Intensive mass production of Artemia in a recirculated system

An outdoor closed system for intensive Artemia biomass production was evaluated. The system integrates the use of inexpensive agro-techno products and photosynthesis to create an improved diet for culturing adult Artemia. The diet in the initial days of culture consists of microalgae, followed by a mixture of torula yeast and soy protein. No water or solids are discharged from the system during the entire production cycle. Waste products are recycled by bacteria, microalgae and protozoa, which themselves are subsequently ingested by the Artemia in a continuous cycle. The final yield of adult Artemia after 17 to 20 days averaged 40.28 ± 4.84 kg m^{- 3} (wet weight) in 600 l and 31 kg m^{- 3} in 3000-l tanks. Maximal yield was up to 47.5 kg m^{- 3}. Food conversion rate (FCR) ranged between 0.17 and 0.25. Survival rates from inoculation date averaged 23.3 ± 9.24%. Systems of this type can productively supply hatcheries of finfish, shrimp and crabs with large quantities of live Artemia.