Application of Azotobacter enhances pond productivity and fish biomass in still water ponds

Two strains (derepressed-nitrogen fixing, Mac-27 and phosphate solubilizing, PS-21) of Azotobacter chroococcum were inoculated in fish culture ponds, singly and in combination with inorganic fertilizers (urea, single superphosphate–SSP). Physico-chemical parameters of pond waters, plankton production and fish biomass were studied. Inoculation of A. chroococcum (Mac-27) enhanced nitrogenase activity and rate of nitrogen fixation. A slight reduction in nitrogen fixation and nitrogenase activity was noticed when urea at 96 kg ha–1 y–1 was mixed with the biofertilizer (Mac-27). Inoculation of PS-21 enhanced phosphate solubilization, but Kjeldahl-nitrogen concentration values remained low in comparison with controls. On the other hand, inoculation of Azotobacter (either strain) enhanced the accumulation of ammonium-N, nitrite-N and nitrate-N. A significant (p < 0.05) reduction in dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration also took place when Azotobacter (both Mac-27 and PS-21) was inoculated in fish ponds. However, when used along with inorganic fertilizers, the reduction was not significant. The pH values were only slightly lowered when the phosphate-solubilizing strain (PS-21) of Azotobacter was inoculated. Inoculation of biofertilizer enhanced plankton production, net primary productivity and fish biomass. However, highest values in most of these parameters were noticed only in ponds that were treated with the higher doses of inorganic fertilizers (urea 192 kg and SSP 1500 kg ha–1 y–1). © Rapid Science Ltd. 1998     

Heat shock protein 70 expression in different tissues of Cirrhinus mrigala (Ham.) following heat stress

Members of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) are highly conserved proteins of about 70 kDa and play important roles in protein folding. Levels of these proteins increase when cells are under stress. Environmental temperature influences both the basal and induced levels of HSPs. However, studies on HSPs in fishes from a tropical country such as India are lacking. In the present study, Indian major carp (IMC) Cirrhinus mrigala (Ham.) acclimatized at 25±2°C had high levels of HSP70, viz., 1.2–1.3 ng μg^?1 total protein in kidney and gill and 4.2–5.3 ng μg^?1 total protein in liver and brain tissues, indicating the presence of biochemically significant levels of stress. However, maintenance of acclimatized fish at 17°C for up to 48 h did not lead to a significant decrease in stress protein levels. A heat shock at 37°C for up to 48 h resulted in only two to threefold increase in HSP70 levels in these organs. Although the increase in HSP70 levels was apparent from the first hour of heat stress in all these tissues, the increase was significant from the second hour in the brain, the sixth hour in liver and kidney and the 20th hour in the gills.     

Effect of soybean-meal-based diets on the growth and survival rate of the Indian major carp, Cirrhinus mrigala (Ham.)

The effect of varying dietary levels of defatted soybean meal on the growth and survival of mrigal, Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton) was investigated. In a feeding trial of 90 days, three experimental diets containing soybean meal at 200, 300 and 400 g kg^?1 level of incorporation were fed to quadruplicate groups of 10 fish each. The conventional feed used in India, consisting of a mixture of groundnut oil cake and rice bran in 1 : 1 ratio served as the control. Best growth in terms of percentage weight gain, specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio (PER), feed conversion ratio and survival rate was obtained for the test diet with 354 g kg^?1 crude protein and with 400 g kg^?1 soybean meal inclusion level. However, no statistical significant difference was observed between the three soybean‐based diets, except for PER and survival rate. Soybean meal is an easily available, acceptable and cost‐effective protein source in formulated feeds for Indian major carps. The results of the present study indicate that a diet of 350 g kg^?1 overall protein with soybean meal included at 400 g kg^?1 can elicit good growth response and survival in mrigal.     

Effect of dietary synbiotic on growth performance,body composition,digestive enzyme activity and gut microbiota in Cirrhinus mrigala (Ham.) fingerlings

A feeding trial of 60 days was conducted to delineate the effect of dietary synbiotic on maximum growth, body composition, digestive enzyme activity and subsequently gut microbiota in Cirrhinus mrigala fingerlings. One hundred and eighty acclimatized fingerlings of mrigal with initial body weight ranging from 2.87 ± 0.01 g to 3.26 ± 0.05 g were randomly distributed in three replicates of each of four experimental groups including control (without probiotic and prebiotic), T₁ (high probiotic + low prebiotic), T₂ (low probiotic + high prebiotic) and T₃ (high probiotic + high prebiotic), using completely randomized design (CRD). Results showed that growth performance parameters, such as specific growth rate (SGR), per cent weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER), were reported to be higher in the T₂ group followed by the T₃ group. Maximum gut microbiota activity was found in the T₃ group which was significantly different from other treatment groups. Similarly, body composition and digestive enzyme activity varied significantly (p < .05) among the treatment groups. The study showed the possibility of improved nutrient utilization in terms of growth performance and digestive enzyme activity in the group following dietary synbiotic supplementation.     

