Effect of Intensification on Grow Out of the Amazon River Prawn, Macrobrachium amazonicum

The effects of intensification on growth, survival, productivity, population structure, and distribution of harvested biomass in individual size classes of Macrobrachium amazonicum in semi‐intensive culture were evaluated. Postlarvae (0.01 g) were stocked in 12 ponds at densities of 10, 20, 40, and 80/m² (three replicates per treatment) and raised for 5.5 mo. Average individual weight significantly decreased and productivity significantly increased as stocking density increased (P < 0.001), while survival was not affected (P > 0.05). Prawn mean weight at harvest ranged from 3.6 (80/m²) to 7.0 g (10/m²). Average survival ranged from 65.5% (40/m²) to 72.8% (20/m²), while productivity ranged from 508 (10/m²) to 2051 kg/ha (80/m²). Harvested biomass showed a clear bimodal distribution in individual size classes indicating the occurrence of heterogeneous growth, which may affect management and market strategies. Harvested biomass of prawns weighing more than 7 g (the best market size) increases for stocking densities up to 40/m² and stabilizes between 40 and 80/m². Growth reduction was associated with a decreasing frequency and average weight of green claw 1 and green claw 2 male morphotypes and adult females as density increased. Thus, the distribution of male morphotypes and sexually mature females are affected by density‐dependent factors. Results suggest that prawn density plays an important role on M. amazonicum grow‐out phase, as has been demonstrated for other species of the genus Macrobrachium. M. amazonicum tolerates grow‐out intensification and may be raised in both semi‐intensive and intensive systems stocked at very high densities yielding high productivity.     

Production Characteristics of All‐male and Mixed‐sex Giant River Prawns,Macrobrachium rosenbergii,Grown in Earthen Ponds in Kentucky and Mississippi USA

Production and population characteristics of monosex male (all‐male) giant river prawns, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, were compared with a normal (mixed‐sex) population in separate studies in Mississippi and Kentucky (USA) under low and high density stocking conditions, respectively. In Study 1 (Mississippi), juvenile prawns were stocked into eight 0.05–0.06 ha ponds at 24,700/ha. The mean stocking weight of all‐male was 0.34 g and mixed‐sex was 0.39 g. Prawns were fed 23% crude protein “range cubes” and harvested after 120 d for the all‐male prawns and 112 d for mixed‐sex prawns. In Study 2 (Kentucky), juvenile prawns from each group were stocked into six 0.04 ha ponds at 60,000 juveniles per hectare. The mean stocking weight for all‐male was 0.38 g and for mixed‐sex juveniles was 0.34 g. Prawns were fed a commercial sinking pellet (33% protein) once daily at a standardized rate and harvested after 105 d. In both locations survival of mixed‐sex prawns and all‐male prawns was not significantly different and the final average weight of all‐male prawns was significantly greater than the average weight of mixed‐sex prawns. For the study in Kentucky, total production was not significantly different between treatments, whereas in Mississippi total production in the all‐male ponds was significantly higher than in the mixed‐sex ponds. For both studies, the production size index of all‐male prawns was significantly greater than that of mixed‐sex prawns. In terms of population structure, in all‐male ponds there was a significant increase in orange claw (OC) males compared with the mixed‐sex ponds both as a percent of sex and a percent of total population. The increase in OC numbers in all‐male populations may be due to a lack of females to stimulate the transition of males to the final, sexually mature, blue claw stage. As target weights increase from 20, 30, and 40 g, the all‐male populations were increasingly superior in terms of production (kg/ha) of those target sizes. The economic benefit of all‐male over mixed‐sex populations will be principally based on an examination of tradeoffs that primarily consider the cost difference of juveniles relative to the price differences for different final harvest weights.     

