A thesis submitted in portal Fulfi1Iment of the requirement for the Degree of Master of Science, School of Environment, Resources and Development

Thesis (M.Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 1993

The purpose of the present study was to provide a better understanding of feed composition and feeding strategy for improving the growth performance of P. monodon at high salinity, Also studied were the effects of feeding frequency (experiment I) , dietary protein levels ( experiment Il )and dietary energy level ( experiment Ill) on the growth of P, monodon- Five levels of feeding frequency ranging from 2-6 times/day were determined in experiment I. Five iso-caloric diets varying 5 with protein levels ranging from 37-59% crude protein and five protein constant diets varying with 5 gross energy levels ranging 449-493 kcal/ 100 g feed were determined {u2022}in experiment Il and experiment Ill respectively. Al l treatment of each experiment was study {u2022}in relation to salinity levels at 15 and 34 ppt. The results indicated that increasing feeding frequency up to 6 times/day can improve growth performance of P. monodon in two salinities, 15 ppt and 34 ppt. There was a significant difference in the feed conversion rate and average daily growth amongst shrimps fed with the diets varying in dietary protein level (37-59 % crude protein) . There was not a significant effect from dietary energy level in feed within the range of 449-493 kcal/ 100 g. Since salinity had a stronger effect on growth than both dietary protein and gross energy levels. The diets containing adequate dietary protein and energy levels can be used irrespective to any salinity levels in the culture system.