Lobster culture
The crustacean, commonly known as lobster or prawn, is a decapod with a soft exoskeleton that thrives in various aquatic environments such as rivers, ditches, ponds, and farmlands. It is highly adaptable, fast-growing, and resistant to diseases, making it an attractive species for aquaculture. With a protein content of 16% to 20%, its meat is both delicious and nutritious, which has made it a popular choice among consumers. Additionally, the shrimp shell contains valuable nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, and iron, which can be processed into feed additives or used to produce chitin, chitosan, and other industrial materials widely applied in agriculture, food, medicine, and more.
However, due to the high demand and the overfishing driven by profit, natural lobster populations have declined significantly, leading to a market shortage and rising prices. This has prompted the development of artificial breeding techniques to meet the growing demand and support rural economies. Breeding lobsters successfully requires careful attention to several key steps:
First, the breeding of shrimp seedlings begins with setting up suitable ponds. These should cover an area of 1200 to 2000 square meters, with a water depth of 0.5 to 1 meter and a width of at least 1.5 meters. The pond must be equipped with anti-escape facilities and complete inlet and outlet systems.
Next, selecting mature broodstock is crucial. Lobsters typically reach sexual maturity after 9 to 12 months. Males are larger than females, with thick cheeks and a bright red soft palate, while females have a swollen abdomen. Broodstock selection usually occurs between September–October of the previous year or March–April of the following year. They should be over 10 months old, weighing around 30 grams, and free from disease or injury. A male-to-female ratio of 2:1 is ideal.
Before introducing the broodstock, the ponds should be sterilized and fertilized with about 800 kg of fermented straw or weeds per acre. Structures like bamboo tubes, plastic pipes, and poplar roots should also be placed to provide shelter and hiding spots.
During the winter, proper feeding and management are essential. Starting in March, the broodstock should be fed animal-based feed such as fish scraps and livestock waste, supplemented with vitamins. The daily feeding amount increases gradually from 2–3% in March to 6–8% in May, with fresh water renewed every 10–15 days to support gonad development.
Breeding occurs when the water temperature reaches 20°C, usually between April and May. Male lobsters transfer sperm to the female’s seminal vesicle, and after 40–70 days, the eggs hatch into juvenile shrimp. These larvae remain attached to the mother's swimming legs for protection until they become independent.
For juvenile shrimp breeding, ponds should be 20–40 m² with a depth of 0.6–0.8 m. Stocking density is around 100,000–150,000 juveniles per acre. The young shrimps should be healthy, active, and disease-free. They are typically introduced on sunny mornings or cloudy days. After stocking, the water is fertilized, and feeding begins with milk-like plankton, transitioning to commercial feed after a week.
Finally, adult shrimp farming involves stocking about 10,000–15,000 shrimp per acre. They are omnivorous, feeding on organic matter, plants, and small aquatic animals. A balanced diet with around 25% protein is recommended, with feeding rates adjusted based on the previous day’s leftovers. Water quality must be maintained through regular changes and the planting of aquatic vegetation. Disease prevention measures, including the use of lime for disinfection, are also critical for successful shrimp farming.
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