Authors : J. Stephen Sampath Kumar and C. Judith Betsy
Abstract: Feed is the major input in aquaculture systems impacting on the cost of production. While energy nutrients contribute for the growth and success of the feed in production, non-energy ingredients in the feed can contribute to the effective utilization of the feeds. Nutrient sparing action is an essential prerequisite for the binder that is used in the feed besides offerings hydro stability. Carboxy Methyl Tamarind (CMT), an organic binder was used at 1% level in the freshwater prawn feed and the efficiency of the feed was tested against two feeds prepared with conventional binders, such as tapioca flour and wheat maida. At the end of 28 days of trial feeding, CMT incorporated feed could give higher weight gain (378.74%) with higher SGR (5.59). The performance was better than the two other feeds tried which vouch for the fact that the CMT could well be sued as a feed binder for aquatic organisms. Since no negative effects noticed in the trials, it could also be concluded that in the light of increasing demand for good quality aqua feed, CMT as an organic feed binder might be of great use for the aquaculture industry. This will, also pave way for the enhanced utilization of the feed and subsequent economic benefits.
J. Stephen Sampath Kumar and C. Judith Betsy, 2014. Preliminary Investigation on the Role of a Novel Organic Feed Binder,Carboxy Methyl Tamarind (CMT) in the Aqua Feeds. Journal of Aquaculture Feed Science and Nutrition, 6: 47-50.