Study of production parameters of australian crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus (von Martens, 1858), varying its dietary protein level

Abstract

An experimental study was conducted in the aquaculture facilities of CIBNOR, S.C., at La Paz B.C.S., Mexico, in order to evaluate the effect of the dietary protein level, on the growth, survival, and feed conversion rate of juvenile freshwater Australian lobster Cherax quadricarinatus (red claw). Diets with four experimental levels of protein (20.45, 28.50, 37.33, and 45.44%), were formulated, made, and probed. A single factor-completely randomized experimental design with five replicates were performed. The experimental units consisted of 20 plastic containers with 0.3 m2 of area. Fifteen juveniles of lred claw obster were stocked in each container. Growth, growth rate, survival, food consumption, and food conversion ration were evaluated. No statistical differences were found in any of the production parameters between juveniles fed diets 20.45, and 28.50% of crude protein, nor between those fed 37.33 and 45.44% of crude protein. However there were statistical differences between the two first and the two last diets. It is concluded that the level of protein in the diets, have an effect in the productive response of the juveniles of this specie.