Health & Welfare

Since shrimp production facilities vary in size, construction and many other factors, the establishment of performance standards can be challenging. 

With interest in culturing tilapia in marine habitats increasing, producers must obtain tilapia capable of growing well in seawater. A study found that both pure-bred and hybrid tilapia performed better in freshwater than in water with high salinity. 

The authors recently performed a study to evaluate immunity to white spot syndrome virus and virulent Vibrio parahaemolyticus in shrimp treated with a new mineral extract additive in pelletized feeds. 

With major support from the government, a campaign has been launched to promote consumption of Mexico’s fishery and aquaculture products. The objective is to increase per capita seafood consumption to 12 kg by 2018. 

Phytogenics, which include a variety of herbs, spices and essential oils, can be applied through different strategies in aquaculture to improve feed efficiency, growth performance and disease resistance. 

Research that has shown fish have the necessary brain structure to feel pain has displaced traditional perspectives and led to additional accounting for fish welfare in aquaculture. 

The development of antimicrobial resistance genes in human pathogens as a consequence of exposure to antibiotics in aquaculture is widely documented. Reports implicate foodborne antibacterial-resistant pathogenic bacteria in human disease. 

Biosecurity can be defined as the operating procedures that shrimp hatchery and farm personnel use to minimize the impacts of disease on their animals. Proper biosecurity measures slow the movement of pathogens and protect unaffected areas. 

Continuous improvement is a critical strategy required for the success of any business, including shrimp farming. Routine programs for farm feed trials that incorporate best practices can contribute to better decision making and a faster improvement. 

Facing emerging viral problems and rising energy costs, the use of biofloc technology in biosecure systems offers an answer for sustainable shrimp aquaculture. The main attributes of biofloc systems in reducing disease risk include the fact that low water exchange improves pathogen exclusion. 

The project produces specific-pathogen-free broodstock with good reproductive performance, fast growth and high survival. More than 60 hatcheries in India have received broodstock from the program. 

The quality flesh and striking coloration of Atlantic spadefish suggest potential in both seafood and ornamental markets. To identify appropriate feeding rates and frequencies, the authors evaluated juvenile spadefish fed daily at varying regimens. 

Fishmeal sparing in aquafeed is often limited by the presence of anti-nutritional factors found in plant-derived feedstuffs. Fermentation may be a cost-effective means of addressing such factors and improving utilization of plant ingredients in feed. 

The authors conducted studies to test the performance of young shrimp postlarvae in systems with different approaches to aeration and water handling. Proactive management through proper feed applications and water quality control were critical elements. 

No antimicrobial agent has been developed specifically for aquaculture applications. However, some antibiotic products used to treat humans or land-based animals have been approved for use at aquaculture facilities.