see that the culture is growingin pollution free
environment, fed high protein feed and other factors before placingorders. The aqua industry must be ableto bear additiona l
costif any for better supplies otherwiseany method used will be a waste and the industry will bein doldrums that is the present
position of shrimp culture.
Great careshould be taken and watch that the feed intakeis sufficientand the gut is full’this has bechecked for the firs t 5 days
and then decide the programme for feed and others. A better beginning is half done; therefore, try to get the culture as per
standards provided and the resultwill be as per the target.
6. RECEIVING AND INITIAL CARE FROM DAY 1 DAY 5 OR 8 The PLs are required to be kept in a safeplace(a mesh chamber specially prepared for this) for first15 days and after molting
this may be released into to the pond; for better results this may kept even up to 30 days for better results.Since the chamber is
placed in a restricted area,the Vannamei are free access to feed, free from predators, free to molt sinceproper extra energy can
be provided easily and this doneto gain a weight >2gms duringthe first15 days and > 5 gms duringthe 30 days of time. The
Vannamei areself cleaningin nature, the first30 days are very important to keep the Vannamei healthy to combat any disease.
More percentage of feed with higher protein is provided to gain quick weight sincethe Vanamei is possessingthe ability to
digest.
Absolutely no care in any manner. They are justthrown into a widest placeand expect them to stay only in corners of the pond
to take feed. They wander for feed (sinceno phytoplankton is maintained anywhere in India) and some lucky PLs pick some feed
and eat italongwith mud. If PLs areJuveniles or Shrimp you will either find empty gut or partially filled gutor full gut in black
colour.All these indicates underfeedingor no feeding. The monitoringof feed intake is totally ignored in this sector for the first
30 days which is very important.
They wander more for feed and sinceitis wander in the widest area of their capacity and without getting the feed the proces s
Chicks areusually received before dawn. A broodingchamber is prepared and the floor is covered either by paper and
feed is broadcasted on the paper besides providingfeed tray, chick drinkers,2 Kg small type semi automatic feeders.
This is done with a great careto allowthe chicks to identify the feed and water and they immediately startconsuming
feed and drink water. Great care is taken for temperature maintenance duringday and night time for up to 8 days and
then slowly increases thefattening area stage by stage. The main aimis to achievea weight >170 gms for the firstweek
and so on to gain an average weight of 2.2 Kgs in 42 days.Their fattening area is restricted to curtain mobility so that the
birds do not loseweight.
More percentage of feed with higher protein is provided to gain quick weight sincethe chicks arepossessingtheability
to digest.

2. continuous and finally they fail and die.This is resulted in EMS (Early Mortality Syndrome) and actually this isEmpty Stomach
Syndrome (ESS), this can be easily checked by a lens. The survivors keeps wanderingfor food even duringnight time but the feed
is restricted or no feed is fed duringnight time and they automatically eatthe dead ones – which is otherwise called as
CANNIBALISM.
7. FEEDING PROCEDURES The feed is fed by the broadcastingmethod and is unnoticeableto the PLs at the early stages and mixed with contaminated
bottom of the pond at the later stages. The quantity of feed is not determined or monitored in any method. Being a nocturnal
Vannamei eats a lotduringnight time and less duringday time.The feed is kept ready in trays or feeders and water for all the 24 hours. The chicks or birds arefree to access to feed and
water at any time during42 days.More lightingis provided to induce animals to eat the required quantity without any
difficulty,becausethe concept is weight gain.
8. SPACING
Though the birds (not in the early stages) require1 sq.ft for its 42 days time whereas a spaceof whereas 0.10 sq.ft i.e.,
1/10th of its spacerequirement is provided with all requirements in order to make the chicks to identify, group together
and eat and drink as much as they require. The feeders are checked frequently and feed is fed as and when it is
exhausted , the keep the feed and water availablefor all the24 hours.They eat round the clock and intend to eat more
in the early morning and after dusk.
This is not defined nor calculated never thought of. In order to ascertain thespacerequirement for 30 gms weight shrimp for
1,00,000 stockingper acre ( 120 days) is [(40000 sq.ft/ 120)/] 350 sq.ft and spacerequirement for and from day 1 to day 15 till it
achieves 2gms must be, takinginto consideration of its mobility (restricted) by three times the PLs on the date of receipt
requires only a spaceof 1000 sq ft, which can be made by 40 mesh plasticnetmeasuring100’ x 40’ or 90’ x 50’ for the first 15
days and if decided to keep the PLs for 30 days littlemore spaceis needed. This means we are providing40 times extra spacefor
unwanted and unwarranted mobility,leavingthe PLs to search for its food in the widest area beyond their reach and becauseof
less or no feed availableto them they crash;finally this iscalled as EMS and pour medicines worth thousands which is a total
waste and does not solvethe problem. The stitched net can be used for several times and the expenditure can be recovered in a
singleyield sincethe survivability will bemore than 98%. This helps PLs not to wander for feed, feed is availableall thetime,
timely molting energy levels have to raised by 35% once in 7 – 9 days to gain sufficientenergy for trouble free and medicine free
molting, restricted movement sincefeed is available.However, as in poultry if the feed trays of sizes 3’x 1’x ½’ is hanged on
various heightnot above the thermocline, the feed wastage is totally eliminated,energy loss on accountof search for feed is
eliminated,required feed is consumed and leave the trays,identification and monitoringof feed consumption is easy,checking
animals iseasy sincemore animals areavailablein the trays and check health condition of the PLs at any placeis possible
without stressingthe animals.
