34 JUNE 2017 • WORLD AQUACULTURE • WWW.WAS.ORG value and partial income. While feed inputs and therefore feed costs were greater for this system, the overall yield and larger average size of shrimp increased the value of the crop. Greater production using the acoustic monitoring and automatic feeding shows that significant improvements can be made to existing feeding protocols. Table 3 shows an analysis of feed costs, equipment costs and income from shrimp sales for each treatment. Even with the higher feed and equipment costs, both automatic feeding systems resulted in a greater income per hectare than SFP treatments. The gap in annual earnings over the SFP increases when amortizing the cost of the equipment over five years. This data indicates that use of automatic and acoustic feeding equipment provides a rapid return on investment. Conclusion The performance of shrimp fed with automatic feeders shows promise for farmers seeking to improve feed utilization and feeding efficiency and decrease labor requirements associated with multiple feedings. If capital investment is limited, standard automatic feeders are relatively inexpensive and improve the efficiency of feed use and shrimp performance. Using simple timers is a technology improvement but feed input must be managed. If capital investment is not an issue, the results of this study and the experiences of commercial producers indicates that the use of automated feedback to determine the actual demand for feed by shrimp is a major improvement over traditional systems. This is most likely related to feeding frequency and the capability of the system to limit overfeeding through acoustic feedback. Based on our observations this system is a major improvement in feed management and possibly a transformational technology for commercial shrimp farming. Notes Carter Ullman, Melanie Rhodes, Terry Hanson, David Cline, D. Allen Davis, School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA Email: ceu0003@auburn.edu; Email: davisda@auburn.edu References Anderson, J.L., D. Valderrama and D.E. Jory. 2016. Global shrimp survey: GOAL 2016. Global Aquaculture Advocate. 10 October 2016. www.aquaculturealliance.org/advocate/global-shrimpsurvey-goal-2016/ Bador, R. 2013. Acoustic control improves feeding productivity at shrimp farms. Global Aquaculture Advocate. November/ December 2013:77-78. Davis, D.A., E. Amaya, J. Venero, O. Zelaya and D.B. Rouse. 2006. A case study on feed management to improving production and economic returns for the semi-intensive pond production of Litopenaeus vannamei. Avances en Nutrición Acuiola VIII. Memorias del Octavo Simposio Internacional Nutrición Acuiola. 15 al 17 de Noviembre de 2006. Goddard, S. 1996. Feed Management in Intensive Aquaculture. Chapman Hall, New York, NY, USA. Sookying, D., F.S.D. Silva, D.A. Davis and T.R. Hanson. 2011. Effects of stocking density on the performance of Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei cultured under pond and outdoor tank conditions using a high soybean meal diet. Aquaculture 319:232-239. U.S. AQUACULTURE SOCIETY Sponsored Publications Request for Proposals The USAS is seeking proposals for publications, including books, conference proceedings, fact sheets, pictorials, hatchery or production manuals, data compilations, and other materials that are important to U.S. aquaculture development and that will be of benefit to USAS members. Individuals wishing to have a project considered for funding by the USAS should prepare a proposal — guidelines are available on the website www.was.org. Conditions for Publication: The USAS Board of Directors will rate proposals and select projects for publication. The successful applicant will serve as co-author; however, depending on contribution to the publication, the applicant may not necessarily serve as chief or sole author. The USAS will cover general publication and distribution costs for one or more projects up to $5,000 each year. However, special consideration will be given to worthwhile projects that exceed this limit. No compensation will be provided to the authors for their time spent in writing the publication. The publication will be property of the USAS and will be sold through the WAS bookstore. Contact: DR. ERIC PEATMAN • Phone: 334-844-9319 • Email: peatmer@auburn.edu
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