Effects of Stocking Sac-Fry and Hatchery-Fed Fry on Production of Fingerling Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus

Abstract.— Channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus fry are typically held under hatchery conditions for 7 to 14 d after hatching to allow feeding and growth before they are stocked into nursery ponds to produce fingerling catfish. In an attempt to reduce hatchery operating costs, several catfish fingerling producers in Louisiana presently stock fry within 2 d after hatching before yolk absorption is complete. Fry at this stage of development are commonly referred to as "sac-fry." Although research has shown that fry can be stocked at the onset of yolk absorption with no detrimental effects on subsequent fingerling production, stocking sac-fry has been reported to result in reduced fingerling survival. To further investigate this topic, production trials were conducted in experimental outdoor pools over the course of two growing seasons to evaluate the effect of stocking fry of three different ages (2-, 7-, and 14-d post-hatch, DPH) on survival, growth (weight and length), condition factor (K), yield, feed consumption, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of fingerling catfish. Results from both trials indicated that the age at which fry were stocked had no effect on production characteristics with the exception of growth. Specifically, fingerlings reared from fry stocked at 2 and 7 DPH were significantly larger than fingerlings reared from fry stocked at an age of 14 DPH. These findings suggest that the practice of stocking sac-fry may be a suitable alternative to the traditional procedure of holding and feeding fry under hatchery conditions prior to stocking. However, in order to fully evaluate the effects of early-age stocking of catfish fry on fingerling production, additional studies must be conducted under pond conditions. Furthermore, these studies must be coupled with a rigorous economic analysis before the practice of stocking sac-fry can be recommended to the catfish industry.     

Effect of Multiple-batch Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, Stocking Density and Feeding Rate on Water Quality, Production Characteristics, and Costs

To quantitatively define relationships among stocking densities, feeding rates, water quality, and production costs for channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, grown in multiple‐batch systems, twelve 0.1‐ha earthen ponds were stocked at 8,600, 17,300, 26,000, or 34,600 fingerlings/ha along with 2,268 kg/ha of carryover fish. Fish in all ponds were fed daily to apparent satiation using 32% protein floating feed. Temperature and dissolved oxygen in each pond were monitored twice daily; pH weekly; nitrite‐N, total ammonia nitrogen, and Secchi disk visibility every 2 wk; nitrate‐N, chlorophyll a, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and chemical oxygen demand monthly; and chloride every other month. The costs of producing channel catfish at different stocking densities were estimated. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) as a result of stocking density among treatment means of (1) gross or net yields, (2) mean weights at harvest, and (3) growth or survival of fingerlings (24–36%) and carryover fish (77–94%). Mean and maximum daily feeding rates ranged from 40 to 53 kg/ha/d and 123 to 188 kg/ha/d, respectively, and feed conversion ratios averaged 1.75. There were no differences in any feed‐related parameter as a result of density. Water quality variables showed few differences among densities at samplings and no differences when averaged across the production season. Yield of fingerlings increased as stocking density increased with significant differences between the two highest and the two lowest stocking densities. Breakeven prices were lower at the higher stocking densities as a result of the higher yield of understocked fish and similar mean individual fish weights produced at these higher stocking densities. Overall, varying stocking densities of fingerlings in multiple‐batch systems had little effect on production efficiency and water quality. Additional research on managing the population structure of carryover fish in commercial catfish ponds may be warranted.     

Effect of Dietary Protein Concentration and Stocking Density on Production Characteristics of Pond-Raised Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus

