Recently, feeding rate and stocking density management have become increasingly important in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and intensive shrimp culture to improve productivity and culture stability. Since the early growth status of post-...
Recently, feeding rate and stocking density management have become increasingly important in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and intensive shrimp culture to improve productivity and culture stability. Since the early growth status of post-larval Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) can affect subsequent production performance, this study evaluated growth responses after feed restriction and refeeding and determined suitable feeding rate and stocking density conditions for this stage. In Experiment I, growth responses during feed restriction and subsequent refeeding were influenced not only by feeding rate but also by dietary suitability. Based on these results, Experiment II was conducted using shrimp with an initial mean body weight of approximately 0.17 g, which were assigned to two stocking densities and four restricted feeding rates of 10, 20, 30, and 40% body weight/day. Growth performance, feed utilization, whole-body proximate composition, and hemolymph biochemical parameters were analyzed. During the 2-week feed restriction period, feeding rate significantly affected growth performance and feed utilization, whereas stocking density had no significant effect. After 4 weeks of refeeding to apparent satiation, shrimp reared at low density showed higher growth and survival than those reared at high density. Shrimp fed at 10% body weight/day during the restriction period showed limited growth recovery after refeeding, whereas the 20% body weight/day group showed relatively stable growth and survival. Whole- body proximate composition and most hemolymph biochemical parameters were not markedly affected by stocking density or restricted feeding rate. Overall, low stocking density was favorable for maintaining growth and survival in post-larval P. vannamei, and a restricted feeding rate of 20% body weight/day was considered an appropriate feeding level for stable growth after refeeding.