Handling and Storage of Shrimp Feed: A Guideline

Feed management at a shrimp farm should start with the arrival of a feed shipment. Appropriate handling and storage of quality shrimp feed and accurate quality control have an instant and substantial consequence on shrimp production. Mishandling and poor storage of feeds will result in product deterioration and palatability. Most of the time the consequences lead to nutritional deficiencies, disease outbreak, reduced growth rates and overall decrease in production. After receiving the feed batch, a few randomly selected bags should be examined for physical integrity. Bags should be weighed and examined for signs of opening or broken into, and then sealed or stitched again.

Feed samples should be periodically collected from newly received shipments (or at the time of using a new feed) and analyzed for proximate composition, mycotoxins, and selected pesticides if pertinent.

Shrimp feeds are made of highly perishable ingredients, and it is critical to handle. Hence it is crucial to store them properly until used. Most feed manufacturers provide general guidelines for the handling and storage of commercial shrimp feeds. These include the following:

1. Store feed in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated place.
2. It is very important to rotate stock using older feed first, feed that has been stored the longest. Follow the principle of FIFO “first in, first out”. It is recommended to use the feeds within the first two to four weeks after manufacturing. It should not be put in storage in excess of two to three months.
3. Feed bags should be stacked (not more than 10 bags per stack) to prevent direct contact with the floor or ground, and minimum 45 to 50 cm away from walls for proper air circulation and to help in cleaning and placement of rodent traps.
4. Clearly mark the different types of feeds making them separate. Pay special attention to segregate medicated and non-medicated feed (and properly label them)
5. You should avoid excessive handling of feed bags, and always handle with care. Pelleted feeds are durable but excessive or rough handling increases the incidence of fines, thereby increasing feed losses.
6. Protect the feeds from insect and rodent attacks.
7. While transportation, proper care should be taken to protect the feed from rain water.

The negative effects resulting from improper feed handling and storage can be controlled by using higher levels of antioxidants and vitamins, and also anti‑fungal agents. But various vitamins in commercial shrimp feeds can be lost in minutes if feed bags are left uncovered under direct exposure to the sun’s UV rays. This is quite common during transport from feed mill to farm. Being one of the leading participants of the industry, Nouriture always strives to process all of its feeds with the most advanced technology to provide you the best quality. However, the proper maintenance of feeds can more effectively produce the desired result.