Shrimp

Shrimp are one of the most widely farmed aquaculture species globally, with key species including Penaeus vannamei (Pacific white shrimp) and Penaeus monodon (black tiger shrimp). These warm-water crustaceans are highly valued for their fast growth, adaptability to various farming systems, and strong market demand worldwide. Shrimp farming is particularly dominant in Asia, Latin America, and increasingly in parts of Africa and the Middle East.

In partnership with VDS, a premix specialist, Aller Aqua has developed a range of shrimp feeds that are specifically designed for use in RAS systems and tailored to each specific growth stage of shrimp. These systems are becoming increasingly popular as they allow to produce high-quality, fresh shrimp products with short distances to the market. The new feed products developed by Aller Aqua and VDS are designed to provide increased feed attractability and high feed performance, addressing key concerns of shrimp producers.

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Feed for shrimp needs to fulfill nutritional and technological criteria to be effective. Paired with an understanding of the aquatic environment, water management, feed handling and feeding management, choosing the right feed for your shrimp greatly impacts your results.

All feed formulas developed by Aller Aqua at the Aller Aqua Research Centre follow these requirements to ensure proper growth and health:

  • Protein Needs:
    Shrimp have relatively high protein requirements to support rapid growth and molting cycles. Diets typically contain 30-40% crude protein, with younger shrimp needing higher protein levels (up to 45%).

  • Fat and Energy Needs:
    Lipid content usually ranges from 6-10% to provide sufficient energy. Essential fatty acids, especially omega-3 and omega-6, are important for growth, reproduction, and health.

  • Essential Nutrients:
    Shrimp require vitamins (A, C, D, E, B-complex), minerals (calcium, phosphorus, iodine, zinc), and carotenoids (important for shell pigmentation and antioxidant functions). Feeds often include additives to boost immunity and improve disease resistance.

  • Feed Composition:
    Diets are generally formulated with fishmeal, soybean meal, crustacean meals, and plant proteins. Feeds are usually pelletized to suit shrimp feeding behavior and minimize waste.

The solution developed by Aller Aqua in cooperation with VDS is designed for use in RAS systems and tailored to each specific growth stage of shrimp. However, shrimp can also be farmed using one of the following methods:

  • Pond Systems: The most common approach, ranging from traditional extensive to high-density intensive ponds with aeration and water exchange.

  • Biofloc Technology (BFT): Land-based intensive system using microbial communities to recycle waste and reduce water use.

  • Integrated Systems: Sometimes combined with tilapia or seaweed in polyculture to improve environmental sustainability.

  • Hatcheries: Vital for producing post-larvae (PLs); broodstock management is critical for disease resistance and seed quality.

A carefully selected composition of raw materials and verified feed formulas ensure that the shrimp is rich in minerals and vitamins, and at the same time that the texture of meat is of the highest quality. We make sure that shimp grown using solutions provided by Aller Aqua offer the following benefits:

  • Nutrient-Rich: High in protein, low in fat, and a good source of selenium, iodine, vitamin B12, and astaxanthin (antioxidant).

  • Heart-Healthy: Contains omega-3 fatty acids, with minimal saturated fat and cholesterol impact when consumed in moderation.