| Abstract: | Practical diet formulations were used to test the weight gain and survival response of juvenile and sub-adult Penaeus vannamei and juvenile P. setiferus to varying protein, carbohydrate, lipid and energy ratio. In addition, the relative effects of feeding frequency and physical form of squid meal were tested. In terms of weight gain, P. vannamei responded significantly greater to multiple feedings/day (4 feedings/day) than to a single feeding/day. Significantly greater weight gain was achieved with diets containing squid meal than with diets containing squid puree. Significant correlations of weight gain to protein, carbohydrate and energy concentrations were demonstrated. The interaction of protein and lipid also had a significant effect on weight gain in P. vannamei. Generally, weight gain had positive correlation with protein, carbohydrate and energy concentrations. The net effect was that carbohydrate and lipid had a protein sparring action. Penaeus vannamei and P. setiferus had a significantly negative weight gain correlation to lipid concentrations. The data suggested that a 4 to 10% lipid concentration would give the best weight gain. Juveniles of both species responded greatest to a protein:energy ratio 12.5 with a protein concentration of 35% and apparent digestible energy concentration of 2.89 kcal/g. A carbohydrate concentration of about 21% effectively replaced protein calories without a significant reduction in growth. Generally, protein concentrations of whole body tissues had a positive correlation with dietary protein concentration. Lipid concentrations of whole body tissues and survival did not correlate to any dietary variable. |
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