Effect of cold shock and hormone on growth and male morphotypes of freshwater prawn,Macrobrachium rosenbergii (de Man)

A study was carried out to determine the effects of cold shock and 17α‐methyl testosterone hormone on growth in male morphotypes of giant freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii. Juvenile males were exposed at 18 ± 0.25°C for 24 h with normal feed and cultured at 27 ± 0.7°C for 70 days as well as administrated feed with hormone separately at 400 mg kg^?1 feed for the first 30 days of culture period (70 days). The growth (Mean ± SD) of male juveniles at harvest was closely homogenous in the cold shock (CLS) treated group; while it was heterogeneous in hormone‐treated (MH) and control (CO) groups. Although total body weight of blue claw (BC) males was not significantly different in the controls and the treatments, the 2nd pereiopods (claw) weight and length of the BC was significantly lower in CLS (0.52 ± 0.05 g, 10.02 ± 0.65 cm) than that in the CO (0.71 ± 0.16 g, 12.53 ± 0.57 cm) and MH (0.75 ± 0.08 g, 12.85 ± 1.18 cm) treatments. Survival of prawns was similar in treatments. The morphotypes of male prawn were significantly different with 59% of BC males with small‐sized claws in CLS and, 45% and 30% of BC males with large‐sized claws in MH and CO respectively. Cold shock adversely affected male morphotypes of the prawn so that numbers of BC males with small‐sized claw was the highest in CLS tank. However, the CLS treatment resulted in more uniform marketable prawns and suggested a high production of BC males in an all‐male culture system.     

The effect of size-grading juvenile Macrobrachium rosenbergii prior to stocking on their population structure and production in polyculture: II. Dividing the population into three fractions

Juvenile prawns (ca. 1.1 g) were size-graded into upper (32%), middle (45%) and lower fractions (23%). The graded fractions and the graded and recombined control were stocked into 400-m² earthen ponds, at a density of 2/m². The prawns were grown for 97 days in polyculture with tilapia, common carp, silver carp and grass carp. The proportion of females was higher than that of males in all of the groups except the lower fraction in which males predominated. The fractions differed in the proportions of the male and female morphotypes. The upper fraction had a low proportion (8%) of small males (SM) and a high proportion (22%) of blue claw males (BC). The lower fraction showed the reverse trend, with a high proportion (50%) of SM and a low proportion (3%) of BC. The middle fraction was intermediate and similar to the control. The proportions of mature females in the upper and lower fractions were 63 and 6% respectively. The middle fraction was intermediate (21%) but lower than the control group (45%). Survival in the grow-out phase was ca. 88% in all the groups. The three graded groups differed significantly in mean weight, with the largest prawns occurring in the upper fraction. Since the price of prawns is size-dependent, the net income from the upper fraction was almost nine times that of the lower fraction. The weighted mean income from the three fractions did not differ from that of the control. The large differences in yield and net income among the graded fractions, as well as the lack of increase in the net income compared with the control, are explained by early male morphotype determination.     

Effects and Interactions of Stocking Density and Added Substrate on Production and Population Structure of Freshwater Prawns Macrobrachiurn rosenbergii

The effects and interactions of added artificial substrate with different stocking densities of prawns were evaluated. Juvenile prawns (0.2 ± 0.1 g) were stocked into 12 0.04-ha ponds at 60,000ha and 120,000/ha with and without substrate. Added substrate consisted of horizontal plastic mesh and strips of "oyster netting" sutlicient to increase available surface area 80%. There were no statistically significant ( P > 0.05) interactions between stocking density and presence of added substrate, allowing these main effects to be compared separately. Increasing stocking density produced a significant increase ( P < 0.01) in total production but a significant decrease ( P < 0.01) in average prawn size and production ( P < 0.05) of market size prawns (>20 g, -27%; > 30 g, -56%). Added substrate also produced a significant increase ( P < 0.05) in total production (18%). However, average prawn size was not decreased and production of marketable shrimp was increased (>20 g, 25%; >30 g, 19%). Feed conversion ratios were significantly decreased (P < 0.01) by the presence of substrate. Increased stocking density significantly increased ( P < 0.05) the percentage of males which were small males (SM) and decreased ( P < 0.01) the percentage of orange claw males (OC), but had no impact ( P > 0.05) on numbers of reproductive (RF) and virgin (VF) female morphotypes. Increased stocking density also produced a significant decrease ( P < 0.05) in average size of OC, RF, and VF morphotypes while the addition of substrate had no statistically significant impact (P > 0.05) on the number or size of different morphotypes. The mathematical relationship between available surface area and average prawn size should be determined to produce recommended inclusion rates for added substrate based on desired levels of total production, stocking rates, and optimum market sizes.     

