Monoculture and Mixed Culture of Pacific White Shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei and Tiger Shrimp Penaeus monodon in Biofloc System: A Comparative Study

Abstract

The microbial modification method known as Biofloc Technology (BFT) has been used regularly in prawn culture operations lately. The primary component of BFT culture systems, microbial Biofloc, is responsible for improving water quality, supplementing natural nutrition, and encouraging the growth and welfare of grown prawns. An attempt has been made to investigate the effects of adding probiotics (Bacillus licheniformis and Lactobacillus rhamnosus) and the Biofloc system on water quality parameters and the performance of shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei and Penaeus monodon. Various external carbon sources, such as molasses and tapioca flour combinations, were used for the development of Bioflocs in the present study both under monoculture and mixed culture operations. Experimental diets comprising one control, one supplemented with probiotics and bioflocs (combinations of tapioca flour and molasses developed with varying external carbon sources), and both monoculture and mixed culture operations of Litopenaeus vannamei and Penaeus monodon were used in feeding trail experiments for about 120 days. Because mixtures of both Probiotics and Bioflocs were added, all the water quality indicators remained in optimal condition and provided resistance and protection against Candidate species of cultivation.  Along with acting as a food supplement for prawns, intense mechanical aeration also promotes the microbial community's breakdown of toxic nitrogen and other pollutants. Productivity rates increased dramatically as a result. Therefore, BFT is an effective pathogen replacement, preserves ideal water quality, and boosts the growth and survival of prawns from L. vannamei and P. monodon. Probiotics and Bioflocs are used in combination in this work to maintain good water quality metrics and P. monodon and L. vannamei growth performance.