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.     

Effects of Stocking Density on Growth of Juvenile Channel Catfish Overwintered in Ponds

Channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, juveniles (mean weight 78.0 ± 3.5 g) were stocked into nine 0.04-ha earthen ponds at three rates (4,940 fish/ha, 12,350 fish/ha, and 24,700 fish/ha) and fed a prepared diet (32% protein) according to a fish size/water temperature-dependant feeding chart for 160 days during the winter. Morning water temperatures averaged 5.8°c during the study. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were found in individual fish length, survival, and percentage weight gain among treatments and averaged 19.4 cm, 96.2%, and -13.0%, respectively. No significant differences (P > 0.05) in whole-body composition were found among treatments. Percentage moisture, protein, and fat averaged 12.4, 50.8, and 28.4%, repectively. Stocking juvenile channel catfish at the lower rate, 4,940 fish/ha, did not significantly increase winter growth compared to growth of fish stocked at higher rates (12,350) and 24,700 fish/ha).     

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.     

Tilapia wild spawning control through predator fishes: Israelitrial with red-drum and hybrid bass

Tilapia wild spawning is a nuisance in warm freshwater aquaculture growout ponds. To cope with this problem two experiments were carried out with predatory fish that do not reproduce in fresh water. One experiment tested the capacity of hybrid bass (Morone saxatilis × M. chrysops) and red-drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) as predators of wild spawning of hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus × O.aureus), and the other compared predation effectiveness of red-drum of different sizes and stocking densities.Both hybrid bass and red-drum effectively reduced tilapia wild spawning and improved by 15–20% tilapia performance and food conversion ratio. These effects were obtained stocking small red-drum (20 g) or large red-drum (60–80 g) or bass (135 g) at stocking densities of 500–1000 predators/ha, together with 15000 tilapia/ha of 65–75 g. Hybrid bass stocked at 750/ha and large red-drum stocked at 500/ha presented over 90% survival. Red-drum at higher stocking density and/or lower stocking weight presented reduced survival (40–60%). Red-drum of all examined stocking weights presented better growth rates when stocked at 500/ha than at higher densities.     

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.     

Effects of Short-Term Feed Withdrawal on Water Quality in Channel Catfish,Ictalurus punctatus,Ponds

The efficacy of short-term feed withdrawal as a method of reducing ammonia concentrations in catfish production ponds was investigated. Channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, fingerlings averaging 35 g were stocked at 9,880 fish/ha into six 0.04-ha ponds and fed twice daily to satiation for 131 days. For a 9-day period immediately prior to harvest (days 132-140), feeding of fish in three ponds was terminated, while feeding of fish in three other ponds was continued. Total ammonia-nitrogen concentrations were not significantly reduced (P > 0.05) in unfed ponds until 9 days after feeding was terminated. However, after 7 days without feed, un-ionized ammonia concentrations were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in ponds where fish were not fed, due to significantly higher (P < 0.05) pH levels. Short-term (9 days) feed withdrawal had little effect on lowering total ammonia and actually increased concentrations of toxic un-ionized ammonia in ponds.     

The Effect of Understocking Density of Channel Catfish Stockers in Multiple-Batch Production

A multiple-batch study was conducted using stocker catfish (0.09 kg/fish) and carryover fish (0.39 kg/fish) to look at the effects of different stocker densities on fish production. Twelve 0.1-ha ponds were stocked with 7,400; 11,120; or 14,825 stockers/ha, and equal weights of carryover fish (2,268 kg/ha). Fish were fed once daily to apparent satiation with a 32% protein floating feed and aerated with a single 0.37-kW electric paddlewheel aerator. No significant differences were detected for gross, net, and net daily yields, growth (g/d), or survival. Sub-marketable yield (<0.57 kg) increased as stocking density increased. However, marketable yields (≥0.57 kg) were not affected by density. Carryover fish in high-density ponds had a significantly lower (P < 0.05) mean weight at harvest, but mean stocker weight was not different across densities. Economic analysis found breakeven prices increased and net returns decreased with increased stocking density when sub-marketable fish were not considered as revenue. The study indicated the possibility that stockers compete with large carryover fish, particularly at higher densities.     

