Production Performance and Economic Viability of an Intensive Litopenaeus vannamei Nursery System

Eirnest Dave Son Rondina Eliver (Pangasinan State University – Open University Systems, Lingayen, Pangasinan, Philippines Aquaculture Department, College of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Mindanao State University - General Santos, General Santos City, Philippines)
Jomar De Vera Parana (1. Pangasinan State University – Open University Systems, Lingayen, Pangasinan, Philippines 3. Pangasinan State University – Binmaley, Pangasinan, Philippines)
Nurul Aziz (4Postgraduate program on Aquatic Resource Management, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Diponegoro University, Jl. Prof. H. Soedarto, S.H, Tembalang, Semarang, Jawa Tengah)

Sains Akuakultur Tropis : Indonesian Journal of Tropical Aquaculture
Vol 10, No 2 (2026): SAT September edition

Shrimp nursery systems play an important role in modern aquaculture by improving the survival, uniformity, and early growth of shrimp before stocking in grow-out ponds. This study evaluated the production performance and economic profitability of a commercial Litopenaeus vannamei nursery system operated under intensive tank-based conditions in Camarines Sur, Philippines. Production data were collected from a 23-day nursery culture cycle in a circular tank stocked with PL10 shrimp at a density of 2 individuals L⁻¹. Growth performance, survival, and feed utilization were evaluated, and a cost–return analysis was conducted to assess economic viability. Water quality parameters were regularly monitored to ensure optimal conditions for shrimp growth.   Results indicated strong production performance, with shrimp reaching an average body weight of 0.55 g and achieving a survival rate of 95%. Feed utilization was efficient with a feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 1.03, indicating effective feeding management and culture conditions. Economic analysis showed that the operation generated USD 595.20 net profit per cycle, with a benefit–cost ratio (BCR) of 1.30 and a return on investment (ROI) of 30%, indicating favorable financial returns.Overall, the findings demonstrate that intensive tank-based nursery systems can effectively produce high-quality L. vannamei juveniles while maintaining efficient feed use and positive economic outcomes. The adoption of well-managed nursery systems can therefore enhance production efficiency and provide a practical strategy for improving the profitability of commercial shrimp farming operations.