Formulation of compounded feeds for prawns

Abstract

Compounded feeds have been one of the essential requisites in the development of aquaculture. Rearing of larvae in the hatchery, postal larval rearing in the nursery until they become stockable size and their subsequent culture in grow-out ponds require appropriate and nutritionally balanced compounded feeds. Compounded feeds have many advantages. By understanding the nutritional requirements of the candidate species of culture, nutritionally well balanced feeds could be formulated using low-cost feedstuffs available in the concerned region. These feeds could be prepared in large quantities with good shelf life and can be used off the shelf wherever and whenever required. Preparation of compounded feed does not require extensive area and highly skilled man power. High efficiency of the feed could be achieved by judicious manipulation of feed ingredients and can be made economically feasible. Dispensing of compounded feeds is quite convenient over large farm areas and automatic feed dispensing devices could be successfully employed.