The effects of dietary lipid sources and lecithin on the production of giant freshwater prawn <Emphasis Type="Italic">Macrobrachium rosenbergii</Emphasis> larvae in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam

The giant freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, is cultured widely in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam but it is often difficult or expensive for hatchery operators to purchase commercial diets used as a feeding supplement to Artemia nauplii. Therefore, in the present study, the effects of lipid sources and lecithin on the growth and survival rate of M. rosenbergii larvae were examined in order to develop suitable hand-prepared larval diets for seed production of M. rosenbergii in this area. Six egg custard diets consisting of various ratios of lipid (originating from soybean oil and squid oil) and lecithin were used for rearing Macrobrachium rosenbergii larvae. Treatments in which larvae were fed diets containing squid oil exhibited the highest body length and survival rates (7.14–7.43 mm and 51.1–68.1%, respectively), and differed significantly from other treatments (P<0.05). Use of dietary soybean oil yielded the lowest body length and survival rates (6.29–6.75 mm and 22.0–48.7%), respectively). The supplementation of dietary lecithin did not increase final body weight but did improve larval survival rates. The n-3 HUFA content of prawns fed dietary squid oil was higher than those of animals provided with other diets. These results indicated that the most appropriate diet for rearing M. rosenbergii larvae is the diet containing 3% squid oil and 1.5% lecithin.     

Probiotic activity of Bacillus subtilis in juvenile freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii (de Man) at different methods of administration to the feed

This experiment was carried out to investigate the potential probiotic properties of Bacillus subtilis and suitable methods of administration to the commercial feed in juvenile Macrobrachium rosenbergii (de Man) from 25 August to 25 November 2008. Putative Bacillus subtilis bacterium isolated from juvenile M. rosenbergii intestine was added to commercial prawn feed as a probiotic. Five types of diets were prepared by mixing B. subtilis at level of 108 cells g^?1 with commercial feed using different methods consisting mixing, soaking, spraying and bathing. After 60?days, the prawns fed diets at soaking method treated group, showed a higher mean weight gain (2.09) or 328.84% increase in growth over control. There were significant differences (P?<?0.05) in weight gain, feed intake and FCR among soaking method and other treated and control groups. There was significant difference (P?<?0.05) in survival among treated and control groups, but no significant difference (P?>?0.05) in water quality and biochemical composition among treated and control groups. Clearly, B. subtilis-treated diets appeared to enhance growth and survival of juveniles M. rosenbergii. It was concluded that the tested strain may be a promising probiotic for M. rosenbergii under soaking method of administration to the prawn commercial feed.     

Effect of brewer’s yeast on immune response of giant freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, and its resistance to white muscle disease

The present study was conducted to find the effect of dietary brewer’s yeast on growth, survival, immune response, and resistance to white muscle disease in giant freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii. The brewer’s yeast was supplemented at graded levels 0, 5, 10, and 20?g per kg diet, and the experiment was conducted for 75?days. After the feeding trials, growth, survival, immune parameters like prophenoloxidase activity, respiratory burst, and total hemocyte count were assessed. The growth, specific growth rate, and survival were not found significantly different among the treatment and control groups “prophenoloxidase activity and respiratory burst” were found significantly different (p?<?0.05) among the treatment and control groups. The total hemocyte count was significantly different (p?<?0.05) among control and treatment groups. Cumulative percent survival was higher in M rosenbergii fed 1?% brewer’s yeast-supplemented diet when they were challenged with white muscle disease virus (MrNV (Macrobrachium rosenbergii nodavirus) and XSV (extra small virus)). The present work revealed that the incorporation of brewer’s yeast in the diet is effective in enhancing immune response and controlling the white muscle disease in M rosenbergii.     

Diet formulation for Macrobrachium rosenbergii (de Man) broodstock based on essential amino acid profile of its eggs

