Farming of the Indian white shrimp Fenneropenaeus indicus using biofloc technology: Molecular, pathological  and production investigations

Preliminary investigation was carried out into the contribution of the biofloc on the production of Fenneropenaeus indicus fed with different dietary protein. A 12-week experiment was conducted to investigate the contribution of biofloc on production of Fenneropenaeus indicus juveniles with mean weight of (3.44 ± 0.06 g) through feeding with different crude protein (CP) levels in zero-water exchange plastic culture tanks (100 L). Five biofloc treatments (BFT) and one control group were managed in three replicates: BFT fed diets of 15% CP (BFT_15%), 20% CP (BFT_20%), 25% CP (BFT_25%), 30% CP (BFT_30%) and 35% CP (BFT_35%), and clear water control without biofloc fed with 35% CP (CP_35%). Molasses was added during the culture period into the BFT tanks to promote the development of biofloc. Proximate analysis of the biofloc was determined. At the end of the experiment, the shrimp in all the biofloc treatments showed higher growth performances than those in the control as indicated by improved feed utilization, protein retention and growth performance (Pb 0.05). Microbial communities in the different biofloc treatments and the control were identified using molecular techniques. Total vibrio count was determined in each treatment. Present results demonstrated that biofloc could provide a supplemental source of food protein and improve health conditions of the shrimp. Results also showed that, biofloc technology offer sustainable solution to environmental effects in terms of zero water exchange, disease prevention, less dependency on fishmeal and fish oil without affecting shrimp growth.

Keywords: Biofloc; Shrimp; growth performance; substitution levels, vibrio, microbial communities