Growth and survival of Penaeus monodon juveniles fed a diet lacking vitamin supplements in a modified extensive culture system

Abstract

<i>Penaeus monodon</i> juveniles with mean initial weight from 0.11 to 0.17 g were fed diets with and without vitamin supplement. The diets contained 34% protein and 8% fat. The animals were stocked at 5/m² in 320-m² earthen ponds and reared for 135 days. Growth, survival, net production, and net cost of production per kg of <i>P. monodon</i> were not significantly affected even if supplemental vitamins were eliminated from the diet. The absence of extra vitamins from the diet may have been compensated either by the basal diet used or by ingestion of natural food existing in the ponds. In either case, the possible influence of vitamins from these sources is manifested in the overall effects on growth, survival and net production of prawns when no vitamin supplement is added to the diet. Results obtained showed that the difference between diets in cost of production was statistically not significant (<i>P</i> &gt; 0.05). However, the favorable cost difference of P 18.02 per kg of prawns produced would make it more profitable to use the diet without vitamin supplement in a modified extensive culture system.