Prawn farming is a lucrative aquaculture business, but success heavily depends on providing high-quality feed that ensures fast growth, optimal health, and maximum survival rates. Choosing the right commercial prawn feed is crucial because it directly affects growth rates, feed conversion ratios (FCR), and overall profitability.
This guide explores the best commercial prawn feed brands known for promoting rapid growth, high nutritional value, and excellent digestibility. We will analyze key factors such as protein content, ingredient quality, feed formulation, and brand reputation to help farmers make informed decisions.
Table of Contents
Key Factors in Selecting Prawn Feed for Fast Growth
Before diving into the best brands, it’s essential to understand what makes a prawn feed effective for fast growth:
1. Protein Content
- Prawns require high-protein diets (30-45%) for optimal growth.
- Juvenile prawns need higher protein (40-45%) than adults (30-35%).
- Protein sources include fishmeal, soybean meal, squid meal, and shrimp meal.
2. Fat and Lipid Content
- Essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6) improve growth and immunity.
- Optimal fat content: 6-10%.
3. Carbohydrates & Fiber
- Should be minimal (max 20%) since prawns digest carbs poorly.
- Excessive carbs can lead to slow growth and water pollution.
4. Essential Amino Acids
- Lysine, methionine, and arginine are critical for muscle development.
- High-quality feeds supplement these amino acids.
5. Pellet Stability & Water Durability
- Feeds should remain intact in water for at least 2-4 hours to prevent nutrient leaching.
- Poor pellet stability leads to wasted feed and water contamination.
6. Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR)
- Lower FCR (1.2-1.8) = Better efficiency (less feed needed per kg of prawn growth).
- Premium feeds optimize FCR for cost-effective farming.
7. Additives (Probiotics, Vitamins, Minerals)
- Probiotics improve gut health and digestion.
- Vitamin C, E, and B-complex boost immunity and growth.
Now, let’s explore the top commercial prawn feed brands that meet these criteria.
Top 10 Best Commercial Prawn Feed Brands for Fast Growth
**1. CP Feed (Charoen Pokphand Group)
- Origin: Thailand
- Key Features:
- High protein (35-45%) with premium fishmeal.
- Contains immunostimulants for disease resistance.
- Excellent pellet stability (low water pollution).
- Best For: Intensive prawn farming with fast growth rates.
**2. Nutreco (Skretting & Trouw Nutrition)
- Origin: Netherlands (Global presence)
- Key Features:
- Skretting’s “SPAROS” feed is optimized for high FCR.
- Contains nucleotides and probiotics for gut health.
- Sustainable ingredients (reduced fishmeal dependency).
- Best For: Eco-friendly and high-performance farming.
**3. Higashimaru (Japan)
- Origin: Japan
- Key Features:
- Ultra-high protein (up to 50%) for rapid growth.
- Uses squid liver oil for enhanced palatability.
- Low FCR (1.2-1.5) due to superior digestibility.
- Best For: Premium-grade prawn farming (high investment).
**4. Grobest
- Origin: Taiwan
- Key Features:
- Balanced amino acid profile for muscle development.
- Slow-sinking pellets reduce waste.
- Contains herbal extracts for disease prevention.
- Best For: Large-scale prawn farms in Asia.
**5. Cargill (Aqua Nutrition)
- Origin: USA (Global operations)
- Key Features:
- Precision nutrition with customized feed solutions.
- Proteus feed line has high digestibility.
- Traceable ingredients for quality control.
- Best For: High-biosecurity farms.
**6. Uni-President Vietnam (UPV)
- Origin: Vietnam
- Key Features:
- Affordable yet high-protein (38-42%).
- Fast growth in 90-100 days.
- Popular in Vietnam & India.
- Best For: Budget-conscious farmers without compromising quality.
**7. Thai Union Feedmill (TUF)
- Origin: Thailand
- Key Features:
- Specialized for Black Tiger & Vannamei prawns.
- High-energy feed for accelerated growth.
- Low pollution formulation.
- Best For: Sustainable and fast-growing prawn operations.
**8. Avanti Feeds (India)
- Origin: India
- Key Features:
- Leading brand in India for Vannamei prawns.
- Cost-effective with 38-40% protein.
- Good FCR (1.5-1.8).
- Best For: Indian and South Asian markets.
**9. BioMar
- Origin: Denmark
- Key Features:
- Eco-friendly feeds with alternative proteins.
- Reduces reliance on fishmeal.
- Enhances survival rates.
- Best For: Organic and sustainable prawn farming.
**10. Leong Siong (Malaysia)
- Origin: Malaysia
- Key Features:
- Affordable high-growth feed.
- Good water stability.
- Popular in Southeast Asia.
- Best For: Small to medium-scale farmers.
How to Choose the Right Feed for Your Farm?
1. Consider Prawn Species
- Vannamei (L. vannamei): Needs 35-40% protein.
- Black Tiger (P. monodon): Requires 40-45% protein.
2. Growth Stage
- Starter feeds (PL15-PL30): 45-50% protein.
- Grow-out feeds: 35-40% protein.
- Finisher feeds: 30-35% protein.
3. Farming System
- Intensive systems: Need high-protein, low-FCR feeds.
- Semi-intensive: Can use moderate-protein feeds.
4. Budget vs. Performance
- Premium brands (CP, Higashimaru, Skretting): Best growth but costly.
- Budget brands (UPV, Avanti): Good growth at lower cost.
5. Local Availability
- Some brands (like Avanti in India) are more accessible regionally.
Here are ten frequently asked questions (FAQs) about prawns:
1. What is the difference between prawns and shrimp?
Prawns and shrimp are different crustaceans. Prawns have three pairs of claw-like legs, while shrimp have two. Prawns also have branching gills and a straighter body compared to shrimp.
2. Are prawns healthy to eat?
Yes, prawns are a good source of protein, low in fat, and rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins (B12, E), and minerals (selenium, zinc). However, they contain cholesterol, so moderation is advised for some diets.
3. How can I tell if prawns are fresh?
Fresh prawns should have a firm texture, a mild ocean-like smell (not fishy), and a translucent appearance. Avoid prawns with black spots, a slimy texture, or a strong ammonia odor.
4. How should I store fresh prawns?
Keep fresh prawns in the coldest part of the fridge (0–4°C) and use them within 1–2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
5. Can you eat prawns raw?
Raw prawns can carry parasites or bacteria, so it’s safer to cook them thoroughly. If consuming raw (e.g., in sushi), ensure they are sashimi-grade and properly frozen to kill pathogens.
6. How do you peel and devein prawns?
- Remove the head (if attached).
- Peel off the shell, leaving the tail if desired.
- Make a shallow cut along the back and remove the dark digestive tract (vein) with a knife or toothpick.
7. What’s the best way to cook prawns?
Prawns cook quickly (2–3 minutes per side) and can be grilled, boiled, fried, or sautéed. Overcooking makes them rubbery—they’re done when they turn opaque and pink.
8. Why do prawns turn pink when cooked?
The color change is due to a protein called astaxanthin, which is naturally present in prawns but bound to other molecules. Heat releases astaxanthin, turning the prawns pink.
9. Are prawns safe for people with shellfish allergies?
No. Prawns are shellfish, and people with shellfish allergies should avoid them as they can trigger severe allergic reactions.
10. Are farmed or wild-caught prawns better?
- Wild prawns are often considered tastier but may have sustainability concerns.
- Farmed prawns can be more eco-friendly if responsibly sourced (look for certifications like ASC or MSC), but some farms use antibiotics or harm mangroves.