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).     

MALAYSIAN PRAWN CULTURE IN BRACKISH WATER PONDS IN LOUISIANA

Beginning on May 13, 1980, prawns were cultured at the Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge for 140 days from postlarvae and fed. Production in ponds receiving Ralston Purina Experimental Marine Ration #25 averaged 408 kg/ha, 619 kg/ha and 510 kg/ha for the respective replicated stocking densities of 2.5/m², 4.9/m² and 7.4/m². Average feed conversion factors were 1.0, 1.0 and 1.5. Average prawn weights at harvest decreased with increased stocking density and were 21 g, 17 g and 12 g, respectively. Production per pond ranged from 390 kg/ha to 832 kg/ha. An average of 77% of prawns stocked at 2.5/m² exceeded 115 mm TL whereas the stocking densities of 4.9/m² and 7.4/m² yielded only 32% and 31% over 115 mm. Extra postlarvae remaining after the stocking requirements for the feeding study were met permitting additional tests. Stocking rates selected for these additional studies were 1.2/m², 2.5/m² and 3.7/m². Prawns in these ponds received no supplemental feed and yielded harvests of 124 kg/ha, 224 kg/ha and 292 kg/ha, respectively. These treatments, the first two of which were not replicated, resulted in production similar to that of an earlier study of prawn production on natural forage in brackish ponds at this facility. Average prawn sizes at harvest were 18 g, 15 g and 12 g, and were inversely related to stocking densities.     

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.     

Culture of Macrobrachium rosenbergii (De Man 1879) in experimental cages in a freshwater eutrophic lake at different stocking densities

Macrobrachium rosenbergii (de Man 1879) juveniles (0.4 g) were cultured in experimental cages (L × W × H: 2.5 × 1 × 1 m) in Laguna de Bay, the largest lake in the Philippines. The following stocking densities at four replicates each were used: 15, 30, 60 and 90 prawns m⁻² of cage bottom. The mean sizes at harvest after 5 months of culture ranged from 14.3 g for the highest stocking density to 26.3 g for the lowest. The mean size at harvest, daily growth rate and size class distribution were significantly influenced by stocking density, with those at the lowest stocking density showing significantly better growth and overall proportion of larger prawns. Heterogeneous individual growth (HIG) was fairly evident in all treatments. The percentage of blue‐clawed males was not influenced by treatment but the mean weight was significantly higher in the lower stocking densities. Both the percentage and mean weight of berried females were significantly higher in the lowest stocking density. Survival was the highest in the lower stocking densities (55.3%, 54.0%, 52.7% and 36.9% for 15, 30, 60 and 90 prawns m⁻² respectively). Feed conversion ratio (FCR) improved with decreasing stocking density, ranging from 2.1 to 3. As expected, yield per cropping increased with stocking density and ranged from 450 to 1089 g m⁻² yr⁻¹ of actual cage area. Production values obtained in the cage cultured M. rosenbergii were comparable to or even higher than those reported from pond culture, given that the stocking densities used in this study were generally higher than in ponds. The results show that the farming of M. rosenbergii in cages in lakes is a viable alternative to pond culture and has the potential of improve aquaculture production in lakeshore fish farming communities.     

Effects of Two Densities of Caged Monosex Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, on Water Quality, Phytoplankton Populations, and Production When Polycultured with Macrobrachium rosenbergii in Temperate Ponds

The effects of different densities of caged Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, on water quality, phytoplankton populations, prawn, and total pond production were evaluated in freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, production ponds. The experiment consisted of three treatments with three 0.04‐ha replicates each. All ponds were stocked with graded, nursed juvenile prawn (0.9 ± 0.6 g) at 69,000/ha. Control (CTL) ponds contained only prawns. Low‐density polyculture (LDP) ponds also contained two cages (1 m³; 100 fish/cage) of monosex male tilapia (115.6 ± 22 g), and high‐density polyculture (HDP) ponds had four cages. Total culture period was 106 d for tilapia and 114 d for prawn. Overall mean afternoon pH level was significantly lower (P ≤ 0.05) in polyculture ponds than in CTL ponds but did not differ (P > 0.05) between LDP and HDP. Phytoplankton biovolume was reduced in polyculture treatments. Tilapia in the LDP treatment had significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) harvest weights than in the HDP treatment. Prawn weights were higher (P ≤ 0.05) in polyculture than prawn monoculture. These data indicate that a caged tilapia/freshwater prawn polyculture system may provide pH control while maximizing pond resources in temperate areas.     

