Use of Cottonseed Meal in Channel Catfish Feeds

Solvent extracted cottonseed meal was substituted for soybean meal in catfish feeds on a nitrogen basis. The feeds, which contained either 0, 10, or 20% cottonseed meal, were formulated to contain about 32% protein and 2.9 kcal digestible energy/g. The fish were reared in 6 m³ net pens suspended in a 1.6 ha earthen pond. Twelve pens (four per treatment) were stocked with 400 fish with an initial average weight of 95 g/fish. All fish were fed to satiation once daily. A sample of 60 fish from each pen was weighed at 76 days to evaluate feed consumption, feed conversion, and weight gain. At the end of the experiment (132 days), fish from each net pen were weighed collectively and samples were taken to determine tissue free gossypol concentrations, proximate composition of fillets, and dressout percentages. There were no significant differences in weight gain, feed conversion, or survival of fish sampled at 76 days or of fish at the end of the experiment regardless of dietary treatment. At 76 days, feed consumption of fish fed the 20% cottonseed meal feed was significantly higher than that of other fish, but there were no significant differences in feed consumption at the end of the experiment. Free gossypol levels were below detectable limits in fish tissue. There were no significant differences in percentage dressout or in body composition, except for a slightly higher ash content in fish fed the feed containing 10% cottonseed meal. It appears that cottonseed meal can be used to partially substitute for soybean meal in catfish feeds. At the present, it is recommended that cottonseed meal be limited to 15% of the catfish diet.     

Improvement of Cottonseed Meal Protein with Supplemental Lysine in Feeds for Channel Catfish

Two studies were conducted to evaluate cottonseed meal (CSM) with and without supplemental lysine as a substitute for soybean meal (SBM) in catfish feeds. One study was conducted in aquaria under controlled environmental conditions with fingerling channel catfish, and the other was conducted with fish raised in 6-m³ net pens suspended in a 1.6-ha earthen pond. In each study, solvent extracted CSM was substituted for SBM on a nitrogen basis. Supplemental lysine was added to the feeds in which CSM replaced 50 and 100% of the SBM because they were estimated to be deficient in available lysine. In the aquarium study, 0, 25, 50, and 100% of the SBM was replaced with CSM. The same feeds used in the aquarium study were used in the net pen study, except that the 25% substitution was not used. Fish raised in aquaria were fed 4% body weight divided into two equal daily feedings, and those raised in net pens were fed to station once daily. Data presented herein demonstrate that channel catfish can effectively utilize supplemental amino acids (even if offered in a single daily feeding) and that CSM can be used to replace 100% of the SBM in catfish feeds if supplemental lysine is used. It appears that about one-half of the SBM can be replaced with CSM without the use of supplemental lysine.     

Use of Plant Proteins in Catfish Feeds: Replacement of Soybean Meal with Cottonseed Meal and Replacement of Fish Meal with Soybean Meal and Cottonseed Meal

Plant protein sources were evaluated in 32% protein grow-out feeds for channel catfish (initial weight: 180 g/fish) stocked at high densities (24,700 fish/ha) in 0.04 ha earthen ponds. Each of the eight practical-type feeds was assigned for five replicate ponds. The fish were fed to satiation once daily for 170 d. Specifically, cottonseed meal and cottonseed meal plus supplemental lysine were evaluated as replacements for soybean meal. Soybean meal, a combination of soybean meal and cottonseed meal, or a combination of soybean meal and cottonseed meal plus supplemental lysine were evaluated as a substitute for animal protein sources. Based on weight pin, feed conversion ratio, body composition, percentage visceral fat, and dressed yield, the data indicated that cottonseed meal plus lysine can be used as a total substitute for soybean meal in catfish feeds. However, it is not recommended that more than 30% cottonseed meal be used in catfish feeds until additional data are available on the effects of gossypol on reproduction in catfish. Also, data indicated that plant proteins can be used as a total replacement for animal protein without detrimental effects. Reduced weight gain was observed in fish fed a feed that contained 68% of the established available lysine requirement. However, fish fed feeds estimated to contain only 76 or 82% of the available lysine requirement did not show reduced weight gain. This suggests that lysine may be more highly available from cottonseed meal than previously estimated, or that natural food organisms in the pond contributed nutrients including lysine, or that fish were able to consume enough of the marginally deficient feeds to meet their requirement for lysine. This study was conducted with large catfish fed a 32% protein feed to satiation once daily. If smaller fish, a lower protein fed, or a restricted feeding regimen had been used, the results may have been different.     

