In an effort to reduce production costs, improve production quality, and minimize waste by maximizing feed utilization, the University of the Philippines Visayas developed a local model of the automatic shrimp feeder.

The feeder’s performance was compared with that of the Thai model in a 5,000 square meter pond in Cebu.

The growth, survival, production, and feed conversion of white shrimp were comparable in ponds with automatic feeders and ponds with manual feeding.

The feed conversion ratio is not significantly different among the treatments used. Moreover, the automatic feeder did not affect the water quality inside the rearing ponds.

The local feeder is designed to distribute feeds at the water surface. The unit has a straight feed spreader to cover a large area when the feed is dispensed. The water has a twin timer, which regulates duration and intervals of feed dispensing.

The modified local model costs only P15,000 (about US$ 375) per unit while the Thai model is US $550 per unit landed in Manila.

For inquiry please contact Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development – Department of Science and Technology (PCAARRD-DOST), Los Banos, Laguna, Philippines 4030; Tel. Nos.: (63) (049) 536-0014/1956/2305/2383/5907/6980/7927; Fax: (63) (049) 536-0016/7922; E-Mail: pcaarrd@pcaarrd.dost.gov.ph; Website: http:/www.pcaarrd.dost.gov.ph. (PSciJourn MegaManila)