The Culture of Penaeus semisulcatus in Israel

Growth performance data on Penaeus semisulcatus under semi-intensive pond culture conditions were collected in Israel between 1985 and 1987. In 1985, shrimp growth, from PL to 21.5 g, was accomplished in separate nursery and grow-out phases. Pond production during the grow-out phase was 3,000 and 3,943 kg/ha, and mean weight was 21.5 g. Shipments to Europe revealed a need to produce larger shrimp to maximize revenues. Any increase in individual shrimp weight at harvest would require new management practices. Juvenile shrimp (3.4 to 6.3 g) were held during the winter of 1986 in open ponds and restocked in grow-out ponds in the spring of 1987. Shrimp survival during overwintering was 12 and 15%. A maximum mean shrimp weight of 25.6 g and a maximum pond production of 7,451 kg/ha were obtained in 1987 using this strategy. It is possible that comparable pond production results and shrimp weight, but with higher overall shrimp survival, could be obtained by headstarting shrimp in greenhouses. Two major problems that need to be solved before commercial shrimp culture can succeed in Israel are the formulation of a locally produced feed and the out-of-season induced maturation and spawning of P. scmisulcarus .     

Increased Growth and Production of Striped Bass × White Bass Hybrids in Earthen Ponds

Four 0.1 hectare earthen ponds were stocked with 16,500 hybrid striped bass (female Morone saxatilis × male M. chrysops ) per hectare on 22 June 1982. Mean weight at stocking was 5.2 g ± 0.10 SE. Fish were fed to satiation two or three times daily with a dry commercial salmonid diet, and the ponds were aerated mechanically during periods of low dissolved oxygen during warm weather. Survival at harvest on 6 March 1983 averaged 84.7%, and mean weight of the fish was 170.2 g ± 2.66 SE. Average weights of fish from individual ponds ranged from 149.0 to 189.7 g. The ponds were restocked on 1 April 1983 with 10,000 fish per hectare averaging 193.6 g. Ten months later, average survival in 3 ponds was 83.9% (range, 81.3–87.0%) and mean weight was 656.3 g ± 5.51 SE. Average weights of fish from individual ponds ranged from 632.5 to 690.7 g. All fish in one pond died in June as a result of an aerator failure. Standing crop at harvest in the three remaining ponds averaged 5, 504 kg/ha (range, 5,247–5,765 kg/ha). Improvements in culture techniques resulted in approximately a 138% increase in production per hectare over that reported in a prior study. Results demonstrated that hybrid striped bass offer considerable potential for commercial aquaculture in warm temperate latitudes of the United States.     

Pond Culture of Larval and Juvenile Cobia,Rachycentron canadum,in the Southeastern United States

Abstract

The potential of growing larval and juvenile cobia, Rach-ycentron canadum, in ponds was investigated. Larval cobia, obtained from tank spawning of wild-caught adults, were stocked 48-72-h post-hatch at a rate of 700,000/ha into three fertilized 0.25-ha ponds. At one week post-stocking (WPS), fish were observed consuming formulated feed. Growth was rapid, with specific growth rates (SGR) ranging from 12.5-19.2% body weight/day. At harvest (5 WPS) fish reared in two ponds weighed 7.9 and 9.3 g and total length (TL) was 118.9 and 129.3 mm, respectively (all fish reared in remaining pond died the night prior to harvest due to aerator failure). Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was 3.8 for both ponds and survival was 5.3 and 8.5%. Low survival rates were thought to be due primarily to cannibalism. Immediately after harvest, fish were restocked into two 0.25-ha ponds at a stocking rate of 14,400/ ha. Fish were fed formulated, pelleted feeds. Growth was rapid up to ～9 WPS, after which pond water temperatures declined. Ponds were harvested at 13 and 15 WPS, respectively. Final weight of fish was 309.9 and 362.5 g. Final TL was 343.1 and 355.7 mm. FCR was 3.8 and 4.5 and survival was 27.5 and 30.5%. Major losses of fish were associated with avian predators and possibly a toxic algal bloom. Results of trials indicate that cobia larvae and juveniles can be reared in pond-based culture systems, however additional research is needed to refine this approach.     

