Growth performance of Penaeus monodon in lablab, lumut, and digman ponds under various farm practices

Abstract

The influence of lablab, lumut (filamentous algae), and digmaan (Najas graminea) on the growth of prawns as associates of natural food biomass in brackishwater ponds was investigated. Ponds, each grown with the above macrophytes species and with no supplementary feed used, were selected as sampling areas. Sampling was conducted on a biweekly basis. Results showed that although the specific growth rate of prawns reared in the lablab pond was significantly higher than that of prawns reared in the lumut and digman ponds (p<0.01), absolute values in growth showed otherwise. Prawns reared in the digman pond attained highest growth which was significant (p<0.01). The digman pond was able to support a much higher density and produce a higher growth, coupled with a substantial survival. The digman pond yielded 606 kg of prawns, while the lablab pond yielded 569.5 kg and the lumut pond 305 kg. At value of $ 10 per kg, the rearing of prawns in the digman pond would be more profitable than the other treatments.