Effects of Added Substrate on the Production and Population Characteristics of Freshwater Prawns Macrobrachium rosenbergii in Ponds

The effects of added substrate on the growth and population characteristics of freshwater prawns raised in ponds were evaluated. Juvenile prawns (0.3 × 0.2 g) were stocked into six 0.04-ha ponds at a density of 59,280/ha. In three randomly selected ponds artificial substrate was added sufficient to increase available surface area approximately 20%. Three control ponds received no added substrate. Added substrate consisted of PVC frames with horizontal plastic mesh and vertical suspended seines. Prawns were fed a commercial diet (32% protein) twice daily according to a computer-generated feeding schedule. At harvest average individual weight, daily yield, and total yield were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in ponds with added substrate (37 g, 12.0 kg/ha per day, and 1,268 kg/ha, respectively). There was no significant difference in survival between treatments, averaging 59% overall. In ponds without substrate the number of small males (SM) was significantly higher and the number of orange claw males (OC) was significantly lower than in ponds with added substrate. Average individual weights of blue claw males, orange claw males, reproductive females, and virgin females were significantly higher (P × 0.05) in ponds with added substrate. Prawns raised in ponds containing added substrate had growth rates and population structures characteristic of prawns stocked at lower densities. Optimum relationships between stocking rates and amounts and types of added substrate should be evaluated as possible methods to increase production levels.     

Effects of Stocking Density and Feed on Pond Production Characteristics and Revenue of Harvested Freshwater Prawns Macrobrachiurn rosenbergii Stocked as Size-Graded Juveniles1

A nursery-reared population of juvenile freshwater prawns (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) averaging 0.11 ± 0.058 g was size graded through a 4-mm bar grader producing a numerically 53% upper size population (0.25 ± 0.086 g). These were stocked into triplicate earthen ponds (0.04–0.07 ha each) at densities of 39,540, 59,300 and 79,100/ha, grown for 131 to 134 d, and fed a specially formulated diet. An additional three ponds were stocked at 39,540/ha and fed a commercial sinking catfish feed. Density had a significant effect on average whole body wet weight at harvest but no significant effect on either total yield, survival, or feed conversion. Mean wet weight was significantly higher for prawns stocked at 39,540/ha (34.3 g) than that for those stocked at either 59,300/ha (26.7 g) or 79,100/ha (263 g). The direct relationship between the percentage of small males and increasing density usually seen with ungraded populations was not evidenced in the size-graded populations. Average total yield ranged from 1,041 to 1,662 kg/ha for stocking densities from 39,540 to 79,100/ha. Differences in overall mean wet weight resulted from differences in mean wet weights for orange claw and no claw males and berried and open females, not from differences in morphotype distributions. These differences resulted in significantly higher percentages of tails within the larger count categories and higher revenues for prawns stocked at 39,540/ha. Feed type had no significant effect. Projected net revenues suggest that prawns need to be marketed and sold as a whole product.     

Effects of Substrate Amount and Orientation on Production and Population Structure of Freshwater Prawns Macrobrachium rosenbergii in Ponds

Abstract.— Previous studies have demonstrated a direct linear relationship between freshwater prawn Mucrobrachium rosenbergii production intensity (kg/ha) and amount of added substrate. However, increases greater than 80% have not been practicable with multiple layers of substrate installed in horizontal orientation. Vertical orientation could allow higher inclusion rates, but might not be useable by prawns which had recently molted. This study compared the effectiveness of substrate (in the form of polyethylene fencing) oriented horizontally or vertically, and evaluated the impact of increasing amounts of vertical substrate (0, 50, and 100%) on prawn production. Juvenile prawns (0.2 ± 0.1 g) were stocked into 12 0.04-ha ponds at 65,000/ ha. Ponds were randomly assigned one of four treatments with three replicate ponds per treatment: 1) controls containing no substrate, 2) 50% increase in horizontal orientation, 3) 50% increase in vertical orientation, or 4) 100% increase in vertical orientation. After 106 d, orientation of substrate (horizontal or vertical) had no significant ( P > 0.05) impact on prawn survival, production, or population structure. In ponds with different amounts of vertical substrate, average weight (42 9). survival (89%). and feed conversion ratio (2.7) were not significantly different ( P > 0.05) among treatments. However, total yield (kg/ha) was significantly greater ( P > 0.05) in ponds with 100% increase in surface area (2,653 kg/ha) than in control ponds (2,140 kg/ha). Ponds with a 50% increase in surface area had yields (2,452 kg/ha) that were not significantly different ( P > 0.05) from control ponds or ponds with a 100% increase. These data indicate that orientation does not impact substrate effectiveness in ponds and that increasing amounts of added substrate continue to increase prawn production up to at least an increase of 100% in available surface area.     

