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Abstract:
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Prawn shell waste collected from shrimp-processing plants in
Cochin, India, was subjected to fermentation using 20
chitinoclastic and proteolytic/non-proteolytic bacterial
strains. The products generated were analysed for protein,
lipid, total sugars, N-acetyl glucosamine, free amino acids
and ash. Shrimp diets were prepared using these 20 fermented
products and a control diet using raw prawn shell
waste. Feeding experiment was conducted with postlarvae
(PL21) of Indian white prawn, Fenneropenaeus indicus for a
period of 21 days. Biogrowth parameters such as mean
weight gain, feed conversion ratio, specific growth rate and
protein efficiency ratio were estimated and the animals were
challenged with white spot virus orally via diet. Enhanced
growth could be observed in prawns fed F134 and F124,
incorporated with the fermentation products generated using
Bacillus spp., C134 and C124 respectively. The percentage
survival of prawns after 7 days of challenge was found to be
highest for groups fed diet F111 incorporated with fermentation
product generated using Bacillus sp. These products of
bacterial fermentation hold promise as growth enhancers and
immunostimulants in aquaculture.
KEY WORDS: biogrowth parameters, feed |