This becomes a nocturnal animal morethan 70% feed in consumed duringnighttime and only 30 – 40 duringday time. The feed
is never mixed with mud or litter. Therefore, the diseaserelatingto contamination of feed is totally eradicated and the
Vannamei combat any diseaseon accountof its stability in growth with immunity.
Sufficienttime is availablefor plankton growth and the Vannamei get sufficientnatural feed, itis estimated that itconsumes
about 22 – 30% of its feed from plankton and because such environment is not provided they depend more on feed and varies
the FCR beyond calculations.
Sufficientand required feed is fed in trays thereby the feed is notwasted the resultis reduction in ammoni um; more ammonia
consumes lot of oxygen creatingoxygen depletion in the pond. The major problem is eliminated by feeding calculated feed.

3. 9. MEDICINE & VACCINATION
There is three vaccination schedulebesides supplyingmedicines and easy to handle,identify the sick ones. Male and
female can be separated to achieve higher growth. Periodical weighing is madeto check the growth and monitor the
FCR
The fattening faces lotof myths and lucks and ultimately failsafter 1 or 2 successful fattening.The PLs are not given any
importance duringthe first30 days,which is more important than the other days.The important days for perfect surveillance
are (a) first30 days,(b) 40 – 45 days to combat white spot disease,50 – 75 days for growth rate and to combat other diseases.
Basically,P.Vannamei is a rugged Vannamei and try to survivein any condition.The entrepreneurs create a polluted
environment and again depend of antibiotics thrown into the pond without vouchingits rolein curingdiseases.
The factors ignored:
i. Early days feeding and care
ii. Periodical verification of weight
iii. The Vannamei gets antenna cut diseasewithoutfail on 18 – 20 days and never a care has been taken and this
induces cannibalismin the initial days.
iv. Phytoplankton growth is not checked and the colour of the pond is not even maintain at2” clarity which is
supposed to be between 10” to 12”
v. There are planktons which grow with littleand lesser sunlightin thermoclineand at the bottom which is totally
neglected in this sector.
vi. No attempt is made to restrictthe PLs or Juveniles or Shrimps to search its feed on the ground.
vii. No feed tray concept is introduced and realized the importance about it. Ithelps not only to reduce feed wastage
and a clean and nutritious feed is provided to the Vannamei all thetime.
viii. Feed tray concept reduces the risk of mid gut, white gut or empty gut sincefeed is consumed without doing the
exerciseof cleaning.Being a self cleaning Vannamei,itexpects clean food and environment otherwise more energy
will bewasted for cleaning,search of feed, greater energy for molting and ultimate itused protein as an energy
sourceand ultimately resulted in weight loss and drastic reduction in immunity.
ix. The feed trays arenot introduced,if itis introduced,it has to be arranged in a triangular way,so that the mobility
of the Vannamei is totally restricted,no loss of energy as explained above.
x. Checking or monitoringprocedure is obsolete and based on water sampletest the treatment is made. If trays are
introduced more number of Vannamei can be seen in the trays atany point in the pond, sincethe feed trays are
hanged in different positions.The monitoringis easy and the nature of diseasecan be ascertained instantly for
immediate action.
xi. The procedure of trays helps the entrepreneurs to vouch the Vannamei arehealthy, active and diseasefree every
day on any time during24 hours.
xii. Feeding does not require any time or procedures or calculations,simplecheck the feed trays specially designed for
this and as when it is empty fill itwith a minimum quantity so that fresh feed is availableto them.
xiii. Moltingcan be easily identified and increasetheenergy level to combat the requirement and this not possiblein
any other method.
xiv. In caseof mortality the reason can be identified immediately for quick action to savethe Vannamei,
xv. The gut will beeither brown colour or brown and clear green colour (denotes consumingplankton) – a finest
symptom of feed intake.
xvi. Glossy clear and neatVannamei are visibleon accountof water clarity and sufficientfeed intake.
xvii. Feed contamination is totally restricted and ammonia formation gets no chancefor its formation sincethe feed
safely kept and not thrown on the ground. Feed contamination is absolutely impossiblesincebased on the feed
intake further feed is putinto the feed net.
xviii. The use of antibiotics and other related synthetic medicine find no placein the pond.
xix. Weekly and day to day FCR calculation is possibleand the survivability can also becalculated at>85% accuracy.

4. 10. FEED TIMINGS & PROCEDURES
Generally,the feed trays arefilled with feed two times a day i.e., morning and evening. The chicks/birdstend to eat
more in the early morning and also in the evening and regularly atan interval of two hours.The lightings will beprovided
throughout night to enable the chicks/birdsto identify water and feed for instantintake. You can find the chicks/birds
feed intake by physical check.
Normally one 12 Kg feeder is used for every 75 or 100 birds,hanged to match the height of the bird.