Effects of Size and Age of Juvenile Freshwater Prawns Macrobrachium rosenbergii at Stocking on Population Structure and Production in Polyculture Ponds

Effects of size and age of juvenile freshwater prawns on their growth in polyculture ponds were investigated. Post-larvae were nursed at two commercial nurseries, during either 66 or 129 days, to final mean weights of about 0.25 and 0.5 g, for each age group. Nursed prawns were stocked in ponds at a density of 2/m² and polycultured with carps and tilapias for 148 days.
No significant effect of age or size, or their interaction, was detected in mean harvest weight and gross income, although small age effect was noted in survival and total yield.     

Effects of Stocking Density on Nursery Production and Economics of the Freshwater Prawn,Macrobrachium rosenbergii

ABSTRACT

In temperate regions, post-larvae freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, are grown to more advanced sizes in tanks prior to pond stocking. This intermediate stage of culture is referred to as the nursery period. Little research has been conducted on different management practices on juvenile prawn growth and survival during this 30-60 day period. Survival during the nursery stage has been highly variable and may be related to the cannibalistic behavior of juvenile freshwater prawn when cultured at high densities in the nursery. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of stocking density, relative to the provision of artificial substrate (number of prawns/m² of substrate), on growth, survival, and economic variables for freshwater prawn juveniles during nursery production. Post-larvae (0.01%0.00 g, n = 300) were stocked into nine 1900 L tanks, each provided with 20.5 m² of artificial substrate in the form of horizontal layers of black plastic mesh (10 mm) spaced 5 cm apart. Tanks were randomly assigned one of three prawn densities (215, 430, or 860 post-larvae/m² of substrate), which equated to 2.3,4.6 and 9.2 prawn/L, respectively. Juvenile prawn were fed a commercial trout diet (42% protein) at a percentage of body weight according to a feed rate table. Water quality was maintained using a flow rate of 8 L/min in each tank from a reservoir pond. Temperature was maintained at approximately 28°C using heat pumps. After 56 days there was no significant difference (P >0.05) in average weight of juvenile prawn stocked at the three densities (0 = 0.58%0.12 g, n = 9). Survival was significantly lower (P <0.05) for prawn stocked at 860 m² (62%) than in those stocked at 430/m² (78%) and 215/m² (94%), which were not statistically different (P >0.05). Even with reduced survival, the highest stocking density produced the greatest number of nursed juveniles based on both tank volume (5.5/l) and surface area (530/m²), at the lowest average cost.     

Production Response of Freshwater Prawns Macrobrachium rosenbergii to Increasing Amounts of Artificial Substrate in Ponds

Abstract.— The response of freshwater prawns Macrobrachium rosenbergii to increasing amounts of artificial substrate was evaluated in ponds. Juvenile prawns (0.24 ± 0.13 g) were stocked into nine 0.04-ha ponds at 74,000/ha. Three control ponds received no artificial substrate while artificial substrate in the form of horizontal strips of polyethylene construction fence was added to the six treatment ponds to produce 40% or 80% increases in available surface area. Increasing availability of surface area produced a direct linear increase ( P < 0.05, r ²= 0.89) in total production with no significant change in average weight ( P > 0.05). There was an inverse linear relationship between available surface area and feed conversion ratios ( P < 0.01, r ² = 0.66) likely indicating increased availability of natural foods or reduced stress among animals. There was a direct linear increase in the percentage of females which achieved sexual maturity ( P < 0.01, r ²= 0.71) as the amount of added substrate was increased. Size and number of other sexual morphotypes were not significantly affected. These responses are consistent with those that would be expected if stocking densities were decreased. These data indicate that prawn production increases in direct relation to the amount of added substrate while utilizing feed more efficiently. The effect of substrate orientation on its functionality should be evaluated to allow further increases in substrate inclusion amounts for additional production intensification.     

