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

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

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

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

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.     

Feasibility of Pond Production of Largemouth Bass,Micropterus salmoides,for a Filet Market

The effects of stocking density on food‐size largemouth bass (LMB), Micropterus salmoides, production (>0.5 kg) were evaluated in a 2‐yr study by stocking LMB fingerlings (mean weight = 57 g/fish) in 0.1‐ha earthen ponds at rates of 6175, 12,350, or 18,525 fish/ha. Gross yields increased from 3989 to 9096 kg/ha as stocking density increased. No significant differences were observed in survival rates (range of 65–74%) due to density. Maximum feed consumption occurred at water temperatures of 27–30 C. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) and mean harvest weight were significantly different (P < 0.05) among densities, with the lowest FCR and the lowest mean weight found at the highest density (18,525 fish/ha). At harvest, LMB were considered to be in good condition with relative weight (W_r) values of 123–124. Dressout yield percentages were 61–62% for whole‐dressed LMB and 34–35% for shank filets. LMB grew well and reached a size adequate for targeted shank filet sizes. However, the production costs of $7.26–$9.34/kg mean that LMB production for a filet market is unlikely to be feasible. Research to lower LMB fingerling and feed costs and improved FCR would contribute to improved economic feasibility.     

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.     

Production Characteristics and Economic Performance for Four Channel Catfish,Ictalurus punctatus,Pond Stocking Density-Cropping System Combinations

Fingerling channel catfish, "Ictalurus punctatus," were stocked into sixteen, 0.4-ha ponds at 11,120 fish/ha or 19.770 fish/ha. Half the ponds at either density were managed as single-batch cropping systems and half as multiple-batch cropping systems. Each of the four combinations in the 2 X 2 factorial design was replicated in four ponds over a 3-year study period. Ponds were not drained until the study was terminated. Average net fish production (totaled over 3 years) was 23,717 kg/ha for the single-batch, high-density treatment; 19,501 kg/ha for the multiple-batch, high-density treatment; 17,396 kg/ha for the single-batch, low density treatment; and 16,857 kg/ha for the multiple-batch, low- density treatment. Both stocking density and cropping system significatly (P < 0.05) influenced net production. Average size of fish at harvest was significantly (P < 0.05) lower at the high stocking density and in the single-batch cropping system. Feed conversion was better (P < 0.05) at the low stocking density and in the single-batch cropping systems. Poorer feed conversion in multiple-batch systems is believed due to harvest-to-harvest carryover of large fish, which convert feed to flesh less efficiently than small fish. Observed mortality and total fish loss (observed mortality plus fish unaccounted for upon termination of the study) were not affected (P > 0.05) by cropping system but were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in ponds stocked at the high density. Production data were used to assess discounted net revenues from a synthetic 131-ha farm based upon a price of $1.54/kg either for all fish harvested or for fish harvested that were ≥0.35kg. When based on all fish harvested, discounted net revenue was highest for the single-batch, high-density treatment, but the low average size of fish harvested from ponds in that treatment (0.49 kg/fish) would not be acceptable across the industry. The multiple-batch, low-density treatment had the second highest discounted net revenue based upon all fish harvested and the highest revenue when only fish ≥ 0.34 kg were valued. Of the treatments analyzed, this was judged the economic choice for the channel catfish industry.     

Biological Feasibility and Costs of Production of Large Channel Catfish,Ictalurus punctatus,for a Specialty Product Market

Restaurant patrons, particularly in upscale locations, increasingly prefer entrées developed from portions cut from fillets larger than those currently sold by the US catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, industry. A production study evaluated the feasibility of producing the necessary size (1.6 kg) of catfish. Twelve 0.1‐ha earthen ponds were stocked with 0.363‐kg channel catfish at 2500 (low); 5000 (medium); or 7500 (high) fish/ha, with four replicates. Mean individual weight at harvest exceeded the mean target weight (1.6 kg) at the two lower densities, and the minimum target weight (1.36 kg) at the highest density. Percentages of fish (by weight) that did not meet the minimum weight required were: 1, 5, and 18%, in the low, medium, and high density treatments, respectively. Yields were significantly greater at higher densities (P < 0.05). Costs of production at the two higher densities were 4 to 7% higher than in the traditional multiple‐batch system, but increased to 51% at the lowest density. Results demonstrated the biological feasibility of producing channel catfish of a mean weight of 1.6 kg. Economic feasibility depends on (1) the price premium paid and (2) development of a market for fish sizes between current acceptable maximum sizes accepted and 1.36 kg.     

Evaluation of the Economics of Multi-Batch Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus Production Fed an Industry Standard and Three Alternative Diets

The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of growing marketable channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, from pond-run fingerlings (15.9 g/fish) using low stocking densities (7,413 or 14,826 fish/ha) and electrified bug lights to enhance natural forage available to fish. Even at low stocking densities, fish only averaged 0.2 kg at the end of the growing season. Because marketable sizes of fish were not reached over the growing season, stocking small fingerlings at these rates would not be practical under most commercial production scenarios. Nutritionally, captured insects from electrified bug lights were near a complete diet for catfish, but bug lights did not capture sufficient quantities of insects to affect fish production in either stocking density. Stocking small fingerlings at low stocking rates does not produce market‐sized catfish during one growing season; commercially available bug lights did not provide adequate amounts of natural forage to affect production variables.     

