How copepods develops in shrimp pond after applying fermented juice?

Hello everyone:

     Are you know which is shrimp favourite food in zooplanktons?

Yes, it is copepods. Shrimp eats more copepods which is present in the pond.

      In last blog, I told about the reactions and preparation of fermented juice using organic substrates. It is the continuation of that blog. In this I will tell about how zooplanktons(especially copepods) developed after fermented juice application.

Main purpose of fermented juice in shrimp pond:

     Increase the beneficial microbial colonies by fermentation and produce various substances which is beneficial for beneficial organism growth. After application, it will forms the microbial proteins in the water column. It serve as a natural food for shrimp at stocking time.

    Initially, we have to give some natural live feeds because it increases the strength and natural immune system of the Shrimp. So only we prepared for development of zooplanktons in the pond.

 

What are planktons?

        Phytoplankton and Zooplanktons. Shrimp is a omnivore. Most of the studies told, shrimp actively takes more copepods which is present in the pond ecosystem. The studies noted the gradual decrease of copepods in the pond after introduction of shrimp into the pond. 

         Also, the studies told,  in the stomach of shrimp ,mostly copepods is present, If copepods present in that environment. It clearly shows the importance of copepods in shrimp pond.

Copepods:

           Copepods is a zooplankton. It comes under Crustaceans. It have three body parts, 

    Cephalosome - contains rostrum, antennule, maxilliped, antenna.

    Metasome - legs

    Urosome -Genital aperture, anal somites, forked teslon etc..

Female have egg sacs . We can identify by visual observation. It size varies from 0.3-3.5 mm. Most species presents includes cyclops, Mesocyclops, oithona sp.

It reproduced sexually and parthenogenesis also occurs. It also have 4 different stages in its life cycle which includes eggs, naupli, copepodites, adult. Like similar to Artemia.

Nutritional profile:

       Cyclops have important nutrients which is required for the shrimp growth. It have high protein content about 35-45% with good essential aminoacid profile. It contains essential fatty acids which is required for the shrimp growth.Good amount of EPA and DHA. It contains important vitamin which is majorly required by shrimp. Yes, it is vitamin C. Copepods contains vit c and vit a. It also contains some minerals. Another important is the presence of astaxanthin, the main pigment is present in this copepods. All the essential requirements are present in the copepods. Its growth also depends on the condition like temperature, salinity, nutrient requirements etc.

It requires phytoplankton or protein for the growth. It eats microbes.

Copepods formation in shrimp pond:

     We applying fermented juice into the pond. It contains some protein sources due to fermentation of ricebran, cornflour. At fermentation, they are converted into carbohydrates, proteins, and various acids and immunostimulants are produces. Some of vitamins also produces during the process. All the produced things are taken as a feed by copepods in the pond. Yes, after application of fermented probiotics, there is a formation of microbial proteins. Copepods can effectively take these microbial proteins which is present in the pond ecosystem. It also takes some of microalgae for their growth. It widely grows in freshwater and saline water. But extreme salinity can cause osmotic shock and leads to death of copepods.

         Research tolds , if we use 30% protein source in fermentation and it gives good results in copepods growth. Protein availability determines the maturation, growth and egg production of copepods. The presence of nitrogen in the water also plays important role in copepods growth.

         This the process of development of copepods in the shrimp pond.

IMPORTANT: 

  Before stocking, we applying continuously probiotics to the pond. So the aeration is must for proper mixing of nutrients. We have to do chain dragging in the pond to prevent the biofilm. Because continuous application causes formation of biofilm in the pond. We have to prevent it.

Other ways:

     We can culture copepods with the probiotics before application. We bought some inoculum of copepods and put it in fermented tank with ricebran and other carbon sources with probiotics bacteria. Leave it for fermentation with presence of aeration and then apply to the pond. It also gives good results. 

Nowadays, operational cost is major in shrimp farming. By production and maintenance of natural organism in ponds will leads to good culture. It also reduces the feed usage and effectively grows with some supplements. This natural live foods plays main role in shrimp immune system and growth. 

                           Thank you 😊.

P.Dhivagar BFSc,

Technical executive - Growel feeds.

Mbl: 9384346193

Email: dhivagarfcri2000@gmail.com.