Diets containing 28% and 32% crude protein were compared for pond‐raised channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus stocked at densities of 14,820, 29,640, or 44,460 fish/ha. Fingerling channel catfish with average initial weight of 48.5 g/fish were stocked into 30 0.04‐ha ponds. Five ponds were randomly allotted for each dietary protein ± stocking density combination. Fish were fed once daily to satiation for two growing seasons. There were no interactions between dietary protein concentration and stocking density for any variables. Dietary protein concentrations (28% or 32%) did not affect net production, feed consumption and weight gain per fish, feed conversion ratio, survival, processing yields, fillet moisture, protein and ash concentrations, or pond water ammonia and nitrite concentrations. Fish fed the 32% protein diet had slightly but significantly lower levels of visceral and fillet fat than fish fed the 28% protein diet. As stocking density increased, net production increased, while weight gain of individual fish, feed efficiency, and survival decreased. Stocking densities did not affect processing yield and fillet composition of the fish. Although highly variable among different ponds and weekly measurements, ponds stocked at the highest density exhibited higher average levels of total ammonia‐nitrogen (TAN) and nitrite‐nitrogen (NO₂‐N) than ponds stocked at lower densities. However, stocking density had no significant effect on un‐ionized ammonia‐nitrogen (NH₃‐N) concentrations, calculated based on water temperature, pH, and TAN. By comparing to the reported critical concentration, a threshold below which is considered not harmful to the fish, these potentially toxic nitrogenous compounds in the pond water were generally in the range acceptable for channel catfish. It appears that a 28% protein diet can provide equivalent net production, feed efficiency, and processing yields as a 32% protein diet for channel catfish raised in ponds from advanced fingerlings to marketable size at densities varying from 14,820 to 44,460 fish/ha under single‐batch cropping systems. Optimum dietary protein concentration for pond‐raised channel catfish does not appear to be affected by stocking density.     

Impact of Copper Sulfate on Plankton in Channel Catfish Nursery Ponds

Many fish culturists are interested in applying copper sulfate pentahydrate (CSP) to channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, nursery ponds as a prophylactic treatment for trematode infection and proliferative gill disease by killing snails and Dero sp., respectively, before stocking fry. However, copper is an algaecide and may adversely affect phytoplankton and zooplankton populations. We evaluated the effects of prophylactic use of copper sulfate in catfish nursery ponds on water quality and phytoplankton and zooplankton populations. In 2006, treatments of 0 mg/L CSP, 3 mg/L CSP (0.77 mg/L Cu), and 6 mg/L CSP (1.54 mg/L Cu) were randomly assigned to 0.04‐ha ponds. In 2007, only treatments of 0 and 3 mg/L CSP were randomly assigned to the 16 ponds. Ponds treated with CSP had significantly higher pH and significantly lower total ammonia concentrations. Treatment of both CSP rates increased total algal concentrations but reduced desirable zooplankton groups for catfish culture. CSP has been shown to be effective in reducing snail populations at the rate used in this study. CSP treatment also appears to be beneficial to the algal bloom, shifting the algal population to green algae and increasing total algal biomass within 1 wk after CSP treatment. Although zooplankton populations were adversely affected, populations of important zooplankton to catfish fry began rebounding 6–12 d after CSP treatment. Therefore, if CSP is used to treat catfish fry ponds of similar water composition used in this study, fry should not be stocked for about 2 wk after CSP application to allow time for the desirable zooplankton densities to begin increasing.     

Effects of Dietary Protein and Feeding Rate on Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus Production, Composition of Gain, Processing Yield, and Water Quality