Substitution of Canola Meal for Soybean Meal in Diets for Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus

Abstract Canola meal was used in channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus diets at levels of 0, 15.4, 30.8, 46.2 and 61.6%, by progressively replacing (on an equal nitrogen basis) 0, 25, 50, 75, or 100% of solvent-extracted soybean meal in the control diet. The feeds were formulated to contain approximately 29% crude protein and 2,650 kcal of digestible energy/kg on an air-dry basis. Each diet was fed to juvenile channel catfish to satiation twice daily for 10 wk. Fish fed the diets containing the two lowest levels of canola meal (15.4 and 30.8%) had similar weight gains, feed intakes, feed utilization efficiencies, and percent survivals relative to the group fed the control diet. Weight gains and feed intakes declined significantly as the dietary levels of canola meal were increased to 46.2% or higher, probably because of reductions in diet palatability and some impairment of feed utilization due to the presence of increased levels of antinutritional factors, particularly glucosinolates. Whole body percentages for moisture and crude protein were unaffected by the dietary treatments. Body ash contents, however, were lowest for fish fed the control diets but were essentially the same for fish fed the other diets. Fish fed the diet containing 30.8% canola meal had lowest body fat content but this effect may not have been diet related. Values for red blood cell concentration, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration were not affected by dietary canola meal level, but hematocrit was higher (although not always significant) for fish fed the control diet. The results of this study suggest that canola meal can comprise about 31% of the diet of channel catfish by replacing half of the amount of soybean meal used in the control diet without adversely affecting growth or any other aspect of performance.     

Replacement of Soybean Meal in Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, Diets with Cottonseed Meal and Distiller's Dried Grains with Solubles

Two pond experiments were conducted to evaluate cottonseed meal (CSM), distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS), and supplemental lysine as replacements for soybean meal (SBM) in channel catfish diets. In Experiment 1, fish fed diets in which SBM was totally replaced with CSM gained similar weight as fish fed control diet, but fish fed CSM diet in Experiment 2 had 9.5% lower weight gain than fish fed control diet. In both experiments, feed conversion increased significantly for fish fed CSM diet. There were no consistent trends in body composition of fish fed CSM diet versus control diet. Fish fed the DDGS + SMB diet had higher (Experiment 1) or similar (Experiment 2) weight gain than fish fed control diet. Feed conversion ratio was significantly lower in both experiments for fish fed SBM + DDGS diet than that of fish fed control diet. Body fat tended to be higher in fish fed SBM + DDGS diet compared to fish fed control diet. It appears that about 50% of SBM can be replaced with CSM + lysine in catfish diets without negatively affecting fish performance. Further, DDGS can be used up to at least 30% when the diet is supplemented with lysine.     

Effects of Size-Grading on Variation and Growth in Channel Catfish Reared at Similar Densities

Channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus obtained from two spawns were size-graded into four weight groups: large, mean = 92.4 g ± 0.9 SE; medium = 64.2 ± 0.5; small = 36.1 ± 0.5; and communal = 49.0 ± 2.0 (a combination of large, medium, and small fish). Twelve indoor 643 L rearing units were stocked with the four size-graded groups at initial densities (but different numbers of fish) of 3.12 g offish per L water and were fed for 66 d at 3% of biomass daily. At harvest the final densities (mean = 9.95 g/L) were equal in all rearing units. Survival and feed conversion were similar among the size-groups. Initial Coefficients of variation for weight were significantly different among the size-graded group as large < medium < small < communal. Final coefficients of variations were significantly greater than initial values in the large, medium, and small size-graded group and were less in the communal group. Gain, survival, and coefficient of variation relationship within the communally stocked rearing units were similar to those for separately reared groups. Final coefficients of variation were greater (210, 204, and 115%) or less (89%) than initial values for large, medium, small, and communal groups, respectively, and indicate a repnrtitioning of variation, perhaps due to altered feeding behavior or social hierarchical order.     

Folate-Degrading Bacteria in Channel Catfish Feeds

Two "Pseudomonas" spp., designated as PF1 and PF2, were isolated from 147 of 148 channel catfish feed samples and 10 different orgns from anemic and healthy channel catfish, "Ictalurus punctatus." Both PF1 and PF2 are capable of using folic acid as the sole source of carbon and nitrogen, and they hydrolized folic acid to pteroic acid. They did not utilize common carbohydrates. In vitro, the bacteria destroyed over 93% of folic acid in media containing only folic acid and inorganic salts. The morphological and biochemical properties of the bacteria indicate that they are "Pseudomonas" spp. and similar to some other "Pseudomonas" spp. and similar to some other "Pseudomonas" species that utilize folic acid. It is suspected that these folate degrading bacteria are involved in a nutritionally related anemia of cultured channel catfish.     

