RESEARCH ON NUTRITION AND FEED DEVELOPMENT AT SEAFDEC/AQD

The Feed Development Section at SEAFDEC/AQD conducts re-search on the nutritional requirements and the development of cost-effective practical diets for regionally important fishes (milkfish, tilapia, carp, and sea bass) and shrimp (Penaeus monodon). Macronutrient requirements for protein, lipid, carbohydrate, en-ergy, and optimum dietary protein to energy ratio have been defined. Essential fatty acids required by each species have been identified. Re-quirement levels for the ten essential amino acids in milkfish and tilapia have been established. In shrimp, requirements for other essential nutri-ents like phospholipid and cholesterol are known. Dietary calcium and phosphorous requirements of shrimp have been determined. Require-ment for water-soluble vitamins and bioavailability of stable forms of vitamin C are being evaluated. However, much work remains to be don