Effect of Golden Apple Snail (Pomacea canaliculata) Meat as Feeds on the Growth and Survival Rate of Mud Crab (Scyalla serrata)

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Mud crab is considered a new species in aquaculture. Widespread interest in its culture is increasing due to the rising market value of mud crabs. At present, shrimp feeds and trash fish are currently used as feeds for mud crabs, however, their prices are continually rising. Finding low-cost feed supplies have been identified as one of the key challenges facing the rapid growth of the mud crab farming sector in Asian countries.

METHODS

To identify alternative feed in the culture of mud crab (Scylla serrata), five diets were tested as follows: GAS meat, trash fish, shrimp feed, GAS meat + trash fish, GAS meat + shrimp feed. This study compared the effect of the five diets on the growth and survival rate of 75 pieces of lean mud crabs fattened for 20 days. Mud crabs were stocked individually in plastic cases fitted in bamboo frames and installed in a brackish water pond.

RESULTS

Results showed that mean final weight, carapace length, and width of mud crabs fed with GAS meat did not differ significantly (P>0.05) among other treatments. 100% survival rates were recorded on the mud crabs fed with GAS meat, TrF and GAS meat + TrF.

DISCUSSIONS

The total weight gain (g) of mud cabs after a 20-day fattening period ranged from 84.47 g -119.33 g. Mud crabs fed with a combination of GAS + trash fish recorded the highest weight gain while those fed with GAS meat have the lowest weight gain. However, mean weights showed no significant difference among treatments (P˃0.05). The survival rate of mud crabs was high in all feed types. However, it is worth noting that ShF and GAS meat + ShF-fed mud crabs did not attain a 100% survival rate.