Effects of Stocking Density and Monosex Culture of Freshwater Prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii on Growth and Production in Concrete Tanks in Saudi Arabia

Abstract This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of stocking density and monosex culture on growth, survival, yield and feed conversion ratio of freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii in concrete tanks. Juvenile prawns with an average weight of 1.8 g were stocked into triplicate tanks at densities of 5, 10, 15 and 20 prawns/m², grown for 168 d and fed a 34% tilapia diet. Stocking density had significant effect on prawns. Final mean body weight decreased with the increasing density, being highest at 5 prawns/m² (29.6 9). and lowest at 20 prawns/m² (17.4 g). Total yield increased from 135 g/m² (1,350 kg/ha) at a density of 5 prawns/m² to 261 g/m² (2,610 kg/ha) at density 15/m^z to 245 g/m² (2,450 kg/ha) at 20/m^z. Feed conversion ratios were high and ranged from 3.7 (5 prawns/m²) to 5.6 (20 prawns/m²).
In monosex culture of freshwater prawns stocked in triplicate tanks at a density of 5 prawns/m² for 112 d, the all-male population had the best growth performance and feed conversion ratio, followed by the mixed-sex and all-female populations. The all-male population had 99% marketable prawns (>20 g) with an average yield of 159 g/m² (1,590 kg/ha); the mixed-sex population had 90% marketable prawns and the yield was 135 g/m^z (1,350 kg/ha); and the all-female population had 75% marketable prawns with an average yield of 108 g/m² (1,080 kgha).     

Comparative Efficacy of Anesthetics for the Freshwater Prawn Macrobrachiurn rosenbergii

Abstract— The freshwater prawn Macrobrachiurn rosenbergii is a commercially important culture species in the South Central United States. Two major constraints in the commercial culture of the freshwater prawn in the U.S. are poor survival during live transportation of seed‐stock to growout ponds, and live transportation of pond harvested prawn to distant live markets due to the territorial and cannibalistic nature of prawn. The use of anesthetics could possibly improve transport survival; however, to date anesthetic agents have not been evaluated for use with prawn. Two trials were conducted with juvenile freshwater prawn to compare the efficacy of anesthetics commonly used on fish. The first trial was designed to identify the most promising candidates. In Study 1, tricaine methanesulfonate (MS‐222), 2‐phenoxyethanol, quinaldine sulfate (quinaldine), clove oil, and Aqui‐S^TM were evaluated at 25 and 100 mg/L for 1 h in three replicate 10‐L glass containers, containing five juvenile prawn each. Relative sedation level was determined every 3 min for 1 h, then recovery time and survival were measured. In Study 1, MS‐222 and 2‐phenoxyethanol were determined to be ineffective on prawn at all rates tested. Based on their performance in Study 1, quinaldine, clove oil, and AquiS^TM were evaluated at 100, 200, and 300 mg/L in Study 2. Observations were determined as in Study 1. Clove oil and Aqui‐S^TM induced anesthesia faster and at lower concentrations than quinaldine. At the highest treatment rate (300 mg/L) prawn suffered 60% mortality in the Aqui‐S^TM treatment, 13% mortality in the quinaldine treatment, and 0% mortality in the clove oil treatment and control following a 1‐h exposure to these concentrations. Based on these data, Aqui‐S^TM and clove oil applied at 100 mg/L may be suitable anesthetic treatments for prawn. Additional research is needed to determine optimal time and dose relationships to minimize stress during holding, handling, and transportation of prawn.     