Twelve pelleted diets containing a range of protein and energy levels from 30% protein, 400 kcal gross energy per 100 g diet to 40% protein and 520 kcal gross energy per 100 g diet were formulated. A least-cost linear programming package was applied to determine the optimum inclusion levels of some locally available ingredients. The essential amino acid constraints applied to the diets were based on the essential amino acid content of the eggs of broodstock Macrobrachium rosenbergii (de Man). The study was undertaken using 13 one-tonne capacity fibreglass tanks, each with a water recycling system. Each tank was partitioned into three equal compartments by nylon netting; each compartment was stocked with six female and one male prawn which were fed with the various diets at 2% body weight daily split into three feedings at 0800, 1200 and 1800 h. The results indicated that prawn fed the 40% protein diet with an energy level of 400 kcal per 100 g diet attained the highest fecundity, producing 1355 eggs per gram body weight, followed by those fed P40 with a gross energy level of 440 kcal 100 g^-1 (1354 eggs per gram body weight), and prawns fed control diet (30% protein with an energy level of 442 kcal 100 g diet^-1) attained the lowest fecundity (1080 eggs per gram body weight). However, statistically, no significant differences in fecundity were observed among prawn fed 35% protein diet with an energy level of 473 kcal 100 g^-1, 40 with energy levels of 400 or 440 kcal 100 g diet^-1. The essential amino acids index (EAAI) were calculated and were found to be a possible method of evaluating the broodstock diet of M. rosenbergii as a higher index indicates higher egg production. Therefore, a diet containing 40% protein, with an energy level of 400 kcal 100 g diet^-1 is recommended as a broodstock feed for M. rosenbergii in view of its superior performance and cost.     

Growth responses and fatty acid composition of juvenile prawns (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) fed a prepared ration augmented with shrimp head oil

A prepared shrimp food was impregnated at 3% by weight with oil extracted from heads of Penaeus setiferus. This procedure brought about a reduction in the level of ω6 fatty acids and an increase in the percentages of ω3 fatty acids and saturated acids in the diet.The lipid-augmented ration was fed to juvenile Macrobrachium rosenbergii for 12 weeks in the laboratory, with the unmodified diet as a control. Prawns fed the augmented diet grew significantly larger than those given the control feed, and this difference was apparent by the sixth week of the study. Final mean biomass (g prawn/m² of tank floor) and efficiency of food utilization in the experimental group were about twice that in the control. Survival in the two groups was similar throughout the study and averaged 71 and 68%, respectively, for the experimental and control animals at the end of the experiment.Prawns fed both rations contained in their tissues about the same percentage of ω3 fatty acids as their diets, indicating conservation of these dietary acids and/or biosynthesis. In contrast, the animals contained substantially less 18:2ω6 (linoleic acid) than their diets, and the data suggested that some of this fatty acid may have been utilized as an energy source. Also, animals fed the augmented diet contained about 15 times more carotenoid pigments than those given the control ration.The study suggests that ω3 fatty acids are important in the nutrition of M. rosenbergii and that prawn diets might be made more effective by increasing the relative proportion of ω3 fatty acids in their composition. Waste shrimp heads may be one suitable source of fatty acids and pigments for use in prepared diets for aquaculture.     

A Standard Reference Diet for Crustacean Nutrition Research.: III. Effects on Weight Gain and Amino Acid Composition of Whole Body and Tail Muscle of Juvenile Prawns Macrobrachium rosenbergii1

Two proposed standard reference diets for use in studies of crustacean nutrition were evaluated using newly metamorphosed postlarvae of the fresh water prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii, After 90 days, no significant differences in mean whole wet weight or time interval between successive molts of the two dietary treatment group existed. The dietary amino acid composition of each diet and the corresponding amino acid composition of either the whole body or tail muscle tissue were highly correlated. There was a poor correlation between the dietary amino acid composition and the free amino acid composition of whole body and tail muscle tissue. Both diets could adequately serve as reference diets for nutritional studies with juvenile M. rosenbergii.     

Fish meal replacement with squilla (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Oratosquilla nepa</Emphasis>, Latreille) silage in a practical diet for the juvenile giant freshwater prawn, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Macrobrachium rosenbergii</Emphasis> de man, 1879

Replacement of fish meal with squilla silage in practical diet for the juvenile giant freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, was evaluated. Five iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric diets were prepared in which protein requirements were met with 100% fish meal (control, diet 1) and squilla silage replacing fish meal at 25, 50, 75 and 100% (diets 2, 3, 4 and 5, respectively). Water stability and water absorption of five feeds revealed significant differences (P?<?0.05). The weight gain varied between a maximum of 248.50?±?34.07% in diet 4 to lowest 132.45?±?14.34% in diet 1. The average daily gain in weight in grams varied from 0.091?±?0.01 (diet 5) to 0.154?±?0.04 (diet 3), whilst the specific growth rate and gross growth coefficient values were recorded highest in diet 4. Highest survival rates (86.66?±?5.77%) were recorded in both experimental diets 4 and 5. Low feed conversion ratio of 1.19?±?0.21 was recorded from diet 4, whilst the highest value of 2.16?±?0.09% was estimated from the diet 5. Proximate carcass composition showed highest crude protein content in post-larvae fed with diet 5 (47.24%) in contrast to lowest diet 1 (36.12%). Lipid values fluctuated significantly between 2.45 and 7.18% (P?<?0.05) between treatments. The ash content significantly increased from diet 1 (16.34%) to diet 5 (20.69%) (P?<?0.05). Highest feed efficiency (gain/feed) value was recorded in diet 4 (1.52?±?0.22), whilst the diet 5 showed lowest value (0.99?±?0.06). The results suggested that squilla silage can be utilised up to 75% of the protein in prawn diets for fish meal replacement.     

