Further studies in using mangrove foliage as a prawn feed

Abstract

Changes in biochemical composition and energy content of foliage of eight mangrove species at various phases of life and during decay were studied. Decomposition resulted in loss of organic contents, carbon and C:N ratio and increase in calorific, protein and nitrogen contents. Feeding experiments carried out with the shrimp, @iMetapenaeus monoceros@@ using partially decomposed mangrove leaf detritus showed high growth efficiency in the groups of shrimps fed with decomposed @iA. officinalis, B. parviflora@@ and @iR. apiculata@@ leaves which contained high protein and calories. Increase in the nutritive value of the decomposed mangrove foliage has been attributed to the high biomass of microbial flora