When the birds growthe length of the feeder will beraised again to facilitatefeed intake without any stress.
i. Being a nocturnal Vannamei eats a lotduringnight time and less duringday time. It is found that the Vannamei’s
feed intake is aboutevery two hours. Iteats more than 10% between 5pm and 10 pm and up to 10% between 10
pm and 6 am in the morning and less than 8% duringday time i.e., 6 am to 8 pm. It also eats atregular intervals and
does leave the litter in the feed tray – a noticeableactivity of the Vannamei which can be noticed at any time.
ii. The feed intakeis gently observed by the full gut of the Vannamei in the feed tray. If necessary they can be caught
gently from the tray and check the full gut usinga lens.Never try to catch the Vannamei usinga net. This injures lot
of Vannamei which in turn leads to cannibalism.
iii. It is very difficultto find mortality in this method, itwill happy to see that the Vannamei areflyingthroughout the
area and jumps into the boat also.
iv. The feed is broadcastin other words thrown into the pond and expect such tiny PLs to identify and consume feed
which is already mixed with sand.
v. The feed is prepared usingthe latesttechnology and great careis taken for quality,packingetc, but while feeding
the nature of feed is deteriorated before intakeand consumes lot of mud instead of feed.
vi. The decisivepartis how to feed the Vannamei for 120 days.
11. CLEANING & MAINTENANCE
The bedding material such as sawdustor paddy husk has to be made upsidedown in order to make the litter mix with it
and dried quickly duringthe day time. Drinkers haveto cleaned twice a day and medicines have to mixed both in the
feed and also in water.
i. There are quality bacterial based ammonia and litter binders availablein the market or proven binders made by
scientists.The basic contamination isfromthe feed, which is not applicablein our case,the risk of ammonium is
less and the depletion of oxygen is less.Further the pond should be rich with plankton and not over-rich which is
not beneficial to pond as well as the Vannamei.
ii. It is not a surprisethatthe exact plankton bloom fixes oxygen duringday time considerably high and itreaches a
level of above 16 ppm and if 6 hour sunshineis shiningwith less air,the fixation ratewill beabove 18 ppm and the
aerators can be switched on latein the nightmay be after 12 midnight. The plankton takes back oxygen fixed
duringday time for respiration duringnighttime, care must be taken to check the DO level, when it reaches below
8 ppm the aerators mustbe switched to meet the oxygen requirement for both Vannamei and plankton.
iii. The suggested level is:
Timing/DO level 00.00 hrs 04.00 hrs 06.00 hrs 12.00 hrs 16.00 hrs 18.00 hrs 22.00 hrs
Maximum* 8 6 6 11 16 - 18 14 - 18 12
Minimum 6 5 5 8 10 10 9
DangerLevel 6 4 3 5 5 4 4
Therefore, more oxygen has to be fixed into the pond duringday time and to achieve this plankton strength and clarity of water
(above10” and a maximum of 12”) has to maintained.This will drastically reducethe expenses on fuel and helps in reducing
atmospheric pollution. The plankton serves as food for Vannamei and reduces the feed costalso.
iv. The pond and levees must be kept insects and predator free especially freefrom mosquitoes and lotof biological
methods are availableto control and highly beneficial to the Vannamei.
v. If the plankton level is maintained,the pH will beunder control without givingextra attention to it.
vi. The plankton must be taken careof usingsufficientpro-activenatural/organicstimulants. Some Plankton requires
less lightand grow in the lines of thermocline and on the ground, this has to be taken care sincethe Vannamei
spend most of its time in these area. Plankton fixes oxygen duringday time and Vannamei feel comfort and rests
comfortably in the comfort zone created by phytoplankton duringday time and as usual they move and take feed
both duringday time and at night.
vii. Usingpresent type of agitators (in other words called as aerators) crashes plankton and keep the Vannamei moves
all the time and the comfort zone is not availableto them throughout the cultureperiod.
viii. Plankton bloom denotes by its oxygen fixingcapacity as
Plankton bloom 14.1. to 16.2
Plankton Normal 10.4 to 12.3
Plankton Absent < 7.8

5. 12. PRE – PREPARATION OF SHED TO RECEIVE CHICKS
The shed is kept clean and free from all bacteria usingall synthetic control agents,prepare a paddy husk bed for comfort
and paper are spread throughout the bed to avoid the chicks eatinghusk and also introducefeed to the chicks on the
day one.
i. The pond fertility has to be improved usingorganic manures,phytoplankton stimulants and made insects and
predator free.
ii. The entrepreneur has to fix the safety net or broodingnet as explained and keep water level at least 6’ level. Wait
for the plankton to grow and reaches a level to fix oxygen level at 14 ppm at 4 pm in the evening and 5 -6 ppm at 6
am in the morning. This is the righttime to receive the PLs.
iii. In this casethe aerators need not be operated duringday time or even up to 12 midnight because plankton takes
careof oxygen requirements
iv. The bio-immunities and other beneficial to the Vannamei trianglehave to be used and every item should contain
protein and high energy
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BIO PROTECTION
13. APPROXIMATE DAILY WEIGHT GAIN (42 DAYS – 2.2 Kgs average)
The daily weight gain is about50 – 52 gms.
