NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF HIGH MARSH GRASS AND SHRIMP SHELL WASTE FOR COMMERCIAL BROWN SHRIMP (Penaeus aztecus IVES)1

Abstract

AbstractStudies were undertaken to determine the feasibility of utilizing the high marsh grass Spartina patens and shrimp shell waste as sources of food in the culture of brown shrimp (Penaeus aztecus). Laboratory‐decomposed grass was fed in both pelleted and loose forms. Other food types tested were control pellets and pellets made of shrimp shell waste plus grass or fishmeal. A high incidence of cannibalism occurred among shrimp raised exclusively on loose grass (4% protein) or loose grass and shrimp shell waste. The ration made of decomposed grass, shrimp shell waste, and fishmeal produced the highest mean biomass followed in decreasing order by the control pellets, the grass and shrimp shell pellets, and the gass pellets. Although laboratory‐decomposed Spartina patens alone did not seem to be a promising food source for raising shrimp in the laboratory, it is important to use more effective decomposing techniques to increase its nutritive value and acceptability. However, continued use of shrimp shell waste as an ingredient is warranted.