Abstract

Eighteen isocaloric diets were prepared containing 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50% crude protein, and 4, 8 or 12% lipids. A nine-week feeding trial with hatchling redclaw crayfish was performed in a climate controlled laboratory using a recirculating system. Hatchlings (0.2±0.1 g) were held in individual cages in 12 L plastic tanks. Mean water temperature was maintained at 27±0.5 °C. An eightweek feeding trial with juveniles (8.5±0.7 g) was also conducted at ambient outdoor summer temperatures. Juveniles were held in individual cages in 1 m² fiberglass tanks. In both cases, ten animals were used for each treatment. In the hatchling trial, protein and lipid levels had a statistically significant effect on final weight, specific growth rate, weight gain (%) and total weight gain (mg day,sup>-1) (ANOVA, P<0.05). The juvenile trial demonstrated that protein and lipid levels had a significant effect on final weight. An interaction occurred between protein and lipid levels for both red claw age groups. Protein requirement for hatchlings and juveniles was found to be between 30 and 35% and lipid levels between 4 and 8%.

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