Effect of Stocking Weight and Stocking Density on Production of Hybrid Striped Bass (Sunshine) in Earthen Ponds in the Second Phase of a 2-Phase System

Sunshine bass from Phase I or pond production were graded into two weight classes, 3 and 5 g, and stocked into experimental earthen ponds at a density of either 8,649/ha or 11,120/ ha in a 2 × 2 factorial design. After stocking, the fish were fed a commercially manufactured feed (43.0-45.5% crude protein) twice daily to satiation for 17 mo. At harvest, mean survival ranged from 67.4 to 84.8% but was highest for the fish stocked at 5g. Average production Tor ponds stocked at 8,649/ha and 11,120/ha, regardless of stocking weight, was 4,506 kg/ha and 5350 kg/ha, respectively. Production and percentages of assigned weight classes were not significantly different among treatments as a result of wide variation among replicates. Using size-dependent market prices assigned to the different harvest size groups, an economic analysis revealed gross receipts, variable costs, and total costs for the 11,120/ha 5-g treatment. Net returns were not significantly different among the four treatments due to large variation among replicates per treatment. These results confirm that the traditional phase II of pond production can be eliminated in favor of a direct stocking of phase I fish into a single production phase and economically competes very well with traditional three-phase growout management. The potential reduction in turnover time of production units achieved through the direct stock practice is an efficiency trait that should translate into significantly higher returns and a greater profit over the long term. Further reduction of stocking density combined with a stocking weight greater than 5 g should translate into greater proportion of larger, higher valued fish at harvest and a growout period of 18-20 mo, rather than the 24-30 mo traditionally needed for the combined phase II and phase III of production.     

Preliminary Evaluation of Production Systems and Forages for Culture of Orconectes virilis, the Northern or Fantail Crayfish

Culture potential of Orconectes virilis , the northern or fantail crayfish, was evaluated in deep ponds and simulated shallow ponds during the summer and fall. Adult crayfish were stocked in the deep ponds in October and known numbers of juvenile crayfish were stocked in the shallow ponds in May. Triplicate groups of crayfish in each system were either not fed (negative control) or fed corn silage or wheat straw. Production in either system was not significantly different between treatments, but production in the shallow tanks (790 kg/ha) was almost double that observed in the deep ponds (401 kg/ha) and may have been due to different stocking strategies. Juvenile crayfish were generally of minimal marketable size at the end of one growing season. The shallow tanks were restocked in October and drained in March to evaluate overwinter survival in this type of system. Survival averaged 78.9% for both males and females, and most (97.1%) age 1 females were carrying eggs.     

MALAYSIAN PRAWN CULTURE IN BRACKISH WATER PONDS IN LOUISIANA

Beginning on May 13, 1980, prawns were cultured at the Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge for 140 days from postlarvae and fed. Production in ponds receiving Ralston Purina Experimental Marine Ration #25 averaged 408 kg/ha, 619 kg/ha and 510 kg/ha for the respective replicated stocking densities of 2.5/m², 4.9/m² and 7.4/m². Average feed conversion factors were 1.0, 1.0 and 1.5. Average prawn weights at harvest decreased with increased stocking density and were 21 g, 17 g and 12 g, respectively. Production per pond ranged from 390 kg/ha to 832 kg/ha. An average of 77% of prawns stocked at 2.5/m² exceeded 115 mm TL whereas the stocking densities of 4.9/m² and 7.4/m² yielded only 32% and 31% over 115 mm. Extra postlarvae remaining after the stocking requirements for the feeding study were met permitting additional tests. Stocking rates selected for these additional studies were 1.2/m², 2.5/m² and 3.7/m². Prawns in these ponds received no supplemental feed and yielded harvests of 124 kg/ha, 224 kg/ha and 292 kg/ha, respectively. These treatments, the first two of which were not replicated, resulted in production similar to that of an earlier study of prawn production on natural forage in brackish ponds at this facility. Average prawn sizes at harvest were 18 g, 15 g and 12 g, and were inversely related to stocking densities.     

