This study was conducted to assess the potential growth promoting effect of Spirulina on Macrobrachium rosenbergii juveniles. The experimental feed crude protein level was maintained at the level of maximum 32 %. The feed was prepared by fishmeal which was replaced with Spirulina powder at 2.5 %, 5 % and 10 % level, its serve as experimental feed. Without Spirulina feed serve as a control feed. The experiment was prolonged for the period of 56 days. The final days of the tested prawns growth parameters such as weight gain, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio and survival rate are recorded. The obtained results were compared with control feed fed group. The final day of length and weight gain were observed significantly (P < 0.05) higher in diet IV, followed by the Diet III and II when compared with Diet I (control) feed. Also, the same trend was noted in specific growth rate and survival rate in experimental group. It was observed that, the feed conversion ratio showed no significant differences when compared with the control group. The present results show that, the increment of Spirulina in feed formulation highly affected the growth and survival performance in prawn juveniles. The present results suggests that Spirulina can be used to alternative protein source or growth additives in Macrobrahchium culture.
Keywords: Spirulina, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, growth and survival rate