APPROXIMATE DAILY WEIGHT GAIN (120 DAYS – 30gms average)
The daily weight gain is about0.25 gms to 0.30 gms, the parameters to achievethis is:
METHODS
DAYS (in gms)
15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120
I 2 5 9.35 10.5 13.75 21.5 24.9 27.7
II 2 5.35 9.30 11 14 19.5 23 26.3
III 2 5.50 9 11 14 19 23 30
Feed supplier’s
method
1 3 4.5 9 12 16 20.8 22.9
Fine tune
method
2.5 7 12 16 20 24 28 32
14. FEED & PROTEIN REQUIREMENTS:
The initial protein requirement may be around 60% for the first10 days,however, it is not maintained and a protein level
of 23% is maintained atstage I feed, 21 % is maintained atstage II and 10% is maintained atthe final stage.
The practiceprevailingin themarket, a myth, usinglotof antibiotics,digestiveenzymes (without protein), liver
stimulants and variousother antibiotics and water sanitizers.Thereby, the energy level is reduced and the stressed birds
shows under performance.
Any higher protein level is acceptableto the Vannamei with higher energy level of 4200 exclusively atthe time of molting. This is
totally ignored and they use protein for their energy requirements showinga poor response in growth. The energy requirement
when moilingis noticeshould be raised for 3 – 4 days and then withdrawn. When feed is broadcasted though the energy is
added it is notavailableto Vannamei and faces problems in molting,empty gut etc. Again medicines poured into the ponds and
the awareness is absolutely negative,that the medicine cures the disease.Higher protein levels in the first15 days,45 – 70 days
are the basic requirement to gain optimum weight gain. Care should be taken into consideration for ENERGY LEVELS duringthe
periods of molting. If the Plankton bloom is present, slightly higher protein level will beableto meet the requirements for
weight gain.
The pond must be free from insects and predators otherwise they make attempts to attack Vannamei after molting on account
of its softness,glossy natureand restingtime. Again this has to be controlled bio-friendly natureand not with any other
synthetic medicine.
Recommended Protein Levels : (levels may be reduced if plankton bloom is maintained)
DAYS < 30 31- 40 41-60 61-80 ABOVE 81 DAYS
Minimum 62 50 60 50 40
Maximum 65 60 65 60 50
Higher Protein levels do not mean addingprotein which is costlier now-a-days,this means the gap should be filled by the growth
of Plankton which also helps inhibits immunity,digestiveability,supporting to control pH, non-availability of oxygen duringnight
time to the harmful bacteria,controls nitrogen levels,
It requires supportof immune inhibits,digestivestimulants,bio protectiveagents for pond, but all these items must contai n
protein level at above 18% and energy level above 3600 Kcal/kg.

6. 15. EXTENSION OF SPACE TO FACILITATE GROWTH
The broodingarea will be extended stage by stage takinginto consideration of the growth of animal by carefully
calculatingtherestriction of movement of birds.Only the final phasewill get the spaceof one sq.ft and never before.
The prevailingpracticedoes not reveal any meaning for the support of growth; however itsupports more mobility which
automatically restrictgrowth. Therefore, a new system as above has to be implemented at leastfor the first30 days with more
feed trays,so that the mobility is restricted for feed search. Further, it has be arranged in such a way that Vannamei gets its
feed wherever it goes. Therefore, it takes feed comfortably in groups and rests at the bottom – which greatly restrictthe
mobility,sinceitis not required for it. Even the spacefor movement for every 15 days may be increased so that the pond is not
polluted totally and in parts and controllingpond pollution becomes easier.They arenot attacked by any predators or insects for
the first30 days or so,as decided by the entrepreneurs, so the possibility of getting viral diseasebecomes rarebecause
Vannamei’s immune response will bemore and effective to combat any viral disease.The pond is also biologically protected,
therefore, the entry for viral diseaseor Vibrio –which is a major risk,becomes rare. The strength of plankton and clarity of water
should be checked periodically to maintain the standards,so thatit provides an umbrella likeprotection the pond in all respects.
16. UNFAVOURABLE SEASONS
Winter is one of the unfavourableseason,however, growth rate is higher in the season. The birds requirebetter
broodingsometimes extended broodingand greater carefor litter management.
Winter is equally dangerous for Vannamei,therefore the protective net – a broodingnet described above has to be kept at the
centre of the pond; whereas in other seasons itmay kept atany place. The winter equally supports its growth, the major
problem encountered is molting.At the time of molting, especially in themorning hours,it jumps on the levees or reaches the
corners if it is notkept in the net. Due to drastic changein temperature in the centre and at the corners,the Vannamei which is
molting and reaches the corners crashes immediately after moltingor at the time of molting or at the final stageof molting. This
mortality cannotbe controlled unless itis kept in warmer places. Therefore, Vannamei must be kept in the safety cabin for a
time, till the season reaches its normal condition.If this is notdone, the mortality on accountof molting, mortality on account
drastic changein temperature at the corners of pond, protein is converted into energy which is the reason for slower growth
rate duringwinter etc.