Effect of understocking density of channel catfish fingerlings in intensively aerated multiple‐batch production

Multiple‐batch production is the most widely practiced method of raising channel catfish. Producers are increasingly adopting intensified production practices in multiple‐batch systems by increasing stocking density and aeration rates as a means to improve cost efficiencies. Proven stocking recommendations are required for the efficient implementation of recent developments in multiple‐batch production. Twelve 0.4‐ha ponds were understocked with 17,484, 20,612, and 26,124 fingerlings/ha (mean weight = 40 g/fish) over equal weights of carryover fish (0.46 kg/fish @ 4,589 kg/ha). Fish were fed once daily to apparent satiation with a 28% protein floating feed and aerated with a single 7.4‐kW electric paddlewheel aerator. Density‐dependent significant differences were absent for gross, net, daily net yields, marketable yields (≥0.54 kg), growth (g/day), and survival. Sub‐marketable yield (<0.54 kg) and feeding rate increased significantly with increased understocking density. Economic analysis revealed increased breakeven prices and diminished net returns with increased stocking density when sub‐marketable fish were not considered as revenue. These differences in production costs and profits among the three treatments became minimal when sub‐marketable fish were included as revenue. All three density treatments attained positive annual net cash flows. This study validates channel catfish understocking densities of 17,000–26,000 fish/ha to improve cost efficiency in intensively aerated, multiple‐batch production systems.     

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.     

Organic Carbon and Dissolved Oxygen Budgets for a Commercial‐Size,In‐pond Raceway System

Intensive production of ictalurid catfish in the USA has increased over the past several years, and a better understanding of the amount of organic carbon (OC) and dissolved oxygen (DO) in these culture environments is needed. Budgets for OC and DO were estimated over a production season (March to November) for an in‐pond raceway system for channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, and hybrid catfish (channel catfish × blue catfish, Ictalurus furcatus), with co‐culture of paddlefish, Polyodon spathula, and Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. Feed input ranged from 45 to 263 kg/ha/d with an overall average of 80 kg/ha/d. Production of each kilogram of live catfish required 1.5 kg of feed and released into the water 0.70 kg of OC, and led to the synthesis of an additional 3.36 kg of OC by photosynthesis. Consequently, production of 1 kg of live catfish resulted in 4.06 kg OC, and harvest of catfish accounted for only 29.5% of OC applied from the feed. Removal of OC increased to 34.3% with the additional harvest of paddlefish and tilapia. OC was consumed in respiration, and some OC accumulated in sediment. Total respiration within the system exceeded the DO produced by photosynthesis, while diffusion and mechanical aeration aided in maintaining suitable DO levels for fish production.     

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 the Endangered Rio Grande Silvery Minnow,Hybognathus amarus,in the Conservation Rearing Facility at the Los Lunas Silvery Minnow Refugium

This article describes the initial season‐long yield trial of raising the endangered Rio Grande silvery minnow, Hybognathus amarus, in the conservation rearing facility at the Los Lunas Silvery Minnow Refugium. Ten thousand fish (90,900/ha) were stocked on June 22, 2010. Production was based on a total of 653 mL (5.936 L/ha) of 11‐37‐0 N‐P‐K and 5.5 kg (50 kg/ha) of alfalfa pellets. Fish were harvested in October; almost all were harvested 18–27 October. At stocking, fish averaged 21.7 mm total length and mean weight was 0.10 g. At harvest, fish averaged 48.98 mm and 1.12 g. Fish were sampled monthly, and increased lengths and weights through the study were significant (P = 0.05). Five thousand eight hundred ninety‐two fish were harvested (58.92% survival). Yield was 59.99 kg/ha. Temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, un‐ionized ammonia, nitrite, turbidity, alkalinity, and chloride were measured at seven sites throughout the outdoor refugium. Secchi disc visibility was measured in the stream and in the ponds. Only two variables (DO and pH) went outside permitted values, but were easily corrected. Harvest was difficult due to the many different naturalized areas consisting of varying depths, channel widths, and substrates.     

Production Characteristics of PanSize Channel Catfish in Cages and Open Ponds1

Production characteristics of pan-size (approximately 227 g) channel catfish (Ictalurus puncturus) were determined in cages and open ponds stocked with fingerlings to densities of 20,000 and 12,500 fish/ha. After 145 days, mean fish weight in all treatments exceeded 227 g. Mean survival was similar in all treatments. Food conversion ratios were significantly better in ponds than in cages but density did not affect the ratios. Neither density nor production system affected production (as measured by total weight produced) when initial density differences were considered (analysis of covariance). Variability in total length at harvest was similar between production systems; however, low density treatments were less variable than high density treatments. Results of this study indicate that pan-size channel catfish can be cultured efficiently at stocking densities well above the 12,500 fish/ha (5,000 fishlacre) generally used when culturing fish to larger sizes.     