Integrated Duck-cum-Fish Farming in Bangladesh

An experiment on integrated duck-cum-fish farming was conducted in 11 ponds of 0.1 ha each at the Fisheries Research Institute, Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Khaki Campbell layer ducks Anas platyrhychos were housed directly over the pond water surface at 200, 400 and 500 dncks/ha. Each density had three replicate ponds and two ponds had no ducks. Fish fingerlings were stocked at a total density of 8,850/ha. The species composition was silver carp Hypophthalmicthys molitrix 33.9%; catla Catla catla 12.4%; rohu Labeo rohita 18.1%; mrigal Cirrhina mrigala 28.8%. grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella 1.4% and sor puti Puntius gonlonotus 5.4%. The fish were not given any supplemental feed, and the ponds were not fertilized except for the split duck feed and duck manure falling directly into the ponds. Ducks were fed with a feed formulated from locally available ingredients.
After one year the fish were harvested. The yield of fish increased with an increase in duck density. Highest net fish production of 4,250 kg/ha/yr was obtained from ponds with 500 ducks/ ha, compared to 490 kg/ha/yr from the control ponds. Manure of each duck contributed a net fish yield of 6.9–7.5/yr. Average egg production was 237 eggs per female duck per year. Economic analysis of the technology showed a net profit of about 100% of the total costs, indicating the economic viability of the technology.     

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.     

Bioenergetic modelling of effects of fertilization, stocking density, and spawning on growth of the Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.)

Abstract. A bioenergetic growth model was developed to examine the integrated effects of fertilization, stocking density, and spawning on the growth of tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.), in pond aquaculture. The analyses showed that growth rates increase with higher levels of organic fertilization up to 500kg/ha/week. Growth rates increased with added food rations in ponds, reaching a maximum growth of 2-07g/day at about 44–48 days after stocking. Fish growth rates decreased with increased levels of stocking density. The stocking density for optimal growth is 1fish/m²; the optimal density for total harvesting weight and fish size is 2 fish/m². Model sensitivity analysis indicated that tilapia growth is most sensitive to catabolism (metabolism) and anabolism (synthesis) coefficients, both of which are geometrically related to the fish body weight. Food assimilation efficiency (b) and the food consumption coefficient (h) have a modest effect on fish growth. Spawning in grow-out ponds can have a major effect on fish growth.     

Improved Utilization of Pond Carrying Capacity by Increasing Initial Stocking Rates and Subsequent Stock Division1

Fingerling channel catfish Ictaturus punctarus were stocked into eight 0.04-ha ponds at 12,500 fishlha (treatment 1) and 50,000 fish/ha (treatment 2) with four ponds per treatment. At the end of of phase I (59 d) 50% of the fish were removed from each of the ponds in treatment 2 and divided equally into two ponds, forming treatment 3 (eight ponds at a density of 12,500 fish/ha). The remaining fish in treatment 2 (25,000 fish/ha) were maintained in the original ponds until the end of phase II (36 d). At this time, the fish were removed and equally divided at a density of 12,500 fish/ha into separate ponds. These ponds were continued to be denoted as treatment 2. All fish were grown for a total of 188 d. Production characteristics between treatments were compared at phases and at the end of the 188 d. There was no significant difference in feed conversion ratios due to treatment. The individual weights of the fish were higher in treatment I, but the difference occurred only in phase I. Size variabilities in treatments 2 and 3 were also higher than in treatment 1, which may cause a decrease in the percentage of marketable fish. Although there were some adverse effects due to the initial high stocking densities, overall pond production was higher in treatments 2 and 3. Treatment 2 had a daily net production of 49.9 ± 3.43 kg/ha and treatment 3 had 44.6 ± 3.81 kg/ha per d, compared to treatment 1 with only 32.4 ± 1.06 kg/ha per d (mean ± SD).     

