Raising and producing freshwater shrimp or prawns on your own aquaculture fish farm can be a profitable business. Freshwater shrimp farming is primarily suited to warmer climates and in many ways resembles shrimp farming because they share many of the same characteristics and problems. Seawater shrimp farming began in the 1970s and quickly became popular in the United States, Western Europe and some Asian countries. In 2003, shrimp production totaled more than 1.6 million tons, or $9 billion. Most shrimp farming, about 75 percent of the world’s shrimp, is produced in Asia, especially in Thailand and China. The other 25% are produced in Latin American countries such as Brazil, Mexico and Ecuador.
Shrimp farming has come a long way, from small-scale farms in Asia and Thailand to a global industry. Only a few species of shrimp are farmed globally. One of the most popular species is Macrobrachium rosenbergii, or Giant Malaysian Prawn, a freshwater shrimp native to South Asia.
Machines for Making Shrimp Feed
Through the fish feed extruder we can use cheap local raw materials to produce high-quality aquatic feed, which can save feed costs.
Farmed Shrimp in Thailand
Thailand is one of the oldest shrimp farming countries in the world and has been a leader in the global aquaculture movement for the past 40 years. Thailand continues to improve its farms with new research and methods, and many shrimp best practices are widely used throughout the country. These practices increase growth rates and reduce the amount of resources available to produce high-quality shrimp. The Thai government is also providing funds to farmers to ensure sustainable technologies, which will help Thailand’s aquaculture industry continue to improve.
In addition, Thailand’s processing facilities are world-class. Thai processors can produce a wide range of products, including raw, cooked and value-added shrimp.
Finally, Thailand’s products are generally cleaner than other COOs. A recent Consumer Report found Thai shrimp had the lowest presence of bacteria than any other farmed COO.
Different Shrimp Culture Technique
Marine Shrimp Culture
Actually, marine shrimp culture is popular as saltwater shrimp farming. It is a traditional method of farming. Nowadays, you can find some modern culture techniques that include both intensive and extensive farming for better yield.
Freshwater Shrimp Farming
Generally, freshwater shrimp farming is suitable mostly for the warmer climate. Actually, the freshwater shrimp farming processes include growing out your juvenile shrimps into adults, and marketing them for profit. Also, you raise the shrimps in tanks.
Indoor Shrimp Farming
Even, if you don’t have waterbodies, you can shrimp. In that case, you can raise the shrimp in the large tanks. Also, you can use both the rectangular and circular tanks for farming.
How to Starting a Shrimp Farming Business
- Get the Right Location
- Get a Pond
- Get the Right Water
- Know where to get Juvenile shrimp
- Know when, what and how to feed your shrimp
- Know when and how to harvest your shrimp
- Know where and how to sell your shrimp
Key Issues in Freshwater Shrimp Farming
- Selection of shrimp variety that provides maximise yield and profit
- How and from where to source freshwater shrimp hatchlings
- How to estimate scale, cost and profit from freshwater shrimp farming operations
- What to feed shrimps
- How to eliminate shrimp predators
- How to ensure water quality
- Optimum stocking density
- Feeding Rates
- How to store, package and market your produce
- Contacts of bulk procurers
How to Maintain Water Quality for Shrimp Farming
Raising shrimp requires an ideal water composition to keep the shrimp healthy. Farmers must constantly check and maintain the quality of their shrimp. When maintaining water quality in shrimp farms, the following factors should be considered.
1. Temperature
Shrimp like warm temperatures, which is why shrimp farms are common in warm areas. The ideal temperature is 57 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit (14 to 29 degrees Celsius). Shrimp farmers in cold areas (or months) can use solar water heaters, electric heaters or greenhouse panels.
2. pH Level
The ideal pH for shrimp aquaculture water is between 6.5 and 9.5. Farmers should maintain the pH by preventing algae from growing in ponds, which increases alkalinity. If the water is too acidic, farmers can add limestone to increase the pH and lower the acidity.
3. Biosecurity
Biosecurity means protecting shrimp from predators. Common threats include birds, crabs, reptiles and fish. Not only do they eat shrimp, they also spread the bacteria that destroy harvests. Farmers can install fences, dry pools, and apply saponin, calcium carbide, ammonium sulfate, or tobacco ash to the water before filling it with water.
4. Nitrogen and Ammonia Levels
Nitrogen and ammonia levels determine the toxicity of the water. Farmers must balance nitrogen and ammonia levels by maintaining good drainage systems. Good blood circulation is also important to maintain low toxicity levels.
5. Oxygen Level
Farmers need to maintain appropriate oxygen levels in the ponds to keep the shrimp healthy. Several tools are available to measure oxygen levels, such as chemical or electronic test kits. Farmers must use air compressors, agitators, fountains or blowers to inflate ponds. Fountains are popular with farmers, who also need decorative elements for their ponds.
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