Does the Biofloc System Affect Water Quality, Reproduction, and Hemato-Immunology of Penaeus vannamei During Broodstock Maturation?

Traditional shrimp maturation uses high water exchange, conflicting with sustainable farming and biosecurity, although broodstock production systems have been updated by the adoption of closed-cycle production. So, this study evaluated BFT for <i>Penaeus vannamei</i> broodstock maturation, comparing it against a conventional system. The research compared two treatments, BFT and CW, in three replicated tank systems. Each experimental unit was a circular fiberglass tank with 5.63 m³ working volume. BFT tanks involved a 3.12 m² mobile triangular cage for viewing and capturing mated females. Parameters monitored included water quality, reproductive performance and hemato-immunological responses. The BFT system resulted in greater water quality stability, significantly lower water consumption, and lower Total Ammonia Nitrogen (TAN) concentrations, indicating efficient ammonia recycling. Also, reproductive performance and most hemato-immunological parameters did not differ significantly between treatments. Although CW showed slightly higher broodstock survival and sperm viability, BFT males exhibited a significantly higher Total Hemocyte Count (THC). Overall, BFT is suitable for sustainable <i>P. vannamei</i> broodstock maturation, as it promotes stable environmental conditions without compromising reproductive or immunological performance. Further research is recommended, particularly regarding effects of zero-water-exchange on male shrimp and improvements on capture structures.