Evaluation of Growth Rate and Survival in Shrimp Culture under Biofloc Technology

Abstract

The adoption of biofloc technology (BFT) in shrimp aquaculture has gained significant attention due to its potential to enhance growth performance, improve water quality, and reduce feed costs. This study evaluates the growth rate and survival of shrimp cultured under biofloc technology to assess its effectiveness in intensive aquaculture systems. The proposed methodology involves controlled experimental setups comparing biofloc-based culture with conventional systems under similar environmental conditions. Key parameters such as weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), survival rate, and biomass yield are monitored using standard aquaculture practices. Water quality parameters, including total suspended solids, ammonia, nitrite, pH, dissolved oxygen, and microbial load, are continuously assessed to evaluate system stability. The collected data are preprocessed through cleaning, normalization, and statistical validation to ensure consistency and reliability. Advanced analytical and machine learning models, including regression analysis, Random Forest, and Artificial Neural Networks, are employed to analyze the relationship between biofloc dynamics and shrimp performance. Experimental results indicate that biofloc systems significantly enhance growth rate and survival by providing a continuous natural food source and maintaining favorable water quality conditions. Improved FCR values and reduced dependence on external feed inputs are observed compared to conventional systems. Additionally, the microbial community in biofloc contributes to nutrient recycling and disease resistance. The findings highlight the effectiveness of biofloc technology as a sustainable and resource-efficient aquaculture practice. The study concludes that integrating biofloc systems with data-driven monitoring provides a scalable and efficient solution for improving shrimp productivity, enhancing survival rates, and promoting environmentally sustainable aquaculture.