Effect of transfer weight and sale season on the productivity and profitability of Penaeus vannamei, in low-density semi-intensive shrimp farms using timer and acoustic feeders

Authors

Juan Carlos Valle-Masson Aquaculture Consulting, Guayaquil, Ecuador, Universitat Politècnica de Valencia. Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología Animal. Grupo de Acuicultura y Biodiversidad. Camino de Vera s/n 46022 Valencia, España
Ronald Ulloa Acuarios del Golfo S.A., Ecuador
César Molina-Poveda Grupo Corporativo Fajardo, Ecuador
Miguel Jover-Cerdá Universitat Politècnica de Valencia. Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología Animal. Grupo de Acuicultura y Biodiversidad. Camino de Vera s/n 46022 Valencia, España

Keywords:

shrimp, hydrophones, timer feeders, profitability

Abstract

Shrimp feeding in semi-intensive systems is evolving toward the use of automatic feeders, but few studies have been conducted under production conditions. The effect of two automatic feeding systems, timed and acoustic, on productive and economic variables was evaluated in 240 commercial batches (2-23 ha) of Penaeus vannamei produced from January to December 2024 on the Ecuadorian coast of Guayas, in semi-intensive earthen ponds. Acoustic feeding resulted in higher production (3,127 kg/ha) and a better feed conversion ratio (1.43) than timed feeding (2,886 kg/ha and 154, respectively), as well as higher profits (US$1.906/ha versus US$927/ha). Marked seasonality was observed in the productivity and profitability parameters, with cycles ending in the second semester yielding better results. The use of acoustic feeders and a shrimp transfer weight above 2 g in grow-out ponds improves productivity and economic outcomes.

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