A 2 ± 4 factorial experiment was conducted to examine effects of dietary protein level (28, 32, 36, and 40%) and feeding rate (satiation or ± 90 kg/ha per d) on production characteristics, processing yield, body composition, and water quality for pond-raised channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus. Fingerling channel catfish with a mean weight of 64 g/fish were stocked into 40 0.04-ha ponds at a rate of 17,290 fish/ha. Fish were fed once daily to apparent satiation or at a rate of ± 90 kg/ha per d for 134 d during the growing season. Dietary protein concentration had no effect on feed consumption, weight gain, feed conversion, survival, aeration time, or on fillet moisture, protein, and fat levels. Fish fed to satiation consumed more feed, gained more weight, had a higher feed conversion, and required more aeration time than fish fed a restricted ration. Visceral fat decreased, and fillet yield increased as dietary protein concentration increased to 36%. Carcass yield was lower for fish fed a diet containing 28% protein. Increasing feeding rate increased visceral fat but had no major effect on carcass, fillet, and nugget yields. Fish fed to satiation contained less moisture and more fat in the fillets that those fed a restricted ration. Nitrogenous waste compounds were generally higher where the fish were fed the higher protein diets. Although there was a significant interaction in pond water chemical oxygen demand between dietary protein and feeding rate, generally ponds in the satiation feeding group had higher chemical oxygen demand than ponds in the restricted feeding group. There was a trend that pond water total phosphorus levels were slightly elevated in the satiation feeding group compared to the restricted feeding group. However, pond water soluble reactive phosphorus and chlorophyll-a were not affected by either diet or feeding rate. Results from the present study indicate that a 28% protein diet provides the same level of channel catfish production as a 40% protein diet even when diet is restricted to 90 kg/ha per d. Although there was an increase in nitrogenous wastes in ponds where fish were fed high protein diets, there was little effect on fish production. The long term effects of using high protein diets on water quality are still unclear. Feeding to less than satiety may be beneficial in improving feed efficiency and water quality.     

POND STUDIES ON GULF KILLIFISH (Fundulus grandis) MARICULTURE

Investigations concerning spawning, hatching, and grow-out of gulf killifish (Fundulus grandis) were conducted in 0.08-ha, brackish-water ponds at Alabama's Claude Peteet Mariculture Center during 1979. Adult gulf killifish stocked at 88,750 fish/ha and a 1:1 sex ratio in 3 spawning ponds deposited 499,777 eggs on 1,001 Spanish moss mats placed around pond margins between 1 March and 13 August. Rate of egg deposition was highest in March (4,103 eggs/day/pond) and lowest in July and August (36 eggs/day/pond). A total of 293,467 eggs and 416 mats transferred to 3 hatching ponds between 13 March and 8 May produced 219,921 juvenile killifish (75% survival) averaging 0.5 g at harvest on 6 June. Production and feed conversion in hatching ponds averaged 413.90 kg/ha and 1.9, respectively. Stocked on 6 June in 4 grow-out ponds each at either 250,000 or 370,000 fish/ha and fed either 2 or 3 times daily, the juvenile gulf killifish reached marketable size (2.4 g and 57 mm total length) in 49 days. Production in grow-out ponds averaged 658 kg/ha with 93% survival and 2.4 feed conversion. Analysis (2 × 2 factorial) of grow-out data indicated no significant differences for effects of densities and feeding on mean weights of fish at harvest.     

Maximizing First-Year Growth of Mixed-Sex Blue Tilapia Oreochromis aureus in Polyculture with Catfish Ictalurus spp.

Mixed-sex blue tilapia Oreochromis aureus fry were produced from indoor spawns in March and April. Fry were stocked in May at an average weight of 0.5 g at 0, 250, 750, or 2,500/ha into ponds which had been stocked previously with three catfish strains at a combined density of 10,000 fingerlings/ha. After a 167-d culture period, from 15 May until 4 November, tilapia stocked at 250 or 750/ha grew to average harvest size approaching 0.45 kg. No significant difference in average size was observed between males and females except at the 2,500 tilapia/ha stocking density. Sixty percent of the tilapia polyculture ponds yielded no reproduction at harvest and maximum reproduction observed was 13.5 kg/ha. Lack of reproduction and the undeveloped state of sampled female ovaries indicated that most females had yet to attain sexual maturity. Catfish production and catfish feed conversion was not significantly different between tilapia polyculture and catfish monoculture ponds ( P > 0.05). First seine hauls yielded over 88% of the total catfish harvest, but only an average of 3.9% of the marketable tilapia. Tilapia had no measurable impact on the incidence of catfish off-flavor at any of three sample intervals. Overall average levels of TAN and nitrites did not differ significantly between treatments; however, mean chlorophyll a concentration was significantly higher ( P > 0.05) in the 2,500 tilapia/ha treatment than at lower tilapia densities.     

