Effect of initial body weight and stocking density on growth performance of fresh¬water prawn (M. rosenbergii) post-larvae and juveniles [electronic resource].

Includes references.

Freshwater prawn-postlarvae. M rosenbergii averaging 0.04±0.0001g in weight [Experiment IJ were reared for 90day at four stocking densities (200,400,800 and 1200 prawn 1m2) using 12 circular fiberglass tanks (0.36 m2 and 0.6 m water depth). Prawns were fed a manufactured diet containing 35% crude protein. Different growth measurements of prawn were recorded at 15 days intervals. The results showed that growth performance was significantly (P≤ 0.05) decreased with increasing the stocking density. Survival rate was inversely related to stocking densities, since there were significant differences among the four densities. The food conversion ratio "FCR" increased with increasing stocking density, the differences were significant among the four densities. In the second experiment freshwater prawn-juveniles. M rosenbergii averaging 0.30: I: 0.02g in weight were cultured for 90 days, with different stocking densities (50, 100. 150 and 200 prawn 1m2) using the same method as in first experiment. The results showed that growth performance was significantly (P~ 0.05) decreased with increasing the stocking density. Survival rate was inversely related to stocking density, since there were significant differences among the lour densities, while the difference between stocking density of 5 a and 100 prawn 1m -was not significant. The food conversion ratio "FCR" increased with increasing the stocking densities. Since the ourth density (200 f,rawn /m2) was significantly higher than that achieved in the first one (50 prawn 1m). Increasing stocking density resulted in increasing carcass protein and ash content, while carcass fat and dry matter content decreased but differences were not significant. Therefore. it could be concluded that monoculture of freshwater prawn juveniles (average weight 0.3g & stocking density 50 prawn/m2) and postlarvae (average weight 0.04g & stocking density 200 prawn/m2) were more suitable to carry out for optimum growth performance and survival rate.

Summary in Arabic.

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