Protein Requirements of the Freshwater Prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii Evaluated by the Factorial Method

The dietary protein requirement of the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii to obtain the maximum body protein retention was assessed by the estimated protein needed daily for maintenance (M) and body protein increment (G). The body protein increment was estimated by quantifying body nitrogen increments when the prawn was fed high‐protein diets composed primarily of casein. The protein required for maintenance was estimated by regressing weight gains in feeding experiments using graded dietary levels of casein. The true daily retention (R) or increase in body protein of the prawn corresponds to the sum of M and G. The values of M, G, and R determined in the present study were 3.86, 0.24, and 4.10 g/kg body weight/d, respectively. On the basis of the daily body protein increment and the net protein utilization of casein (58%), dietary protein requirement of the juvenile M. rosenbergii for maximum body protein retention was suggested to be about 7.1 g/kg body weight/d.     

Spent brewer's yeast as a replacement for fishmeal in diets for giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii), reared in either clear water or a biofloc environment

A 90‐day feeding experiment was conducted in order to test spent brewer's yeast as a replacement for fishmeal in diets for giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) reared in either a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) or a biofloc system. Triplicate groups, each of 20 prawn (6.7 ± 0.03 g), were randomly assigned to 24 identical tanks. Twelve tanks were connected to the RAS, and the other 12 tanks were connected to the biofloc system which were initially supplemented with Bacillus subtilis, molasses and blood meal to achieve a C:N ratio of 20:1. Four iso‐nitrogenous (350 g/kg) and iso‐energetic (19 MJ/kg) diets where 0%, 20%, 40% and 60% of fishmeal protein was replaced by spent brewer's yeast. Neither growth nor survival was affected (p > 0.05) by increasing levels of brewer's yeast. The exception, being fish given 60% replacement with brewer's yeast, reared in biofloc, which displayed a higher (p < 0.05) growth than fish given 40% replacement, reared in clear water. The feed conversion ratio of prawn reared in the biofloc environment was lower than in the clear water. We concluded that spent brewer's yeast represents a possible 60% substitute for fishmeal in giant freshwater prawn diets, especially for prawn reared in a biofloc environment.     

The isosmotic concept in relation to the aquaculture of the giant prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii

Several workers have suggested that maximal growth of an organism should occur in isosmotic media, since the animals would not be expending energy in doing osmotic work. Growth and osmoregulatory studies, however, show that this is not true in the giant prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii. This paper attempts to explain the phenomenon.     

Effect of glycine betaine, a feed attractant affecting growth and feed conversion of juvenile freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii

A feeding experiment was conducted to determine the effect of the feeding attractant, glycine betaine (betaine hydrochloride) on the growth and feed conversion of juveniles of Macrobrachium rosenbergii (deMan) (mean initial weight 1.12 g). Three types of diets were prepared with the incorporation of glycine betaine at 5, 10 and 15 g kg^?1 levels along with an unsupplemented control. After 60 days, weight gain, feed intake and food conversion ratio (FCR) were higher in prawn fed the three glycine betaine‐added diets compared with the control feed. Among the glycine betaine‐added diets, prawn fed glycine betaine at 5 g kg^?1 level showed highest weight gain (2.73 g) by registering 61.5% increase in growth over control and also higher feed intake (5.79 g) and good FCR (2.12). There were highly significant differences (P < 0.01) in weight gain, feed intake, per day growth and FCR among treatments. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in survival among treatments.     

Productive performance of juvenile freshwater prawns Macrobrachium rosenbergii in biofloc system

The aim of this study was to compare two rearing systems for freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii: one with use of a recirculating aquaculture system with biofilters (RAS) and another with use of microbial flocs (F). Thirty postlarvae of freshwater prawn with an initial average weight of 0.13 ± 0.05 g were randomly stocked in six experimental units with 0.20 m² and volume of 50 L. The experiment lasted thirty days. Dissolved oxygen, temperature and pH were monitored daily; ammonia concentration was determined three times per week; nitrite concentration, alkalinity and hardness were measured weekly. For the formation of microbial floc, molasses was used to keep the ammonia concentrations within safe levels for prawn farming. The variables of water quality remained within the suitable range for the production of the species, except for ammonia concentrations at the F treatment, which exceeded the safe levels. At the end of the experiment, the following parameters were evaluated: survival, specific growth rate, weight gain and feed conversion rate. Differences were found only in feed conversion rate with better values on RAS treatment. The microorganisms present in the RAS and F treatment were also evaluated. The densities of rotifers, amoebas and total bacteria were higher at the F treatment although the same organisms were found at the RAS treatment. The results of this study showed the possibility of rearing M. rosenbergii in biofloc system technology.     

