Three Key Elements of Scientific Feed Feeding in Macrobrachium nipponense (Freshwater Shrimp) Aquaculture

In the process of Macrobrachium nipponense aquaculture, feed is the input with the largest application amount. Selecting good feed and achieving high utilization rates plays an important role in improving shrimp immunity, preventing shrimp diseases, and optimizing shrimp quality. The following three points should be noted when feeding:

1. Feed scientifically according to different growth and development stages of Macrobrachium nipponense: Before stocking, sufficient base fertilizer should be applied to cultivate large zooplankton such as cladocerans and copepods as well as benthic organisms, so that shrimp larvae can obtain a large amount of suitable natural food immediately after being put into the pond. At the same time, add small trash fish, fish meal, silkworm pupa powder, crushed snail and mussel meat, and processed fish paste, accounting for 30%. When juvenile shrimp reach more than 3 cm, feed a complete compound pellet feed with a crude protein content of more than 30%.

2. Feed scientifically according to fishing seasons: The animal feeds that Macrobrachium nipponense prefers include crushed snail meat, fish meal, small trash fish paste, etc. In the early autumn period of 10-15 days, mainly self-prepared feed is given. Entering August to September, which is the peak growth season for Macrobrachium nipponense, compound pellet feed for Macrobrachium nipponense is mainly used. Within 3-5 days before molting of Macrobrachium nipponense, increase the feeding of some animal-based feed; from late September to October, the proportion of animal-based feed can be increased to promote the growth of Macrobrachium nipponense, increase its size, and prevent molting disorder.

3. Feed scientifically according to the living habits of Macrobrachium nipponense: It has the living habit of resting by day and coming out at night, and likes to move and forage among aquatic plants at the pond edge. Artificial feeding is generally done twice a day, at 8 a.m. and 5-6 p.m., with the feeding amounts being 30% and 70% of the whole day's feed respectively. Feed is applied in the morning far from the pond bank and in the evening in the shallow areas of the pond bank. Regular timing, fixed quantity, and fixed quality feeding are required, generally with the standard that the feed is finished within 3-4 hours after feeding. The daily feeding amount can be calculated as 5%-8% of body weight. The feeding of Macrobrachium nipponense feed should also be flexibly controlled according to weather, water quality, and feeding conditions. Generally, less can be fed in early summer and late autumn, and more in the peak growth season. When the weather is clear, activity is normal, and feeding is vigorous, more should be fed; in rainy weather, less should be fed.