Different Ratio C/N with Sugar Beet Raffinate and Algae-Limit in Artemia franciscana (Kellogg, 1906) Diets on Growth and Reproductive Performance, Biomass Production, Proximate Compositions and Digestive Enzymes

Abstract

The supply of food is one of the most crucial factors in the culture of Artemiabecause the larviculture of fish and shellfish is inextricably dependent on live food. This study focused on adjusting the C/N ratio in Artemia franciscana diets in-vivo by adding raffinate and limiting of algae. The nauplii of Artemia were fed seven feeding treatments, including a control diet and six experimental feeds with varying concentrations of raffinate and algae. The findings demonstrated that Artemia fed a diet containing 10% algae and 1.25% raffinate performed marginally better in terms of survival, but with significantly higher growth, the total number of offspring, alkaline protease, amylase, and lipase activities were detected compared to control. When Artemia was fed 10% algae and 1.25% raffinate did the higher biomass and lower FCR become statistically significant. The body protein showed a significant increase when compared to C/N 3.5 (high diet protein). In conclusion, diets containing algae (from 60–80 percent less than control) and raffinate improved growth, biomass production, and reproductive productivity in C/N 9.5 to 10.5.