Studies on lipid nutrition in larvae and juveniles of the Indian white prawn Penaeus indicus H. Milne Edwards

Abstract

Nutrition is the process of providing nourishment to the living organism for its healthy upkeep, growth and reproduction. Nutrient substances for this purpose are provided by food. An individuals nutritional status is dependent on the provision of sufficient nutrient substances, and good utilization of these nutrients. Poor .status of nutrition may be caused by eating food that is inadequate in amount or kind or due to failure in assimilation and utilization of nutrients from the ingested food. The chief function of food is to supply nutrient material to meet the physiological needs of the organisms. such as to supply energy. to build and maintain the cells and tissues, and to regulate body processes. In general, there are two types of nutrients - energy nutrients (proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates) and non-energy nutrients (vitamins and minerals). Among the energy nutrients. carbohydrates and lipids form chief sources of energy, but protein, primarily, is utilized for growth. In formulated feeds both energy nutrients and non-energy nutrient. should be found in adequate levels and in balanced proportions.