From Egg to Seed: How Geekay Hatcheries Ensures Healthy, High-Quality Shrimp
Producing strong, healthy shrimp seed requires a precise combination of expertise, advanced technology, and unwavering commitment to quality. At Geekay Hatcheries, we go above and beyond to ensure that every step—from egg to seed—is carefully managed. Our farmers rely on us to deliver disease-free, fast-growing shrimp seed that helps them achieve better harvests and higher profits.
In this blog, we’ll take you through our process of raising shrimp from eggs to seed, highlighting how periodic testing, high-quality nutrition, and innovative partnerships like the one with I&V Bio ensure the success of our farmers and make our seed both top-quality and cost-effective.
Step 1: Starting with the Best—Egg Collection and Hatching
The journey begins with carefully selected broodstock (parent shrimp), sourced from trusted, specific-pathogen-free (SPF) suppliers. These broodstock are nurtured to ensure they produce eggs that are healthy and viable.
Once the broodstock are ready, they are placed in specialized breeding tanks where they release eggs. These eggs are then collected and transferred to hatching tanks.
Key Measures During Hatching:
- Sterile Environment: Our tanks are thoroughly sanitized to prevent contamination.
- Controlled Conditions: We carefully maintain optimal water temperature, salinity, and oxygen levels for successful hatching.
- Continuous Monitoring: Our skilled technicians monitor the eggs 24/7 to ensure their health and development.
Within 24–48 hours, the eggs hatch into nauplii, the first stage of shrimp larvae, ready to embark on their growth journey.
Step 2: From Nauplii to Larvae—Building a Strong Foundation
The nauplii are transferred to larval rearing tanks, where they grow and develop into larvae. This stage is critical, as it sets the foundation for the shrimp’s overall health and strength.
Nutrition: Fueling Growth
We provide the larvae with a high-quality diet rich in essential nutrients. A key component of their diet is biosecure Artemia nauplii produced in collaboration with our global partner, I&V Bio. This partnership ensures that our feed is of the highest quality and cost-effective, providing superior nutrition to the larvae.
I&V Bio’s cutting-edge technology allows us to produce biosecure Artemia nauplii efficiently, reducing feed costs without compromising quality. This innovative feed is rich in protein and essential fatty acids, helping larvae grow stronger and healthier.
Maintaining a Healthy Environment:
To provide a clean and supportive environment, we:
- Regularly test and adjust water parameters such as pH, salinity, and ammonia levels.
- Use advanced water filtration and UV treatment systems to prevent contamination.
Step 3: Transforming Larvae into Post-Larvae
As the larvae mature, they transition into the post-larvae stage. At this point, they develop the resilience and strength needed to thrive in farmers’ ponds.
The Role of Nutrition in Post-Larvae Development
We provide a high-protein diet to support their growth. This includes:
- Custom-Formulated Feed: Tailored to meet the specific nutritional needs of post-larvae.
- In-House Cultivated Worms: A rich, natural protein source that boosts immune health and growth.
- Biosecure Artemia Nauplii: Supplied through our partnership with I&V Bio, ensuring cost-effective, premium-quality nutrition.
Periodic Testing for Quality Assurance
To ensure that our post-larvae are healthy and disease-free, we conduct rigorous periodic tests, including:
- PCR Testing: To detect harmful pathogens like White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) and other diseases.
- Microbiological Testing: To check for bacterial infections.
- Histopathology Testing: To identify cellular abnormalities.
- Stress Tests: To evaluate the post-larvae’s ability to adapt to transport and pond conditions.
These tests are performed regularly to ensure every batch meets our high standards. If any batch fails, it is immediately discarded to maintain the trust of our farmers.
How I&V Bio Partnership Enhances Quality and Reduces Costs
Our partnership with I&V Bio has been a game-changer for shrimp farming in India. Together, we have established a world-class Artemia Nauplii production facility, allowing us to produce premium feed locally.
Benefits for Farmers:
- Higher Quality: Biosecure Artemia ensures larvae receive the best nutrition, promoting faster growth and better health.
- Cost-Effective: Local production reduces feed costs, making shrimp farming more affordable for farmers.
- Improved Survival Rates: Nutrient-rich feed strengthens the immune system of the larvae, increasing their chances of survival in pond environments.
This collaboration reflects our commitment to innovation and our dedication to helping farmers succeed.
Step 4: Biosecurity and Strict Protocols
Biosecurity is essential to prevent diseases and ensure the health of our shrimp seed. At Geekay Hatcheries, we enforce strict protocols at every stage:
- Restricted Access: Only authorized personnel can enter breeding and rearing areas.
- Disinfection Protocols: All staff and equipment are thoroughly sanitized before entering production zones.
- Regular Audits: Our facilities are routinely inspected to ensure compliance with biosecurity standards.
These measures protect our shrimp from external threats, guaranteeing farmers receive disease-free seed.
Step 5: Final Testing and Delivery to Farmers
Before delivering the shrimp seed to farmers, we conduct a final round of testing to confirm their health, strength, and adaptability.
Transparency in Results:
We provide farmers with detailed test reports for their batch, ensuring complete transparency.
Safe Transport:
The shrimp seed is carefully packed in oxygenated bags and transported in climate-controlled vehicles to maintain their health during transit.
How Our Process Benefits Farmers
- Healthier Shrimp Seed: Rigorous testing ensures farmers receive disease-free, robust seed.
- Better Yields: High-quality seed grows faster, survives better, and delivers higher harvests.
- Cost Efficiency: Strong shrimp require less intervention, reducing farming costs.
- Peace of Mind: Farmers trust Geekay Hatcheries for consistent quality and support.
Conclusion
At Geekay Hatcheries, raising shrimp from egg to seed is more than just a process—it’s a commitment to excellence. Through advanced nutrition, rigorous testing, and biosecurity measures, we ensure that farmers receive only the best shrimp seed.
Our partnership with I&V Bio further enhances this commitment, providing cost-effective, high-quality feed that supports better growth and health. By choosing Geekay Hatcheries, you’re choosing a partner dedicated to your success and the growth of sustainable aquaculture. Together, we’re building a brighter future for farmers and the planet.