{"id":37238,"date":"2026-04-08T16:56:12","date_gmt":"2026-04-08T14:56:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.phode-animalcare.com\/shrimp-hatchery-and-nursery-a-crucial-stage-where-stress-management-makes-all-the-difference\/"},"modified":"2026-04-09T09:25:37","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T07:25:37","slug":"shrimp-hatchery-and-nursery-a-crucial-stage-where-stress-management-makes-all-the-difference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.phode-animalcare.com\/en-eu\/shrimp-hatchery-and-nursery-a-crucial-stage-where-stress-management-makes-all-the-difference\/","title":{"rendered":"Shrimp hatchery and nursery: a crucial stage where stress management makes all the difference"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The importance of early life stages in aquaculture for stress management<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n

Within the shrimp farming industry, regardless of region or production system, one fundamental rule is universally recognized: the more robust the juvenile animal, the better its performance at subsequent production stages. <\/p>\n\n

This rule holds true throughout the entire production cycle \u2014 a healthy larva produces a strong post-larva (with good health, growth rate, and robustness); a \u201cgood post-larva\u201d results in a strong juvenile; a \u201cgood juvenile\u201d becomes a \u201cgood grow-out animal\u201d; and the same principle continues to apply all the way to broodstock and nauplii. <\/p>\n\n

Critical stages in shrimp development<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n

The early stages are regarded as critical for the animal\u2019s development. This is due to the biological and physiological changes occurring at these stages, such as the formation of the immune, digestive, and nervous systems, which will determine the animal\u2019s ability to cope with challenges throughout its production cycle. <\/p>\n\n

Shrimp, in particular \u2014 being decapod crustaceans \u2014 undergo several moulting phases during which they are especially vulnerable. This fragility stems from the high energy demand of the moulting process, the stress it induces, and the temporary absence of the exoskeleton, which normally serves as their primary defence barrier against pathogens. <\/p>\n\n

A reproductive strategy that increases mortality<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n

Moreover, shrimp follow an \u201cr-strategy\u201d reproductive pattern, meaning that they produce an extremely high number of offspring but provide no parental care. Consequently, a low survival rate is expected among larvae, largely due to predation, disease, parasites, and other environmental factors. <\/p>\n\n

Conversely, species with a \u201cK\u201d reproductive strategy\u2014<\/a>such as birds or mammals\u2014have low fecundity but provide parental care, enabling their offspring to increase their chances of survival. <\/p>\n\n

Because shrimp follow an \u201cr-strategy\u201d, juvenile mortality rates in aquaculture are high, and productivity is further affected by genotypic variation, which results in differences in growth, size, immunity, and hierarchical behaviour<\/strong>. Consequently, larval producers face significant economic losses. <\/p>\n\n

Technological advances in hatcheries and nurseries<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n
\"stress<\/figure>\n\n

After several decades of technological progress, multiple strategies are now available for larval management in hatcheries and nurseries, including: <\/p>\n\n