Molting and Mortality of Red Swamp and White River Crawfish Subjected to Eyestalk Ablation: A Preliminary Study for Commercial Soft-Shell Crawfish Production

Eyestalk ablation may reduce the cost of soft-shell crawfish production by reducing the molt interval. In this study, both immature and mature red swamp crawfish Procambarus clarkii and white river crawfish Procambarus zonangulus , formally Procambarus actus actus (Hobbs and Hobbs 1990), were ablated using a pair of modified pliers and placed in a recirculating system. Molting percentages, mortalities and mean molt intervals of the ablated crawfish were analyzed.
Eyestalk ablation resulted in dramatic reduction of molt intervals and mortalities comparable with the current commercial (non-ablation) soft-shell crawfish production systems. The mean molt intervals of the ablated red swamp crawfish ranged from 6.7 to 7.8 days for immature and 9.2 days for mature animals; whereas, the molt interval of ablated white river crawfish was 8.9 and 11.2 days for immature and mature animals, respectively. Mortalities obtained in this study ranged from 20 to 48% and 32 to 66% for immature and mature crawfish, respectively. During the experiments, molting percentages and mortalities were not consistent. Secondary treatments such as air clotting and cauterization did not alter mortality significantly.     

Molting,Mortality, and the Effects of Density in a Soft-Shell Crawfish Culture System 1

The molting and mortality patterns at a crawfish density recommended for commercial-scale soft-shell crawfish culture systems showed that, over a 116 day period, 74% of the crawfish molted, 22% died, and 4% remained in the system at the end of the study. Approximately three weeks of adaption to the system were required before molting rates of the crawfish began to increase. By the sixth week, the number of malted crawfish per day exceeded the overall mean and remained at this level until 10 days before moltable crawfish were depleted. In a second study, three density levels (3.7,4.9, and 6.1 kg crawfish/m²) were tested for 60 days. The lowest density produced significantly fewer (P < 0.05) molted crawfish. Mortality was significantly greater (P < 0.05) at the highest density compared with the lowest density. The highest density (6.1 kg crawfish/m²) showed a higher molting rate than the lower densities, but it was not significantly different (P < 0.05) from the molting rate of 4.9 kg/m².     

Double-Cropping Malaysian Prawns,Macrobrachium rosenbergii,and Red Swamp Crawfish,Procambarus clarkii

Prawns, "Macrobrachium rosenbergii," and crawfish, "Procambarus clarkii," were alternatively grown in ponds to determine if they were compatible and if total production could be increased. Brood crawfish were stocked into replicated ponds at rates of 0,60, 120 or 180 kg/ha on 18 April. Water was removed to encourage burrowing. Following this, rice was planted as forage. Post-larval prawns (0.02 g) were stocked 3 July in all ponds at 17,500/ha. Prawns in half the ponds were fed and those in the other ponds were not. Ponds were drained from 7 to 11 October. Prawn production ranged from 157 to 248 kg/ha; survival ranged from 69% to 88%, and average size ranged from 11 to 7 g. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between fed and non-fed treatments. The ponds were reflooded and crawfish were harvested by trapping from 15 January to 15 May. The average yield of crawfish ranged from 746 to 1,266 kg/ha. Stocking rate had no effect of crawfish yields (P > 0.25). Total yield, with prawns and crawfish combined, ranged from 1,037 to 1,237 kg/ha. Overall, prawns and crawfish were compatible in rotation. Prawns were a good size for soft shell production during months when crawfish are not available for soft shell production.     

The Effect of Five Stocking Densities on Growth and Yield of Red Swamp Crawfish Procambarus clarkii

A 34-day study was conducted to estimate the effect of stocking density on growth, biomass, and yield of harvestable animals in red swamp crawfish, Procambarus clarkii (Girard). Juvenile crawfish were stocked at l, 2, 4, 8, and 16 crawfish per m² into plastic-lined metal pools planted with rice ( Oryza sativa ) with three replicate pools at each density. Crawfish averaged 35 ± 1.5 mm (SE) total length at the time of stocking.
Growth in total length and weight was significantly affected by density ( P < 0.01), ranging from 91.5 mm and 20.7 g for crawfish stocked at 1 per m² to 62.5 mm and 6.3 g for crawfish stocked at 16 per m². The total crawfish biomass ranged from 20.7 g per m² for crawfish stocked at 1 per m² to 88.7 g per m² at 16 per m². The portion of that biomass made up of harvestable sized animals (>75 mm total length) ranged from 100% at 1 per m² to 0.7% at 16 per m². Gross revenues per ha were projected for crawfish yields at each stocking density with and without a graded product.     

