author(s)
Amol D Sonone, Saumyendra Nanda, HS Mogalekar and Mukeshkumar P Bhendarkar

abstract
The objective this study was to find out the protein requirement from Shrimp waste meal for superior growth and survival of juveniles of Pacu under laboratory conditions. Three experimental diets were prepared from Shrimp waste maintaining the crude protein levels at 25, 30 and 35% (treatment T_1, T₂ and T3). Within an experimental period of 90 days, the control group of fishes attended an average weight of 9.81 ± 0.34g with an intermittent growth of 6.27 ± 0.31g and 8.00 ± 0.05g at the end of 30 days and 60 days. Pacu juveniles in T2 fed with 30% crude protein showed better increment in weight of 10.21 ± 0.46g, 23.00 ± 0.43g and 33.22 ± 0.60g at the end of 30 days, 60 days and 90 days respectively along with increment in total length. A significant difference (P<0.05) in terms of increment in weight and length has been observed in the treatment (T₂) for Pacu fed with the diet containing 30% protein prepared out of Shrimp waste. This study indicated that shrimp meal waste as suitable substitute to fish meal for incorporation in the diet for Pacu Juveniles.