Split Ponds Effectively Overwinter Golden Shiners

Baitfish producers have expressed interest in adopting the split‐pond production system. However, confining fish to 20% of the pond area in split‐pond systems effectively quintuples fish density within the culture unit as compared with densities in open ponds. Winter conditions are known to be relatively more stressful on smaller fish, and high densities within split‐pond culture units could increase losses. A 139‐d study was conducted during the winter to compare the production of golden shiners, Notemigonus crysoleucas, in traditional earthen ponds and split ponds at two densities. Golden shiners were stocked at 646 kg/ha or 1292 kg/ha (ca. 370,500 or 741,000 fish/ha, respectively) into 12, 0.04‐ha, netted earthen ponds (six split ponds and six traditional). Feeding rate, nightly aeration hours, and daily circulation hours were reduced when water temperature decreased. At harvest, net yields were significantly lower in the split ponds as compared with traditional ponds at each density (53 and 113 kg/ha less in the low‐ and high‐density split‐pond treatments, respectively). Estimated survival was high (>87%) and did not differ among treatments. Results showed that, although net yield was reduced, small baitfish could be successfully overwintered in split‐pond culture units in preparation for the spring crappie market.     

Growth of Stocker Channel Catfish to Large Market Size in Single-Batch Culture

Catfish farmers increasingly are producing fish larger than the traditional size of 0.45-0.57 kg/fish in order to meet processing plant requirements for larger fish. Production of larger channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus in multiple-batch culture has been investigated in a few studies, but the impact of understocked fingerlings on growth of carry-over fish is unknown. The present study was conducted to quantify growth, feed conversion ratio, net daily yield, and net and total yield of stocker channel catfish grown in single-batch, one-season culture to mean individual weights of 0.60, 0.72, 0.91, or 1.17 kg/fish. Channel catfish (mean weight = 0.26 kg/fish) were stocked into 12 0.1-ha ponds at 11,115 fish/ha. Fish were fed a 32% crude protein floating extruded feed once daily to apparent satiation. When the average weight of the fish population reached the target weight, three randomly selected ponds were harvested. Fish growth was linear in all treatments. Growth rates were similar for fish grown to 0.60, 0.72, and 0.91 kg/fish, and significantly lower ( P < 0.05) than for fish grown to 1.17 kg. Variation in individual fish weight increased linearly with increased duration of culture period. Feed conversion ratio averaged 1.9 and did not differ significantly among treatments. The percentage of the fish population at harvest that fell within the 0.57 to 2.04 kg-size range preferred by processing plants increased from 56.6 to 98-5% as the mean weight at harvest increased from 0.60 to 1.17 kg/fish.     

Shrimp Yields and Economic Potential of Intensive Round Pond Systems

Three intensive growout trials using Penaeus vunnumei were conducted in round ponds in Hawaii in 1987. A 337 m² experimental pond was stocked at 100 shrimp/m² for two trials; a 2,000 m² commercial prototype pond was stocked at 75/m² for one trial. In the experimental pond trials, shrimp survival averaged 88 ± 10% (SE) and feed conversion averaged 2.2 ± 0.2. Growth averaged 1.5 ± 0.3 g/week, yielding 18.2 ± 1.7 gram shrimp in 80 ± 5.5 days. Combined production in the experimental trials was 32,272 kg/ha in 174 days (from stocking of trial 1 to harvest of trial 2). Comparing these results to 1986 results (Wyban and Sweeney 1988), it was concluded that shrimp growth is not affected and production is doubled by increasing stocking density from 45/m² to 100/m². Pooling data from 1986 and 1987, a significant linear regression was obtained when weekly growth of shrimp above four grams individual size was regressed on mean weekly pond temperature: growth = 0.37 * temperature - 8.44, (r²= 0.41; P < 0.01). Multiple regression to examine effects of shrimp size, pond biomass, and shrimp age on the temperature-growth relationship was not significant. In the commercial prototype pond trial, survival was 67% and feed conversion was 2.0. Growth averaged 1.4 g/week, yielding 18.1 gram shrimp in 88 days. Production was 9,120 kg/ha. Individual shrimp size distribution at harvest in the commercial pond was similar to experimental pond results, indicating that shrimp growth in the two systems was comparable. Financial characteristics of a hypothetical 24 pond shrimp farm using these results were determined using an electronic spreadsheet model (hung and Rowland 1987). Feed costs were 40% of total operating costs while postlarvae and labor were 14% and 16% of total operating costs, respectively. Breakeven price (BEP) was far more sensitive to changes in revenuedetermining inputs such as survival and growth than to comparable changes in costdetermining inputs such as feed and postlarvae costs. Together these results suggest that commercial scale round pond production mimics experimental scale production and that round pond technology has commercial potential.     