Sincethe sunlightavailableis lesser duringthese days,phytoplankton plays a vital roleduringshortday time a nd also keeping
the water warm by releasing CO2 duringnighttime. Therefore, the need is to decide to protect Vannamei with a strongbiological
supportand not with antibiotics. Water levels mustbe maintained and any change in water level drastically reduces
thermocline which poses a major threat for the survival of Vannamei.
Attempts should be carefully madeand a method has to be formed to inspectVannamei in the early morning hours i.e., from 3
am to 6 am- to identify any out of control problems.
Instantenergy inhibitingfeed supplements has to be added and fed duringnighttime i.e., 12 mid night feed and 4 am feed, this
facilitates Vannamei to get quick energy to settle in a drastic changein temperature conditions;or quick energy feed
supplements are added to the feed tray to enable Vannamei to gain instantenergy to beat the unfavourableclimatic conditions.
SUMMER: The performance duringsummer entirely depends upon the growth of plankton and to keep the top water layer cool.
A new low costsystem is designed to meet all the season requirements which may be implemented by withdrawingthe use of
Agitators.
MONSOON:
Oxygen depletion is the major problem duringrainy season.The water will berich with nitrogen and de-nitrification alongwith
maintainingpHareto be handled carefully.
17. FEED CONVERSION RATIO
This is totally depends on the quality of chicks supplied to the farm. If the day old chick is weighingabove 40 grams an
efficient FCR at 1.60:1 can easily beobtained. If maleand female are separated this equally supports attainingbetter
FCR.
Vannamei PL supplies arenot meeting the required standards these days. The transportation mortality for a very short distance
is about30 – 40 thousand and PLs are supplied in atleastfive to six sizes.Therefore, achievingor attainingbetter FCR becomes
very difficult.The weaker ones grow weaker and pose a major threat at the time of maintainingthestandards for counts.The
better ones improve the counts and the weaker ones which is about40% reduces the count standards.However, the buyers
insistthehatcheries to grow the PLs in a separate safety net cabins by bearingthe cost of the net to achievebetter standa rds in
FCR. However, a target which is beyond reach,and possibleif PL 12s aresupplied as per standards,is as follows:
DAYS 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120
FCR 0.9 0.9 1.0 1.0 1.1 1.1 1.2 1.2
The feed charged to trays arecalculated on the basis of weight observed on every 15 days and convert the same as per the
above table. The important factor while calculatingthe feed is the strength of the plankton – a real strength to the pond.

7. 18. FEED SUPPLEMENTS
Numerous feed supplements are supplied to the feed as well as drinkingwater. The birds can be inspected personally on
2 times a day and the diseasecan be easily ascertained for immediate action.
The Vannamei is aquatic and cannotbe seen each and every shrimp every day. Therefore, all aspects such as oxygen,
The feed supplements are broadly categorized into three:
I. Immunity
II. Digestion
III. Bio-protection of pond and Plankton
Immunity: This contains herbal mixtureused daily and on weekly for the first30 days and then onwards daily and oncein 10
days method. This provides immunity to combat early mortality syndrome, Taurus,stress,mid gut, white gut, yellowfecal
matter and ready to combat WSSV also.This has to be mixed with feed as explained and fed into the feed tray. There is every
chancethat the Vannamei consume this mixed feed because itis not broadcastinto the pond.
Digestion: This promotes digestion and also helps to eradicateenergy requirement shortage, easy molting, no constipation,
improves daily weight gain – and this contains sufficientprotein and energy.
Bio-protection of pond and Plankton: There are herbal products availablefor addingto the pond and levees on weekly basisup
to 30 days and then once in 10 days.Separate organic liquidsareavailablefor plankton growth and can be withdrawn if
sufficientbloomis obtained.There is additional spray to be sprayed on the levees once in a week up to 40 days and once in 10
days after 30 days.This gives sufficientprotection from insects,predators,litter of birds flyingover the pond and of course from
mosquitoes. This ingredientalso serves as a de-wormer if consumed by Vannamei. The big challengeof Vibrio can be easily
solved with these ingredients and the pond will befree from vibrio load.
All this items facilitates thepond to be bio-floc withoutspendinghuge investments on such infrastructure.The Vannamei grown
under this system will be free from all diseases and also meet the international standardsin all respects.
Sufficientfertilization is required for plankton which grows with littleor less sunlight. To control the H2S load organically.s
19. STRESS & FEED REFUSAL
Stress may be on accountof various reasons.Many undefined methods arefollowed on day to basis.
The stress condition is prevalentin the followingcircumstances:
1. Depletion of oxygen
2. Absence of Plankton
3. Sudden change in climate(specially in winter)
4. Heavy rain fall
5. Heavy winds etc.,
In the above case,the feed has to be added more instantenergy supplement so that they get back to their normal without loss
of time. In casethe Vannamei swims on the corners, found lethargic swimming,not returning to the centre of the pond if
touched or moved the Vannamei, of this should not happen, if so careshould be taken and appropriateaction needed with the
approval of the consultant.
Water testing is essential on every 10 day basis and based on this the pond has to be corrected. If plankton is grown properly
with sufficientcareabout the bloom, chances of such problems will never arise.
