TEMA: A software reference to shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei farming practices

A user-friendly expert system (TEMA) was developed as a generic reference relating to TEechnological and MAnagement aspects of shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei farming practices. The software provides assistance to confirm, complement or modify the information that users of the expert system have of semi-intensive and intensive technologies for grow-out, and management practices for controlling pond water quality, productivity and feeding. Nursery techniques are also considered. Domain knowledge was represented using 433 rules, which constitute the knowledge base of the expert system. Hypertext protocol was employed to present information menus which include the justification of recommendations and conclusions, references from the literature, useful information regarding the specific topic analysed, support for data entry and on-screen or printed final reports summarizing the consultation. Software facilities use 627 screens, 62 bibliographical references and 12 400 words in hypertext protocol, TEMA has proved useful as a consultant and is currently in use by a graduate aquaculture programme. A financial institution has obtained a modified version of the system to use for its own needs.