1978 Volume 44 Issue 12 Pages 1395-1397
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.