Effects of Handling Methods on Quality Changes of Giant Freshwater Prawns (Macrobrachium rosenbergii)

Abstract

Prawns (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) were subjected to conditions, which simulated domestic and export handling practices. Prawns were mixed with crushed ice to maintain the prawn samples temperature at 0°C and were stored at room temperature (25 ±2°C) for 48 hr for the domestic handling trial, while for export handling, the samples were kept in a cold room at (0 ±1°C) for 72 hr. Both processes showed sensory, chemical and instrumental changes but the magnitude of the changes for domestic handling was greater than for those of the export trial. Maximum load (firmness), energy to the breaking point (chewiness) and percent of cooking loss increased as storage time increased up to 12 hr, after which prolonged storage resulted in a decrease in these parameters in the cooked samples. Expressible juice decreased during the first 12 hr, later increased gradually. Other chemical parameters such as the soluble-insoluble collagen ratio, proteolysis index (PI) and total volatile nitrogen (TVN) of cooked prawn increased with the increase in storage time. Good correlations among instrumental, chemical and sensory evaluation results were obtained for texture and taste-odor attributes of samples from both of the handling trials. Blanching and deheading of the prawns were found to maintain qualities very well, while samples, which underwent proper handling procedures, exhibited some quality changes after 48 hr.     

Effects of Stocking Size and Density of Tilapia on Macrobrachium rosenbergii in Polyculture

Studies were conducted to determine the effect of stocking size and density of prawns in polyculture.
In one experiment, postlarval prawns (av. wt. 0.02 g) were stocked in six 0.02 ha earthen ponds at 35,00O/ha. Two ponds were stocked with tilapia fry (av. wt. 0.14 g) and two were stocked with tilapia fingerlings (av. wt. 30.1 g), each at 10,000/ha. Two control ponds had no tilapia. Tilipia stocking size had no effect on prawn growth. Mean weight of prawns after 70 days of culture ranged from a low of 4.5 g when cultured with tilapia fingerlings to a high of 6.6 when cultured in monoculture. Prawn survival was adversely affected by tilapia fry. Average prawn survival in tilapia fry ponds was 65% compared to 75% and 91%, respectively, in tilapia fingerling and monoculture ponds.
In a second experiment, postlarval prawns were stocked in nine 0.02 ha earthen ponds at 40,000/ ha. Six ponds were stocked with 30 g tilapia fingerlings, three at 5,000/ha and three at 15,000/ha. Three control ponds received prawns only. After 100 days of culture, prawn weight ranged from an average of 15.9 g in monoculture ponds to 11.5 g in polyculture ponds. Survival was highest (93.8%) in low density polyculture ponds. Survival was lowest (85.6%) in prawn monoculture ponds. Tilapia reproduction had a negative impact on shrimp production.     

Acute Toxicity of Copper to Juvenile Freshwater Prawns,Macrobrachium rosenbergii

Abstract

Copper sulfate is an algicide that is commonly used for phytoplankton and filamentous algae control and has been used as a therapeutant in aquaculture. The objectives of this study were to determine the acute toxicity of copper sulfate and the safe level for use in freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, production ponds in a high calcium and alkalinity environment. Six concentrations of copper sulfate (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0 mg/L) were tested in 8-L glass aquaria for 48 hours with three replicate aquaria per treatment. Concentrations of calcium hardness and alkalinity were set at 100 mg/L using calcium chloride and sodium bicarbonate, respectively. After 48 hours, survival of the control treatment (0% CuSO₄) averaged 97%, which was significantly higher (P< 0.05) than that of all other treatments. The survival in the 0.2 mg/L and 0.4 mg/L (70% and 73%, respectively) concentrations of CuSO₄ were significantly greater (P< 0.05) than higher dose treatments; but were not significantly different from each other (P> 0.05). Treatments containing 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0-mg/L copper sulfate demonstrated a dramatic decrease in prawn survival, which averaged 30, 7, and 0%, respectively. Regression analysis of the data predicted 48-hour LC₅₀ for copper sulfate tobe0.46 mg/L. Since recommended application rates for use of copper sulfate as an algicide are 1.0 mg/L or more for water with alkalinities of 100 mg/L, copper sulfate treatments are not recommended for prawn production ponds.     

