Simão Zacarias and collaborators* in Europe and Asia have published the results of work in Thailand on the survival of L. vannamei offspring from ablated and non-ablated female broodstock when challenged with Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease (AHPND) and White Spot Disease in the Global Aquaculture Advocate.
The AHPND challenge showed that PLs from ablated females had significantly (p = <1.3E-36) lower survival (38.8 percent) than those from non-ablated females (70.4 percent). Juveniles originating from non-ablated animals also had higher, but not significantly so (p>0.05) survival (62 percent) than those from ablated females (48 percent) when challenged with White Spot Disease.
Survival of non-challenged and Vibrio parahaemolyticus-challenged L. vannamei PL17 originating from non-ablated female (NAF) and ablated female (AF) broodstock
The results of this study show that ablation, although increasing juvenile production, also carry hidden negative costs through reduced ability of PLs and juveniles to survive disease challenges. These costs (and losses) may not be evident until the PLs are stocked in farms. Hatcheries operating without ablation may have to stock additional females to compensate, although previous tests showed that nauplii production rates could be maintained through improved management and feeding regimes.
This innovative research addressed key welfare concerns of unilateral eyestalk ablation, antibiotic and chemical usage in shrimp production, and the management and control of shrimp diseases. Offspring from non-ablated female are more resistant to commonly encountered diseases, meaning higher rates of stock survival and reduced demand for expensive (and often ineffective) treatments. This approach reduces the probability of financial losses, contributing to the sustainability of the industry and, critically for small scale farmers, ensuring shrimp farming is a viable livelihood option.
Read the Full article on the Global Aquaculture Alliance website
*The work involved the following researchers: Simão Zacarias, Daniel Fegan, Siriroj Wangsoontorn, Nitrada Yamuen, Tarinee Limakom, Andrew Davie, Stefano Carboni, Matthijs Metselaar, David C. Little, and Andrew P. Shinn.