A mathematical model for soft-shell crawfish production

A mathematical model was developed for soft-shell crawfish production management based on the assumption that the crawfish molt interval follows a normal distribution. The mean and standard deviation of the molt interval, the two main parameters of the model, were estimated to be 48 and 15 days, respectively, based on experimental data for the red swamp crawfish (Procambarus clarkii). The model was further verified through comparison with experimental data. Simulations using the model were conducted to evaluate the impact of mortality and management strategies upon soft-shell crawfish production. The results indicated that mortality is a major factor in determining the production rate of a soft-shell crawfish facility. For a 6-month operation period, the predicted total production is 263% of the loading capacity for a mortality rate of 1%/day. This production will drop to 101% of the loading capacity with a mortality rate of 5%/day. Besides variations in the mortality rate, loading and replacement strategies also affect soft-shell crawfish operation, as demonstrated by the simulation results.     

Substitution of Soybean Protein for Fish Protein in Formulated Diets for Red Swamp Crawfish Procambarus clarkii1

A 10 week laboratory growth trial was conducted with red swamp crawfish Procambarus clarkii to determine the amount of soybean protein that could be substituted for fish protein in formulated crawfish diets without reducing growth. Crawfish received 32% crude protein, isocaloric diets in which protein was supplied by soybean (soy) meal, menhaden fish meal or an isonitrogenous mixture of soybean and fish meal calculated to provide graded levels of each protein source. Dietary protein was provided as: 1) 100% soy protein; 2) 75% soy protein: 25% fish protein; 3) 50% soy protein: 50% fish protein; 4) 25% soy protein: 75% fish protein; and 5) 100% fish protein. Crawfish fed soy protein: fish protein (SP:FP) mixtures or fish protein alone exhibited better (P < 0.05) weight gain than crawfish fed a diet containing soy protein as the only protein source. Diets containing 25% soy protein: 75% fish protein (1:3 ratio) and 50% soy protein: 50% fish protein (1:1 ratio) produced greater (P < 0.05) weight gains than a diet in which fish protein was the sole protein source. Survival, feed efficiency ratio, maturation rate, net protein and energy retention, and body composition of crawfish did not differ (P > 0.05) among diets with SP:FP ratios of 1:3, 1:1 and 3:1. However, maximum (P < 0.05) weight gain occurred in crawfish fed the 1:3 SP:FP ratio. Although crawfish fed SP:FP ratios of 1:1 and 3:1 had lower weight gains in the laboratory than crawfish fed a 1:3 SP:FP ratio, SP:FP ratios of 1:1 and 3:1 might be adequate for supplemental diets fed to pond-reared crawfish that have access to natural sources of food.     

2种壳色皱纹盘鲍营养成分的比较

对皱纹盘鲍 (HaliotisdiscushannaiIno) 2种壳色个体———红壳个体和绿壳个体的一般营养成分、矿物元素以及脂肪酸的组成和含量进行比较研究。结果表明 ,两者对应组织 (足肌、内脏、生殖腺 )中水分、蛋白质、粗脂肪、灰分的含量基本无差异 ;内脏灰分颜色均为红褐色 ,但足肌灰分颜色明显不同 ,绿壳个体呈灰白色而红壳个体则呈浅砖红色。矿物元素的分析结果进一步显示 ,足肌中除了Ca之外 ,所测元素的含量均以红壳个体为高 ,其中Fe、Cu、Mn的含量为绿壳个体的2～ 3倍 ;红壳个体贝壳中Mn的含量亦较高 ,约为绿壳个体的 2倍。两者上述对应组织的脂肪酸种类相同 ,含量基本一致。此外 ,粗脂肪、无机元素含量以及脂肪酸的组成和含量在不同组织之间存在较明显的差别     