Effects of Artificial Substrate and Stocking Density on the Nursery Production of Pacific White Shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei

Nursery production may be enhanced by the addition of artificial substrate to increase the surface area upon which shrimp graze and to serve as refuge. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of the artificial substrate, AquaMats^TM, on the performance of postlarval Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei stocked at three densities. Eighteen 230-L tanks were stocked with 10-d postlarvae (mean weight < 0.01 g). Six treatments were evaluated and consisted of shrimp stocked at three densities (778 shrimp/m², 1,167 shrimp/ m², and 1,556 shrimp/m²) with and without access to artificial substrate. Shrimp in all treatments received a commercial diet ad libitum . After 6 wk, shrimp were harvested from each nursery tank, counted, and batch weighed. Mean final weight, survival, production, feed conversion ratio, and water quality parameters were analyzed by 2-way ANOVA. There were highly significant ( P < 0.001) density and substrate effects on final weight, but there was no significant interaction effect. Final weight was 26.0, 17.4, and 34.5% greater in treatments with substrate than without substrate when stocked at 778, 1,167, and 1,556 shrimp/m², respectively. There was no significant density, substrate, or interaction effect on survival or water quality. Mean survival was ± 89.1% for all treatments. Increased shrimp growth in the presence of added substrate was likely due to the availability of attached particulate organic matter on the AquaMats^TM that served as an additional food source. Results from this study indicate that artificial substrate can be used to mitigate the potential negative effects of high stocking density on growth of L. vannamei in nursery systems.     

Effects of Dietary Fiber on Growth and Gastric Emptying Time of the Freshwater Prawn Macrobrachiurn rosenbergii (De Man, 1879)

Feeding experiments were conducted on large and small adult freshwater prawns Macrobrachium rosenbergii (36.96 ± 1.65 and 13.48 ± 1.65 g in weight) to determine the impact of dietary fiber on growth, digestion, and gastric emptying time. Fiber was incorporated as Q- cellulose into four semi-purified diets at calculated levels of 0, 5, 10 and 15% at the expense of starch and fed for an 8-wk period. The experiment was conducted in a closed, filtered, recirculating freshwater system. The results indicate that the specific growth rates, feed conversion ratios, and protein efficiency ratios improved as the levels of dietary fiber increased from 0.4% to 8%. Gastric emptying times increased as the level of inclusion of cellulose in the diets increased. It was concluded that diets containing up to 10% dietary fiber increases growth rates in adult prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii by increasing nutrient residence time in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby increasing absorption.     

文蛤密度对养殖水体底质硫化物和COD影响的研究

密度梯度设置为50粒/m2、100粒/m2、200粒/m2、400粒/m2、800粒/m2、0粒/m2的文蛤的养殖密度对养殖体系中底质硫化物和水体COD、溶解氧等因子的影响实验表明:文蛤密度加大,硫化物产生的幅度加大,并与COD呈显著线性关系,溶解氧消耗加剧,水质恶化提前,文蛤密度加大是水质恶化的主要原因之一。实验期间,密度在100粒/m2以上时,文蛤发生规模死亡,密度在100粒/m2以下时,文蛤没有发生死亡,但密度在100粒/m2时,有害物质硫化物的量值在实验后期有上升趋势,表明文蛤生存胁迫加大,密度在50粒/m2时,文蛤生长良好,水质变化不大,适于规模养殖。     

Feeds and Feeding Schedules for Indoor Nursery Culture of Postlarval Freshwater Prawns Macrobrachium rosenbergii1

Potential feeds, feeding schedules, and feed supplements for growing M. rosenbergii postlarvae to a juvenile size of 0.5 g were evaluated. Postlarvae were grown in 69 L aquaria for 6 to 9 weeks at densities of 1.3 or 2.0/L at a water temperature of 28 C. An experimental diet (HFX-EXD-86X) and four commercially available feeds (Purina Trout Chow No. 2, Silver Cup Fish Feed—Salmon No. 3, Zeigler Shrimp Post Larval Granules No. 3, and MFC Clover Brand 38% Catfish Fingerling Crumbles) were tested. Prawns fed Purina Trout Chow No. 2 had the best survival and yield. Four feeding schedules were then evaluated with Purina Trout Chow No. 2 as the only food: once daily (at 1600 h), twice daily (at 0800 and 1600 h), twice daily (at 0800 and 2000 h), and three times daily (at 0800, 1600, and 2400 h). Prawns in the oncedaily treatment exhibited the best survival, final weight, yield, and food conversion ratio. A oncedaily frequency was then used to test the effects of supplementing the Purina diet with beef liver, squid mantle, codfish muscle, or cooked (scrambled) chicken egg, at 20% dry weight of the total diet. Prawns fed the beef liver supplement had the best final weight and yield.     

