Determination of optimum stocking density for whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) culture in outdoor pond in Choeibdeh, Abadan

This study was carried out to investigate the optimum stocking density for white leg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) in earthen ponds in Choweibdeh shrimp site Abadan southwest Iran. Six 0.5 ha. Earthen ponds were applied to survey three stocking density of this shrimp (30, 45 and 60 indviduals/m^2) with two replicates each. 15 days old postlarvae (PL15) with mean weight of 0.021 g were reared in the experimental ponds for 60 days. Results showed no significant difference (P>0.05 ) between the tested stocking densities in terms of growth (weight gain, length increment), specific growth rate (SG ), weekly growth rate, survival rate, food conversion ratio (FCR ) and protein efficiency rate (PER). Nevertheless best results were obtained in the stocking density with 30 ind./m^2 . Yield was increased by increasing the stocking density and the highest yield was obtained in the density of 60 ind./m^2 with significant difference with two other densities. Ultimately, according to the findings of the present study, stocking density of 60 ind./m^2 can be suggested as an acceptable density to be applied for white leg prawn in the region