Introduction
Stocking density is a determining factor for the level of technology and inputs required in a farming system. Stocking beyond the environment's carrying capacity can affect the farming system and is one of the causes of failure due to waste load exceeding the assimilation capacity of the aquatic environment. This study aims to collect data and information on the performance of super-intensive whiteleg shrimp farming at different stocking densities to determine the optimal stocking density for super-intensive farming. It is hoped that the optimal application of stocking density will lead to maximum productivity and profitability with a sustainable production system.
Research Methodology
Research data was collected from ponds in Balusu, Barru Regency, South Sulawesi. 3 ponds of 1,600 m2 were fully equipped with aeration systems, and 1 pond of 1,600 m2 was used as a reservoir. Aeration capacity (HP) in the ponds was determined based on shrimp biomass to maintain optimal conditions.
Water was pumped into the ponds to a depth of 1 m, then Dolomite lime 20 ppm, Chlorine 40 ppm, Urea 32 kg/pond were applied, plankton was allowed to develop for 2 weeks, and probiotics were applied at a dose of 75 g/pond.
PL-10 were certified free of WSSV, Taura, and IMNV. Stocking densities were 750 postlarvae/m2 (pond A), 1,000 postlarvae/m2 (pond B), and 1,200 postlarvae/m2 (pond C).
Feed with 40% protein content was supplied manually until day 60, after which feed was supplied using automatic feeders from day 61 until harvest. Feed dosage was adjusted according to shrimp growth and pond conditions.
During the experiment, water exchange and waste treatment were carried out regularly according to pond conditions. Probiotics were applied according to standard operating procedures and dosages were adjusted according to shrimp growth and total bacterial density. A total of 100 shrimp were used as samples. Periodic shrimp weighing data was used to calculate daily feed requirements.
Water quality parameters including temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, and pH were monitored daily; TSS, BOT, TAN, nitrite, nitrate, and phosphate were measured bi-weekly.
Partial harvests of 20-30% of shrimp biomass were carried out on days 70 and 90 of maintenance, while the total harvest was performed on day 105. Production data, survival rate, feed conversion ratio (FCR), water demand, electricity demand, and shrimp size distribution were calculated at the end of the study. Shrimp size at harvest was determined by sampling a maximum of 20 kg, then calculating the number of individuals as an estimate.
Data was analyzed to determine the effect of stocking density on shrimp biological responses and pond water environmental characteristics. Cost analysis was performed to determine the profitability of super-intensive whiteleg shrimp farming operations. Feed with 40% protein content was supplied manually until day 60, after which feed was supplied using automatic feeding tools from day 61 until harvest. Feed dosage was adjusted according to shrimp growth and pond conditions.
Water management included sludge treatment from the central drainage system and water exchange according to pond water environmental conditions. Probiotics were applied according to standard operating procedures (SOP) and dosages were adjusted according to shrimp weight growth and total bacterial density. Observed variables included shrimp growth, measured every 5 days by weighing shrimp using an electronic balance with 0.01g accuracy. A total of 100 shrimp were collected and used as samples. Periodic weighing data for shrimp was used to calculate daily feed requirements.
Water quality parameters including temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, and pH were monitored daily; TSS, BOT, total ammoniacal nitrogen (TAN), nitrite, nitrate, and phosphate were measured bi-weekly. Partial harvests of 20-30% of shrimp biomass were carried out on days 70 and 90, with the total harvest performed on day 105. Production data, survival rate, feed conversion ratio (FCR), water demand, and electricity demand were calculated at the end of the study. Shrimp size at harvest was determined by sampling a maximum of 20 kg, then calculating the number of individuals as an estimate.
Results
Table 1. Performance of super-intensive whiteleg shrimp farming
