Prawn farming (shrimp aquaculture) is a highly profitable agribusiness, but success depends on optimal feeding strategies. The right feed enhances growth rates, improves survival, and maximizes profits. This guide explores the best feed options for prawns, focusing on nutrition, feeding techniques, and cost-effective solutions to boost productivity.
Table of Contents
1. Importance of Quality Feed in Prawn Farming
Prawns require a balanced diet rich in proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Proper nutrition:
- Accelerates growth (reducing harvest time).
- Improves survival rates (reducing losses).
- Enhances feed conversion ratio (FCR) (more weight gain per feed unit).
- Boosts immunity (reducing disease risks).
- Increases profitability (higher yields and better market prices).
2. Nutritional Requirements of Prawns
Prawns need a diet with:
A. Protein (30-45%)
- Essential for muscle development and growth.
- Best sources: Fishmeal, soybean meal, squid meal, shrimp head meal.
B. Lipids/Fats (6-10%)
- Provide energy and essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6).
- Best sources: Fish oil, soybean oil, krill oil.
C. Carbohydrates (20-30%)
- Energy source; excess can reduce growth.
- Best sources: Wheat flour, cornmeal, rice bran.
D. Vitamins & Minerals
- Vitamins (A, C, D, E, B-complex): Boost immunity and metabolism.
- Minerals (Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium): Strengthen exoskeleton.
E. Fiber (3-5%)
- Aids digestion; excess can slow growth.
3. Best Feed Types for Prawns
A. Commercial Prawn Feeds (Pelleted Feeds)
Most farmers use commercially formulated feeds for convenience and balanced nutrition.
1. Starter Feeds (PL10-PL15 Post-Larvae)
- Protein: 40-45%
- Pellet Size: 0.3-0.5mm (crumbles or micro-pellets).
- Key Ingredients: Fishmeal, squid meal, soybean concentrate.
2. Grower Feeds (Juvenile to Sub-Adult)
- Protein: 35-40%
- Pellet Size: 1.2-2.0mm
- Key Ingredients: Fishmeal, wheat flour, fish oil.
3. Finisher Feeds (Market Size)
- Protein: 30-35%
- Pellet Size: 2.0-2.5mm
- Key Ingredients: Soybean meal, poultry by-product meal.
Top Commercial Feed Brands:
- CP Feed (Charoen Pokphand)
- Skretting (Nutreco)
- Cargill Aqua Feed
- Grobest
B. Natural & Supplemental Feeds
Natural feeds improve growth and reduce feed costs.
1. Live Feeds (For Post-Larvae & Juveniles)
- Artemia (Brine Shrimp): High protein (60%), ideal for early stages.
- Moina & Daphnia: Small crustaceans, excellent for juveniles.
- Tubifex Worms: High protein but risk of pathogens.
2. Plant-Based Feeds
- Soybean Meal (45% protein): Cheaper than fishmeal.
- Rice Bran: Energy source but low protein.
- Spirulina (Algae): Rich in protein, vitamins, and pigments for color.
3. Animal-Based Feeds
- Fishmeal (60-70% protein): Best protein source but expensive.
- Squid Meal: Highly digestible, attracts prawns.
- Poultry By-Product Meal: Cost-effective protein alternative.
C. Fermented Feeds (Biofloc & Probiotic-Enhanced Feeds)
- Biofloc Technology: Uses microbial protein from fermented feed waste, reducing costs.
- Probiotic Feeds: Improve gut health and digestion (e.g., Bacillus spp.).
4. Feeding Strategies for Faster Growth
A. Feeding Frequency & Quantity
- Post-Larvae (PL10-PL30): 5-6 times/day (small amounts).
- Juveniles: 4 times/day.
- Adults: 2-3 times/day.
Pro Tip: Use feeding trays to monitor consumption and avoid overfeeding.
B. Feeding Based on Water Temperature & Oxygen Levels
- Optimal Temp: 28-32°C → Feed normally.
- Below 25°C or Above 35°C: Reduce feeding (prawns eat less).
- Low Oxygen (<3mg/L): Stop feeding (prevents waste buildup).
C. Automated Feeding Systems
- Reduces labor costs.
- Ensures consistent feeding schedules.
- Examples: Sonic feeders, demand feeders.
5. Cost-Effective Feed Alternatives to Maximize Profits
A. Partial Replacement of Fishmeal
Fishmeal is expensive; alternatives include:
- Poultry By-Product Meal (PBPM)
- Insect Meal (Black Soldier Fly Larvae – 40% protein)
- Single-Cell Proteins (Yeast, Bacteria)
B. Homemade Prawn Feed Formulations
Sample Recipe (35% Protein Grower Feed):
- Fishmeal (25%)
- Soybean Meal (30%)
- Wheat Flour (20%)
- Rice Bran (15%)
- Fish Oil (5%)
- Vitamin-Mineral Premix (5%)
Method: Grind, mix, pelletize, and dry.
C. Biofloc & Periphyton-Based Feeding
- Encourages natural microorganisms as feed supplements.
- Reduces commercial feed costs by 20-30%.
6. Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfeeding: Leads to water pollution and diseases.
- Underfeeding: Stunts growth.
- Poor Feed Storage: Causes mold and nutrient loss.
- Ignoring FCR (Feed Conversion Ratio): Ideal FCR should be 1.2-1.5 (1.2kg feed = 1kg prawn weight gain).
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.