Australian researchers use high-tech way to track shrimp feeding efficiency

Researchers in  the Australian Commonwealth scientific research organisation (CSIRO) are developing automated image sensors and software to track and improve feeding efficiency.

The centre is developing automated submersible sensors that can accurately measure the feed consumed by prawns.

Currently, the methods used for measuring feed consumption are labour intensive.

According to the centre, sensors that provide continuous information about feed consumption in prawn ponds will reduce overfeeding of farmed prawns and reduce nutrient levels in farm effluent and thus reducing the environmental impact of prawn farming

The submersible sensor contains a digital camera that records images of a feeding surface. The images are processed by computer. Advanced processing algorithms are being developed that can extract information from the images, the centre said. 

The combined impact of CSIRO's prawn projects is expected to double the value of the Australian prawn industry by 2020, the centre said.