Growth performance, feed efficiency and whole-body chemical composition of the oriental river prawn, Macrobrachium nipponense, fed different dietary protein and lipid levels

A 56 days grow-out experiment with three protein levels (35, 40 and 45%) and three lipid levels (5, 10 and 15%) was conducted to evaluate the optimum protein and lipid ratio for Oriental River Prawn (Macrobrachium nipponense). Four hundred and five prawns, with mean (± SD) weight of 1.40 ± 0.04 g were distributed in 27 glass aquaria and were fed four times daily. Results showed that interaction between protein and lipid was significantly affected on all of the growth indices (P < 0.05). Prawns fed the diet containing 45% protein and 5% lipid showed the highest growth rate, protein and lipid efficiency ratio and protein and lipid productive value with the lowest feed conversion ratio. Increasing dietary protein levels reduced body moisture and protein content increased but had no significant effect on lipid percent (P > 0.05). The results of this study showed that Oriental River Prawn represents the best performance at level of 45% protein and 5% lipid.