Reproduction phase-related variations in the GnRH immunoreactive fibers in the pineal of the Indian major carp Cirrhinus mrigala (Ham.)

We studied GnRH immunoreactivity in the pineal gland of the Indian major carp Cirrhinus mrigala during different phases of reproductive cycle. In the resting phase (December–January), GnRH immunoreactive (-ir) fibers were organized as paired fascicles above the posterior commissure that ascend in the stalk and distribute widely in the pineal gland. The GnRH-ir fiber density significantly declined (P<0.001) during the preparatory phase (February–April) and the fibers disappeared thereafter. While no GnRH fibers were seen during the prespawning (May–June) and spawning (July–August), isolated GnRH-ir fibers reappeared in the postspawning phase. Since no GnRH cell bodies were detected in the pineal, these GnRH-ir fibers seem to be of central origin. The results reveal a distinct reciprocal relationship between the GnRH immunoreactivity in the pineal and the status of the ovarian maturity; the fibers appeared in the pineal only during the period of ovarian quiescence. While the functional significance of these cyclic changes in GnRH is yet to be determined, we suggest that the decapeptide may serve as a transmitter of central origin that modulates the activity of the pineal gland.     

Effect of organic fertilizer on plankton primary productivity in fish ponds

The effect of cattle organic fertilizer on plankton primary production and related variables was tested in six Bulgarian fish ponds situated close to the town of Plovdiv in Bulgaria. At the beginning of the experiment (16th of May 2004, about 10 days after filling with water) a suppression of plankton metabolism was observed and after that the ponds treated with manure demonstrated significantly higher productivity than the controls, especially during the transition to the autumn season when the water column was more regularly mixed. The other measured variables (Secchi disk readings, plankton chlorophyll-a and respiration, assimilation number per unit chlorophyll-a) did not show significant differences between the treated and control ponds.     

Effect of varying closes of organic and inorganic fertilizers on plankton production and fish biomass in brackish water fish ponds

The effects of four different doses of organic (cowdung) and inorganic fertilizers (single super phosphate: SSP) in combination were studied on plankton production, species diversity and fish biomass in saline and freshwater fish ponds. Physico-chemical factors of pond waters were also monitored. Alkalinity and nutrients increased with increase in the dose of fertilizers. Dissolved oxygen (DO) also remained sufficiently high up to the third treatment; however, levels declined significantly in the ponds receiving the fourth treatment (20 000 kg ha^-1 year^-1 of cowdung and 3000 kg ha^-1 year^-1 of SSP). The highest plankton population, species diversity and higher fish biomass was also observed in ponds which received the third dose of fertilizers (10 000 kg ha^-1 year^-1 of cowdung and 1500 kg ha^-1 year^-1 of SSP). However, a decline in these parameters was observed in ponds which received the highest (fourth treatment) dose of fertilizers. Nutrients remained slightly lower in brackish-water fish ponds. When species diversity values were compared, it was observed that, although values werte higher in freshwater ponds, their abundance (no. 1¹) remained lower than in brackish-water fish ponds. Similarly, fish biomass also remained significantly higher in brackish-water ponds than in freshwater ponds. From these studies, it can be concluded that a combination of 10 000 kg of cowdung + 1500 kg ha^-1 year^-1 of SSP appears to be the optimum dose.     

Fertilizing fish ponds: III. Growth of Mugil capito in Egypt by pond fertilization and feeding

The possibility of increasing the growth rate of M. capito fry by using supplemental artificial food and different fertilizers in seven ponds at Mex Experimental Station, Alexandria, is discussed. Growth was indicated by an increase in the length and weight of the fish.The experiment demonstrated different patterns of growth of M. capito. The best growth rates for the adolescent fish are achieved by using supplemental artificial food composed of powdered blood and flour. The next best results are obtained with the cheaper cotton seed cake and rice bran. The increase in the growth rate of the fish in the ponds fertilized with superphosphate and superphosphate plus nitrate, is lower for the 6–12-month-old fish, while it is highest from the fry stage until 6 months of age. Obviously there is a considerable difference between the treated and untreated ponds.     

