Journal of the Marine Biological Association of India

Optimum ration size and feeding frequency for postlarval Penaeus indicus (H. Milne Edwards)

Volume 45 Issue 2

Rekha J. Nair and Manpal Sridhar

Abstract

Post larval Penaeus indicus (initial length 2.98i0.21 cm and initial weight of 0.1313i0.01 g) were maintained on a commercial compounded feed. The effects of four ration sizes viz.2 %, 12 %, 22 % and 32 90 bwt d-I and four feeding frequencies were tested for influences on growth. The feeding frequencies tested were one time night feeding, one time, two times, three times and four times day feeding. Survival was found to be statistically significant (Pc0.05) with regard to change in ration size, though feeding frequency failed to elicit any significant difference (P >0.05). Optimum ration was calculated at 12 % of the wet body weight per day. Rations below 8 % were termed maintenance rations and those above 24 % as maximum rations.

Date : 30-12-2003