Evaluation of Three Feeds for Hatchery Rearing Channel Catfish Fry

Two 7 day feeding trials were conducted with channel catfish swim-up fry to evaluate growth, feed conversion ratio, and body composition of fish fed one of the following feeds: salmon starter, catfish starter, or trout starter. Fish fed the salmon or trout starter feeds gained 50–75% more weight, converted feed more efficiently, and had higher body fat stores than fish fed the catfish starter feed. This may be related to the higher protein and energy content of these two feeds. It may be advantageous to feed salmonid starter feeds to hatchery reared catfish fry; however, it is not known whether or not the improved performance observed in the hatchery continues once the fish are stocked into nursery and grow out ponds.     

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.     

Substitution of Cottonseed Meal for Marine Animal Protein in Diets for Penaeus vannamei

Solvent-extracted cottonseed meal was used in shrimp Penaeus vannamei diets at levels of 0, 13.3, 26.5, 39.8, 53.0 and 66.3%, substituting on an equal nitrogen basis for 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% of animal protein mix (53% menhaden fish meal, 34% shrimp waste meal and 13% squid meal). The feeds were formulated to contain 32% crude protein and 3,100 kcal metabolizable energy/kg. Each diet was fed to juvenile shrimp to satiation four times daily for 8 wk. Shrimp fed the three lowest dietary levels of cottonseed meal (0, 13.3 and 26.5%) had similar weight gain, feed consumption and survival. The performance of shrimp was adversely affected when diets containing more than 26.5% cottonseed meal, or 1,100 ppm free gossypol, were fed. Shrimp fed the diet with 39.8% cottonseed meal or 1,600 ppm free gossypol had depressed weight gain, reduced feed intake and high mortality. The groups receiving the two highest dietary levels of cottonseed meal lost weight by the end of week 4 and all shrimp in these treatments died within 6 to 8 wk. These adverse effects were probably due to the toxicity of free gossypol. Shrimp appeared to accumulate gossypol in the body as evidenced by light yellow-green coloration in shrimp fed diets containing cottonseed meal.     

Biochemical Oxygen Demand in Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus Pond Waters

A study of the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) of waters from ten channel catfish ponds at Auburn, Alabama, revealed that the 5-d BOD (BOD₅) seldom exceeded 8 mg/L and that the ultimate BOD (BOD_u) was usually less than 30 mg/L. Water samples from catfish ponds usually needed to be diluted only 2 or 3 times to permit BOD₅ measurements, and nitrification occurred even during a 5-d incubation period. Catfish pond waters were not extremely high in ammonia nitrogen concentration, and ammonia nitrogen introduced in the ammonium chloride-enriched dilution water caused an appreciable increase in BOD of some samples. Plankton respiration is a major component of carbonaceous BOD (CBOD) in catfish pond waters. Thus, the BOD is not expressed as rapidly during 5-d incubations as in typical waste-water. The ultimate BOD (BOD_u) would be a good measurement of oxygen demand for catfish pond effluents, but it is difficult to measure. Data from this study suggest that BOD_u can be estimated from BOD₅, but the correlation is not strong ( R ²= 0.62). An alternative is to develop a short-term BOD measurement specifically for effluents from channel catfish and other aquaculture ponds. This study suggests that a 10-d BOD conducted without nitrification inhibition or addition of ammonia nitrogen in dilution water might be a better alternative to standard BOD₅ or BOD_u measurements normally used in wastewater evaluation.     

Evaluation of Meat and Bone Meal as Replacement for Protein Concentrate in the Practical Diet for Sutchi Catfish,Pangasius hypophthalmus (Sauvage 1878), Reared under Pond Condition