Fertilizing fish ponds: II — Growth of Mugil cephalus in Egypt by pond fertilization and feeding

Growth of Mugil cephalus, indicated by increase in length and weight, was studied in seven ponds at Mex Experimental Station, Alexandria. The ponds were treated with different fertilizers and the fish were given supplemental artificial food.Different patterns of growth were studied and compared. The best and cheapest method of increasing the growth of M. cephalus in experimental ponds was to fertilize with superphosphate at a monthly rate of 20 kg. The increase in the growth rate of the fish in ponds receiving superphosphate, and superphosphate plus ammonium nitrate indicated by condition factor values was nearly double that reported by other investigators.     

Effect of fish species combinations on water chemistry and plankton composition in earthen fish ponds

Fish-environment relationships in ponds with several different combinations of fish species are analysed. The study was carried out in 18 earthen fish ponds in a farm at Lohamei HaGetaot, Israel, during the 1986 fish culture season. Water was analysed for temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, ammonium, nitrite, nitrate, and phyto- and zooplankton. Factor analysis was applied to the physico-chemical and plankton datasets to identify respectively the main ecological processes and species groups in the ponds. The general linear model was applied to analyse the effect of fish species combination and month on the ecological and plankton factors identified. The main source of water quality variability was accounted for by three factors: pond loading (CHF1), oxygenation of the water (CHF2), and pH effect on the second step of nitrification (CHF3). The main source of variability in the plankton composition was due to presence or absence of a blue-green algal bloom (PLF1). Another four plankton factors were identified. Each factor was differently affected by the fish species combination in the pond and the month. The complex nets of interactions between common carp, tilapia and mullet, and how these fish in different cominations affect pond water quality and food webs are discussed.     

生石灰对池塘水质影响的初步研究

生石灰对池塘水质影响的初步研究＠朱永久＠白遗胜￥中国水产科学研究院长江水产研究所＠陈万光￥河南省洛阳市水产科学研究所生石灰对池塘水质影响的初步研究朱永久白遗胜（中国水产科学研究院长江水产研究所,荆州４３４０００）陈万光（河南省洛阳市水产科学研究所为了科学地...     

Effects of predation by largemouth bass in fish production ponds stocked with Tilapia nilotica

Triplicate ponds (0.07 ha) were stocked with either 0, 29, 86, or 143 largemouth bass fingerlings and 9500 Tilapia nilotica fingerlings (90% males) per hectare. Fish were fed a 32% protein ration for 6 months and then harvested. Average weight of largemouth bass declined as their stocking density increased. Average weight and total biomass of originally stocked tilapia increased with increasing predator stocking density. Total yields of tilapia were not different and averaged 4203, 4355, 4583 and 4230 kg/ha, of which recruits accounted for 28, 29, 26 and 8% for the above respective predator densities. Stocking 143 largemouth bass per hectare was an effective means of decreasing recruitment and increasing yields of larger sized male tilapia.     

施肥对多盐水池塘浮游植物演替的影响

选择辽宁盘锦光合水产有限公司养殖基地为试验场所,于2002年春季4~5月进行试验。选择5个具有代表性的土池作为试验池,同时另选一土池作为对照池。研究相同N/P比值下不同施肥量对室外土池多盐水体的水化学和浮游植物群落、叶绿素a含量和初级生产力的影响,以及浮游动物对浮游植物的下行效应。共检出浮游生物42种。其中,浮游植物33种,浮游动物9种。浮游植物生物量高达288.2 mg.L-1,优势种为蛋白核小球藻(Chlorella pyrenoidesa)。叶绿素a含量为5.89~325.44μg.L-1。各池在第2次施肥后5~6天,叶绿素a含量达到高值,之后开始下降,8~9 d后恢复到原来水平。初级生产力均值为4.40 g(O2).m-2.d-1,呈低-高-低的变化,极值为1.25 g(O2).m-2.d-1和10.92 g(O2).m-2.d-1。以施N 2.0 mg.L-1、P 0.3 mg.L-1的4#池高峰期维持最长,施肥量的不同对浮游植物的生物量、种类数和种类组成影响较大。在北方地区的多盐水池塘,施氮磷混合肥能有效促进小球藻等藻类增长,达到定向培育的目的。     

Effect of feeding frequency on growth, survival and feed utilization in fingerlings of Catla catla (Hamilton), Labeo rohita (Hamilton) and Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton) in outdoor rearing systems

Fingerling rearing of Indian major carps, Catla catla, Labeo rohita and Cirrhinus mrigala, were conducted in concrete tanks under a polyculture system at a density of 0.3 million fry ha^?1 to evaluate the effect of one, two or three feedings per day on growth, survival and feed utilization. Fry were fed with formulated supplementary diet at 10% of biomass per day during the first 15 days, followed by 8% in the next 15 days and 6% thereafter, for 60 days. Feeding of fish three times daily led to higher growth (103.9±8.5 mm/10.3±2.4 g) than those feeding twice (100.2±4.8 mm/9.9±1.5 g) or once (97.2±9.8 mm/9.4±2.1 g) daily, although the values were not significantly different (P>0.05). Survival rate ranging between 72.3% and 75.1% also did not vary significantly (P>0.05) among the treatments. However, higher feeding frequencies resulted in better feed utilization as evident from decreasing feed conversion ratio values. The present study suggested requirement of a higher feeding frequency for rohu compared with catla and mrigal.     

