Effects of Various Natural Feeds on Growth Performance and Protein Content of Mud Crabs (Scylla serrata)

The increasing demand for mud crab as a seafood delicacy entails crab growers providing a nutrient-rich diet for them. This study aimed to determine the effect on growth performance and protein content of mud crab using various natural feeds. It also aimed to determine the survival rate, low and high FCR of crabs, and assess the cost of producing crabs fed with different natural feeds. This study employed a completely randomized design that included three feed treatments: trash fish, horn snail, and copra. The cages had five compartments, with one mud crab in each of the compartments. The crab feeding system was based on the water level at which natural feeds were given to the crabs once or twice a day, with an amount adjusted to 5% of the crab's body weight. The results revealed that the highest growth performance in weight increment and protein content was seen in trash fish feed, with a feed conversion ratio of 6.90, indicating an efficient and high-quality feed. In addition, it also showed an impressive ROI of 33.26%, indicating it as a viable feed for fattening. Mud crabs fed with horn snail and trash fish exhibited an identical low mortality rate. In terms of sensory attributes of mud crab meat characteristics, mud crabs fed with copra had the highest mean in all categories; they produced very juicy, flavorful, soft, and acceptable crab meat.