An evaluation of indigenous protein sources as potential component in the diet formulation for tiger prawn, Penaeus monodon, using essential amino acid index (EAAI)

Abstract

The essential amino acid index (EAAI) could be used in screening potential protein sources. However, when formulating diets, EAAI should be supported with feeding trials and digestibility tests to determine the extent of incorporation of these protein sources in Penaeus monodon diets. Using whole P. monodon juvenile as the reference protein, local fish meals were found to be good protein sources with an EAAI of 0.92 to 0.95, in addition to white and Peruvian fish meals, shrimp meal, squid meal and soybean meal (EAAI of 0.96, 0.94, 0.98, 0.96 and 0.87, respectively). The amino acid pattern (A/E ratio) of the protozoeal, juvenile and adult stage of P. monodon showed increasing arginine and decreasing phenylalanine with growth stage.