Prawn farming (shrimp aquaculture) is a lucrative agribusiness with high demand in local and international markets. However, one of the biggest challenges prawn farmers face is the high cost of commercial feed, which significantly impacts profitability.
Homemade prawn feed offers a cost-effective alternative, allowing farmers to reduce expenses while maintaining optimal growth and health of their prawns. By using locally available ingredients, farmers can formulate balanced, nutritious, and affordable feed that enhances prawn growth, survival rates, and overall yield.
This guide explores cost-effective homemade prawn feed recipes, their nutritional benefits, formulation strategies, and tips for maximizing profitability in prawn farming.
Table of Contents
Why Use Homemade Prawn Feed?
Commercial prawn feed can be expensive, especially for small-scale farmers. Homemade feed provides several advantages:
- Cost Savings – Locally sourced ingredients are cheaper than commercial pellets.
- Customizable Nutrition – Farmers can adjust protein, fat, and carbohydrate levels based on prawn growth stages.
- Reduced Dependency on Imported Feed – Many commercial feeds are imported, making them costly and sometimes unavailable.
- Improved Profit Margins – Lower feed costs translate to higher profitability.
- Sustainability – Using agricultural byproducts (like rice bran, soybean meal) reduces waste.
Key Nutritional Requirements for Prawns
Before formulating homemade feed, it’s essential to understand prawns’ dietary needs:
| Nutrient | Purpose | Optimal Level (%) | Common Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein | Muscle growth, molting, reproduction | 25-40% | Fishmeal, soybean meal, earthworms, shrimp head meal |
| Carbohydrates | Energy source | 20-30% | Rice bran, cornmeal, wheat flour |
| Fats & Lipids | Energy, cell structure | 5-10% | Fish oil, vegetable oil, squid liver oil |
| Fiber | Digestive health | 3-5% | Rice hulls, wheat bran |
| Vitamins & Minerals | Immunity, growth | 1-3% | Bone meal, eggshells, vegetable extracts |
Prawns require higher protein during early growth stages (post-larvae and juveniles) and balanced energy sources as they mature.
Cost-Effective Ingredients for Homemade Prawn Feed
To keep costs low, use locally available and affordable ingredients:
1. Protein Sources
- Fishmeal (30-60% protein) – The best animal protein source but can be expensive.
- Soybean Meal (40-50% protein) – A cheaper plant-based alternative.
- Shrimp Head Meal (35-45% protein) – Made from processing waste, rich in chitin.
- Earthworms/Dried Insects (50-70% protein) – Excellent natural protein boosters.
- Poultry Byproduct Meal (50-60% protein) – Affordable if available.
2. Carbohydrate Sources
- Rice Bran – Cheap and widely available, provides energy.
- Cornmeal – High in carbohydrates, binds feed pellets well.
- Wheat Flour – Helps in pellet formation.
- Cassava Flour – A low-cost energy source.
3. Fats & Lipids
- Fish Oil – Rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
- Vegetable Oil (palm oil, coconut oil) – Affordable lipid source.
- Squid Liver Oil – Enhances feed palatability.
4. Binders & Additives
- Egg Whites/Gelatin – Helps bind feed pellets.
- Bone Meal – Provides calcium and phosphorus.
- Vitamin & Mineral Premix – Ensures balanced nutrition (can be bought in bulk).
Homemade Prawn Feed Recipes
Here are three cost-effective feed formulations for different prawn growth stages:
1. High-Protein Starter Feed (For Post-Larvae & Juveniles)
- Protein Target: 35-40%
- Best for: Early growth stages (first 4-6 weeks)
Ingredients:
- Fishmeal – 30%
- Soybean meal – 25%
- Shrimp head meal – 15%
- Rice bran – 15%
- Cornmeal – 10%
- Fish oil – 3%
- Vitamin-mineral premix – 2%
Preparation:
- Grind all dry ingredients into a fine powder.
- Mix fish oil and a little water to form a dough.
- Pass through a pelletizer or manually shape into small pellets.
- Sun-dry or oven-dry at low heat (50°C) for storage.
Cost Estimate: ~0.50/��(��.0.50/kg(vs.1.20/kg for commercial feed)
2. Grow-Out Feed (For Sub-Adults)
- Protein Target: 30-35%
- Best for: Mid-stage growth (6-12 weeks)
Ingredients:
- Soybean meal – 30%
- Fishmeal – 20%
- Rice bran – 25%
- Cornmeal – 15%
- Vegetable oil – 5%
- Bone meal (calcium) – 3%
- Vitamin premix – 2%
Preparation:
- Mix dry ingredients thoroughly.
- Add oil and water to form a sticky dough.
- Extrude into 2-3mm pellets.
- Dry and store in airtight containers.
Cost Estimate: ~$0.40/kg
3. Low-Cost Finisher Feed (For Adults Near Harvest)
- Protein Target: 25-30%
- Best for: Final growth stage (12+ weeks)
Ingredients:
- Rice bran – 40%
- Soybean meal – 25%
- Fishmeal – 15%
- Cassava flour – 10%
- Palm oil – 5%
- Crushed eggshells (calcium) – 3%
- Salt (minerals) – 2%
Preparation:
- Grind and mix all ingredients.
- Add water to form a thick paste.
- Shape into pellets or crumble for feeding.
- Dry and store properly.
Cost Estimate: ~$0.30/kg
Tips for Maximizing Feed Efficiency & Profitability
- Test Small Batches First – Before large-scale production, test feed on a small group of prawns to check acceptance and growth rates.
- Optimize Feeding Schedule – Feed 2-3 times daily, adjusting quantities based on prawn size and water conditions.
- Use Fermented Feed – Fermenting ingredients (like soybean meal) improves digestibility.
- Supplement with Natural Food – Algae, plankton, and kitchen scraps can reduce feed costs further.
- Avoid Overfeeding – Excess feed pollutes water and increases costs.
- Store Properly – Keep feed dry and free from mold to maintain quality.
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.