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In Mexico, the shrimp production industry is undergoing a strategic shift towards aquaculture feed to enhance the size and genetic qualities of crustaceans. Javier Fonseca, the Director of Animal Nutrition at ADM, sheds light on this transformation, emphasizing the goal of creating a feeding scheme that enables shrimp to attain larger sizes to cater to the country’s increasing demand.
“ADM focuses on producing more with fewer resources, that is the sustainable part, with better genetics, good nutrition, balanced feed, good management on the farm, good production practices, and modernization on farms, to reduce costs and be more competitive,” explains Fonseca.
Fonseca highlights the significance of larval development in achieving larger sizes and higher survival rates. By achieving this, Mexico aims to bolster its national production and stimulate local consumption, which currently heavily relies on imports.
He acknowledges the challenges faced by shrimp farms, particularly in terms of modernization. Many areas lack basic services like electricity, and reliance on diesel further complicates the situation. Despite the difficulties faced in 2023, Fonseca notes the resilience of the market, emphasizing a positive trend in constant growth.
“2023 was a difficult year, with a shrimp price that was not what we expected; we had problems with the growth of the larva, but what we see is a market in constant growth,” said Fonseca.
According to ADM figures, there has been a substantial 48 percent increase in per capita consumption of shrimp in the last five years, indicative of the rising popularity of this seafood choice among consumers.
Fonseca asserts that feeding strategies for aquatic crops should be a pivotal focus to meet the escalating demand for protein, especially in urban areas experiencing rapid population growth.
“Human beings need all proteins, but due to the demand with which the population is growing, sustainability is sought, and aquaculture can offer us that option.”