Date of Publication

4-2025

Document Type

Bachelor's Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Biology major in Medical Biology

Subject Categories

Biology

College

College of Science

Department/Unit

Biology

Thesis Advisor

Chona Camille V.  Abeledo

Defense Panel Chair

Bridget C. Arellano

Defense Panel Member

Biena Marie S. Joaquin
Hilarie P. Orario

Abstract (English)

The Philippines is known to be one of the largest producers of mangrove crabs in the world, with three out of four known Scylla species present in the country. Maximizing the growth and development of the different Scylla spp. is relevant to the fishermen to effectively promote the mangrove crab industry in the Philippines. Since chitin is a polysaccharide found to promote the growth and digestibility performance of crustaceans, adding its derivative component—chitosan, to formulated feeds may lead to optimal growth performance in the Scylla spp. The experiment done in Lian, Batangas contained two dietary treatments and a control made from the base-formulated feed: feeds with 2%, and feeds with 4% chitosan. These were fed to juvenile crabs for 30 days to compare the treatments’ weight, carapace length, and width. After assessing the crab measurements between Day 1 and Day 30, results show no significant difference among the three groups in terms of the average weight gained (p = 0.0573). However, the 2% chitosan treatment showed a significant increase in the average carapace length gained (p = 0.0157) and average carapace width gained (p = 0.00241) of the crabs. The findings suggest that among the three treatments, 2% chitosan concentration yielded the most impact in promoting carapace development, likely due to its ability to improve calcium and mineral bioavailability without causing metabolic inefficiencies. Identifying the effects of chitosan-enriched feeds would enhance crab farming yields, and promote easier and more sustainable feeding practices for Philippine crab farmers.

Abstract Format

html

Abstract (Filipino)

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Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Scylla serrata; Crab culture; Feeds; Chitosan

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Embargo Period

8-6-2025

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