The capital arrives for the genetics of shrimp

Ecuadornews:

Luis Alvarado produces 500 million larvae per year in the area of ​​Punta Carnero, sector La Diablica. Remember how genetics was key to the shrimp coming out of the devastation caused by the white spot virus. But there is much to be done to improve in the current times.

Times have changed, “although our lipenaeus vannamei reproducers, who come from a closed cycle, tolerant to diseases spread around the world after the year 2000, today in Asia there are animals that grow 0.5 grams per day. We have to improve, “says Alvarado to Diario EXPRESO.

This new genetics has touched the doors of Ecuador: Hendrix Genetics (The Netherlands), Nutreco (with the aquaculture division Skretting) and Ecuacultivos, will invest to modernize the Macrobío laboratory to a “state-of-the-art production facility” and thus develop a program of world-class shrimp farming, locally. “

Ecuadorian larviculturists believe that Hendrix will bring technology from Hawaii (breeders). This company not only specializes in shrimp, but in turkeys, pigs, salmon, trout and guinea fowl.

Antoon van den Berg, CEO of Hendrix Genetics, is excited about this new partnership. “After our entry into shrimp farming in 2017, we have put all our efforts into developing the Kona Bay shrimp breeding program. This is an important development to access one of the main markets, “he says.

Alvarado believes that Ecuador must have a “larva país”, which is formed by the union of all laboratories, including those of large companies such as Santa Priscila and Omarsa, and whose process is financed by the Ecuadorian State.

Robert Vera, aquaculture specialist, talks about the importance of genetics for a shrimp industry that generates more than 3,100 million dollars a year in more than 200,000 hectares.

Of the approximately 300 laboratories that exist in Ecuador, not all registered, 66,000 million larvae leave each year, using an annual average of 300,000 larvae sown per hectare.

In Ecuador, companies such as Acuagen, Lobo Marino, Semacua and Macrobío have their own genetic lines.

The Union

“Bringing together the world leaders in genetics and nutritional technology, with first-class local production operations, is the combination best positioned to deliver value and efficiency to the Ecuadorian industry,” says Neil Manchester, managing director of aquaculture at Hendrix Genetics.

Ecuador

Within the aquaculture market in our country, the Pacific white shrimp (vannamei) is the most important aquatic species produced. Volumes have skyrocketed in recent years, placing Ecuador in the third largest producer after China and India. (I)

Source: https://www.expreso.ec/economia/camaron-comercio-acuicultura-economia-cultivo-ecuador-JF2700380