Abstract

Black tiger prawn, Penaeus monodon have been intensively cultured for more than 15 years in Thailand. Success in this species culture depends on good pond management, nutrition and environmental awareness. Quality feed with appropriate interval and quantity can maintain good water quality and bottom conditions that will lead to a good crop production. Shrimp feed quality has been developed to the optimal nutritional level with long water stability. During shrimp feeding approximately 10% of the diet will be lost to the water and becomes nutrients for bacteria and microalgae. With optimal feed management, shrimp and other organisms will live well in an equilibrium environment. Over-feeding will lead to nutrient load and eutrophication, with severe consequences for the pond water which may become difficult to manage and may necessitate the early harvesting of shrimp.

Shrimp require energy with primary on protein (~ 40%), fat (~7-10%) and carbohydrate (~30%). Changes in the amount of protein, fat or carbohydrate energy will affect their ratios in the diet. To ensure better growth and survival of shrimp, minor nutritional components, such as n-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), astaxanthin and/or other vitamin A derivatives, ascorbic acids and some minerals are needed. At present, probiotics have beeen introduced for shrimp culture in Thailand. Probiotics added to the feed provide good results in shrimp health and production. Probiotics will be used in shrimp culture to replace the use of antibiotics and will lead the shrimp culture industry to future organic farming. Details of shrimp nutrition and probiotics are discussed.