May 13, 2011

New Gutacean enzyme could revolutionise Asian shrimp farming

A new enzyme product being developed in Asia called Gutacean, for use in both in aquaculture hatcheries and grow-out-ponds, could help revolutionise the Asian shrimp farming industry.

Gutacean is currently being developed and sold in South Asia by a Singaporean company called Singapore Biotrade.

While used in shrimp hatcheries at the nauplii stage Gutacean gives an additional 20% chance of survival for nauplii to PL. In addition, the conversion time from nauplii to PL shortens and at the same time increases heat shock proteins, leading to extra strength against diseases. While used in shrimp grow-out-ponds the days of culture comes down by about 14 days to attain the same weight without treatment.

A spokesperson for Singapore Biotrade, Arthur Yeo, said: "Gustacean produces an increase in the number of cell divisions, resulting in increased muscular growth."

"In addition, the presence of Heat Shock Protein increases within 12 hours after application, resulting in healthier shrimp. Finally, harvestable size is attained much earlier than without treatment," he said.

"In Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam it is common to harvest a 15-gramme prawn within 80-90 days normally. When Gutacean is used it can be done in 70 days, a saving of 20 days," he added.