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Objectives

· To develop a consortia of effective microorganisms to increase the mineralization processes and to inhibit pathogens in shrimp culture system.

· To develop feed additives from aquatic microorganisms for enhancement of shrimp health and production.

Shrimp is an important commodity in Malaysia that generated more than RM473 million in 2000. In intensive culture systems, water quality normally deteriorates quickly due to accumulation of excess artificial feed as well as the excreta of cultured organisms that contributes to high toxic compounds such as ammonia and hydrogen sulphide. Most aquaculture ponds are facing difficulty in controlling the buildup of excess minerals especially nitrate and ammonia in their confined systems. Useful bacterial strains can be used to increase mineralisation of organic compound and change it to water and carbon dioxide by producing extra-cellular enzymes.

Evidences also show that inclusion of beneficial bacteria/microorganism in feeds enhances digestive enzyme activities in the target organism. Keeping in view of the commercial applicability, a possible development from this would be microbial feed additives, which could modify the digestibility of feeds once consumed by the fish.

This concept forms the basis of a strategy for the formulation of smart diets containing carefully selected microbial species. Such a concept could also be extended to encompass in-feed microbes targeted at breaking down unconsumed feed pellets. This would also help in less build-up of sludge at the pond bottom.

Expected output:

Production of a consortia of beneficial bacteria for bioremediation of hatchery systems/shrimp ponds

Improvement of water quality of the effluent generated from the shrimp industry

Production of extra-cellular enzymes to accelerate mineralization and biodegradation of organic materials

Production of growth and health promoting feed additives

Period of the project : 3 Years (2003 - 2005)

Project Status

- On-going