Combined effects of fertilization rate, manuring and feed pellet application on fish performance and water quality in polyculture ponds

This study analyses the combined effects of organic and inorganic fertilization and of feeding with pellets on fish performance and water quality in a polyculture of common carp. Cyprinus Carpio L., silver carp. Hypophthalmichthys molitrix (Val.), grass carp. Ctenopharyngodon idella (Val.) and hybrid tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus L. x O. aureus Stetndachner. Experiments included six treatments, which are combinations of inorganic fertilisation (daily or fortnightly), manuring (supplied or not), feed pellets (supplied or not) and density of phytoplanktivorous fish species (high-density treatments with 50% more hybrid tilapia and 300% more silver carp than low-density treatments). The effects of the management procedures on fish weight, growth, survival and yield. plankton abundance, water quality, and their complex interactions at the different levels of the natural food web were analysed. The hypothesis that daily fertilization should increase algal production, which in turn should sustain a higher density of phytoplanktivorous fish, proved to be correct within certain limits. Algal reproduction rate was higher under daily fertilization, pointing to better supply of food for herbivorous fish, while algal biomass was similar under both fertilization regimes, pointing to the utilization of that algal food supply. The increased algal food supply sustained a 50% density increase of the omnivorous tilapia, but not the 300% density increase of the grazer silver carp.     

Environmental effects of common carp Cyprinus carpio (L.) and mrigal Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton) as bottom feeders in major Indian carp polycultures

A polyculture experiment with the large carp rohu, catla and either mrigal or common carp (as cash crop fish), and the small indigenous fish punti (as food for the farmer's family) was carried out at Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. The main objectives were to compare polycultures of large carp in which the bottom feeder is either the native mrigal or the exotic common carp, and to assess the effects of adding the small indigenous species punti to those polycultures. The results of fish–fish interactions and overall fish production have already been reported. The present paper presents the effects on the water quality, and discusses fish–environment interactions. The main conclusions are: time changes in the pond environment were stronger than fish composition effects. The main practice affecting water quality was liming, that incresed alkalinity, pH and water transparency and decreased ammonia. Rain affected photosynthesis and the match‐mismatch of the two steps of nitrification. The more that bottom feeding fish species disrupt the mud bottom, the stronger their effects on pond environment. Common carp produce the strongest disruption of the mud bottom, followed by punti and then by mrigal. Mud disruption produced by common carp leads to a stronger liming effect, nutrient release into the water, and provides more particles that rain‐floods wash out, facilitating the mismatch of the two steps of nitrification, and increased phosphorus adsorption into the mud bottom. Mud disruption by punti is only enough to improve the liming effect. Mud disruption by mrigal is the least, hence less particles are resuspended, nitrification is not affected during floods and relatively more phosphate remains in the water available for photosynthesis. The bottom feeder common carp can be seen not only as a target‐cultured fish but also as a management tool. Farmers can get double benefit in introducing common carp in the ponds as it enhances the effectiveness of lime application and increases the availability of nutrients to phytoplankton. Through the manipulation of species in the polyculture alone, farmers can maintain the environment better and also reduce input costs.     

噬菌蛭弧菌对乌鳢养殖水质的影响

为了探讨噬菌蛭弧菌制剂净化水质和病害防治的效果,试验以0.75 mL/m2的用量向乌鳢养殖池泼洒浓度为1.0×108pfu/mL的噬菌蛭弧菌制剂,观察7 d内养殖池的pH、DO、NH3-N、NO2--N含量及弧菌总数等主要水质指标以及乌鳢死亡数目的变化。向乌鳢养殖池加入噬菌蛭弧菌后,试验组与对照组相比,NH3-N、NO2--N含量及弧菌总数明显减少(p<0.05),DO明显增大(p<0.05),但pH变化不明显(p>0.05);乌鳢死亡率也明显减少(p<0.05)。试验结果表明,以0.75 mL/m2的用量向乌鳢养殖池泼洒浓度1.0×108pfu/mL的噬菌蛭弧菌制剂,有利于提高DO含量及乌鳢存活率,降低NH3-N、NO2--N含量及弧菌总数。