Apparent specific dynamic action of food in the grass shrimp, Penaeus monodon fabricius

Abstract

1. 1. The influence of feeding on the oxygen consumption of Penaeus monodon was studied under controlled laboratory conditions. 2. 2. The shrimp adapted quickly to the experimental conditions as indicated by the short period (6–8 hr) required for their oxygen consumption to stabilize. 3. 3. Night-time oxygen consumption rates of the shrimps were significantly higher than those of the day-time. 4. 4. After feeding, the oxygen consumption of P. monodon increased (up to 512%, mean: 115 ± 90%) from the prefeeding level. 5. 5. Apparent specific dynamic action (SDA) ranged from 2.0 to 19.5% (mean: 9.1± 4.7%) and was not influenced by salinity. A significant portion of the energy ingested by a shrimp is therefore lost as apparent SDA. 6. 6. The increase in routine oxygen consumption associated with dark periods and feeding emphasize the importance of sufficient dissolved oxygen in production ponds during the night and when the shrimps are being fed. Sufficient dissolved oxygen during these periods would therefore improve production.