An 80‐d feeding trial was conducted to evaluate meat and bone meal (MBM) as replacement of protein concentrate (PC) in practical diets for sutchi catfish, Pangasius hypophthalmus. Triplicate groups of juvenile sutchi catfish (initial weight 4.80 g) were stocked at the rate of 20,000 fish/ha in 12 earthen ponds (30 m² each). Four isocaloric diets (4.12 kcal/g) were formulated by replacing 0 (Diet 1, control), 33 (Diet 2), 67 (Diet 3), and 100% (Diet 4) PC protein with MBM. The growth parameters [final weight, % weight gain, and specific growth rate (SGR)] of fish fed Diets 1, 2, and 3 were not significantly different (P > 0.05) from each other but were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those in Diet 4. The protein content in fish fed Diet 4 was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than the others. The total production of fish in different treatments ranged between 1917 and 2648 kg/ha/80 d. A simple economic analysis determined that the highest net profit (Tk. 52,965/ha) was obtained with Diet 2 and the lowest (Tk. 27,127/ha) with Diet 4 having 100% PC protein replacement. From the results of the study it is concluded that MBM can substitute up to 67% PC protein in catfish diet without hampering the growth and feed utilization.     

Production Characteristics of Channel Catfish,Ictalurus punctatusStocked at Two Densities in the Partitioned Aquaculture System

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine if channel catfish could be cultured at an increased density in the Partitioned Aquaculture System (PAS) without significantly affecting performance. Channel catfish fingerlings (36.53±6.76 g; mean ±SD) were initially stocked into six 9.15 m³ sections at 3,461±317 fish per section, twice the designed carrying capacity, and fed twice daily to satiation. After 75 days, the density of three units was reduced by approximately 50% and all six units were fed for another 97 days. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in mean growth rate, feed conversion ratio, or production between fish grown at the low- and high-density treatments. Also, length variation (CV) and condition factors (K) were similar (P > 0.05) between fish grown at the low and high-density. Increasing density by twice the designed carrying capacity did not affect performance of channel catfish in the PAS.     

Replacement of Dietary Fish Meal with Poultry By‐product Meal and Soybean Meal for Golden Pompano,Trachinotus ovatus,Reared in Net Pens

Two 8‐wk feeding trials were conducted to examine the effect of replacing dietary fish meal with poultry by‐product meal (PBM) and soybean meal (SBM) on growth, feed utilization, body composition, and wastes output of juvenile golden pompano, Trachinotus ovatus (initial body weight 16.7 g), reared in net pens. A control diet (C) was formulated to contain 35% fish meal. In Trial I, dietary fish meal level was reduced to 21, 14, 7, and 0% by replacing 40, 60, 80, and 100% of the fish meal in diet C with PBM. The weight gain (WG), nitrogen retention efficiency (NRE), and energy retention efficiency (ERE) decreased, while the feed conversion ratio (FCR) and total waste output of nitrogen (TNW) increased, with the fish meal level reducing from 35 to 21%. No significant differences were found in the hepatosomatic index, viscersomatic index, and body composition between fish fed diet C and test diets. In Trial II, a 2 × 2 layout was established, and 40 and 60% of the fish meal in diet C was replaced by either PBM or SBM. At the same fish meal replacement level, the WG and NRE were higher and the FCR and TNW were lower in fish fed the diets with fish meal replaced by PBM than in fish fed the diets with fish meal replaced by SBM. The results of this study indicate that more than 21% fish meal must be retained in diets for golden pompano when PBM or SBM is used alone as a fish meal substitute.     

Evaluation of Corn Gluten Feed and Cottonseed Meal as Partial Replacements for Soybean Meal and Corn in Diets for Pond‐raised Hybrid Catfish,Ictalurus punctatus×I. furcatus

This study examined the use of corn gluten feed (CGF) and cottonseed meal (CSM) to partially replace soybean meal and corn in diets for pond‐raised hybrid catfish, Ictalurus punctatus×I. furcatus. Five 28% protein diets containing various combinations of CGF and CSM were evaluated. Fingerling hybrid catfish (mean initial weight: 45 g/fish) were stocked into 25, 0.04‐ha ponds at a rate of 14,826 fish/ha. Fish were fed once daily to apparent satiation for a 179‐d growing season. CGF at 30% of the diet (10% CSM) and a combination of CGF and CSM up to 25% each did not affect physical quality (percentages floatability and feed dust) of the diet. No significant differences were observed in total amount of diet fed, net yield, diet consumption, weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), survival, and fillet proximate nutrient composition among fish fed various diets. Results show that hybrid catfish can utilize CGF at levels up to 30% of the diet (10% CSM), and a combination of CGF and CSM up to 25% each without significantly affecting growth, diet consumption, FCR, and fillet proximate nutrient composition. However, a combination of CGF and CSM at 20% each and above reduced carcass yield.     