Effects of Added Shelter and Stocking Density on Growth of Sleepy Cod Oxyeleotris lineolatus in Ponds

Sleepy cod Oxyeleotris lineolatus is a species of freshwater goby in demand in Australian markets by consumers of Asian origin. It is related to marble goby Oxyeleotris marmoratus , the most expensive freshwater food fish in Asia, which is cultured throughout southeast Asia in ponds and cages. The performance of sleepy cod in culture conditions was investigated to assess the viability of farming them in northern Australia. Sleepy cod fingerlings (62.8 ± 0.8 mm total length and 2.56 ± 0.095 g) were stocked into experimental ponds at 32,857 fish/ha, and grown out for 8 mo. Shelter was provided in each of three replicate ponds and was absent in three control ponds. The provision of shelter in juvenile growout was found to be of no benefit, although fish in ponds provided with shelter weighed slightly more per unit length than fish in ponds without shelter. Cannibalism was not a problem in growout, and survival was close to 100%. After the shelter trial was completed, fish were graded into large and small classes (three replicates of each), and grown out without shelter at the same density for 158 d. Following that, fish were again graded, and the largest 30% retained from growout at a density of 8,857 fish/ha (large, 198 ± 6.44 g) or 10,000 fish/ha (small, 48.9 ± 1.27 g). These were grown out for 188 d. Growth of selected stock at low densities was slower than earlier growth rates, although smaller fish gained weight more rapidly than larger fish. Growth rates were better than the only published data for marble goby. Further investigation into high density culture and different genotypes of sleepy cod needs to be undertaken to determine the viability of pond culture.     

The Effect of Biomass Density,Temperature, and Substrate on Transport Survival of Market-Size Freshwater Prawn,Macrobrachium rosenbergii

Abstract

After harvest, adult prawn are often transported for sales to live markets, such as ethnic Asian outlets, in major urban centers. Poor survival during transportation has hindered development and expansion of these markets. Methodologies to increase survival during transport could contribute to industry viability. Three independent trials were conducted. In the first trial, three biomass densities (25, 50 and 100 g/L) were evaluated in 100-L, open plastic containers aerated with pure oxygen and compressed air. Water quality analyses were performed prior to stocking. After 24 hours in the model transport containers, water quality analysis was conducted and all prawn were removed, determined to be alive or dead, and each group weighed and counted. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) for prawn survival (overall mean 98%) among the three densities. Concentrations of dissolved oxygen and nitrite were not effected by hauling density (P < 0.05). Total ammonia-nitrogen and un-ionized ammonia-nitrogen concentrations increased (P < 0.05) as biomass densities increased, though values remained within what are considered tolerable ranges. In the second trial, the effect of added substrate and temperature on transport survival was evaluated with prawns stocked at the high density (100 g/L). Two water temperatures (21°C and 26°C) with and without substrate were evaluated in a 2 × 2 factorial with three replicate, 100-L model transport containers per treatment combination (12 containers total). Factorial analysis indicated no significant statistical interaction (P > 0.05) between the presence of substrate and water temperature on any measured variable. The main effects of substrate and temperature were then analyzed separately. The presence or absence of substrate had no significant impact (P > 0.05) on prawn survival. However, temperature had a highly significantly impact (P < 0.01) on survival; prawn survival at 21°C averaged 97% compared to 24% at 26°C. The third trial was a commercial verification trial in which 500 kg of live prawn were transported to New York from Kentucky. These data indicate prawn can be successfully transported at 100 g/L for 24 hours when temperatures are maintained near 21°C. Adding substrate to the transport tank appears to provide no benefit.     