Supplemental feeds containing coffee pulp for rearing Tilapia in Central AmericaAlimento suplementario conteniendo pulpa de café para la crianza de Tilapia en Centro America

A supplementary feed containing 30% coffee pulp was evaluated for use in the culture of Tilapia aurea in El Salvador, Central America. A comparison of the coffee pulp feed with a feed containing all of the same ingredients except coffee pulp was made with T. aurea raised in 1.0-m³ cages suspended in a fertilized earthen pond. Survival was high in all treatments and there was no significant difference in average weight gain between groups of fish receiving the two experimental feeds. Production trials were conducted in 100-m² fish pens and in 0.05-ha earthen ponds. Pen-raised fish receiving coffee pulp feed grew faster throughout the experiment, and total production was approximately twice that in control treatments. Highest production in pens was 1.25 kg/m² per year. Results of production pond trials using T. aurea at 9 000/ha and stocked with the piscivorous Cichlasoma managuense yielded an estimated 3 392 kg/ha per year in fed treatments and 2 049 kg/ha per year in controls. Low feed conversion (1.92) and low feed cost resulted in an increase in net annual earnings of $251.00/ha.     

Evaluation of a Barrier Confinement System for Channel Catfish,Ictalurus punctatus,Production

An in‐pond confinement system to separate channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, by size within a single pond provides an opportunity for improved growth of understocked fish in ponds with larger market‐sized fish. A barrier of polyvinyl chloride–coated galvanized wire mesh was constructed in five 0.10‐ha earthen ponds to partition the pond into one‐third and two‐third sections, while five other 0.10‐ha ponds were left as traditional open ponds for a control. To evaluate catfish performance in this confinement system, fingerlings (25 g) were stocked at 14,820/ha into the smaller one‐third section of the barrier and carryover fish (408 g) at 2580 kg/ha into the larger two‐third section of the barrier. The control ponds were stocked with the same sizes and numbers of fish in a traditional earthen pond without a barrier. Yield, survival, feed conversion ratio (FCR), growth, and economics were compared between treatments. Fingerling yields were greater in the barrier system that allowed fingerlings to be separated physically from larger carryover fish. There were no differences in yield of carryover fish, survival, FCR, or growth between the control and the barrier ponds. Partial budget analysis revealed a positive net change of $367/ha or $38,125 for a 104‐ha catfish farm (at a market price of $1.54/kg of additional stockers produced). The value of the greater weight of understocked fish produced in the barrier system was greater than the annualized cost of installing the barrier, for farmers raising fish in multiple batch. Thus, on an experimental basis, the confinement system was economically profitable; however, trials on commercial farms are needed to evaluate performance on a larger scale.     

POLYCULTURE OF THE FRESHWATER PRAWN (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) WITH TWO COMBINATIONS OF CARPS IN MANURED PONDS

