Performance of Early Juvenile Giant River Prawns (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) Fed Fish, Soybean, Shrimp and Four Insect Based Diets While Under Low Temperature Stress

Abstract

Current guidelines for Macrobrachium rosenbergii advise introduction into outdoor
ponds when water is > 160 C. However, little is known about possible interactions between diet quality and temperature tolerance. We examined use of seven rations for prawns raised at suboptimal temperatures. Juvenile prawns readily consumed all seven rations presented. Growth and survivorship were best on shrimp- and silkworm-based rations; whereas, the poorest growth was on fishmeal- and Black Soldier Fly larvae meal (BSFLM)-based rations. Soybean-, cricket-, mealworm-, and fishmeal-based diets had similar survivorship. Mortality occurred within 24 hr after each feeding of the BSFLM-based diet, possibly related to antimicrobial compounds produced by BSFL. Prawns raised at lower temperatures may require better quality feed compared to guidelines based on previous studies at ideal temperatures. Producers must determine whether it is better to stock prawns at higher rates or feed more expensive rations to manage survivorship of juvenile at lower temperatures.