Enhancing Shrimp Farming with Two-Stage Technology for Greater Efficiency
In the realm of shrimp farming, two-stage production incorporating cutting-edge technology has emerged as a game-changer, delivering unparalleled efficiency gains. This innovative approach can yield economic returns that are two to three times higher than traditional methods and has become a widespread practice.
Ultra-intensive shrimp farms harness advanced technologies such as automatic feeders, oxygen filters, and pond cleaning systems. Some forward-thinking shrimp farmers even construct pond systems and protective structures within greenhouses to mitigate the impact of adverse weather conditions. This progressive direction in shrimp farming proves to be significantly more economically efficient, reducing the incidence of disease outbreaks and associated risks.
A farmer adopting the two-stage shrimp production system for ultra-compact white-leg shrimp ponds within a greenhouse typically divides a 7,500-square-meter water surface into three circular ponds: a primary growth pond covering 3,000 square meters, a storage pond of equal size, and a nursery pond spanning 1,500 square meters. Post-imported shrimp larvae are nurtured for a period of 12 to 30 days before being introduced into the primary growth pond.
The farming process unfolds in two key stages:
System Preparation: The initial step involves meticulous cleaning of the farming system to eliminate organic waste and wastewater. Water treatment processes are employed to remove chlorine and eradicate harmful bacteria, fostering microbiological growth that enhances shrimp vitality. This method supports the nourishment of shrimp up to 25-30 days of age.
Closed Rotation System: The second stage adopts a completely closed rotation system. Prior to transferring shrimp from the ponds, comprehensive health checks are conducted, alongside assessments of shrimp quantity and pH levels in both grow-out and nursery ponds. Each pond is equipped with shelters, netting, and lining at the bottom and sides, along with plastic herringbone tubes to facilitate air exchange. This intensive approach yields shrimp with an impressive weight of 40 pieces per kilogram after just 80 days, culminating in a harvest of 5.5 tons per pool/crop. This methodology allows for three annual cycles, resulting in a total annual production of 33 tons from two pools. It’s a science and technology-driven agricultural model that empowers farmers with precise control over pond regeneration, agricultural techniques, nutrition, and environmental management.
A successful case study showcasing the benefits of this approach is Hiệp Thành Company, located in Hiệp Phước Industrial Park, Nhà Bè District, within Ho Chi Minh City. Instead of relying on traditional earthen ponds, the company embraced the two-stage method of super-dense cultivation infused with high technology, which resulted in a remarkable three to fivefold increase in profits.
According to Pam Van Dong, at Hiệp Thành Company, shrimp farms situated in earthen ponds typically yield 5-7 tons per hectare over one or two crops. In contrast, advanced technology-driven farms can achieve 2-3 crops with a remarkable yield of 25-30 tons per hectare. These cutting-edge farms utilize just 10% of the space required by earthen ponds while generating three to five times more profit.
Pam Van Dong explained, “Shrimp farms on land can face significant risks due to high stocking densities and slower growth caused by turbid water. In contrast, the water in the pool can be easily purified, promoting healthy shrimp growth. Moreover, advanced technology shrimp farming employs a two-stage nursery and storage system, which minimizes disease transmission. The nursery facility is equipped with oxygenation equipment that aids shrimp acclimation, and the use of probiotics ensures food safety and hygiene.”
The ultra-dense two-stage method, designed to ensure biological safety, allowed Hiep Thành Company’s Pasfid shrimps to attain a remarkable size of 25 pieces per kilogram, with a survival rate of 90%. Considering market prices ranging from VND 140,000 to 200,000 per kilogram, farmers can realize earnings of VND 220-270 million per hectare. While the initial investment cost may be four times higher compared to conventional farms, profits of around 90,000 dong per kilogram can lead to a return on investment within 2-3 years.
This discussion underscores the compelling economic efficiency of the two-stage ultra-intensive shrimp farming method when compared to conventional models.
We hope this article has provided you with a clearer grasp of this topic.
To learn more about other shrimp diseases, please refer to the articles below :
References
Cefas and OIE
