Carbohydrate requirements of Penaeus monodon juveniles.

Abstract

Penaeus monodon juveniles (initial mean weight=0.62 g) were fed semi-purified diets containing 10, 20 and 30% trehalose, sucrose or glucose for eight weeks. Results showed that shrimps fed 20% trehalose gave the highest growth rate. Of the three types of sugars tested, trehalose promoted the best growth rates, followed by sucrose and glucose. When the level of sugar was considered, 20% gave the best growth rate and 30%, the lowest. The type as well as level of sugar greatly affected the body crude protein and body lipid (P < 0.01), while survival was mainly affected by type of sugar alone (P < 0.01). Trehalose and sucrose diets promoted better survival than glucose diets. A negative linear correlation (r = —0.70) between the body crude protein and body lipid was obtained.