Development and performance of a microbound larval feed dispenser in Macrobrachinm rosenbergii hatcheries

A handy low cost device for dispensing the microbound larval food for prawn hatcheries was developed by the AICRP on APA (ICAR), CIFA, Bhubaneswar Centre. The unit was made from low density polyethylene plastic (LDPE) material.The material is having unique food grade properties like has excellent resistance to water, moisture and most organic solvents. The system works with little applied force on the plunger, moves down in the cylinder and resulting dispensing of larval food in predetermined quantity and sizes for prawn and fish hatchery operation. The microbound diet of 300-1000 micron provided the texture and size of the particles for larvae and was observed to be very much acceptable for completing the whole larval cycle.