黑鮶控光育苗技术研究

利用体重1～4kg的怀仔黑亲鱼56尾，完全人工控制弱光，长流水、自然水温培育，共产仔272万尾。布池后，根据不同日龄投喂轮虫、卤虫无节幼体、配饵和糠虾，控制光照，调节水质，防病治病，及时疏稀，420m~3水体育出平均全长28.8mm的黑苗77.6万尾，总成活率30％。认为，全人工控制光源蓄养亲鱼，溢水法布池，夜间开灯少量投饵，效果较好。     

Effect of Dietary Protein Concentration and Feeding Rate on Weight Gain,Feed Efficiency,and Body Composition of Pond-Raised Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus1

Two experiments were conducted in earthen ponds to evaluate the effect of dietary protein concentration and feeding rate on weight gain, feed efficiency, and body composition of channel catfish. In Experiment 1, two dietary protein concentrations (28% or 32%) and four feeding rates (≤ 90. ≤ 112, ≤ 135 kg/ha per d, or satiation) were used in a factorial arrangement. Channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus fingerlings (average size: 27 g/fish) were stocked into 0.04-ha ponds at a rate of 24,700 fish/ha. Fish were fed once daily at the predetermined maximum feeding rates for 282 d (two growing seasons). In Experiment 2, three dietary protein concentrations (24, 28, or 32%) and two feeding rates (≤ 135 kg/ha per d or satiation) were used. Channel catfish (average size: 373 g/fish) were stocked into 0.04-ha ponds at a rate of 17,300 fish/ha. Fish were fed once daily for 155 d. In both experiments, five ponds were used for each dietary treatment. Results from Experiment 1 showed no differences in total feed fed, feed consumption per fish, weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), or survival between fish fed diets containing 28% and 32% protein diets. As maximum feeding rate increased, total feed fed, feed consumption per fish, and weight gain increased. There were no differences in total feed fed, feed consumption per fish, or weight gain between fish fed at ≤ 135 kg/ha per d and those fed to satiation. Fish fed the 28% protein diet had a lower percentage carcass dressout and higher percentage visceral fat than fish fed the 32% protein diet. Dietary protein concentrations of 28% or 32% had no effect on fillet protein, fat, moisture, and ash. Feeding rate did not affect FCR, survival, percentage carcass dressout, or fillet composition, except fillet fat. As feeding rate increased, percentage visceral fat increased. Fish fed at ≤ 90 kg/ha per d had a lower percentage fillet fat than fish fed at higher feeding rates. In Experiment 2, dietary protein concentration or maximum feeding rate did not affect total feed fed, feed consumption per fish, weight gain, FCR, or survival of channel catfish. Feeding rate had no effect on percentage carcass dressout and visceral fat, or fillet composition. This was due to the similar feed consumption by the fish fed at the two feeding rates. Fish fed the 24% protein diet had lower carcass dressout, higher visceral fat and fillet fat than those fed the 28% or 32% protein diet. Results from the present study indicate that both 28% and 32% protein diets provide satisfactory fish production, dressed yield, and body composition characteristics for pond-raised channel catfish fed a maximum rate of 90 kg/ha per d or ahove.     

Effects of Feeding Diets with and without Fish Meal on Production of Channel Catfish,Ictalurus punctatus,Stocked at Varying Densities