Effects of Feeding Diets Containing 34 or 38% Protein at Two Feeding Frequencies on Growth and Body Composition of Channel Catfish

Channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, fingerlings were stocked (13,585 fish/ha) in twelve 0.04-ha earthen ponds and fed to satiation with diets containing either 34 or 38% protein (79.1 or 88.8 mg protein/kcal), either once or twice daily for 170 days. Experimental diets with the proper levels of essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals were formulated by a commercial feed mill. No significant differences (P < 0.05) in growth and body composition of channel catfish were found when analyzed by protein level, feeding frequency, or their interaction. Average individual fish weight at harvest was 461 g. Net production was 4,152 kg/ha. Percentage protein, fat, and ash in the waste (head, skin, viscera, and frame) were 41.5, 41.4, and 12.2%, respectively, while fillet had 65.7, 30.4, and 4.0%, respectively.     

Effects of Two Densities of Caged Monosex Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, on Water Quality, Phytoplankton Populations, and Production When Polycultured with Macrobrachium rosenbergii in Temperate Ponds

The effects of different densities of caged Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, on water quality, phytoplankton populations, prawn, and total pond production were evaluated in freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii, production ponds. The experiment consisted of three treatments with three 0.04‐ha replicates each. All ponds were stocked with graded, nursed juvenile prawn (0.9 ± 0.6 g) at 69,000/ha. Control (CTL) ponds contained only prawns. Low‐density polyculture (LDP) ponds also contained two cages (1 m³; 100 fish/cage) of monosex male tilapia (115.6 ± 22 g), and high‐density polyculture (HDP) ponds had four cages. Total culture period was 106 d for tilapia and 114 d for prawn. Overall mean afternoon pH level was significantly lower (P ≤ 0.05) in polyculture ponds than in CTL ponds but did not differ (P > 0.05) between LDP and HDP. Phytoplankton biovolume was reduced in polyculture treatments. Tilapia in the LDP treatment had significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) harvest weights than in the HDP treatment. Prawn weights were higher (P ≤ 0.05) in polyculture than prawn monoculture. These data indicate that a caged tilapia/freshwater prawn polyculture system may provide pH control while maximizing pond resources in temperate areas.     

Effects of Protein Level and Feeding Frequency on Growth and on Body Composition of Third-Year Channel Catfish Cultured in Ponds

Channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, adults were stocked at 3,705 fish/ha in twelve 0.04-ha earthen ponds and fed to satiation either once or twice daily with diets containing either 32 or 38% protein for 170 days. Experimental diets with the appropriate levels of essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals were formulated by a commercial feed mill. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in growth and body composition of channel catfish when analyzed by protein level, feeding frequency, or their interaction. Average individual fish weight at harvest was 1,600 g. Average net production was 3,125 kg/ha. Dry-weight percentages of protein, fat, and ash in the carcass were 55.5, 38.1, and 6.7%, respectively, and in the waste (head, skin, and viscera) were 40.5, 43.2. and 12.5%. respectively. Third-year channel catfish may be able to utilize a diet with lower (<32%) protein levels and a reduced energy: protein ratio.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Production of Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus and Freshwater Prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii Stocked at Different Densities in Polyculture Systems in Brazil

Abstract.— The effect of stocking prawns Macrobrachium rosenbergii at increasing densities in ponds with Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus reared at low density was evaluated. Twelve 0.01-ha earthen ponds were stocked with 1 tilapia/m² and 0, 2, 4, or 6 postlarvae prawn/m². Three replicates were randomly assigned to each prawn density. Postlarval prawns were stocked a week prior to tilapia juveniles and both were harvested 175 d after the beginning of the experiment. Tilapia final average weight, survival, production, and food conversion rates did not differ significantly among treatments ( P > 0.05); the averages were 531 g, 67%. 3,673 kg/ha, and 1.91, respectively. Prawn survival rates did not differ for the three stocking densities (mean 90%). However, final weight and production were significantly different ( P < 0.05) as follows: 34.0, 23.0, and 14.7 g and 639, 909, and 818 kg/ha, respectively for 2. 4, and 6 prawns/m² densities. Stocking densities up to 6 prawn/m² did not affect tilapia production and required neither additional feeding nor significant changes in management. The polyculture system allowed an increase in total production with the same amount of supplied feed, thus improving the system sustainability.     

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.     