The case for all‐female freshwater prawn,Macrobrachium rosenbergii (De Man), culture

The prevailing notion in the prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) culture industry is that the large male prawns that dominate the product value in research and commercial populations should, alone, be the target of commercial mono‐sex (all‐male) culture. However, studies have shown that the male prawn's response to increasing density (intensification) is controlled by a strong hierarchical dominance‐based social structure resulting in a large, disproportionate, increase in low value small animals in the ‘lower’ modal class of the male prawn size distribution. In contrast, prawn females and other aquatics, such as marine shrimp, display a moderate and uniform response to intensification in all size classes. Indeed, the densities in which prawn male superiority has been demonstrated are well below those used in intensive marine shrimp culture. This article: (1) discusses the background to the issue, (2) discusses the notion that because female prawns appear to be ‘marine shrimp‐like’ – with a normal size distribution indicating a lack of a strong social dominance – this will render them superior to all‐males under intensive growing conditions, (3) presents a ‘rate‐of‐response‐to‐density’ model projecting a female‐superior response to high previously untested densities, (4) summarizes results of a pond field test conducted at Auburn University (Auburn, AL, USA) to test the model's results whereby hand‐sexed prawns in treatment‐replicated in‐pond cages at densities of 10, 25, 40 and 55/m² showed that all‐female prawns give higher production and product value than males under intensive conditions, (5) discusses the use of biotechnological methods to sex‐reverse brood‐stock to produce all‐females and (6) discusses the notion that the potential of genetic selection to increase prawn production is only possible using females.     

Evaluation of the production potential of Macrobrachium rosenbergii (de Man) in monoculture and in polyculture with Nile tilapia and common carp in Saudi Arabia

The feasibility of polyculture of Macrobrachium rosenbergii (de Man) with two fish species, Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.), and common carp, Cyprinus carpio L., was examined and compared with monoculture of M. rosenbergii in 100-m² ponds. Overall percentage of females (56.8%) was higher than that of males (43.2%). The proportions of females, males and their morphotypes did not differ significantly between monoculture and polyculture. After 196 days of culture, the mean harvest weight of prawns in monoculture (30.2 g) was significantly greater than that in polyculture (21.3 g). Yield in monoculture (1152 kg ha^-1) was significantly greater than (1.62 times) that of polyculture (711 kg ha^-1). Total yield from polyculture including yield of tilapia (2544 kg ha^-1) and common carp (2999 kg ha^-1) was almost five times as great as that of prawn monoculture. Survival and food conversion rate of M. rosenbergii did not differ significantly between monoculture and polyculture.     

Effects of all‐male,mixed‐sex and all‐female freshwater prawn in polyculture with major carps and molas in the fallow rice fields

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of all‐male, mixed‐sex and all‐female freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) in a polyculture with major carps (Catla catla and Labeo rohita) and self‐recruiting small fish molas (Amblypharyngodon mola) in the fallow rice fields of Bangladesh. There were three treatments with three replicates. All ponds were stocked with carps and molas plus either all‐male prawns (treatment MP), mixed‐sex prawns (MFP) or all‐female prawns (FP). Prawn, mola, catla and rohu were stocked 20 000, 20 000, 1750 and 750 ha^?1, respectively, in all treatments. The prawns were fed twice daily, starting at 8% body weight and gradually reduced to 3% body weight. The fish were fed in the morning with mustard oil cake and rice bran (1:2 ratios) at 3% body weight. Significantly higher production of prawns (697 kg ha^?1) was obtained in treatment MP, which yielded 34.7% and 56.2% more production than MFP and FP respectively. Significantly higher total production of 1620 kg ha^?1 and a higher benefit–cost ratio of 2.10:1 were also obtained in treatment MP. It can be concluded that an all‐male prawn culture is economically more viable than all‐female and mixed‐sex prawn cultures, along with other fish like major carps and the nutrient‐dense molas in the polyculture.     