ABSTRACT

Animal protein, generally fish meal, has traditionally been used in the diet of channel catfish. However, our previous research indicates that animal protein is not needed for growing stocker-size catfish to food fish when the fish are stocked at densities typical of those used in commercial catfish culture. Whether this holds when fish are stocked at high densities is not known; thus, we conducted an experiment to evaluate the effect of feeding diets with and without fish meal to channel catfish stocked in earthen ponds at different densities. Two 32% protein-practical diets containing 0% or 6% menhaden fish meal were compared for pond-raised channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, stocked at densities of 14,820, 29,640, or 44,460 fish/ha. Fingerling channel catfish with average initial weight of 48 g/fish were stocked into 30 0.04-ha ponds. Five ponds were randomly allotted for each fish meal level?×?stocking density combination. Fish were fed once daily to satiation for two growing seasons. There was a significant interaction between stocking density and fish meal for net production; net production increased in fish fed a diet containing fish meal compared with those fed an all-plant diet at the highest stocking density, but not at the two lower stocking densities. Net production of fish fed diets with and without fish meal increased as stocking density increased. Viewing the main effect means, weight gain decreased and feed conversion ratio increased for fish stocked at the two highest densities, and survival was significantly lower at the highest stocking density. Visceral fat decreased in fish at the two highest stocking densities. Body composition data were largely unaffected by experimental treatment except for a reduction in percentage filet fat in fish at the highest stocking density, and fish that were fed diets containing fish meal had a lower percentage fillet protein and a higher percentage fillet fat. It appears that at stocking densities two to three times higher than generally used, animal protein (fish meal) may be beneficial in the diet of channel catfish. In regard to stocking densities, high stocking results in higher overall production, but the average fish size decreased as stocking density increased.     

Effect of Stocking Density on Growth and Water Quality for Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides Growout in Ponds

Juvenile largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides , trained to accept artificial diets, were stocked into six 0.04-ha ponds at stocking densities of either 6,175 or 12,350 fish/ha. Fish were fed a floating custom-formulated diet, containing 44% protein, once daily to satiation for 12 mo (May 1994–May 1995). At final harvest, the total yield of fish was significantly greater (P < 0.05) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly lower, for bass stocked at the higher density (4,598 kg/ha and 2.3, respectively) than when stocked at the lower density (2,354 kg/ha and 3.3, respectively). There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in average weight, length, or survival of bass stocked at the two densities. Averaged over the study period, there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in total ammonia-nitrogen (TAN), nitrite-nitrogen, or un-ionized ammonia concentrations in ponds in which bass were stocked at the two densities. These data indicate that largemouth bass of the size used in this study are amenable to pond culture at densities of at least 12,350 fish/ha and that higher stocking densities may be possible.     

Effect of Time of Feeding on Growth of Channel Catfish1

Channel catfish fingerlings were stocked into 16 0.04-ha ponds at a rate of 24,700 fish/ha on 5 May 1992. Four replicate ponds were used for each of the following treatments: 1) fed once daily at 0830h; 2) fed once daily at 1600h; 3) fed once daily at 2000h; and 4) fed on demand using demand feeders. Fish on the first three treatments were fed to satiation. All fish were harvested 145d after stocking. Results from this study showed that when channel catfish raised in ponds were fed once daily to satiation, time of feeding had no significant impact on water quality, feed consumption, feed conversion, weight gain, or body proximate composition. Fish fed on demand consumed more feed than fish fed once daily to satiation, but difference in weight gain was not significant. These data indicated that feeding time may not be critical for channel catfish production as long as fish are fed when dissolved oxygen is sufficient. Although feeding at night was not detrimental in this study, night feeding is not recommended on large ponds unless sufficient aeration is available to quickly provide oxygen in an emergency—and even then it would be problematic.     

Pond‐raised Hybrid Catfish, ♀ Ictalurus punctatus × ♂ Ictalurus furcatus,Do Not Respond to Microbial Phytase Superdosing

Two experiments were conducted in consecutive years to evaluate the responses of hybrid catfish, ♀ Ictalurus punctatus × ♂ Ictalurus furcatus, to “superdosing” of 6‐phytase added to existing commercial catfish feeds. In each experiment, two diets with or without a phytase superdose (2500 and 5000 phytase units/kg, respectively) were compared. In Experiment 1, fingerlings (mean weight: 59 g/fish) were stocked in 17 0.4‐ha earthen ponds at 17,290 fish/ha and were fed once daily to apparent satiation for 198 d. In Experiment 2, fingerlings (mean weight: 47 g/fish) were stocked in 10 0.4‐ha ponds at 24,710 fish/ha and were fed for 128 d. In both experiments, there were no significant differences in total feed fed, gross yield, final fish weight, survival, or Blood packed cell volume between fish fed diets with or without phytase. The diets also had no significant effects on pond water column total phosphorus or chlorophyll a concentrations, but soluble reactive phosphorus concentrations were significantly higher in ponds receiving the phytase diet in Experiment 2. Phytase superdosing of nutritionally complete feeds does not appear to have additional benefits beyond the standard phytase dose on production characteristics or packed cell volume of pond‐raised hybrid catfish and had no beneficial effects on water quality.     

