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Low-Cost Technology to Distribute Feed & Oxygen

18 January 2012

SPAIN and MEXICO - Research and development companies in Spain have developed a machine that improves water oxygenation and the distribution of feed in aquaculture prawn crops.

A collaboration project between the Technology Centre for Industrial and Agricultural Machinery (Maqcentre), the Federation of Exporters of Agricultural Machinery of Catalonia (FEMAC) and the Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology (IRTA) have developed a low-cost machine that will help improve the efficiency of aquaculture crops in Mexico.

"Aero Feeder" is the name of this prototype and it is a Catalan R & D success story that will help increase competitiveness in developing countries.

In aquaculture, lack of oxygen is one of the most critical factors in terms of mortality and reducing productivity per square meter of crop. The main cause of low oxygen levels in water is due to overcrowding, high levels of feeding, excess of aquatic photosynthetic organisms (phytoplankton) or low atmospheric pressure.

The prototype that includes paddle wheels for stirring the water and a system to distribute the feed evenly, brings aquaculture producers worldwide an economical solution to improve their crops yield.

The first unit was tested successfully in the shrimp production ponds of ‘El Carrizal’ in Coyuca de Benitez, about 70 miles from the Mexican city of Acapulco. Tests showed that the lake improved qualitatively and quantitatively the feeding of prawns, while doubling their usual levels of productivity.

This new production method, brings an added value to these ponds by providing the necessary conditions for the shrimp breeding.

TheFishSite News Desk

Feeds and Nutrition, Technology & Equipment, Water Quality, Shrimp and Prawns, Company/Products, Training and Development, AQUACULTURE


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