Diet effects with sources of plant and animal proteins on the growth of Macrobrachium rosenbergii de Man

Abstract

The efficiency of two diets (R1 and R2) was tested on the growth of Macrobrachium rosenbergii. R1 was formulated with only vegetal ingredients and R2, with vegetal and animal protein sources. Agglutinants, attractants and vitamin-C were included in both diets. This experiment was developed from October 1990 to May 1991 in two ponds of 2,400 m² at Experimental Station of Instituto de Pesca in Pindamonhangaba (SP). Ponds were stocked with 10 post-larvae/m². The feed was offered at evening about 10% of total biomass at the beginning and 3% at the end of the experiment. Monthly biometrics including 10 samples of 10 animals each was effected. RI was able to produce 120.4 kg of prawns with 14.4 g individual average weight and survival ratio of 34.5%. The diet R2 produced 171.8 kg of prawns with 17.5 g of individual average weight and survival ratio of 41%. Statistical tests showed that R2 was more efficient at 5% of probability level, but the cost/benefits ratio showed little advantage of R1 (0.154) over R2 (0.170).