Abstract:
The shrimp industry in Sri Lanka is a vital contributor to export earnings,
but faces challenges due to the rising cost of shrimp feed ingredients. A sustainable
solution is being explored, which involves repurposing waste from broiler slaughter-
houses to create cost-effective shrimp post larval (PL) feed. This research focused on
developing such a feed using dried broiler wastewater sludge as a key ingredient.
Three experimental feeds were formulated, each incorporating varying levels of
sludge (10%, 15%, and 20%) by replacing fishmeal, with a commercial PL feed used
as the control with four replicates for each. The study analyzed the nutritional com-
position, stability, and presence of Escherichia coli and Salmonella bacteria. Crude
protein (CP) content in all experimental feeds was significantly higher (P<0.05) than
in the control feed (47.2%) and there was no significant difference in CP values in
sludge included feeds (P>0.05). Nevertheless, all the formulated feed met the CP re-
quirements for post-larvae of Peneaus monodon within the range of 45-55%. Crude
fat content of the tested feeds was significantly affected (P<0.05) with the sludge
inclusion where the highest fat content was observed in the 20% sludge inclusion
(11.05%). The stability of the pellets and the effect of the aeration were significantly
affected (P<0.05) with the sludge inclusion while the highest stability (6.53%) and
the lowest effect of aeration (7.59%) were observed in the 15% sludge included feed.
All feed samples tested negative for the presence of E. coli and Salmonella bacteria.
The cost analysis revealed that incorporating broiler wastewater sludge as a partial
substitute for fishmeal could effectively reduce feed cost. Therefore, broiler
wastewater sludge can be a valuable and sustainable ingredient in shrimp PL feed
production and 15% sludge inclusion results best nutrition and physical attributes of-
fering economic benefits.