Over-wintering growth of Macrobrachium rosenbergii (de Man) with carp polyculture in Bangladesh fed formulated diets

An experiment was conducted from December 2003 to April 2004 to observe the over‐wintering growth of freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, with catla, Catla catla and rohu, Labeo rohita in polyculture using formulated diets. The study was conducted in eight experimental ponds, each 80 m². Three experimental diets containing 30% protein were prepared using fish meal, meat and bone meal, mustard oilcake, rice bran, wheat bran and molasses (binder), and assigned to treatments T₁, T₂ and T₃ respectively. A commercial diet from Saudi‐Bangla Fish Feed was assigned to T₄ (reference diet). Each treatment had two replicate ponds. Juvenile prawns and catla and rohu fingerlings (initial weight 1.60±0.10, 30.0±1.2 and 25.0±1.1 g respectively) were stocked at a ratio of 2:1:1 (prawn:catla:rohu). A total of 160 prawn and fish (20 000 ha^?1) were stocked in each pond. Fish were fed twice daily at 3% body weight (b.w.) for the first 3 months and 5% b.w. for the last 2 months. Prawns in T₁ fed diet 1 had significantly higher (P<0.05) weight gain compared with that of T₃. The reference group and T₂ had intermediate values not significantly different from either. Weight gains of catla and rohu were significantly higher in T₁. The feed conversion ratio values of different diets ranged between 1.89 and 2.13. Survival (%) ranged from 90.0% to 95.0% for catla, 87.5% to 92.5% for rohu and 70.0% to 76.3% for M. rosenbergii, and there were no significant differences (P>0.05) among different treatments. Total production ranged between 2196 and 2679 kg ha^?1, with T₁ showing significantly higher production and net profit (taka 56 531.9 ha^?1). The results of the study demonstrated that it is possible to culture M. rosenbergii with carp in polyculture during the winter utilizing the late‐produced PLs. Further study is needed to determine the optimum stocking density of M. rosenbergii in carp polyculture.     

Immunomodulatory effect of Cynodon dactylon against white tail disease of giant freshwater prawn,Macrobrachium rosenbergii (de Man, 1879)

The giant freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, is an economically important and extensively cultured crustacean worldwide. The viral pathogens, Macrobrachium rosenbergii nodavirus (MrNV) and extra small virus (XSV) are responsible for causing severe mortalities in the hatchery and nursery phases. This study investigates the protection of postlarvae of freshwater against white tail disease (WTD) using plant extract derived from Cyanodon dactylon and the modulation of the prawn non‐specific immunity. To determine the immunomodulatory effect of C. dactylon extract, the prawn was injected with plant extract and various immunological parameters were estimated. The immunological parameters such as proPO, SOD, THC and clotting time were found to be significantly higher in the plant extract‐injected prawn when compared with control groups. The results of real time PCR analysis revealed up regulation on the expression proPO, SOD and lysozyme genes in MrNV and XSV challenged prawn postlarvae treated with C. dactylon extract. Infectivity experiment showed high relative per cent survival in MrNV and XSV‐challenged prawn postlarvae treated with C. dactylon extract. These results strongly indicate that the administration of C. dactylon plant extract enhances immunity of the prawn. Based on the results, this study recommends that the immersion of postlarvae in C. dactylon plant extract is a potential prophylactic agent against WTD.     

The effect of tank colouration on survival, metamorphosis rate, growth and time to metamorphosis freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) rearing

Seedstock‐costs of the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii can represent >50% of the total production costs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of culture tank colouration on survival, metamorphosis rate, weight and time required to reach the postlarval (PL) stage. Newly hatched prawn larvae were stocked into eighteen 16‐L plastic culture tanks at a density of 30 L^?1. Tank colours evaluated were red, black, white, blue, green and yellow. Larval prawns were fed brine shrimp (Artemia franciscana) nauplii and a supplemental diet. Data indicated that larval tank colour had no significant impact (P>0.05) on the final PL size or days required to reach PL stage. However, total survival was significantly higher (P<0.05) in red and green tanks (84% and 78% respectively) than in white and blue tanks (56% and 44% respectively). Survival in the yellow and black tanks (71% in both) was not significantly different (P>0.05) from the red, green or white treatments, but was significantly higher (P<0.05) than the blue treatment. This could have a significant financial impact on commercial hatchery, and growout production, as most larval tanks currently in use are blue or black.     

