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Email the author (Login required) Novel potential carbohydrate sources for white-leg shrimp, Penaeus vannamei in a biofloc system: alternatives for sugarcane molasses in the Amazon region
Submited: 2025-08-22 09:30:53 | Published: 2026-01-05 18:41:10
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3856/vol54-issue1-fulltext-3519
Abstract
This study evaluated alternative carbohydrate sources available in the Brazilian Amazon for use in biofloc systems for the cultivation of white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei). The motivation stems from the limited accessibility in this region of sugarcane molasses, a conventional carbon source for the production of bioflocs. Four sources of carbohydrates were tested: coffee grounds, cassava meal, tapioca starch, and molasses, for 35 days. Juvenile shrimp (initial weight 0.14 g) were stocked at a density of 300 ind m-3 in 12 70-L polyethylene tanks, across four treatments with three replications. The effects of the springs on water quality, zootechnical performance of shrimp, and centesimal composition of biofloc and animals were evaluated. All sources maintained water quality within the recommended range for the species. However, the molasses treatment resulted in significantly higher zootechnical performance, with a final weight of 0.61 g and a weekly gain of 0.09 g (P < 0.05). Regarding composition, only moisture content varied significantly between treatments, and coffee grounds and molasses differed from cassava meal and tapioca gum. In addition, shrimp produced with coffee grounds differed significantly from those treated with tapioca gum. In conclusion, although molasses yielded the best performance, all alternative sources also proved efficient. The results show the potential of regional inputs as viable alternatives, expanding the applicability of biofloc technology in areas where molasses is not readily available, contributing to the consolidation of aquaculture practices adapted to Amazonian conditions, and promoting greater productive and environmental autonomy in the activity.