Growth, Yield, Dressout, and Net Returns of Bighead Carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis Stocked at Three Densities in Catfish Ictalurus punctatus Ponds

Abstract— Alternative fish species that can be cultured together with catfish Ictalurus punctatus provide an opportunity to diversify caffish farms. A 2-yr study was conducted in 0.10-ha earthen ponds to evaluate the effect of bighead carp (BHC) stocking density on growth, yield, dressout yield, and net returns. Initially, bighead carp (average weight of 22 g) were stocked at rates of 380, 750, or 1,130 fishha in ponds with catfish. Caffish were cultured under commercial conditions by stocking caffish at a density of 12,500/ha, aerating nightly and feeding at an average rate of 82 kgha per d. Stocking rates for 2-yr-old fish were reduced to 77, 260, and 435/ha in the second growing season. There were no significant differences among treatments ( P > 0.05) in summer growth of bighead carp in either year. Bighead carp stocked at 1,130 fishha had significantly higher yields than those stocked at 380/ha, but did not reach minimum market size of 2.2 kg during the first year ( P > 0.05). There were no significant differences ( P > 0.05) in caffish growth, yield, survival, or feed conversion ratios due to the bighead carp stocking densities. Partial budget analysis indicated that net benefits were positive for all three treatments over a range of prevailing prices of bighead carp. Bighead carp production in catfish ponds is economically feasible over a wide range of prices. Given the market risk of producing smaller fish at the higher density, the medium density is the preferred stocking density of fingerling bighead carp in catfish ponds.     

Evaluation of Various Concentrations of Dietary Protein and Animal Protein for Pond-Raised Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus Fed to Satiation or at a Restricted Rate

A factorial experiment was conducted to evaluate effect of dietary protein (28% or 32%), animal protein (0, 3, or 6%), and feeding rate (satiation or >90 kg/ha per d) on production characteristics, processing yield, and body composition of pond-raised channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus . Fingerling channel catfish (average weight: 55 g/fish) were stocked into 60, 0.04-ha ponds at a rate of 18,530 fish/ha. Five ponds were used for each dietary treatment. Fish were fed once daily to satiation or no more than 90 kg/ha per d for 147 d. Fish fed at a rate of >90 kg/ha per d consumed about 85% of the amount of feed consumed by fish fed to satiation. Dietary protein did not affect the total amount of feed fed, amount of feed consumed per fish, weight gain, feed conversion efficiency, or fillet protein. Animal protein had no effect on the total amount of feed fed, amount of feed consumed per fish, weight gain, or fillet protein and ash. Fish fed a diet containing 6% animal protein converted feed more efficiently than fish fed diets containing 0% and 3% animal protein. Fish fed to satiation daily consumed more feed, gained more weight, converted the feed less efficiently, and had a higher carcass yield, a higher level of visceral fat as compared to fish fed at a rate of >90 kg/ha per d. Feeding rate had no effect on fillet protein. Results from this study indicated that both a 28% and a 32% protein diet with or without animal protein provided the same growth rate of channel catfish raised in ponds from fingerlings to marketable size if feed is not restricted below a maximum rate of 90 kg/ha per d. Even though there were some interactions among the three factors evaluated, dietary protein levels of 28% to 32% and animal protein levels of 0% to 6% do not appear to markedly affect carcass yield and fillet proximate composition of pond-raised channel catfish.     