Impact of Different Management Technologies on the Production, Population Structure, and Economics of Freshwater Prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii Culture in Temperate Climates

In temperate zone ponds, maximization of total production without decreasing average harvest weight is of increased importance due to the relatively short growing season. Recent research on the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii has shown that techniques such as size grading juveniles and adding artificial substrate to the ponds can accomplish these goals, and their impacts appear to be cumulative. However, due to the greater investments required, private producers have been reluctant to adopt these practices. The studies involved in developing these independent technologies have been conducted over a number of growing seasons with their different environmental conditions. It is important that different production technologies being utilized by commercial producers be directly compared under standardized conditions. The objective of this study was to compare the previously recommended and widely used technology (39,200/ha; ungraded juveniles; no substrate) (Low Input) with an intensified version of that technology used by some producers (54,340/ha; ungraded juveniles; no substrate) (Medium Input) with a technology package developed through a series of research trials to maximize production (69,160/ha; graded juveniles; with substrate; phase feeding) (High Input) under standardized conditions. Each of the seven 0.04-ha ponds were randomly assigned to either the Low Input, Medium Input, or High Input treatment with two, three, and two replicate ponds per treatment, respectively. Juvenile prawns (ungraded 0.6 ± 0.3 g; graded 0.9 ± 0.3 g) were stocked at one of the three densities according to its randomly assigned treatment. Low and Medium Input ponds received no added substrate while artificial substrate was added to the High Input ponds a rate sufficient to increase available surface area by 50%. Low and Medium Input Treatments were fed a 32% protein sinking pellet according to a feeding table. High Input ponds were fed at rates 20% above the feed table recommendations. After 104 d, survival was significantly higher (P± 0.05) in the High Input treatment (92%) than in the Medium Input treatment (83%), with Low Input ponds being intermediate (88%). Compared to the Low Input technology, the Medium Input technology significantly increased (P± 0.05) total production but significantly reduced average weight, so that Production Stock Index (PSI) and production of marketable size animals (> 20 g) or premium size animals (> 30 g) was not significantly increased (P > 0.05). Compared to the original Low Input technology, the High Input treatment significantly increased (P < 0.05) production (92%), average weight (6%), Production Stock Index (PSI) (102%), market-able production (> 20 g) (140%), production of premium size animals (> 30 g) (130%), and feed efficiency (32%). The move from the Low Input technology to the High Input technology reduced breakeven costs by 13% based on operating costs and 22% based on total cost figures. In summary, adoption of the High Input technology appears to be biologically and economically justified if similar results can be obtained in commercial scale ponds.     

Effects of Harvesting Methods on Population Structure,Growth and Yield of Freshwater Prawn,Macrobrachium rosenbergii,Cultured at Two Densities

Effects of harvesting methods (cull and batch) on population structure, growth, and yield of freshwater prawn, Macrobrachiurn rosenbergii, cultured at two densities (5/m2 and 10/m2) were evaluated. Females (67.4%) were more abundant than males (32.6%), but there was no effect of harvesting methods and stocking rates on sex ratio (P > 0.05). Mean survival rates ranged from 78.3 to 92.6%, being highest at a stocking density of 10/m2 and cull-harvested (P < 0.05), but were not different (P > 0.05) among three other treatments. After 196 days of culture, mean weights ranged from 25.3 to 29.9 g and were not significantly different from each other (P > 0.05). Mean weight of males was not hi her than that of f females (P > 0.05), except in one treatment (5/m² , batch harvest) where males were heavier (P < 0.05). Maximum specific growth rate (SGR) was recorded for prawns cultured at a density of 5/m² and cull-harvested (0.66%/day), followed by prawns at 10/m² and cull-harvested (0.58%/day). Minimum SGR was found for prawns cultured at 10/m² density and balch-harvested (0.43%/day). Maximum yield (2366 kg/ha and 2099 kg/ha) was recorded at the higher density (P < 0.05). Harvesting method had no effect on yield at any density (P > 0.05).