Shrimp Health Management Extension Manual - Library - Network of ...

4. SHRIMP HEALTH MONITORINGShrimps should be sampled once in a week by cast netting and should be checked for their generalhealth conditions, like external appearance (body color, missing appendages, external/gill fouling,black gills or gill choking, etc), gut condition, and growth in terms of weight or length. Shrimpbehaviour and feeding trends should be monitored. These observations should be recorded at regularintervals (an example of a weekly data recording sheet is in Annex B).By maintaining recording sheets, it is easy to review the sequence of changes in water and soilconditions, feeding and shrimp health and the management practices followed. A first sign of diseaseis when diseased or weak shrimps swim at the water surface or come to the edges of the pond. Ifmany shrimps are affected by the disease, then feeding may be reduced. During this period, lookingback at the farm records for sharp changes in water quality, bottom soil conditions or shrimpappearance in net sampling and feeding trays will give an idea on the possible causes of disease.With regular monitoring and review of important parameters it is easier to understand and rectifythe environmental conditions at an early stage and prevent the spread of disease to other shrimps.Cast net sampling for health check upHealthy shrimp samples23