Principles of Genetics and Breeding

14.1.10. Domestication of farmed shrimp

Domestication of farmed shrimp (penaeids) has been relatively slow compared to that of finfish. This can be attributed to use of wild broodstock and postlarvae, a lack of understanding of shrimp reproductive biology for domestication of the species and perceptions of low potential for genetic improvement.

Current reliance on wild broodstock is risky and negates the opportunity to enhance disease resistance (as well as other production traits) through selective breeding.

Efforts to domesticate broodstock are now hampered by endemic disease challenges; however, recent collaborative research between the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) in Australia and the shrimp culture industry has resulted in successful captive breeding of Penaeus japonicus.

Economic analysis has demonstrated that domesticated broodstock are more cost effective than wild broodstock and that reproductive performance of domesticated P. monodon can match that of wild broodstock of a similar size.