Water Stability of Shrimp Pellet: A Review

Abstract

The quality of shrimp diets is determined not only by their nutritional make-up but also by their physical properties, especially water stability. Shrimp pellets should be physically stable to minimize disintegration and loss of water-soluble nutrients upon exposure to water, and during the ingestion process. Water stability can be improved through the use of binders. A wide variety of natural, modified or synthetic products have been tested as binders with varying degrees of success. The water stability of pellets can also be greatly improved by proper selection of feed ingredients, processing techniques and the use of proper processing equipment. However, the degree 4nd duration of water stability required can be lower if diets possess suitable texture, size or shape and contain chemotactica11y-attractive substances (attractants) which enhance feed consumption. Proper feed distribution and daily feeding schedule, and more frequent feeding decrease the time in which feeds must remain in the water, and thereby reduce the duration of pellet water stability required.