Supplementing with minerals plays an important role in ensuring the health and growth of shrimp. Minerals not only help shrimp build strong bones, but also aid in metabolism, digestion, and immunity. However, in order to get the best results, farmers need to know when and how to properly supplement with minerals.
Minerals help shrimp grow faster.
1. The importance of minerals for shrimp
Minerals are an indispensable part of shrimp growth. Major minerals include calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and trace elements such as zinc, copper, manganese, and iron. These minerals are involved in many important biological processes in shrimp.
Calcium will help shrimp build and maintain a strong shell. Calcium is also involved in muscle contraction and neurotransmission.
Magnesium plays a role in energy metabolism, protein synthesis, and regulation of enzyme activity.
Potassium and sodium balance electrolytes, regulate osmotic pressure, and support the function of the nervous system and muscles.
Other trace amounts are involved in redox, protect cells from damage, and support the immune system.
Second, the reasonable replenishment time of minerals
1. Larval stage and shrimp seedling stage:
From hatching to 15 days old: this is the period when shrimp begin to form their shells and skeletal systems. Supplementing with minerals, especially calcium and magnesium, is essential for shrimp to grow strong shells and strengthen their resistance.
Supplementation method: Use minerals dissolved in water or mix with feed, the dose is about 1-2 grams of minerals per liter of water, or 1%-2% of the weight of the feed.
2. Shrimp seedling growth period (15-30 days old):
15 to 30 days: Juvenile shrimp need a lot of minerals to continue growing bones and shells. This is also the period when shrimp start eating in large quantities and need enough nutrients to grow quickly.
Supplementation method: Use minerals dissolved in water or mix with feed. The dose is about 1-2 grams of minerals per liter of water, or 2-3% of the weight of the feed.
Shrimp at this stage need to be supplemented with a reasonable dose of minerals in order to molt quickly.
3. Shrimp maturity period (more than 30 days):
From 30 days of age: Adult shrimp need minerals to stay healthy, support molting, and boost the immune system. Regular replenishment of minerals contributes to the uniform growth and optimal size of the shrimp.
Supplementation method: Use minerals dissolved in water or mix with feed. The dose is about 1-3 grams of minerals per liter of water, or 3%-5% of the weight of the feed.
3. How to effectively supplement minerals
1. Minerals soluble in water:
Advantages: easy absorption, evenly distributed in the pond, easy to adjust the dose.
Disadvantages: It is necessary to check the water quality regularly to avoid an excess of harmful minerals.
2. Mixing minerals into feed:
Advantages: Shrimp is absorbed directly through the digestive tract, providing a consistent and stable mineral supply.
Disadvantages: It is necessary to ensure that minerals do not decompose during feed processing.
3. Mineral granules or powders:
Pros: Easy to use, easy to save, convenient for regular replenishment.
Disadvantages: It is necessary to ensure that granules or mineral powders dissolve too quickly or too slowly in water.
Minerals are fed into the pond through feed.
4. Check and adjust the dose
Measure metrics such as pH, hardness, calcium, magnesium, and other minerals to adjust the dosage appropriately.
Observe shrimp performance, such as shell color, molting speed, overall health, to assess the effectiveness of mineral supplementation.
Adding minerals at the right time and in the right way is a key factor in shrimp farming. This not only contributes to the healthy and fast growth of shrimp, but also increases the economic efficiency of farmers. By mastering the growth stages of shrimp and taking appropriate mineral supplementation measures, farmers can ensure successful and sustainable farming.