Molt cycle related changes on the feed intake and biochemical composition of Giant freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii

Abstract

Molt stages in Giant freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii is among one of the most important factor affecting feed intake and their biochemical compositions. The present study was conducted to determine the effects of various molting stage on the feed intake and biochemical composition of glucose level, lipid and protein in M. rosenbergii during molting cycles. Molt stages were classified based on their epidermis structure and seta development. Results showed that M. rosenbergii fed with the higher percentage during C-stage, 98.40 ± 0.29 % compared to ecdysis (molting) with no feed intake (0 %) recorded. The biochemical compositions, glucose, lipid and protein level were higher during pre-molt stage and lower at post-molt stage. We found that all stages of molting affects the feeding behavior of M. rosenbergii. Additional studies are clearly needed to understand the mechanisms of abdominal muscles development during molt in prawns.

Keywords

• Biochemical compositions
• Crustacean
• Molt stage
• Protein
• Lipid
• Glucose