Production Characteristics, Water Quality, and Costs of Producing Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus at Different Stocking Densities in Single-batch Production

Channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus farming is the largest component of aquaculture in the USA. Culture technologies have evolved over time, and little recent work has been conducted on the effects of stocking density on production characteristics and water quality. Twelve 0.1‐ha ponds were stocked with 13‐ to 15‐cm fingerlings (16 g) at either 8600, 17,300, 26,000, or 34,600 fish/ha in single‐batch culture with three replicates per treatment. Fish were fed daily to apparent satiation with a 32% floating commercial catfish feed. Nitrite‐N, nitrate‐N, total ammonia nitrogen (TAN), total nitrogen, total phosphorus, chemical oxygen demand (COD), Secchi disk visibility, chlorophyll a, chloride, total alkalinity, total hardness, pH, temperature, and dissolved oxygen (DO) were monitored. Ponds were harvested after a 201‐d culture period (March 26, 2003 to October 13, 2003). Net yield increased significantly (P < 0.05) as stocking density increased, reaching an average of 9026 kg/ha at the highest density. Growth and marketable yield (>0.57 kg) decreased with increasing stocking density. Survival was not significantly different among densities. Mean and maximum daily feeding rates increased with density, but feed conversion ratios did not differ significantly among treatments (overall average of 1.42), despite the fact that at the higher stocking densities, the feeding rates sometimes exceeded 112 kg/ha per d (100 lb/ac per d). Morning DO concentrations fell below 3 mg/L only once in a 34,600 fish/ha pond. Concentrations of chlorophyll a, COD, nitrite‐N, and TAN increased nominally with increasing feed quantities but did not reach levels considered problematic even at the highest stocking densities. Breakeven prices were lowest for the highest stocking density even after accounting for the additional time and growth required for submarketable fish to reach market size. While total costs were higher for the higher density treatments, the relatively higher yields more than compensated for higher costs.     

Commercial Diets in Phase I Palmetto Bass,Morone saxatilis × Morone chrysops,Production in Plastic‐lined Ponds: Fertilizer or Feed?

The role of offering a commercial pelleted diet has been characterized as both an expensive organic fertilizer and as a selected food item for larval hybrid striped bass (palmetto), Morone saxatilis × Morone chrysops, culture operations. In this study, we examined the effects of providing a commercial diet on fish production and zooplankton dynamics during phase I culture in plastic‐lined ponds. We also sought to estimate relative dietary contribution of a commercial fish feed relative to natural pond biota using stable isotope tissue analysis. Palmetto bass were stocked into six 0.04‐ha plastic‐lined ponds at a rate of 125,000/ha. During the 31‐d culture period, ponds were fertilized with alfalfa pellets at a rate of 112 kg/ha/wk. At 14 d post‐stock (dps), Silver Cup Trout Fry diet was offered at a rate of 13.6 kg/ha/d and fertilization was discontinued in three ponds. Although mean final fish length was significantly greater within the fed treatment, no other production parameters were found to be different (P < 0.1). Following feed application, copepod concentrations within the fed ponds were greater in magnitude by 24 dps. Through stable isotope tissue analysis, we found a significant enrichment in both ¹³C and ¹⁵ν of fish, zooplankton, and Chironomidae larvae within the fed ponds (P < 0.10). Using a three‐source mixing model, the mean (±SE) percent composition of feed in the fish's isotopic signature increased from 5% ±2 to 20% ±6 within 16 d. Although fish production was not greatly affected through the addition of a commercial fish feed, enriched ¹³C and ¹⁵ν of fish tissue indicate that palmetto bass fingerlings increasingly utilized the prepared diets over time. However, based on the isotopic values of fish and potential food sources, it can be estimated that natural pond biota likely accounted for up to 80% of nutrient assimilation in the hybrid striped bass.     

