Applied Biofloc Technology for Target Species in the Mekong Delta in Vietnam: A Review

Abstract

BFT (Biofloc Technology) has been currently applied in Cantho University to a number of targeted species from fresh-to marine and saline water species in the Mekong Delta, e.g. striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus), white leg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei), tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) and Artemia franciscana (Vinhchau strain) for both in the lab scales or production scales. The best growth and survival rate of striped catfish was obtained in 6‰. For white leg shrimp, the results indicated: 1) C (Carbon) source e.g. rice-flour or molasses supplementary based on the feed provided to promote survival, growth and shrimp biomass harvested; 2) it was fed less than 20% as usual but showed similar to those in the control; 3) combination of rice-flour and molasses at a ratio of 70:30 by weight of C and N (Nitrogen) in a ration of 15:1 enhanced shrimp survival and growth; 4) in intensive culture, shrimp could be against the infection of disease and end up with higher survival, growth in earthen ponds. For tiger shrimp, a set up for larvae till post larvae at different ratios of C and N and C:N of 30 PL15 displayed with better survival rate (49.73 ± 7.07%) and production (74,596 ± 10.608 PL/m3). Artemia franciscana was set up at C:N = 10:1 and salinities from 35, 60, 80 and 100 ppt. After two weeks, there were no significant difference among treatment and the control (without biofloc) in term of survival and growth. Moreover, total embryos per female was not significant different with the control and even the number of embryos as cysts tended to be higher. BFT displayed its advantages when applied on culture system of different targeted species and there is no doubt that it could help to sustain aquaculture and save environment in the Mekong Delta in near future.