The effect of different dietary protein and lipid levels on growth indices, survival and body composition of Oriental River Prawn ((De Haan,1849 Macrobrachium nipponense

A feeding trial 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 of Oriental River Prawn (Macrobrachium nipponense). According to this research, 405 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 significantly affect 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 and 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 research showed that Oriental River Prawn shows the best performance at level of 45% protein and 5% lipid.