Increased Demand and New Genetic Improvements
Demand has started to increase in India since BMC company introduced SPF black tiger shrimp broodstock in 2021. Post-larvae production has increased from 300 post-larvae in 2021 to 1 billion post-larvae by the current time in 2022. The breeding and selection work for black tiger shrimp began in 2014. The average daily growth (ADG) improved from 0.3 g/day in 2013 to 0.5 g/day in 2021. Additionally, the survival rate also improved from 81% to 93%.
There have been significant genetic advancements in Moana black tiger shrimp since they were first introduced to India in 2008–2009. From 2021 to the present, genetic improvements in Moana black tiger shrimp, now in their 19th generation, have achieved an average growth rate of 50g per individual after 120 days of farming through breeding.
It can be said that the resurgence in black tiger shrimp farming is not only due to new genetic improvements but also because black tiger shrimp are more tolerant to Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) and White Feces Syndrome (WFS) compared to whiteleg shrimp. Furthermore, in India, they also show resistance to certain diseases and can withstand harsh environments, especially high temperatures. Other factors driving the black tiger shrimp farming industry's comeback include their higher economic value compared to whiteleg shrimp, with less investment.
McIntosh stated that the domestication of black tiger shrimp has gone through many generations, with an initial survival rate of 30% gradually increasing to 85% for post-larvae to date.
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Growth of post-larvae by broodstock source (g) |
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Days of Culture (DOC) |
Wild broodstock |
Moana broodstock (2008 – 2009) |
Moana broodstock (2021 – 2022) |
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150 – 30 |
1.5 – 3.0 |
1.5 – 3.0 |
6.0 – 7.0 |
|
50 – 60 |
6.0 – 8.0 |
6.0 – 8.0 |
12.0 – 15.0 |
|
80 – 90 |
13.0 – 16.0 |
13.0 – 16.0 |
22.0 – 25.0 |
|
110 – 120 |
24.0 – 28.5 |
27.0 – 33.0 |
45.0 – 50.0 |
|
140 – 150 |
32.5 – 36.5 |
44.0 – 50.0 |
58.0 – 66.0 |
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|
|
|
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Table: Growth of black tiger shrimp from wild and Moana broodstock (Source: Dhaval Contractor)
Higher Yield
Notably, black tiger shrimp production increased by approximately 42% in two years from 2019–2021, rising from 382,000 tons to 546,000 tons. This increase in production has been observed in many countries: Vietnam, Thailand, China, India, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and Madagascar.
Market Reflections
The resurgence of black tiger shrimp production in farms will directly compete with large-sized whiteleg shrimp.
The value of large black tiger shrimp is suitable for the foodservice segment due to their excellent color and distinctive flavor.
And a point to note: “mass production goes against the balance for a niche market.”
According to AAP
