FROZEN BRINE SHRIMP

Artemia biomass

Artemia biomass is rich in protein, lipid, attractants, pigments and other active substances making it an attractive direct feed for ornamental fish or an excellent ingredient for aquafeeds, e.g. as a maturation trigger for shrimp broodstock and for young juveniles of marine fish, shrimp, crabs and new aquaculture species. Ensilage or deep-freezing has been used, but for incorporation in aquafeeds, Artemia biomass is generally simply dried. Fresh Artemia biomass contains a very high level of moisture (approximately 90 percent) and is rich in proteolytic enzymes; consequently it decomposes quickly and is difficult to store and transport, and is subject to rapid quality deterioration. In the Mekong Delta, large amounts of Artemia biomass, a by-product from commercial cyst-oriented Artemia production, can be collected at average rates of 0.2-0.3 tonnes/ha when the culture season ends. It is expected that interest in this product will continue to increase (e.g. Artemia biomass production as a form of extractive aquaculture to reduce nutrient loads in effluents) and culture procedures are being developed that focus on maximal biomass production as an alternative to cysts.