Abstract
Four different feeding frequencies, i.e., 3 times (T1), 4 times (T2), 5 times (T3), and 6 times (T4) were used with supplementary feed (38% crude protein) in the experimental ponds to determine the optimum feeding frequency for sustainable and cost efficient production of Penaeus monodon. Post larvae of black tiger shrimp (initial weight 0.02 ± 0.0013 g) with stocking density of 20 m2 was cultured for 110 days to evaluate the sustainable production by taking different parameters of feed utilization efficiency (FCR, PER, FER, production yield); and adequate growth level (WG, SGR, survival) of cultured shrimp. During production cycle, various water quality parameters of the ponds were found within normal aquaculture range (Matias et al. 2002) except for NH4-N, NO3-N and PO4-P which were significantly lower in T3 (p<0.05, 0.01) and for PO4-P in T4 (p<0.05) series than T1. Final weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) was significantly higher in T2, T3, and T4 pond than T1 (p<0.05, 0.001). The feed efficiency ratio (FER), protein efficiency ratio (PER) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) followed the same pattern as WG and SGR (p<0.05, 0.01, 0.001) in T2, T3, and T4 series than T1. Finally, significantly higher (p<0.05) survival and more net profit of cultured shrimp in T3 ponds than other ponds (T1, T2, and T4) have an additional support towards sustainable shrimp culture practices. In fine, on the basis of final yield and net profit of treated ponds it was found that 5 times feeding frequency (T3) proved most effective in augmenting sustainable and cost efficient production of P. monodon in a semi intensive system of farming .
Highlights
In recent years, the culture of Penaeus monondon Fabricius received maximum importance owing to its unique taste, high nutritive value and persistent demand in world market and good profitability
There were no significant differences in physical parameters such as temperature, salinity, transparency, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO) among treatments and they were all at optimum level for P. monodon culture (Table 3)
There was no effect on changes of water quality parameters for feeding frequencies in different treatment ponds as earlier finding [12], some nutrients were on higher level in T1 and T4 and all parameters were within optimum ranges (Table 3)
Summary
The culture of Penaeus monondon Fabricius received maximum importance owing to its unique taste, high nutritive value and persistent demand in world market and good profitability. Feed management strategy should be aimed at optimizing feed inputs, reducing feed conversion ratios and the potential impact on the culture and effluent water [11]. Both feed management and quality play important role in governing production and profitability [1]. As frequency of feeding is the main part of management and Smith et al [12] described that feeding strategy can have a significant impact on pond water quality, growth, health and survival of P. monodon which contribute to the profitability of production. Feed management has an impact on feed conversion efficiency as well as minimizing pond bottom and water quality deterioration due to over feeding [17]
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