Optimum level of dietary protein for prawn.

Abstract

In order to determine the optimum level of dietary protein for prawn, Penaeus japonicus, the growth and feed efficiency of prawn were examined by using purified diets containing 2 to 66.2% protein. The feeding experiment was conducted for four weeks at 25-28°C. The prawn grew well on the diets containing from 48 to 51% protein, and the 52% protein diet produced the maximum weight gain. The daily feed intake ratio was high for a low protein diet, and declined to a constant and normal level for the diets containing more than 52% protein. High feed efficiency was obtained within the 52 to 62% protein level, while poor efficiency resulted with diets containing more than 62% or less than 52% protein. From these findings, it was concluded that the optimum dietary protein level for the prawn was within the range of 52 to 57%, this gave good results on the basis of weight gain and feed efficiency.