The Effect of Centella asiatica-Supplemented Diets on Larval Performance and Production of Macrobrachium rosenbergii (De Man, 1879)

The cultivation of Macrobrachium rosenbergii in freshwater prawn farming has globally  expanded; however, it still faces challenges during the larval phase due to limited availability of high-quality seeds, which reduces production. Live Artemia nauplii are traditionally used, but they may not provide sufficient nutrition. Centella asiatica (gotu kola powder, GKP) is gaining attention for its potential growth-promoting properties. This study examined the impact of GKP-supplemented diets on larval development and growth. Larvae were initially fed Artemia until stage VI, then transitioned to a combination of Artemia and GKP-supplemented egg custard diets with varying GKP inclusion rates (0-0.8%). While no significant differences were observed in survival rate, metamorphosis rate, final production, or post-larvae (PL) per liter, the GKP-fed experimental groups performed better overall. Control diet-fed larvae were heavier than those in the 0.8% GKP-fed group, while the 0.2% GKP-fed group showed faster PL appearance. Incorporating C. asiatica powder at 0.2% yielded the best results, while the 0.8% GKP-fed group showed the lowest performance. Low GKP inclusion has the potential to support more efficient and cost-effective production methods in aquaculture. Further research should explore lower dosages over longer periods and across different age groups.