An Economic Analysis of Pacific White Shrimp Farming under Intensive Culture Bore Water in Winter Season

Abstract

This study evaluated intensive culture under bore-water conditions during the winter season in Alakapuram, Andhra Pradesh. Three ponds measuring 0.5, 0.5, and 0.4 ha were stocked with PL10 at densities of 24, 25, and 25 post-larvae m-2, respectively. Water-quality parameters were monitored fortnightly at 07:00 from August to November. Shrimp were fed commercial diets containing 35-42% protein. Survival rates were 58.7%, 88.6%, and 93.0% in Ponds A2, B3, and B4, respectively. The corresponding final average body weights were 19.90, 20.20, and 16.66 g, while total production was 1,403, 1,790, and 1,550 kg. Total feed use was 2,082, 2,304, and 2,040 kg, resulting in feed conversion ratios of 1.48, 1.29, and 1.32. The culture periods were 88, 82, and 72 days. Pond B3 produced the highest biomass and average body weight and had the lowest feed conversion ratio, whereas Pond B4 recorded the highest survival. Economic analysis indicated reported profits of Rs. 100, Rs. 120, and Rs. 110 kg-1 for Ponds A2, B3, and B4, respectively.