Substitution of Artemia with Brachionus in different ratios during larval rearing of Macrobrachium rosenbergii and evaluation of their feed efficacy

Larval growth during stage I-VIII was studied in Macrobrachium rosenbergii. Duration in moult periodicity were recorded-during larval development period, larvae were fed with Brachionus (grown on Baker's yeast and also Brachinous raised through organic manuring in outdoor culture containers). The performance of the feed was evaluated through substitution of Brachionus in the feeding protocol, in lieu of Artemia 1st instar. The Artemia, Brachionus substitution ratio of 75:25 was found to be most efficient. The study also indicates that the comparative growth rate of Brachionus plicatilis is higher in manure loaded tanks than with Baker's yeast. Growth rate "Y'' in culture tank being 0.245 and 0.112 and corresponding duplicating time (Td) too was found to be 2.855 and 6.365 respectively in tanks manured/enriched with pig manure.