Growth performance of Litopenaeus vannamei in low salinity cultivation with different natural feeds

Abstract

The development of vanamei shrimp farming in freshwater aims to expand economic and social opportunities. However, raising shrimp outside their natural habitat presents challenges. This study aimed to identify the best acclimatization method, the lowest salinity level that supports shrimp growth, and suitable natural feeds for low-salinity conditions. The acclimatization process involved five treatments with three repetitions, gradually reducing salinity by 2 g/L and 1 g/L daily to reach 0, 3, 5, 8, and 10 g/L. A total of 1,000 postlarvae-10 were reared in aquariums for a month, followed by 300 shrimp in 1.5-meter tarpaulin ponds for two months. Shrimp were fed pellets, earthworms, and trash fish. The results showed that the best growth and survival rates at the lowest salinity were achieved at 5 g/L, with a survival rate of 90% and a length of 5.9 cm by DOC-30. Feeding shrimp with African Nightcrawler earthworms resulted in higher average body weight (ABW) and average daily growth (ADG), with survival rates and feed conversion ratios (FCR) comparable to those fed pellets and trash fish.