Use of enriched live prey in promoting growth and maturation of tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon)

This study was undertaken to determine the effect of nutritional management of broodstock of Penaeus monodon on growth and maturation. Test specimens were obtained from a grow-out pond before attainment of maturity and were reared in hatchery tanks. Four types of dietary treatments (M1–M4) were given to separate batches that were run in duplicate. Feeding trials continued for five months. A diet with live bloodworm, bioencapsulated to contain tricalcic phosphate as its major component, was found to be the most efficient. Specimens of this particular batch assimilated food more efficiently, grew at a faster rate and attained maturity earlier than other groups. Bloodworm provided the lipid fractions for which there is no de novo synthesis in shrimp. The enrichment product acted by promoting somatic growth and increasing transfer of biochemical constituents needed by the ovary for development.