A study was conducted to 1) evaluate the compatibility of prawns (Macrobrachiurn rosenbergii) with carps, especially the effect of the common carp (Cyprinus carpio); and 2) measure the ability of prawns to utilize the foods available in manured systems. Carps used were the silver (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), bighead (Aristichthys nobilis), grass (Ctenopharyngodon idella) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Four ponds (0.09 to 0.17 ha) were stocked with silver, bighead and grass carps while common carp were stocked in only two ponds. Total fish densities were 8,600/ha where four carps were stocked, but only 6,200/ha when common carp were omitted. Post-larval prawns (wt 0.116 g) were stocked at densities of 17/m². Swine (approximately 60/ha of pond surface area) were housed on pond dikes so that fresh manure continuously entered each pond. Two lots of swine were fattened during the experimental period and loadings of swine manure were calculated based on hog size and feed consumption. Growth periods were 163 days for fish and 107 and 121 days for separate stockings of prawns. Gains in biomass by prawns averaged 714 kg/ha in ponds without common carp and 364 kg/ha in ponds containing common carp. Gains in biomass for both fish and prawns were 3,619 kg/ha (19.8 kg/ha/day) in ponds with common carp and 2,924 kg/ha (18.0 kg/ha/day) in those without common carp. Prawn survival was higher (X = 84.5% vs X = 72.5%), but final average weight of prawns was lower (2.64 vs 5.86 g) in the presence of common carp due to competition for food between common carp and prawns. Competition from carp is believed to have exerted less influence on prawn survival than predation on small prawns by larger, faster-growing prawns.     

Assessment of a Phytogenic Feed Additive (Digestarom P.E.P. MGE) on Growth Performance,Processing Yield,Fillet Composition,and Survival of Channel Catfish

We investigated the effects of a phytogenic feed additive (Digestarom® P.E.P. MGE) on growth performance, processing yield, fillet composition, and survival of pond‐raised channel catfish. Fifteen 0.4 ha ponds were stocked with 14,820 catfish (126 g/fish) per ha. Fish in control ponds were fed a 32% crude protein commercial floating diet whereas fish in test ponds were fed the same diet supplemented with Digestarom P.E.P. MGE at 200 g/ton. In a second study, ten 0.04 ha ponds were stocked at a similar density with fish that averaged 68 g/fish. At the end of the 6‐mo study, there was no significant difference in the amount of feed fed or the amount of weight gained between the control and Digestarom P.E.P. MGE fed fish. Food conversion ratio, net yield, and survival were also similar between the two groups. Carcass, fillet, and nugget yield were similar. Fillet proximate analysis revealed that fillet fat was lower (P < 0.01) whereas fillet protein tended to be a little higher (P < 0.10) in treated fish. In conclusion, there was a significant reduction in the amount of fillet fat in Digestarom P.E.P. MGE fed fish. Improved fillet composition (higher protein and lower lipid) is of commercial importance.     

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.     

Comparisons of Two By-Products and a Prepared Diet as Organic Fertilizers on Growth and Survival of Larval Paddlefish,Polyodon spathula,in Earthen Ponds

Two agro-industrial by-products, rice bran (RB) and distillers dried solubles (DS), and a prepared diet (PD) were evaluated as organic fertilizers for the production of juvenile paddlefish in nine 0.02-ha earthen ponds over a 40-day culture period. Paddlefish yield from ponds fertilized with RB (209 kg/ha) was significantly greater (P≤0.05) than that from ponds fertilized with DS (129 kg/ha), but it was not significantly greater than yields from ponds fertilized with PD (258 kg/ha). Fish survival from ponds fertilized with PD (79%) was significantly higher than from ponds fertilized with RB (55%) or DS (50%). There was no significant difference in survival between ponds fertilized with RB and DS. Secchi disk visibilities in ponds fertilized with RB were significantly lower than in ponds fertilized with DS and PD. Relatively low Secchi disk visibilities in RB-fertilized ponds were because of a brown stain or coloration which reduced sunlight penetrationa and growth of filamentous algai, not observed in Ds- or PD-fertilized ponds. Larvae congregated in areas where PD was being applied, whcih suggested direct feeding on PD. Paddlefish did not respond when RB and DS were applied to ponds. Cost per juvenile paddlefish raised in ponds fertilized with RB was $0.004, cheaper than $0.011 for fish raised in ponds fertilized with PD or DS. Rice bran is the recommended agro-industrial by-product to raise juvenile paddlefish greater than 120 mm total length based on improved fish yields, pond water quality, and lower cost per fish. The prepared diet may be used not only as an organic fertilizer, but also as a supplemental feed.     

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.