The potential of mixed culture of genetically improved farmed tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and freshwater giant prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) in periphyton-based systems

The production performance of genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT, Oreochromis niloticus) and freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) in periphyton‐based systems were studied in farmers' ponds at Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Fifteen ponds (200–300 m² area and 1.0–1.5 m in depth) were used to compare five stocking ratios in triplicate: 100% GIFT, 75% GIFT plus 25% prawn, 50% GIFT plus 50% prawn, 25% GIFT plus 75% prawn and 100% prawn. Ponds were stocked at a total density of 20 000 GIFT and/or prawn ha^?1. Bamboo poles (mean diameter 6.2 cm and 5.5 pole m^?2) were posted in pond bottoms vertically as periphyton substrate. Periphyton biomass in terms of dry matter (DM), ash‐free DM and chlorophyll a were significantly higher in ponds stocked with prawn alone than in ponds with different combinations of GIFT and prawn. Survival of GIFT was significantly lower in ponds stocked with 100% GIFT (monoculture) whereas, that of prawn was significantly higher in its monoculture ponds indicating detrimental effects of GIFT on prawn's survival. Individual weight gains for both species were significantly higher in polyculture than in monoculture. The highest total fish and prawn yield (1623 kg GIFT and 30 kg prawn ha^?1) over 125–140 days culture period was recorded in ponds with 75% GIFT and 25% prawn followed by 100% GIFT alone (1549 kg ha^?1), 50% GIFT plus 50% prawn (1114 kg GIFT and 68 kg prawn ha^?1), 25% GIFT plus 75% prawn (574 kg GIFT and 129 kg prawn ha^?1) and 100% prawn alone (157 kg ha^?1). This combination also gave the highest economic return. Therefore, a stocking ratio of 75% GIFT plus 25% prawn at a total density of 20 000 ha^?1 appeared to be the best stocking ratio in terms of fish production as well as economics for a periphyton‐based polyculture system.     

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.     

Effect of Shelters,Densities, and Weight Groups on Survival,Growth and Limb Loss in the Freshwater Prawn,Macrobrachium nobilii (Henderson and Matthai, 1910)

Abstract

Three weight groups of juvenile prawn, M. nobilii, were raised at three stocking densities (22,38, and 77 prawns/m²) under three substrate conditions (sand, pebbles, and pebbles with shelter in the form of PVC pipe). Stocking density had a significant (P < 0.001) influence on the survival and growth of the prawn. A higher incidence of limb autotomy was recorded at the higher stocking density. Provision of pebbles and PVC pipe increased the survival, and mean growth rates, and reduced the percentage of limb loss.     

Social control of growth in Macrobrachium rosenbergii (De Man): a review and prospects for future research

The wide range of sizes of sexually mature prawn populations and particularly of the males is very typical of Macrobrachium rosenbergii (De Man) and a major obstacle to increased profitability of prawn culture. Prawn size variation reflects a complex population structure composed of three major male morphotypes – the small males, the orange‐claw males and the blue‐claw males – which differ in their morphology, physiology and behaviour. Social interactions among juveniles and among sexually mature males affect their growth. Four different social mechanisms have been suggested to control growth in crustaceans: direct competition for food, appetite suppression, altered food‐conversion efficiency and increased energy expenditure on motor activity. Since all growth‐controlling mechanisms involve an aggressive behavioural component, our knowledge of prawn agonistic behaviour and prawn social organization has been reviewed. Present knowledge of the social mechanisms regulating growth among juveniles and among sexually mature male morphotypes as well as the sensory modalities involved was evaluated. The possible evolution of social growth‐controlling mechanisms is discussed. Various ways for implementing our knowledge on social control of growth into prawn culture to increase profitability are suggested.     

