Evaluation of Formulated Inert Larval Diets for Giant Freshwater Prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii Weaning From Artemia

Abstract

Two larval inert diets were formulated and evaluated in partial replacement for Artemia in the larval rearing of Macrobrachium rosenbergii. Thirty larvae L-1 were stocked in 150-L Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) tanks, (Which had central sloping bottom) with a total density of 4500 larvae in each tank. The test diets were formulated by using meat of fish (Diet 1) and shrimp and clam (Diet 2) as major ingredients. Other ingredients used were chicken eggs, agar, milk powder, cod liver oil. The diets were fed to larvae twice daily at 8:30 hrs and 14:30 hrs at a rate of 0.20.5-g/1000 larvae. Larvae fed diet (2) containing shrimp and clam meat showed significantly higher survival than those fed fish meat based diet diet (1). The larvae fed diet (2) was more efficient in larval metamorphosis, larvae took less time to reach the next stage compared to those fed diet (1). The larvae fed diet (2) had significantly higher mean larval stage (MLS) than those fed diet (1). Length and weight measurements were higher for the larvae fed diet (2). Water quality (Water temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, free carbon dioxide and total ammonia) were not affected by the test diets and the values recorded were in acceptable range for freshwater prawn larval rearing.