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A 45 days feeding trial was conducted on Macrobrachium malcolmsonii (2.28±0.08 cm and 0.11±0.04 g)
fed with seeds of Papaver somniferum (poppy), Elettaria cardamomum (cardamom) and Foeniculum
vulgare (fennel), and flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum (clove) incorporated (1%, 3% and 5% with
basal diet) feeds. Feed without inclusion of any spice was served as control. These spices were acted as
appetizer and enhanced the activities of protease, amylase and lipase in test prawns (P. somniferum, 1%
> E. cardamomum, 1% > F. vulgare, 2% > S. aromaticum, 1%) when compared with control (P < 0.05).
This suggests enhanced food consumption and assimilation, which leads to elevation of total protein,
carbohydrate and lipid. The levels of vitamin C and E, sodium, potassium, and total haemocyte population
were also found to be significantly elevated in these spices incorporated feeds fed prawns when compared
with control (P < 0.05). The process of lipid peroxidation was decreased significantly in these spices
incorporated feeds fed prawns when compared with control (P < 0.05). Therefore, activities of super
oxide dismutase and catalase were not altered significantly. This suggests that incorporation of spices
have reduced free radical generation. This state indicates the fact that these spices are non-toxic at test
concentrations. The overall result ensures prevalence of good general health, which ultimately favoured
for better survival, food conversion and growth of M. malcolmsonii.
Key words: Prawn, Poppy, Cardamom, Fennel, Clove, Survival, Growth.