The most importanttime is receipt of PLs on the firstday.The stressed PLs have to be treated for stress,introducefeed to them
and in safety net designed and stitched specially for this.The feed trays should be hanged with littlefeed insideso that the
Vannamei quickly reacts to the stress remover and be ready to take the feed. The feed intake can be checked after the releaseof
PLs into the pond. The feed intake can be identified by checkingthe PLs abdomen usinga lens.THIS IS HIGHLY IMPORTANT.
20. METHOD OF PARTITION
The birds aregrown in partition and monitoring is easy on day to basis..
A plastic netpartition can be made ready but itis slightly costly affair,if compared aboutthe performance the expenditure on
such net partition is cheaper and a long term investment. Initially partition for 15 or 30 days may be made and slowly increases
the sizeto match the future need. Comparison is possiblebetween partition and better partition and placecan be identified to
increasethe size in that area to achievehigher weight gain.The major attempt is that the Vannamei never disturb the bottom
for feed and this makes Vannamei free from diseases.
21. PRACTICE OF MOLTING
Moltingis a process not practiced by land animalsor birds.However, birds losefeather indicates the Vitamin A shortage
and has to be supplemented.
Moltingincludes not only the actof ecdysis but also new cuticleformation,apolysis,theimmediate postecdysis and tissue
growth. This requires lot of energy and sufficientfeed after rest. The moltingis not done on a singleday or on a specific day,it
depends on the health of Vannamei to molt more number times not only to grow faster but keep itself clean.In practice,lotof
medicines are used to inducemolting which directly affect the health of Vannamei. Based on personal (only) the energy level
may be increased to easethis process.The energy may be supplied continuously for 3 or 4 days to complete the entire molting
stage. Sick or stressed Vannamei cannotmolt automatically and has to be checked for cure/removal.
It is an ideal process to check the weight of Vannamei after 2 days of molting to decide the exact feed requirements.
22. ANTENNA CUT
This is absentin birds.
Antenna cut happens without fail either or 18th or 19th day and PLs have to be checked morning and evening by takingspecial
care. Antenna may be fully cut,partially cut,or cut in the edges. This can be cured in a day by takingdirections fromthe
consultantand the remedy will befaster and Vannamei will benormal in three days time. If unnoticed, itleads to mortality,
erratic identification and leads to cannibalism. The mortality ranges from 10 to 20% in many cases followed by cannibalism.This
is not repeated if proper care is taken duringthe 4th week. The remedy can be mixed in the feed for intake by Vannamei.

8. 23. OXYGEN LEVEL DEPLETION
This process need not be given attention because sufficientatmospheric oxygen is available.
The levels of oxygen is mentioned in the above column however more reasons for oxygen depletion is:
Oxygendepletioncanoccur whenthese layersmix duringa"turnover." (use of agitators)
After heavy rain
Duringperiods of strong rain
Duringperiods of calmand cloudy days
When air temperature is rapidly cooling
Chemical treatment/aquatic weeds removal.
Large number of Vannamei swimming to the top and gulpingair atnightor early in the morning. If disturbed they divebut
quickly return to the surface.
Increasein ammonium level may decrease oxygen levels reapidly
Sudden death of phytoplankton or algal bloom,"bloomcrash",may result from insufficientlight(e.g. cloud cover) for
photosynthesis,inadequatepond nutrients (a bloom too dense to be supported by availablenutrients and oxygen) and/or
bloom senescence (the plantcell linebecomes too old to continue reproduction). Oxygen is consumed or depleted when dead
phytoplankton/algaedecay. Duringthe nighttime hours,a dense phytoplankton bloom can remove all oxygen from the water
for respiration (to breathe) alone. When a bloom crash occurs,thewater appears to have become "black"or clear overnight
Test:
When performing the dissolved oxygen test, only grab samples should be used, and the analysisshould beperformed
immediately. Therefore, this is a field test that should be performed on site.
Remedy:
1. Aeration of the pond to increaseoxygen content is the best technique for relievingoxygen depletion. To increase
oxygen levels,pond water must be brought in contact with air. Pullingwater from near the surfaceand sprayingitback
over the pond will increaseoxygen content.
2. The present system of aeration method has to be discontinued becausethis is the MAJOR & ONE ONLY FACTOR for all
the drawbacks of this type of business. The next placeis occupied by the feed broadcasting.Thethird and most
neglected area is not to carethe Vannamei for the first30 days.
3. Cost effective, user friendly system is developed and this may be used for increasingor maintainingtheoxygen levels .
The more you depend on Plankton the more oxygen is fixed duringday time is highly essential to increasethe level of
oxygen without any expenditure.
24. IDENTIFICATION OF HEALTHLY CONDITION 1. PLs on all stages,juveniles and shrimp arehealthy if no black/brown spot or brown/black uropods.
2. Longer antenna runningover the body measuring1 ½ times of the sizeof PLs during4th week.
3. Brown lineon appears on the body. The broadcastfeed consumption becomes difficultfor Vannamei and it normally
contains 7 to 8% of mud. If it is more, they loselot of magnesium to move the food. Therefore, the feed becomes safe
and clean if trays are provided.