Disease problems of prawns in recirculation systems in the U.K.

Prawn diseases encountered by the authors during research programmes on prawn cultivation are described and discussed. A variety of seawater penaeid species, the freshwater caridean Macrobrachium rosenbergii, and the seawater caridean Palaemon serratus were affected. Poor husbandry, in terms of holding tank design, water quality and/or inadequate nutrition, is often the major factor precipitating prawn disease. Attention to husbandry techniques and the routine monitoring of water quality are of paramount importance in the prevention of disease outbreaks. The significance of disease to prawn cultivation, either as a direct cause of mortalities or as a limitation to market sale, is highlighted.     

Optimal protein replacement of fish meal by mackerel condensate in diet for giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii)

The optimal protein replacement of fish meal (FM) by mackerel condensate (MC) was investigated in giant freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii (0.90 ± 0.01 g initial weight) over a 12‐week trial. The experimental diets replaced the FM partially in a baseline FM‐based diet (0MC), by substituting MC for 10% (10MC), 20% (20MC), 30% (30MC), 40% (40MC), 50% (50MC) and 60% (60MC) of the FM, and a commercial diet (CD) was included for comparison. The prawn fed with 40MC had superior growth performance and feed utilization. Significant increases in amylase and cellulase‐specific activities indicated improved carbohydrate utilization in this dietary group (P < 0.05). The proteolytic activity was maintained through the key gastrointestinal enzymes (pepsin, trypsin and chymotrypsin). A slight improvement in carcass compositions was also observed in the prawns fed 40MC, and the total haemocyte count was significantly increased by this diet, without negative effects on the hepatopancreatic histology. These findings indicate that a 40% protein replacement of FM by MC is optimal for giant freshwater prawn, and similar use of it in the aquafeed of other species appears worth further studies.     

Effect of nucleotide on growth, immune responses and resistance of Macrobrachium rosenbergii (De Man) to Macrobrachium rosenbergii nodavirus (MrNV) and extra small virus (XSV) and Aeromonas hydrophila infection

A 60-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary nucleotide on growth, survival, immunity and resistance to white muscle disease and Aeromonas hydrophila infection in freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii). The nucleotide was supplemented at 0, 1.5, 2.25 and 3.0 g/kg diet. The test diets were fed for 60 days in triplicate groups of prawns, which had initial weight of 0.27 g. At the end of the feeding trial, growth was recorded and non-specific immune parameters, such as, prophenol oxidase activity, superoxide anion production, total haemocyte count and total serum protein, were studied in haemolymph samples. Phenol oxidase activity and superoxide anion production were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in prawns fed nucleotide-based diets. Total haemocyte count and haemolymph were higher (P < 0.05) in prawns fed nucleotide-based diets. The relative per cent survival of prawn after the challenge test against white muscle disease was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in prawn fed nucleotide-incorporated diets. However, there was no effect of nucleotide supplementation on growth and survival of prawn.     

Effects of Nitrate Concentration on Larval Development of the Giant River Prawn,Macrobrachium rosenbergii

Abstract

The effect of nitrate concentration on giant river prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, larvae was investigated. Survival rate, weight gain, and larval development were evaluated for different concentrations of nitrate in three experiments. The experiments were divided in to two phases. In the first phase, larvae from stages I through VIII were analysed, while in the second phase larvae from stage VIII through post-larvae metamorphosis were analysed. Oxygen consumption was also determined for zoea I, II, and VIII exposed to 0, 700, and 1,000 mg/L of nitrate-N. No effect was observed for concentrations up to 180 mg/L NO₃-N (experiments I and II), and nitrate levels as 1,000 mg/L NO₃-N did not affect survival in the first phase of the third experiment. On the other hand, larval stage index (LSI) and weight gain decreased as nitrate-N concentration increased from 0 to 1,000 mg/L. In the second phase, survival and metamorphosis rate decreased as nitrate concentration increased, according to a linear model. The effect of nitrate levels on weight gain followed a curvilinear pattern. Larval respiration decreased in the water where nitrate was added, but only during stage II. The results demonstrated that nitrate presents extremely low toxicity for giant river prawn larvae, and data were related to the levels of nitrate that usually occur in larviculture systems also discussed. Therefore, nitrate is not a limiting factor for giant river prawn larviculture.