Deficiency and Diseases Problems in Shrimps

Shrimp farming is a lucrative industry that demands meticulous attention to detail, especially regarding nutrition and disease management. Inadequate nutrition can lead to a myriad of deficiency problems and diseases in shrimps, affecting their growth, survival, and overall health. In this guide, we'll delve into the various deficiency issues and diseases that commonly afflict shrimp farms, along with their causes and preventive measures.

White spot Syndrom disease (WSSV)

  • White spot Syndrom disease (WSD) is a serious disease of farmed shrimps. The disease is transmitted vertically from infected brood stock to larvae and horizontally either by ingestion of infected organisms or through carrier organisms. Virulent during low temperature Most crustaceans including all penaeid shrimps (P monodon, L vannamei)

EHP (Enterocytozoon hepatorenal)

  • EHP spreads through various means, including contaminated water sources, infected broodstock, and the introduction of infected shrimp into farms. Environmental factors such as temperature, salinity, and water quality can influence the prevalence and severity of EHP outbreaks. Poor farm management practices, overcrowding, and inadequate biosecurity measures also contribute to the spread of the disease.

White Muscle Disease (WMD)

  • White Muscle Disease is a prevalent condition observed in shrimp hatcheries and grow-out ponds, often attributed to poor feeding practices and mineral deficiencies in water or low-quality feed. Symptoms include lethargy, thin and flexible shells, delayed molting, and slow growth. To prevent WMD, ensuring a balanced diet with proper mineral supplementation is crucial.

Protein Deficiency

  • Proteins are vital for muscle and flesh development in shrimps. Inadequate protein intake can lead to stunted growth and poor muscle development. Shrimps require a high percentage of protein in their diet, typically ranging from 35% to 45%. A balanced feed containing essential amino acids is essential to prevent protein deficiency.

Phospholipids Deficiency

  • Phospholipids play a crucial role in shrimp spawning, egg hatchability, larval survival, and early growth. Deficiency in phospholipids can adversely affect reproductive success and overall shrimp health. Incorporating phospholipid-rich ingredients into shrimp feed formulations is essential to address this deficiency.
Vitamin Deficiency
  • Vitamins are essential micronutrients that play diverse roles in shrimp metabolism and health. Deficiencies in vitamins A, B, C, D, and E can result in poor appetite, slow growth, increased mortalities, and histological changes in digestive gland cells. Providing a well-balanced diet supplemented with essential vitamins is vital for preventing deficiencies and maintaining shrimp health.
Cramp Tail Syndrome (CTS)
  • Cramp Tail Syndrome is a nutrition-related disease characterized by cramping during handling, often leading to mortality. Mineral imbalances or environmental factors such as increased water and air temperatures may contribute to CTS. Proper pond management practices and ensuring optimal mineral supplementation can help prevent this syndrome.
Mineral Deficiency
  • Mineral deficiencies can manifest as various symptoms in shrimp, including reduced growth, irregular molting, soft shell, weight loss, and decreased survival rates. Maintaining proper mineral levels in water and incorporating mineral-rich supplements in shrimp feed are essential preventive measures.
Soft-Shell Syndrome
  • Soft-shell syndrome is linked to poor feed quality, pesticide contamination, and inadequate pond water and soil conditions. Insufficient intake of calcium, potassium, and phosphorus can result in persistently soft shells and slow growth. Providing high-energy feeds and ensuring optimal pond conditions can help prevent this syndrome.
Black Spot
  • Black spot disease, caused by chitinolytic bacteria, manifests as black eroded spots on shrimp exoskeletons. Injury and environmental factors such as temperature fluctuations can exacerbate this condition. Implementing stringent biosecurity measures and maintaining optimal environmental conditions can help mitigate the risk of black spot disease.

Conclusion

Deficiency problems and diseases pose significant challenges to shrimp farming operations worldwide. By understanding the causes, symptoms, and preventive measures associated with these issues, shrimp farmers can adopt proactive strategies to maintain optimal nutrition and health in their shrimp stocks. Prioritizing proper feed management, water quality, and biosecurity measures is essential for sustainable shrimp farming practices.