The effects of manures and pelleted feeds on survival, growth and yield of Penaeus stylirostris and Penaeus vannamei in Panama

Abstract

Brackishwater ponds (0.8 m deep and 600 m2) on the Pacific Coast of Panama were stocked at 5/m2 with post-larval shrimp (1 cm, 0.05 g) collected from the wild. Species composition at stocking was 56% Penaeus vannamei, 33% P. stylirostris and 11% P. occidentalis. Experimental treatments received different nutrient inputs consisting of cow manure (4,500 kg/ha dry wt.), chicken manure (4,500 kg/ha), 25% protein pelleted feed (790 kg/ha) and a control (no nutrient input), each replicated five times, in random order. Water was exchanged 5 to 10% per day and the production period was 120 days during the 1982 rainy season.