Vol. 10, Issue 6 (2021)

Author(s):
Seema Bala, Shivakumar M, C Rajanna and Naveenkumar BT

Abstract:
The result of two year research aimed at identifying the most suitable substrate for rearing of Macrobrachium rosenbergii juveniles. Materials used as substrate were bamboo pole (BP) and baked earthen pipes (EP). The best substrate was identified with a common stocking density, maintained at 30/m². There was a statistically significant difference among treatments due to added substrates. Added substrates produced 41% higher survival and significant increase in average prawn weight (p<0.05). The higher yield in prawn cannot be completely attributed to food availability due to added substrate. It is also attributed to the shelter effect of the substrate. Phytoplankton population in EP and BP were almost same. It was less in CO treatment. In fish farming, if addition of substrate increases fish production, it is attributed to increased food production. But in prawn rearing, they being cannibalistic, it is more attributed to shelter effect. The higher survival in EP is mainly due to the shelter effect of the perforated hallow earthen pipe. This study revealed that baked earthen pipe which acts as both substrate and shelter-SUBSHEL is a better alternative to increase the survival and growth rate of juvenile of Macrobrachium rosenbergii.