Efecto del tiempo de cultivo en la producción y consumo de oxígeno disuelto en estanques acuícolas

Abstract

Aquaculture, especially the production of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) in Ecuador, is of great economic and social importance. In shrimp farming systems, ponds are essential for the growth and development of juveniles. Monitoring parameters such as dissolved oxygen in water is crucial, since its concentration directly influences shrimp health. Low oxygen concentrations can reduce feed intake, growth, and increase susceptibility to disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate the dynamics of dissolved oxygen during a pond culture cycle and to propose strategies to improve production. Using the light and dark bottle method, oxygen levels were monitored at different locations in the pond. The results showed a decrease in dissolved oxygen production (22.62%) and an increase in oxygen consumption (29.49%), throughout the culture. The study also analyzed net primary productivity (NPP) and respiration, observing a decrease in NPP and an increase in respiration, suggesting increased oxygen demand due to organism growth and organic matter accumulation. Shrimp survival was 54.04%, indicating significant mortality, possibly due to factors such as water quality and culture management. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was 2.5, suggesting relatively low feed conversion efficiency.