Journal of Aquaculture Research & Development

Abstract

Optimization of Feeding Efficiency in Semi-Intensive Farming System for Sustainable and Cost Effective Production of Penaeus Monodon Fabricius

Hasan BMA, Guha B and Datta S

Four different feeding frequencies, i.e., 3 times (T1), 4 times (T2), 5 times (T3), and 6 times (T4) were used with supplementary feed (38% crude protein) in the experimental ponds to determine the optimum feeding frequency for sustainable and cost efficient production of Penaeus monodon. Post larvae of black tiger

shrimp

(initial weight 0.02 ± 0.0013 g) with stocking density of 20 m2 was cultured for 110 days to evaluate the sustainable production by taking different parameters of feed utilization efficiency (FCR, PER, FER, production yield); and adequate growth level (WG, SGR, survival) of cultured shrimp. During production cycle, various water quality parameters of the ponds were found within normal

aquaculture

range (Matias et al. 2002) except for NH4-N, NO3-N and PO4-P which were significantly lower in T3 (p<0.05, 0.01) and for PO4-P in T4 (p<0.05) series than T1. Final weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) was significantly higher in T2, T3, and T4 pond than T1 (p<0.05, 0.001). The feed efficiency ratio (FER), protein efficiency ratio (PER) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) followed the same pattern as WG and SGR (p<0.05, 0.01, 0.001) in T2, T3, and T4 series than T1. Finally, significantly higher (p<0.05) survival and more net profit of cultured shrimp in T3 ponds than other ponds (T1, T2, and T4) have an additional support towards sustainable shrimp culture practices. In fine, on the basis of final yield and net profit of treated ponds it was found that 5 times feeding frequency (T3) proved most effective in augmenting sustainable and cost efficient production of P. monodon in a semi intensive system of

farming

.