Cage culture of sutchi catfish, Pangasius sutchi (Fowler 1937): effects of stocking density on growth, survival, yield and farm profitability

The sutchi catfish, Pangasius sutchi (Fowler 1937) was grown at 10 stocking densities in cages suspended in a river‐fed channel during the summer of 2000. Catfish fingerlings (mean length 9.1–9.7 cm and mean weight 5.9–6.7 g) were stocked at densities of 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140 and 150 fish m^?3. After 150 days, growth and yield parameters were studied and a simple economic analysis was carried out to calculate profitability. The mean gross yield ranged from 15.6±0.27 to 34.5±0.44 kg m^?3 and the net yield ranged from 15.2±0.22 to 33.5±0.36 kg m^?3 and showed significant variations (P<0.05). The mean weights of fish at harvest were inversely related to stocking density. Both gross and net yields were significantly different and were directly influenced by stocking density but the specific growth rate, survival rate and feed conversion rate were unaffected. Higher stocking density resulted in higher yield per unit of production cost and lower cost per unit of yield. The net revenue increased positively with increasing stocking density. A density of 150 fish m^?3 produced the best production and farm economics among the densities tested in this experiment.     

The Effect of Varying Biomass of Carryover Fish in Multiple‐batch Catfish,Ictalurus punctatus,Pond Production

The presence of carryover (fish >350 g stocked the previous year but not yet market size) channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, in multiple‐batch production ponds has been shown to affect overall production performance and costs. However, little attention has been paid to effects of varying biomasses of carryover fish in ponds. Twelve 0.1‐ha earthen ponds were stocked March 20, 2007, with 15,000 catfish fingerlings per ha (mean weight 31 g), and carryover fish at either 726, 1460, or 2187 kg/ha (mean weight 408 g, range 204–703 g) to compare the effect of three different biomasses of carryover catfish on the production performance of understocked fingerlings. Gross and net yields increased with increasing biomass of carryover fish. Growth and mean weight at harvest of fingerlings were significantly greater at the lowest biomass of carryover fish (<1460 kg/ha), but there was no difference between the medium and high carryover density treatments. Net returns were highest with the highest biomass of carryover fish, but fell by $688/ha in Year 2 because of slower growth of fingerlings in Year 1.     

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.     

Dissolved Oxygen Level and Stocking Density Effects on Growth,Feed Utilization,Physiology, and Innate Immunity of Nile Tilapia,Oreochromis niloticus

A factorial design with three levels of dissolved oxygen (DO)—low 1.0–1.5 mg/l (LDO), medium 2.5–3.0 mg/l (MDO), and normal 6.0–6.5 mg/l (NDO)—and two stocking densities—0.2 g/l (SD1) and 0.4 g/l (SD2)—tested the interaction between oxygen and stocking density on juvenile tilapia performance. After the feeding trial, fish were intraperitoneally injected by pathogenic bacteria, Aeromonas hydrophila, and fish mortality was observed for 10 days post challenge. Highest growth was observed in the NDO-SD1 group. Reduction in DO concentration from 6.5 to 3.0 or 1.5 mg/L caused a reduction in fish growth and feed intake, which increased significantly by increasing fish density. Crude protein and total lipid in whole-fish body decreased significantly at LDO, while total lipid content decreased also at high SD. Glucose, activities of aspartate amninotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, creatinine, and uric acid in fish sera increased significantly, while total protein and total lipid decreased significantly at LDO and/or high density. Lowest fish immunity was observed in the LDO-SD2 group, suggesting that stress was maximized under LDO conditions and/or at high density.     

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).     

Delayed Feeding of Channel Catfish Fry Stocked in Ponds

We compared production variables between channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, nursery ponds fed according to industry standards, that is feeding immediately at stocking, to an alternative practice of delaying feeding for 6 wk after stocking in an effort to utilize natural pond productivity and reduce feed use. Twelve 0.04 ha ponds were fertilized and stocked with swim‐up fry (4–5 d posthatch) at a rate of 10,000/pond (250,000/ha). Ponds were then randomly assigned to either the standard feeding protocol (feeding daily starting immediately at stocking) or an alternative feeding protocol (no feeding until 6 wk post‐stocking). After 18 wk of production, there were no differences in water quality or zooplankton abundance between the two treatments. Fish length was not affected by treatment throughout the study, and survival and total weight harvested were similar. Total kg of feed fed was significantly reduced in the delayed feed treatment, averaging 26 kg/pond less feed fed. If proper fertilization practices are implemented, large numbers of desirable zooplankton for catfish fry culture are attained, and these zooplankton are able to sustain catfish fry stocked up to 250,000/ha. Therefore, no commercial diets are required during the first 6 wk of culture, saving over $95.55/ha in initial feed costs.