Desempenho zootécnico e econômico do cultivo de Penaeus vannamei usando o sistema aquamimicry

Abstract

Since the stagnation of fishing activity in the 1980s, aquaculture has been responsible for a significant growth in the supply of fish to the world market. Brazilian production stands out on continental fish farming, shellfish and shrimp farming, with a shrimp production corresponding to 65,1 thousand tons, especially the production obtained in the Brazilian northeast, more specifically in the states of Ceará and Rio Grande do Norte, where the cultivated species is Penaeus vannamei. Implementing systems in wich the water renewal is minimal has become vital, reducing the use of water resources, waste emission, and disease spreading, making a much more environment friendly activity. A more balanced approach that represents lower costs using microalgae and bioflakes is known as Aquamimicry. The concept is based on natural conditions simulations with zooplanktonic blooms feeding the shrimp, and beneficial bacteria acting to improve water quality, using a fermented carbon source that releases nutrients in the water. The simulation of a natural environment through aquamimimcry technique minimizes fluctuations in pH and dissolved oxygen levels, eliminating the need for chemical products. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the zootechnical and economic performance of Penaeus vannamei in Aquamimimcry system. Tests were performed on one treatment using commercial feed, one treatment using substitution of feed by fermented soybean, and another treatment using the substitution of feed by fermented soybean (70%) and wheat (30%). The experiment was performed at Fazenda Monólitos Aquicultura, located in Banabuiú-CE. The results showed no statistical differences in zootechnical and water quality parameters. Operational costs per cycle on each treatment was respectively R$ 31.127,82, R$ 23.681,20 and R$ 22.243,43 in the same order of treatments mentioned above. The differences found in operational costs influenced all economic projections and viability indicators. From those results it can be affirmed that the use of Aquamimicry system is both zootechnically and economically viable.