One important aspect of aquaculture is determining the optimal vannamei shrimp stocking density. This can be done to consider the number of shrimp that can be accommodated from start to harvest in the pond that has been prepared.

Stocking density plays an important role in the success of aquaculture because excess density can cause poor water quality, disease attacks, and stunted shrimp growth in ponds.

In addition, shrimp stocking densities that are too high can also increase competition for food and space. So, what is the ideal stocking density for traditional, semi-intensive, intensive, and super-intensive ponds? Read more in this article.

Also Read: Vannamei Shrimp Salinity and How to Control Its Stability during Cultivation

Why is it Important to Consider Stocking Density?

Farmers must consider the stocking density of the vannamei shrimp they will choose before starting cultivation. This is because stocking density directly affects the growth and quality of the cultivated vannamei shrimp.

There are several other reasons why it is important to consider the stocking density, including:

1. Ensuring Optimal Shrimp Growth and Health

Traditional and intensive vannamei shrimp stocking densities significantly impact the growth and health of vannamei shrimp. Overcrowding can lead to poor water quality, increased competition for food and space, and increased risk of disease outbreaks.

Calculating the stocking density of vannamei shrimp and adjusting it to pond conditions ensures it can grow and develop optimally.

2. Maximizing Cultivation Results

Intensive vannamei shrimp stocking density is closely related to the cultivation results obtained later. The density that is too low in large ponds is the same as not utilizing available resources efficiently, so the yields are not optimal.

Conversely, a density that is too high and does not match the capacity of the pond can cause an increase in mortality and a decrease in growth rates. Therefore, by calculating the stocking density and adjusting it according to needs, farmers can maximize the potential of their ponds.

3. Cost Effectiveness

Vannamei shrimp cultivation is a lucrative business because the profits are very abundant. However, like business, this abundant profitability must be accompanied by cost-effective use during the cycle.

Calculating the stocking density of vannamei shrimp is one way to help cultivators determine capital and maximize their profits from this cultivation.

Too high density can lead to increased mortality, decreased growth rates, and increased FCR numbers. This will also impact increasing costs and reducing profits when the harvest arrives.

4. Disease Management

The density of vannamei shrimp directly affects the risk of disease outbreaks during cultivation. Pond ponds that are too dense can affect water quality, triggering disease outbreaks over time.

By calculating stocking densities and maintaining them at optimal levels, farmers can reduce the possibility of disease outbreaks and minimize the need for expensive shrimp health care.

5. Environmental Sustainability

Vannamei shrimp cultivation can cause significant environmental impacts, especially in intensive and super-intensive cultivation types that must be carried out sustainably.

The more shrimp cultivated in the pond, the more dirt and food scraps are produced during cultivation. Dirt and food scraps can turn into chemical compounds that harm the environment.

Therefore, by calculating the stocking density and maintaining it at an appropriate level, farmers can minimize the negative impact on the environment that may occur.

Also Read: Cultivating Vannamei Shrimp with Biofloc System

How to calculate the stocking density of Vannamei Shrimp

Calculating the stocking density of vannamei shrimp requires careful measurement and accurate recording. This is so that your cultivation can bring maximum profit and avoid losses.

Then, how to calculate the stocking density of vannamei shrimp? Here are the steps.

Calculate the Capacity of the Pond 

The first step you have to take is to calculate the pond capacity that will be used for vannamei shrimp cultivation. How to calculate the area of a vannamei shrimp pond can be measured using a measuring tape or other measuring device.

If the pond you have is rectangular, you can use the volume formula as follows:

Volume = pond length (meters) x pond width (meters) x pond depth (meters)

For example, if you have a pond with a length of 10 meters, a width of 5 meters, and a depth of 3 meters. Then the capacity of the pond = 10 x 5 x 3 = 150 cubic meters.

After knowing the capacity of your vannamei shrimp pond, choose a stocking density following this capacity.

However, if you already know the area of the pond that you have for sure, you can immediately follow the second step, namely calculating the stocking density of vannamei shrimp.

Calculate the Stocking Density of Vannamei Shrimp

Vannamei shrimp stocking density depends on the cultivation method used. For example, use traditional, semi-intensive, intensive, or super-intensive cultivation methods.

The formula for total stocking density = pond area (square meters) x stocking density per meter

This total stocking density is usually used for calculating the amount of feed, aerators, and other pond needs.

The stocking density of vannamei shrimp in traditional ponds is usually a little, which is around 5-8 PL per square meter. If your pond is 100 square meters in area, then 100 x 5 = 500 shrimp fry that can be stocked in the pond.

While in intensive ponds, the stocking density of vannamei shrimp tends to be higher. The stocking density of intensive ponds is above 100 per square meter. At the same time, the calculation formula must also be adjusted to the number of wheels and aerators used.

Also Read: Do These 5 Things For Successful Vannamei Shrimp Cultivation

Choose DELOS as Your Vannamei Shrimp Cultivation Partner!

Overall, determining the optimal stocking density for vannamei shrimp requires careful consideration of various factors, including the pond area. Farmers must consider this carefully to ensure the optimal growth of shrimp.

Well, for those who want to get into the vannamei shrimp farming business, you can start easy and productive vannamei shrimp farming with DELOS.

DELOS is the best science, technology, and operational management-based aqua-tech company that can help you explore new opportunities in the aquaculture field.

DELOS Farm Management is also integrated with the AquaHero application, making it easier for you to monitor the condition of the shrimp in the pond just through the gadget every day.

Want to get pond supplies at affordable prices? AquaLink can now connect you with producers and farm owners to get and sell pond products at the best prices.

Contact the DELOS Team via contact@delosaqua.com or submit via the contact column on our website, www.delosaqua.com to get the best offer for your vannamei shrimp farming. Trust your farm management to DELOS!