Cu2+对文蛤红壳色选育系及自然群体抗氧化能力的影响

Cu²⁺作为海洋重金属污染的主要污染物之一,具有来源广、易残留、易食物链富集等特点,是海洋贝类养殖业潜在的生态危机和经济危机。为查明江苏文蛤自然群体及红壳色选育系对重金属Cu²⁺耐受能力,设置不同质量浓度Cu²⁺对文蛤红壳色选育系和自然群体进行胁迫试验,研究Cu²⁺对文蛤超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)和过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性以及Cu/Zn-SOD基因相对表达量的影响。试验结果显示:(1)在相同质量浓度Cu²⁺条件下,红壳色选育系与自然群体存活率差异不显著(P>0.05)。(2)随着Cu²⁺质量浓度增大,两组文蛤的超氧化物歧化酶和过氧化氢酶活性变化共同表现出相应质量浓度—效应关系,超氧化物歧化酶活性变化呈线性上升趋势,而过氧化氢酶活性变化呈先抑制后诱导的趋势,两种酶活性变化差异显著(P<0.05)。(3)Cu/Zn-SOD基因表达变化与超氧化物歧化酶活性变化一致,与Cu²⁺质量浓度呈正相关。(4)红壳色选育系响应Cu²⁺抗氧化性要优于自然群体。本试验结果将对文蛤抗逆性选育及新品种开发提供科学参考。     

Effects of Added Substrate on Production of Red Swamp Crawfish, Procambarus clarkii, in Earthen Ponds without Planted Forage

The effects of addition of substrate consisting of plastic mesh fencing to experimental earthen ponds were evaluated for the culture of the red swamp crawfish, Procambarus clarkii, without planted forage. Mean daily yield (kg/ha/d), number of crawfish harvested (number/ha/d), and mean individual harvest weight were compared for ponds with and without substrate during a 2‐yr period. The surface area of added substrate was equivalent to 50% of the bottom surface area of the pond. Mean daily yield in the ponds containing substrate, based on a comparison with that of the previous year, increased by 80.2% and was principally attributed to a 66.7% increase in the number of crawfish harvested. Comparative values for the ponds without substrate were ?13.1 and ?11.7%. For the second year, the treatment‐dependent response was consistent. Mean daily yield for the substrate ponds increased by 48.8% compared to 15.0% for the ponds lacking substrate. The primary benefit of the substrate appears to be provision of refuge and three‐dimensional distribution of crawfish in the pond, thereby reducing the incidence of cannibalism and increasing the total number of crawfish harvested per hectare per day. The benefit of the substrate in a commercial production setting must be weighed against its cost and longevity as well as the conditions of the particular management scenario into which it may be incorporated.     

Effects of Population Density and Feeding Rate on Growth and Feed Consumption of Red Swamp Crawfish Procambarns clarkii

Wire-mesh enclosures were used in production ponds to conduct growth trials in which population density and feeding rate were evaluated in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement for their effects on crawfish growth. Juvenile Procambarus clarkii of uniform size (0.5 g) were stocked at 2 or 20 animals/m² in experiment 1 and weighed biweekly for 12 wk. Rice forage served as the detrital base, and supplemental feed (25% crude protein) was provided at either a low (26–52 kg/ha per week) or high (104–418 kg/ha per week) rate. In experiment 2, mixed sizes of crawfish were stocked at 10/m² or 20/m² and fed the formulated feed at either 52 or 312 kg/ha per week. Feed consumption was estimated for each treatment combination. Only population density significantly affected crawfish growth. Mean weight gain and final weights were inversely proportional to density but only when total crawfish biomass exceeded 1,235 kg/ha. Growth was not significantly influenced by feeding rate, but the high feeding rate resulted in a significantly greater ratio of hepatopancreas weight to body weight and tended to decrease hepatopancreas moisture levels, indicating improved condition. Population density, feeding rate, and their interaction had significant effects on estimated feed consumption. From the simple linear regression of mean feed consumption on crawfish standing crop, it was estimated that crawfish consume about 0.1 kg of dry feed per ha per week per kg of crawfish biomass on a 5 d per week feeding schedule at mean water temperatures, ranging from 14 to 30 C.     

蜕壳周期内中华绒螯蟹钙含量、组织结构及相关基因表达变化

运用生化分析、组织切片和分子生物学等技术,测定蜕壳期(蜕下旧壳后0.5 h内)和蜕壳后期(蜕下旧壳0.5 h后至新壳未完全硬化之前)平均体质量(5.63±2.35)g中华绒螯蟹肝胰腺和鳃中的钙含量,观察肝胰腺和鳃组织结构变化,用荧光定量PCR技术分析肝胰腺和鳃中的钙网蛋白(CRT)基因的表达情况.试验结果表明,蜕壳后期...     