Threadfin Shad Dorosoma petenense Effects on Water Quality, Phytoplankton, and Channel Catfish Production in Ponds

Threadfin shad Dorosoma petenense are often stocked into commercial catfish ponds for biological control of algae. It is thought that the fish will alter the phytoplankton community, improve water quality, and enhance channel catfish production. Co-stocking of shad and catfish is a common practice, although there is limited information regarding the effects of threadfin shad on pond dynamics and catfish production. To evaluate the influence of shad in catfish ponds, this study was conducted in ten 0.04-ha experimental earthen ponds near Auburn, Alabama. All ponds were stocked in April with 600 fingerling channel catfish Ictal-urus punctatus (13,200/ha) with a mean length of 10.4 cm (4.1 in). Additionally, five of these ponds were randomly chosen and stocked with 70 adult threadfin shad (1,750/ha) weighing a total of 3.3 kg (16.5 kg/ha). At harvest in November, an average of 1,284 threadfin shad (32,100/ha), weighing a total of 55 kg (1,375 kg/ha) were collected from each shad pond. Water quality was improved with the addition of threadfin shad to channel catfish ponds. Mean total ammonia-nitrogen was significantly lower and less variable in the shad treatment. Observed mean nitrite concentrations, though not significant, were lower in the shad treatment. The phytoplankton community of the shad treatment had significantly higher density, more taxa, and smaller organisms. Pond water in the shad treatment had higher projected early morning dissolved oxygen levels requiring less aeration. Channel catfish had significantly higher survival in the shad treatment, furthermore, though not statistically significant, observed mean fish production was higher and feed conversion ratio was lower than in the no-shad treatment.     

Effects of Stocking Size and Density of Tilapia on Macrobrachium rosenbergii in Polyculture

Studies were conducted to determine the effect of stocking size and density of prawns in polyculture.
In one experiment, postlarval prawns (av. wt. 0.02 g) were stocked in six 0.02 ha earthen ponds at 35,00O/ha. Two ponds were stocked with tilapia fry (av. wt. 0.14 g) and two were stocked with tilapia fingerlings (av. wt. 30.1 g), each at 10,000/ha. Two control ponds had no tilapia. Tilipia stocking size had no effect on prawn growth. Mean weight of prawns after 70 days of culture ranged from a low of 4.5 g when cultured with tilapia fingerlings to a high of 6.6 when cultured in monoculture. Prawn survival was adversely affected by tilapia fry. Average prawn survival in tilapia fry ponds was 65% compared to 75% and 91%, respectively, in tilapia fingerling and monoculture ponds.
In a second experiment, postlarval prawns were stocked in nine 0.02 ha earthen ponds at 40,000/ ha. Six ponds were stocked with 30 g tilapia fingerlings, three at 5,000/ha and three at 15,000/ha. Three control ponds received prawns only. After 100 days of culture, prawn weight ranged from an average of 15.9 g in monoculture ponds to 11.5 g in polyculture ponds. Survival was highest (93.8%) in low density polyculture ponds. Survival was lowest (85.6%) in prawn monoculture ponds. Tilapia reproduction had a negative impact on shrimp production.     

Threadfin shad impacts phytoplankton and zooplankton community structures in channel catfish ponds

Plankton community structure and chlorophyll a concentration were compared in twelve 0.1 ha earthen ponds co‐stocked with channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus Rafinesque, 1818) in a multiple‐batch culture (initial biomass=5458 kg ha^?1) and a planktivore, threadfin shad (Dorosoma petenense Güther, 1867; initial biomass=449 kg ha^?1), during the April–November growing season. We used a completely randomized design in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement to test the planktivore level (presence or absence of threadfin shad) and channel catfish feeding frequency (daily or every third day). Channel catfish were fed a 32% protein feed to apparent satiation on days fed. The presence of threadfin shad affected phytoplankton and zooplankton community structure more than did feeding frequency, and the impact in ponds was more pronounced after 1 July. The numbers of all major groups of zooplankton were lower in ponds with threadfin shad, but were unaffected by the feeding frequency. Chlorophyll a concentration before 1 July was higher in ponds with threadfin shad and unaffected by the feeding frequency, whereas after 1 July it was higher in ponds without threadfin shad and that were fed daily. Phytoplankton community structure after 1 July was dominated by nuisance algal bloom genera of cyanobacteria in ponds without threadfin shad and by Bacillariophyceae in ponds with threadfin shad.