4. The gills arecrystal clearand glossy. Itmay be noticed that they produce bubble in three different sizes for oxygen
intake. This diseaseis on accountof agitators mixingthe water all the time and Vannamei finds itdifficultto clean and
gets black gill disease.The mortality cannotbe controlled. Therefore this obsolete system has to be modified with the
new system to take water from the top of the pond and spray itto the pond to fix oxygen and also not to disturb
plankton,pond bottom, never mix the layer of the pond etc.
5. To check cannibalism.Itis difficultto find cannibalismin Vannamei and itis a very rareoccasion.Cannibalism
sometimes occurs in Vannamei,especially after molting.If sufficientfeed is not availableafter molting chances are
there to attack to the sideand this occurs due to sudden decrease in magnesium levels.Sometimes vibriosisload may
lead to such a behavior or attack. The imbalancemust be rectified through proper supplementation.
6. Bascilluswith the support of Plankton provides a stress free environment to Vannamei.
7. Full gut with brown in colour or mixed with lightgreen. Verify the lineusinga lens itshould be continuous and no gap is
seen in any abdomen.
8. Feed trays are empty or less feed and more Vannamei is found in feed tray.
9. Moltingis completed and they feel free to molt in feed trays.
10. No green colonies found any time duringthe period of fattening.

9. 25. WHITE SPOT SYNDROME VIRUS
Not found.
1. The white spot diseasecan be controlled by increasingtheimmunity of Vannamei and also maintain thepond pollution
free. The minerals haveto be supplemented weekly into the pond directly.The white spot is not something that has
been eliminated. On the contrary,still exists,butthe aqua industry has learned to manage it. Herbal combination plays
a major role in control of this disease.
2. Check the Vannamei during40 – 45 days and 55 – 60 as measure of precaution.
3. The symptoms of WSSV are (i) skin undergo discolouration,(ii) reduction in feed consumption (check the feed tray to
identify this), (iii) lethargy,(iv) contaminated water, (v) consumingcontaminated feed, (vi) consumption or cohabitation
with carriers,(vii) Drasticchangein temperature.

10. 26. FEEDING METHODS
Different methods are followed in poultry for parents, layers and broilers.Themajor consideration is given to broilers
because weight gain is the success of the industry.Feed trays arearranged and adjustthe length so that the birds can
reach without any stress and PALATABLE feed is provided.
The feedprovidedtoVannamei isnotpalatable andnevershowthe inclinationtoeatandgrab the feedquickly.
Therefore,itisthe dutyof the industrytofindsome feedadditive sothatthe Vannamei getsimmediate energyand
showitsimmediate willingnesstograb feed.Thisisnotfoundor seeninanyaqua industry.The feedisthrowninto
the pondand monitoringisthere exceptsome checktrayswhichrevealsaverylittleinformationdependingonthe
gatheringof Vannamei.Itisnotscientificnorprovidesanyclue tocalculate the exactfeedrequirements.Therefore,
some scientificandhygienicmethodhave tobe replacedtothissystemof throwingfeed.The feedshouldbe safe
alongwiththe ingredientsandalsosufficientadditionalenergyforeasymolting.
FeedTray method:
Feedtraysmeasuring2’x 1’ x ½’ have to be fixedtothe firstrow (5),secondandthird row(10 each) and the fourth
row (5),thismay be increasedafter40 - 60 days dependingonthe consumptionof feedbythe shrimps.Itisquite
visible thatthe feedtraysbecome emptyandthe feedisfedaccordingtothe feedintake andnota single pinchfeed
iswasted. Further,observationbecomeseasysince shrimpscanbe inspectedinanyareaandproperand immediate
attentioniseasytomonitorgrowthand to curtail diseases. Thisrestrictthe mobilityof the Vannamei andtheynever
intendtogo the cornersof the pondor reachthe top.
The feedtray shouldbe designedintwosizesthe firstone isof 3’ x 1’ x ½ and the nextone isof 2’ x 1’ x ½. The
biggertraysoccupy the entre positionof the pond. Andsmalleronesoccupythe leftandrightpositionintwoor
three rowsand the final positionmustrevealatriangle
Tray position of feedtray at the centre of the pond
TOP LAYER
THERMOCLINE
BOTTOM LAYER
Mostly they gather at the centre therefore itis easy for the Vannamei to identify safe, palatablefeed and consumes as much as
it wish and then leave the tray. It would be surpriseto note that they don’t drop litter in the feed tray and try to keep it clean.
Most of the Vannamei prefers this tray is safefor moltingsincethere is sufficientspacefor movement and also feed is avai lable.
This helps a lot duringpeak winter, where they restrictmovement sincea safe placeis provided to them.