合浦珠母贝不同壳色选育系F6数量性状的相关性和通径分析

为深入了解不同壳色合浦珠母贝(Pinctada fucata)形态性状与体重间的关系,为亲贝的选择提供策略,本研究使用合浦珠母贝传统壳色、金壳色、白壳色、红壳色和黑壳色5种壳色选育系F6各1000只个体的性状数据进行通径分析和聚类分析。测量的性状包括壳长(SL,mm)、壳高(SH,mm)、壳宽(SW,mm)、绞合线长(HL,mm)和体重(BW,g)。结果显示,5种壳色合浦珠母贝所有形态性状与体重间的相关系数均达到极显著(P0.01)。通径分析表明,壳长对传统壳色和白壳色贝体重的直接影响最大,壳高对金壳色和红壳色贝体重的直接影响最大,壳宽对黑壳色贝体重的直接影响最大。利用多元回归方法构建不同壳色合浦珠母贝形态性状与体重(BW,g)间的回归方程,其中传统壳色:BW=-24.999+0.467SL+0.387SH-0.259SW+0.244HL;金壳色:BW=-38.661+0.305SL+0.477SH+0.242SW+0.375HL;白壳色:BW=-4.130+0.332SL+0.300SH-0.307SW+0.088HL;红壳色:BW=-27.307+0.327SL+0.321SH+0.252SW+0.305HL;黑壳色:BW=-40.921+0.278SL+0.335SH+1.076SW+0.269HL。聚类分析显示,传统壳色与金壳色形态特征相近,而白壳色、红壳色和黑壳色形态特征相近。     

Growth of Crawfish Procambarus clarkii as a Function of Density and Food Resources

This study utilized enclosures (cylindrical, 5-mm wire mesh, O.5 m² bottom surface area) placed over rice-forage substrates in experimental crawfish ponds to contain crawfish under typical pond culture conditions. Juvenile Procambarus clarkii were stocked at six densities (2, 4, 6, 10, 14, and 18 crawfish/m²) for 12-wk growth trials in October and again in February. Crawfish relied solely on the detrital food system for their nutritional needs. Supplemental feed was supplied to crawfish in additional enclosures at two of the test densities (2 and 10 crawfish/m²). The commercially formulated feed (25% crude protein) was fed (2.02 g dry feed/m²) 3 d/wk (Monday, Wednesday, Friday). All treatments were replicated with six enclosures. Crawfish growth was inversely correlated to culture density. Mean final weights for crawfish feeding from the detrital-system only were 15.3, 13.8, 11.2, 7.9, 7.2, and 5.8 g for crawfish densities of 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 14, and 18/m², respectively. Mean final weights for crawfish receiving supplemental feed were 20.7 and 12.4 g for densities of 2 and 10 crawfish/m². When compared with density as a factor influencing growth, feed influenced growth less than density abatement. Supplemental feeding improved crawfish growth in detrital systems an average of 46%, while decreasing initial density improved growth an average of 80.5%.     

Predation by Dragonfly Naiads Anax junius on Young Crawfish Procambarus clarkii

Anax junius (Odonata: Aeschnidae) predation on young crawfish, Procambarus clarkii , was measured in the laboratory. Predation rates (0.066–1.16 crawfish/day) were estimated at 25, 15, and 5 C and for two sizes of crawfish (11–20 and 21–30 mm total length). Naiad predation increased with increasing temperature and decreasing crawfish size. At 5 C, naiads had no significant effect on survival of large crawfish but did significantly reduce survival of small crawfish. At 15 and 25 C, predation rates were significantly affected by temperature and prey size. Relative naiad abundance in a 0.8 ha crawfish pond was estimated from September through May. Larger naiads (head width, >6.5 mm; total length, >30 mm) capable of preying on young crawfish were not present until after most crawfish had reached invulnerable sizes. Large naiads, as a result, may not affect crawfish production under normal management conditions.     

Pond culturing of crawfish in the Southern United States

Due to a significant increase in the farming of crawfish by pond culture methods in the southern United States this paper briefly summarises the current practice being developed there.

Crawfish are cultured in shallow, open ponds surrounded on all sides by levees. The water depth seldom exceeds 45–61 cm. Area may vary, but the most popular sizes range from 2 to 16 ha. A rotation scheme involving rice and crawfish is generally practised, with rice serving as food for the crawfish.

Good management techniques are required for maximum crawfish production. One essential element is circulation of water through the ponds to keep dissolved oxygen concentrations above 5 mg litre⁻¹. With good quality water and proper management a harvest of up to 2200 kg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ may be realised.     