Clearance of Yellow Pigments Lutein and Zeathanxin in Channel Catfish,Ictalurus punctatus,Reared at Different Water Temperatures

A study was conducted to determine the clearance time of yellow pigments lutein and zeaxanthin in channel catfish at various temperatures. Fish of initial weight of 13.4 g were stocked into flow‐through aquaria and fed daily with a pigment‐enhanced diet for 11 wk when yellow color became visible in the flesh. All fish were then transferred into tanks in three recirculating systems that were assigned one of the three temperatures (10, 20, and 30 C). During the pigment clearance period, fish were fed a control diet without added pigments daily to satiation for 12 wk. Every 4 wk, fish from three randomly chosen tanks per temperature were euthanized and fillets were analyzed for yellow color intensity (Commission Internationale de I’Eclairage [CIE] b*) and lutein and zeaxanthin concentrations. The b* values of fillets of fish reared at 20 and 30 C decreased linearly as time progressed. There was no significant linear regression of b* value against time for fish raised at 10 C. The rate of pigment clearance was similar for fish reared at 20 and 30 C. Results demonstrate that about 8 wk were needed for catfish to “purge” most of yellow pigment at warm temperatures (20 and 30 C). A longer period of time (> 12 wk) was required at 10 C.     

Substitution of Full-Fat Soybeans for Commercial Soybean Meal in Diets for Shrimp Penaeus vannamei

Five isonitrogenous, isocaloric diets containing 0, 8.95, 17.90, 26.85, or 35.8% double dry-extruded full-fat soybeans (FFSB) as a replacement for 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28% commercial solvent-extracted soybean meal (SBM) were fed to juvenile Penaeus vannamei to satiation six times per day for 70 days. The water stability of pellets tested at 4 and 8 hours were not significantly different (P < 0.05) different, although the diet with the highest level of FFSB had the lowest water stability consistently. Weight gains, survival, dry matter feed intake, feed conversion, and protein efficiency ratio were essentially the same for all diets. Whole body percentages of moisture, fat, crude protein, and ash were also similar for shrimp in all treatments. The results of this study indicate that, at the level tested, the nutritional value of double dry-extruded FFSB for shrimp is comparable to that of SBM made isocaloric with soybean oil.     

Replacement of Fish Meal with Salicornia Meal in Feeds for Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus

Abstract.— We investigated the use of the halophyte salicornia Sulicornia bigelovii as a replacement for fish meal in feeds containing 35% crude protein for Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus . Five isocaloric, isonitrogenous diets were formulated with salicornia meal to replace 0%. 20%. 40%. 60%. and 80% of the fish meal in the feed. Another diet was formulated entirely from salicornia meal. Diets were fed to three replicate groups of tilapia fingerlings (mean initial weight = 0.5 g/fish) for 6 wk in 40-L aquaria supplied with 22 C well water. Tilapia growth did not differ ( P < 0.05) for fish fed diets in which 0%. 20%. or 40% of the fish meal in the diet was replaced with salicornia meal. Weight gain was reduced when fish were fed diets with higher levels of salicornia meal, and growth was slowest for fish fed diets formulated entirely from salicornia meal. Body fat was reduced and body moisture content was increased ( P < 0.05) for fish fed diets in which more than 80% of the fish meal was replaced with salicornia meal. We conclude that salicornia meal can replace up to 40% of the fish meal in O. niloticus feeds without affecting growth or body composition.     

Effects of Long-Term Feeding of Cottonseed Meal on Growth,Testis Development,and Sperm Motility of Male Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus Broodfish1

The effects of long-term feeding of cottonseed meal on growth, testis development, and sperm motility of male channel catfish Ictulurus punctatus were studied. Brood-sized male channel catfish were stocked into 0.04-ha earthen ponds in April 1992 at the rate of 120 fish per pond. The fish were fed a diet (32% protein floating catfish feed) containing either 0, 25, 375, or 52% cottonseed meal to satiation daily, except for winter months when fish were fed on days when the water temperature was 15 C or above. Fish were harvested in July 1994. Feed consumption was similar for fish regardless of dietary treatment. Feed conversion was higher for fish fed the two highest levels of cottonseed meal and weight gain was depressed in these groups. Testis weight, gonosomatic index, and sperm motility were not negatively affected by high levels of dietary cottonseed meal indicating that reproductive capacity was not diminished. Thus it wonld appepr that up to 52% cottonseed meal could be used in the diets of brood-sized channel catfish unless maximum gain is important. In a practical situation, growth rates of brood-sized channel catfish are not as important as reproductive performance.