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Passive acoustic feeders as a tool to assess feed response and growth in shrimp pond production

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Abstract

Shrimp production has been one of the most important sectors of aquaculture for the last few decades for both its market value and consumer acceptance. The majority of shrimp feeding protocols in typical production setups rely on a combination of feed trays and predetermined feed plans which do not account for real-time consumption or feed preferences. However, for the last decade, the development of passive acoustic monitoring has allowed a much more direct measurement of shrimp feed intake by capturing and integrating clicking sounds produced by shrimp while eating. Integrating acoustic responses with automated feeding systems has allowed the development of on-demand feeding systems for shrimp. Hence, this technology is a potential tool to help understand feed preferences when the feeding protocol is based on real-time demand for feed rather than predetermined quantities. Building on previous research, the goal of this trial was to use passive feedback acoustic feeders as a tool to evaluate if shrimp prefer diets with different protein sources when given the option to eat as much as requested. A 13-week trial was conducted in 16, 0.1-ha outdoor ponds, stocked at 30 shrimp/m2 and equipped with the AQ1 acoustic feeding system. At day 45, the acoustic system was initiated, and four treatments were assigned with a 35% crude protein diet with different protein sources: all-plant, 8% poultry meal (PM), 8% fish meal (FM), and 12% FM. A second growth trial was conducted in 20, 800-L outdoor recirculating system with similar density (30 shrimp/tank), and shrimp were offered a predetermined feeding rate. We did not find statistical differences in any of the main production parameters. Results of this study indicate that shrimp did not clearly favor a particular diet. This suggests that, irrespective of ingredient matrix, a well-balanced feed will produce suitable growth even when shrimp are allowed to determine their feed intake. The use of acoustic feeders opens the door for nutrition research in which the shrimp are fed on demand.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to express our gratitude to those who have reviewed this manuscript and the students and staff who participated in this project from the Auburn University and Claude Peteet Mariculture Center. Special thanks to Zeigler Bros, Inc., and AQ1 for support of the research. This research was supported by the United Soybean Board Project #2030-352-0508 “Optimizing and Demonstrating Soy-Based Feeds for Shrimp with Acoustic Technologies” as well as the Hatch Funding Program (ALA016-1-14018) of the Alabama Agriculture Experiment Station. The mention of trademarks and proprietary products does not constitute an endorsement by the Auburn University and is not intended to exclude other products or services that may be suitable.

Funding

This project was funded by the United Soybean Board Project #2030–352-0508 “Optimizing and Demonstrating Soy-Based Feeds for Shrimp with Acoustic Technologies” and the Hatch Funding Program (ALA016-1–14018) of Alabama Agriculture Experiment Station.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA

    João Reis, Aya S. Hussain, Alexis Weldon, Samuel Walsh, William Stites, Melanie Rhodes & D. Allen Davis

  2. Faculty of Science, Zoology Department, Suez University, Suez, 43511, Egypt

    Aya S. Hussain

Authors
  1. João Reis
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  2. Aya S. Hussain
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  3. Alexis Weldon
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  4. Samuel Walsh
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  5. William Stites
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  6. Melanie Rhodes
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  7. D. Allen Davis
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Contributions

João Reis: main author, investigation and data analysis; Aya Hussain: investigation; Alexis Weldon: investigation; Samuel Walsh: investigation; William Stites: investigation; Melanie Rhodes: project coordinator; D Allen Davis: principal investigator.

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Correspondence to João Reis.

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Reis, J., Hussain, A.S., Weldon, A. et al. Passive acoustic feeders as a tool to assess feed response and growth in shrimp pond production. Aquacult Int 31, 1643–1657 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10499-023-01053-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10499-023-01053-3

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