The Complete Analysis of the Distribution Kinetics of the Oxytetracycline Antibiotic in the Exoskeleton of Farmed Pacific White Shrimp,Litopenaeus vannamei

Oxytetracycline (OTC) in shrimp shells may be dispersed to the environment as shrimp shred old cuticle in growout ponds. The study aims to assess the kinetics of OTC accumulated in shrimp shell. Sub‐adult male Litopenaeus vannamei in the C–D₀ molting stage, were force fed with medicated feeds at various accurate dose levels that included 50, 500 and 1000 mg/kg‐body weight (BW). In addition to hemolymph, hepatopancreas and muscle were serially collected for 50 mg/kg‐BW‐dose group while cuticle was sampled for higher dose levels. All were assayed for OTC by a validated high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. Mineral contents in shell samples of 500 mg/kg‐BW‐dose were also determined. The bioavailability markedly decreased with increasing dose due to incomplete dissolution and/or mild dysfunction in absorption. Administered doses, 2.69 and 2.25%, ended up in the shell after dosing with 500 and 1000 mg/kg‐BW, respectively. OTC data after a dose of 50 mg/kg‐BW was fitted into a three‐compartment model with an added shell compartment with r² of 0.9920. The model was successfully extrapolated to predict OTC distribution in shell at higher doses. In addition, there was evidence that OTC may disturb the biomineralization process via complex formation with calcium and magnesium lowering the exoskeleton mineral contents.     

Evaluation of Trap Density and Type for Harvesting Crawfish Procambarus spp. from Small Ponds

Harvested crawfish were stocked into 0.15-ha earthen ponds in March and May at rates of 114, 227, and 455 kg/ha to evaluate the effects of trap density, 27 and 54 traps/ha, on their recapture over 14 d following 3 d of acclimation. Two-funnel, stand-up pillow traps and three-funnel pyramid traps were compared. About 39% and 55% of stocked crawfish were recovered in March and May, respectively. There was considerable growth of those crawfish. Overall catch with both trap densities was equivalent in March but the higher trap density caught 1.3 times more crawfish in May. Pyramid traps caught 1.5–1.9 times more crawfish than pillow traps.     

Effects of Water Quality,Weather and Lunar Phase on Crawfish Catch1

The relationship between water quality, weather, lunar phase and daily changes in crawfish (Proearnbums clurkii) catch per unit effort (CPUE) was determined in five experimental crawfish ponds from March through May, 1984 and 1985. Air and water temperatures, solar radiation, dissolved oxygen, wind velocity, barometric pressure, precipitation and lunar phase were recorded daily during the harvesting phase of the study. Crawfish CPUE (g/trap/24 h) was significantly correlated with water temperature, dissolved oxygen, lunar phase, barometric pressure, wind velocity and the relative density of harvestable size crawfish. Most statistically significant environmental or climatological variables explained less than 20% total daily variation in crawfish CPUE. The nine environmental variables were reduced to four factors—temperature-harvestable crawfish, cold fronts, rain showers, and lunar phase—with principal-components analysis. Eighty-five percent of the variation in daily crawfish catch was attributed to water temperature and relative density of harvestable crawfish, and 7.1% was explained by lunar phase. Rain showers and cold fronts accounted for 4.8 and 2.5% of the daily variation in crawfish CPUE, respectively. Crawfish catch increased with an increase in water temperature and relative abundance of harvestable crawfish, and with short duration rain showers. Conversely, crawfish CPUE declined with the approach of full moon and with passage of cold fronts.     

Diversification of Crawfish Management Schedule1

Six 0.02 ha ponds were used to evaluate crawfish production and standing crop biomass of rice forage in ponds managed on a standard (control) and delayed (experimental) schedule over a two year production cycle. Delayed schedule followed the same sequence of events except the management activities were delayed approximately one month. Control and experimental ponds had statistically similar amounts of forage. No statistical difference was detected in crawfish production between the management schedules or between production years; however, analysis revealed a significant treatment × year interaction. Overall average crawfish production was 986 kg/ha. Variation in crawfish production is explained within the context of annual temperature variations and differences in population density.     

The Economics Associated with Crawfish Production from Louisiana's Atchafalaya Basin 1

Unpredictable water levels for the Atchafalaya River resulting from man's efforts to prevent flooding in South Louisiana lead to an unstable market for Louisiana's annual crawfish production. Empirical models presented show that yields from the basin can be estimated on a monthly basis using bimonthly changes in water level, unemployment rates, and crawfish harvests from ponds. The monthly demand model for basin crawfish yielded a price flexibility of –0.059 and a corresponding price elasticity of –16.94. These empirical results support hypotheses that substitutes for crawfish are available to consumers. Uncertain yields from the basin due to the sort of water level fluctuations documented in this study suggest that investment in this area of the Louisiana crawfish industry will continue to be hampered.