Field trial evaluation of sensor-based aquaculture automation for improved biofloc shrimp culture

In this study, we investigated the application of a sensor-based automation system for biofloc shrimp farming and compared it with manual practice. An aquaculture automation controller system was developed to control the water quality parameters and aeration to improve the efficiency, precision, and sustainability of shrimp aquaculture. A 60-day trial in a 12, 000 L pond showed that our automation trial enhanced shrimp growth performance (body weight 20.2 ± 1 g), protein efficiency ratio (0.49 ± 0.01), bacterial populations, and nutritional composition. We observed substantial improvements in the feed conversion ratio (1.1 ± 0.04), specific growth rate (28.66 ± 1.14 %), and survival rate (65 ± 2.6 %) in the automated operation. Ammonia (0.25–0.75 ± 0.03 mg/L), nitrite (0.25–0.75 ± 0.03 mg/L), nitrate (0.1–0.5 ± 0.02 mg/L), phosphate (0.08–0.2 ± 0.008 mg/L) levels in the water decreased in the automated pond during the grow-out period. However, the water quality and shrimp growth performance parameters observed in manual practice were relatively low compared to those in the automation trial. Microbial community analysis of shrimp biofloc samples identified three dominant bacterial phyla: Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria. Among the 23 bacterial genera detected, Acinetobacter, Tissierella, and Pseudomonas were the most prevalent in biofloc samples. The pH and dissolved oxygen sensors were found to be particularly important for the effective operation of shrimp biofloc systems. It was concluded that automation trials are more suitable than manual practices for enhancing pond water quality and productivity in biofloc shrimp farming. •An automated system was developed and compared to manual practice.•Automation trial reduced ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels in pond water.•Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria were dominant phyla.•The pH and dissolved oxygen sensors are crucial for effective operation.•Automation trials improved the overall shrimp growth and farming efficiency.