Effects of different feeding levels on moulting, growth, food conversion efficiency and biochemical composition of the prawn, <i>Metapenaeus monoceros</i> (Fabricius)

Abstract

Growth efficiency (K₁ and K₂) increased from 7 to 15% feeding levels, Maximum water content was recorded in starved prawns and the minimum at 20% feeding level. On theoretical basis, average daily feeding level of 45, 120 and 170 mg dry food/g prawn/day represented the maintenance, optimum and maximum feeding levels. Specific dynamic action increased twice at the observed maximum feeding level (20%) than at optimum feeding level (12%), indicating that the energy cost of converting food into body tissue increased at higher feeding levels.