Effects of stocking density of freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii and addition of different levels of tilapia Oreochromis niloticus on production in C/N controlled periphyton based system

An on-station trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of stocking density of freshwater prawn and addition of different levels of tilapia on production in carbon/nitrogen (C/N) controlled periphyton based system. The experiment had a 2 × 3 factorial design, in which two levels of prawn stocking density (2 and 3 juveniles m^? 2) were investigated in 40 m² earthen ponds with three levels of tilapia density (0, 0.5 and 1 juveniles m^? 2). A locally formulated and prepared feed containing 30% crude protein with C/N ratio close to 10 was applied considering the body weight of prawn only. Additionally, tapioca starch was applied to the water column in all ponds to increase C/N ratio from 10 (as in feed) to 20. Increasing stocking density of tilapia decreased the chlorophyll a concentration in water and total nitrogen in sediment, and increased the bottom dissolved oxygen. The concentrations of inorganic nitrogenous species (NH₃–N, NO₂–N and NO₃–N) were low due to maintaining a high C/N ratio (20) in all treatment ponds. Increasing prawn density decreased periphyton biomass (dry matter, ash free dry matter, chlorophyll a) by 3–6% whereas tilapia produced a much stronger effect. Increasing stocking density of freshwater prawn increased the total heterotrophic bacterial (THB) load of water and sediment whereas tilapia addition decreased the THB load of periphyton. Both increasing densities of prawn and tilapia increased the value of FCR. Increasing prawn density increased gross and net prawn production (independent of tilapia density). Adding 0.5 tilapia m^? 2 on average reduced prawn production by 12–13%, and tilapia addition at 1 individual m^? 2 produced a further 5% reduction (independent of prawn density). The net yield of tilapia was similar between 0.5 and 1 tilapia m^? 2 treatments and increased by 8.5% with increasing stocking density of prawn. The combined net yield increased significantly with increasing stocking density of prawn and tilapia addition. The significantly highest benefit cost ratio (BCR) was observed in 0.5 tilapia m^? 2 treatment but freshwater prawn density had no effect on it. Therefore, both stocking densities (2 and 3 juveniles m^? 2) of prawn with the addition of 0.5 tilapia m^? 2 resulted in higher fish production, good environmental condition and economic return and hence, polyculture of prawn and tilapia in C/N controlled periphyton based system is a promising options for ecological and sustainable aquaculture.     

The budget of nitrogen in the grow‐out of the Amazon river prawn (Macrobrachium amazonicum Heller) and tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum Cuvier) farmed in monoculture and in integrated multitrophic aquaculture systems

This work determined the nitrogen inputs, outputs and accumulation in compartments of stagnant earthen ponds for the monoculture and integrated multi‐trophic aquaculture (IMTA) of the Amazon river prawn (Macrobrachium amazonicum) and tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum), using recycled hypereutrophic water. A completely randomized experiment was designed with four treatments and three replications: PM–monoculture with 30 prawns/m², FM ‐ monoculture with 3 fish/m², IMTA ‐ polyculture with 30 prawns/m² and 30 fish/m² free, POLY‐CAGE ‐ polyculture with 30 prawns/m² free and 40 fish/m³ in net‐cages. Animals, rain, water, feed, soil, gas, accumulated sludge, and suspended sediments were collected throughout the experiment to determine their nitrogen contents and to calculate the nitrogen budget. Results showed that much of the nitrogen available escapes to atmosphere as N₂ (~40%–56%) after denitrification or accumulated within bottom sludge (~14%–42%). The remaining nitrogen was converted in animal biomass (~5%–21%) or was discharged to receiving waterbodies in the outlet water (~11%–13%). Feed management appeared to influence the major biological processes in the aquatic nitrogen cycle, such as photosynthesis and denitrification. The fish‐prawn IMTA systems converted approximately 53%–75% of feed nitrogen into harvestable products, which is more efficient than the 19%–46% of feed nitrogen converted in the monocultures. However, a large amount of nitrogen is accumulated in the pond bottom in all systems. An increased prawn density or the addition of a mud‐feeder species to the culture may enhance the incorporation of this material in harvested biomass, improving the efficiency of the systems.