Growth, Condition, and Size Distribution of Paddlefish, Polyodon spathula, Juveniles Reared in Ponds at Three Densities

Abstract.— A study was conducted to determine the effect of increasing density on growth and size distribution of paddlefish, Polyodon spathula, juveniles reared in ponds. Feed‐trained paddlefish of mean weight (±SE) 25.8 ± 1.1 g were randomly stocked into nine 0.02‐ha ponds at 12,355, 18,533, and 24,710 paddlefish/ha, three replications per treatment. The fish were fed daily in excess of what they would eat for 97 d, beginning with a floating trout diet containing 45% protein and 16% lipid and then transferring to a floating catfish diet containing 32% protein and 4.5% lipid. Survival at harvest was not significantly different (P > 0.05) among treatments and averaged 90%. Mean final weights (±SD) for the low‐, middle‐, and high‐density treatments were 205.2 ± 54.1, 174.8 ± 53.2, and 178.6 ± 51.4 g, respectively. Best‐fit distributions centered on these means were lognormal. The low‐density distribution was significantly different (P < 0.05) from the two higher densities, which were not significantly different from each other (P > 0.05). Paddlefish weight at the minimum target length of 35 cm was estimated to be 100 g by regression analysis. The probability of paddlefish reaching or exceeding 100 g was 90% for the low‐density treatment. For the two higher densities, probabilities were 79 and 78%, respectively. Mean Fulton’s condition factors (FCFs) (±SD) were 250 ± 19, 242 ± 4, and 256 ± 37 for the low‐, middle‐, and high‐density treatments, respectively. The FCF for the middle‐density treatment was significantly lower than for the low‐ and high‐density treatments (P < 0.05), which were not significantly different from each other (P > 0.05). CV, feed conversion ratio, and relative growth were not significantly different (P > 0.05) among treatments and averaged 0.43, 1.50, and 5.45, respectively. Monoculture of paddlefish juveniles in ponds results in a hierarchic size structure when density is at least greater than 12,355 paddlefish/ha. The effect is enhanced with increasing density but becomes asymptotic as density approaches 18,533 paddlefish/ha. Feeding in excess does not ameliorate the effect.     

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.     

Pond farming of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.), in northern Cameroon. Adding hand-sexed male tilapia to graze the dense algal blooms in ponds with African catfish, Clarias gariepinus (Burchell)

Four earthen ponds (250 m² each) were stocked each with 250 small catfish (W₀=39g). In treatment A, African catfish. Clarias gariepinus (Burchell), were raised in monoculture, while in treatment B catfish were raised in polyculture with an additional 125 male Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.) (W₀=44g). Feeding of cottonseed cake was at about 4% of catfish body weight day^?1. Daily feed quantities, however, were averaged over all four ponds so that each pond received the same amount of cottonseed cake. Rearing time was 118 days. In treatment A, catfish grew to an average weight of 200g. In treatment B, catfish reached 158g and tilapia 185g, Extrapolated marketable fish production was strikingly similar in all four ponds (around 4.8 t ha^?1 year^?1). No synergistic effect was obtained by stocking microphagous tilapia, although the feeding of cottonseed cake enhanced dense algal blooms in all ponds. Catfish did not appear to exploit the tilapia recruits, as an indirect pathway of algae cropping.     

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.     

Growth, Survival, and Body Composition of Cage-Cultured Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus Fed Pelleted and Unpelleted Distillers Grains with Solubles in Polyculture with Freshwater Prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii

Abstract.— A 12‐wk feeding trial was conducted in cages with juvenile Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus to evaluate distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) as a direct feed, the effects of pelleting on its utilization, and the compatibility of caged tilapia and prawns in polyculture. Nine 1.0‐m³ cages were stocked with 200 juvenile (26 ± 0.9 g) tilapia. Cages were suspended in a 0.2‐ha pond stocked with juvenile freshwater prawns Macrobrachium rosenbergii at 40,000/ha. Three replicate cages were randomly assigned to each dietary treatment. In one dietary treatment DDGS was fed as an unpelleted loose grain ration (26% protein). In a second dietary treatment fish were fed DDGS that had been steam‐pelleted (23% protein). Fish in a third dietary treatment were fed a commercial catfish diet (31% protein) for comparison. After 12 wk, individual weight, individual length, and specific growth rate were significantly higher (P < 0.05) and feed conversion ratio was significantly lower (P < 0.05) for fish fed the commercial catfish diet than for fish fed either unpelleted or pelleted DDGS. Specific growth rate was significantly higher (P < 0.05) for fish fed pelleted DDGS than for fish fed unpelleted DDGS. Survival did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) among treatments (>95%). Although growth was increased in fish fed the commercial diet, their cost of production (<0.66/kg gain) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than in fish fed unpelleted and pelleted DDGS (<0.26/ kg gain and <0.37/kg gain, respectively). The costs of gain in fish fed unpelleted DDGS was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than in fish fed the pelleted DDGS. Prawn production was 1,449 kg/ha and addition of tilapia in polyculture increased total pond productivity approximately 81 %. These data suggest that DDGS provides economical growth in tilapia when fed as a direct feed and that polyculture of tilapia may improve overall pond efficiency in freshwater prawn production ponds, even at temperate latitudes.