11. Tray positionof feedtray inotherplaces.
TOP LAYER
THERMOCLINE
BOTTOM LAYER
The feed trays in all other directions haveto be arranged in order to make a triangular shape.This mode of fixingsuits and
coincides with the movement of Vannamei. Wherever it moves it gets feed and relax safely on the ground or insidethe feed
tray. The search and mobility to search for feed is totally eliminated and safe, mud-free feed is availableround the clock.The
major benefit of this system is that the Vannamei restricts its movement automatically and more energy is saved on account of
lesser mobility. The number trays are increased (which can be stitched at a lesser cost) as they showsufficientweight gain and
requirement of feed; this can be easily identified by the empty trays around. The Vannamei is clearly inspected with a justliftof
feed tray and many Vannamei are jumpingout, which denotes that the animals areactive.Further catchingVannamei is easy
sincethey prefer to stay in tray to take feed. Inspection is easy sinceVannamei fromany placecan be inspected without the use
catchingnet – which injures mostof the Vannamei catch which may lead to cannibalism.

12. 27. POND AERATION METHOD
Not applicable. The prevailingsystemof pond aeration is obsoleteand a major reason for failurein Vannamei.The Vannamei stays always in
water troubled by this system and do not get a placeto stay and rest. This method makes the Vannamei to swimagainstor
alongwith losingof lotof energy. Further the feeding is done only duringday time to a nocturnal natureinvertebrate. The feed
is provided and by the time Vannamei gets its appetite and before start search for the feed again the agitators (notaerators) are
operated leavinglittlescopefor feed intakeand make the water highly polluted.
The water is not taken and thrown into the air to fix oxygen but rotates the water completely disturbing the water linenaturally
formed to maintain plankton etc. This is crashed and the colour of the pond becomes brown and Vannamei does not get
plankton which is its firstchoice.
Therefore a cost effective new system is absolutely necessary and there are two recommendations suggested here below to
benefit growth of plankton,to retain the pond linings,notto disturb the bottom or invertebrates, pollution free, fixingmore
oxygen and use of generators for power generation is minimized on accountof sufficientsun light,less noiseand the aeration
will almostmatch a rainfall and Vannamei prefers to swim under it, which sometimes enables molting without stress,maintain
the water clarity above10”, less maintenancecostsincethere is no moving parts,repair and replacement is easy without the
help of skilled technicians,longlifeand provideexcellent performance on hot days etc.
TOP LAYER
THERMOCLINE
BOTTOM LAYER
METHOD 1
The details of pond aeration:
The area aerated is about 4 or five acres.A 2 HP electric motor with attached monobloc system TO PUMP WATER has to be
fixed atthe corners ad also on a floatat the centre. 1.5mm or 2 mm holes made on plastic tubeare attached to the monobloc
and you get a continuous shower besides fixingoxygen at a higher level includingnighttime. These motors need not be
operated duringday time on accountof phytoplankton bloom which care the oxygen need even up to 2 o’clock in the morning.
The water is not disturbed and the natural layer is maintained.The water is also drawn very smoothly from the pond without
creatinga wave or sound or reason for pollution.You will be coveringa distanceof 300 to 320 feet for aeration and the water is
thrown into the air and creates lotof bubbles gently moving forward to fix oxygen. To cover the corners 4 motors of 2HP is
required and to cover the centre One 2 HP motors alongwith monobloc and plastic pipefittings arenecessary.The total budget
for pond aeration for 4 to 5 acres will beapproximately aboutRs.80,000 to Rs.90,000 and not more.

13. A. The water is drawn duringsummer is as follows:
TOP LAYER
THERMOCLINE
BOTTOM LAYER
The position of foot valveduringsummer
B. The water is drawn duringwinter is as follows:
TOP LAYER
THERMOCLINE
BOTTOM LAYER
The position of foot valveduringwinter

14. C. The water is drawn duringmonsoon is as follows:
TOP LAYER
THERMOCLINE
BOTTOM LAYER
The position of foot valveduring monsoon.
Therefore, the modernization of aqua relatingto Vannamei has to be given top priority after takinginto consideration of the followingfactors benefitted on accountof the above recommendation.
1. Feed is consumed as per requirement and feed wastage or contamination is totally eliminated.
2. OD level steadily maintained with decreased expenditure on fuel and reduced contamination of pond and the pond will befree from pollution.
3. Calmand natural environment is provided to the PLs in all stages.
4. Energy level is maintained all thetime sincethe search for feed on the ground is totally eliminated.
5. Moltingis free and more molting is possiblefor better stages of growth.
6. Survival is increased to a greater extent and the scope for harmful bacterial growth for mortali ty is minimized.
7. Pond clarity is maintained and no change in water is necessary for the next crop.
8. Identification and monitoringis simple.
9. Feed requirement is calculated on the basis of exactconsumption and the FCR is gained to the targeted level.
10. Being continuous eating invertebrates feed is availableall thetime makingthe to gain the required weight
11. Day 1 care enables to maintain the mortality rate down this automatically increases survival rate.
12. Trouble free aeration and feeding system.
13. No antibiotic isnecessary atany time duringthe fattening period.
14. The probiotics for digestion,immunity , midgut, immunity to combat WSSV are provided by M/s. Rakshita FarmTech, Hyderabad. (Contact No.9030048333)
15. The bio spray protects the pond from insects,predators and mosquitoes.
16. Probiotics such as Glucid,Phytopro,wipespot, immunostimul are used in this study provided by M/s. Rakshita FarmTech, Hyderabad.(Contact No.9030048333)
For further details contactDr.Sundar, India,cell:8500182024 (email:sun2dar@gmail.com)