Using xpertSea MAX to feed the right pellet sizes
Feed is the largest shrimp production cost, representing between 50-70% of the total production cost. The goal of producers is always to get as much of the feed given to the pond to be converted into shrimp biomass to not waste any feed.
This is measured by the Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR). FCR is the ratio of feed given to the produced shrimp biomass. A typical FCR for a semi-intensive farm that has completed some technification (e.g. has installed autofeeders) is between 1.4-1.8, but farmers can achieve lower FCRs, down to 1.1 and in more extensive operations, even less than 1.
The key to a low FCR is to ensure two things:
Give the correct amount of feed to the pond, and
Ensure that the feed given to the pond is consumed and the nutrients are absorbed by the shrimp.
How xpertSea helps
Feed is typically administered to a pond based on the biomass and average body weight of the shrimp in the pond, but the average body weight does not tell the full story of the pond, as we highlighted in the Why Distribution is Important and How to Manage it article.
While smaller pellets cost more, it is critical to feed the shrimp in the pond as not feeding correctly leads to feed not being consumed, and increased FCR. Some farms feed the smaller pellets too long leading to increased costs, and other farms don’t feed the smaller shrimp long enough, leading to increased distribution.
By using the xpertSea MAX pellet calculator, producers can accurately plan to match the size of the shrimp in their ponds to the pellets those shrimp need to grow correctly, ensuring the shrimp are able to eat the feed given to the pond. Producers can use the table on the right of the graph to decide the percentage of bags to give the pond, and decrease the FCR by up to 10% through an improved survival and faster growth by improving the distribution of shrimp.
To fully leverage MAX and plan your feed in the platform, keep an eye out for more functionality coming soon. Contact us at info@xpertsea.com to learn more.
