Evaluation of Three Strains of Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus Fed Diets Containing Three Concentrations of Protein and Digestible Energy1

Abstract A 3 × 3 factorial experiment was conducted using three strains of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus, USDA102, USDA103, and Mississippi normal (MN), and three concentrations of dietary protein. Three practical diets were formulated to contain 25, 35, or 45% crude protein with digestible energy/protein ratio of 10.0, 8.1, or 6.8 Kcal/g, respectively. Juvenile channel catfish (mean initial weight: 15.1 g/fish) were fed the experimental diets twice daily to approximate satiation for 8 wk. Regardless of dietary protein concentration, the USDA 103 strain consumed more feed, gained more weight, and converted feed more efficiently than other two strains. The MN strain consumed less feed and gained less weight than the other strains. Regardless of the strain of channel catfish, differences in weight gain, feed consumption, and feed conversion ratio were observed among fish fed diets containing various levels of protein with the 35% protein diet being the best. Neither dietary protein concentration nor strain had significant effect on fillet protein level. Data pooled by fish strain showed that fish of MN strain had lower fillet fat and higher moisture than fish of other two strains. Data pooled by dietary protein showed that fish fed the 45% protein diet had a lower level of fillet fat than fish fed the 35% protein diet, but this did not appear to be a strain effect, rather it was a result of decreased feed consumption. Results from this study clearly demonstrate that per formance of the USDA103 strain of channel catfish was superior to other strains tested. The growth characteristics of the USDA103 strain of channel catfish make the strain a promising candidate for commercialization. However, data are needed on performance of the strain from fingerling to marketable size under conditions similar to those used for the commercial culture of channel catfish prior to their release to the catfish industry.     

Evaluation of Growth and Disease Resistance of USDA103, USDA303, USDA102, and USDA102 × USDA103 Strains of Channel Catfish, Ictalurus punctatus

USDA103, USDA303, USDA102, and USDA102 × USDA103 strains of channel catfish (27.7 ± 0.7 g/fish) were fed daily for 6 wk. Feed consumption and weight gain were highest (P < 0.001) in USDA103, USDA303, and USDA102 × USDA103 fish. USDA102 fish exhibited the poorest (P < 0.01) feed conversion ratio. Fillet and whole‐body content were similar (P > 0.05) among strains when final weight was used as a covariate. USDA103, USDA303, and USDA102 × USDA103 strains had higher (P < 0.01) protein efficiency ratios compared to USDA102. In a second study, the four groups of catfish (22.2 ± 1.9 g/fish) were challenged with Edwardsiella ictaluri and mortality was recorded for 3 wk postchallenge. Survival was higher (P < 0.02) for USDA303 and USDA102 × USDA103 fish. Results of these studies demonstrate that the USDA103 and USDA303 strains of catfish were superior in growth performance. Results of the bacterial challenge show that the USDA303 and USDA102 × USDA103 strains of fish exhibited increased survival. Continued selection of the USDA103 line and crossing this line of fish with lines of fish such as the USDA102 strain may produce fish with desirable growth and disease characteristics.     

Differences in Growth and Nutrient Efficiency Between and Within Two Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus Strains

A 6-wk growth study was conducted comparing fingerling (mean weight = 24.7 g) USDA103 strain channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus to Norris strain channel catfish in an effort to determine strain differences in growth and nutrient efficiency. Variability within strains also was assessed by randomly selecting four families from each strain for comparison. On average, USDA103 fish gained significantly ( P < 0.05) more weight (51.2 vs. 31.7 g) and length (4.7 vs. 4.1 cm) compared to Norris strain catfish. Significantly ( P < 0.05) greater feed consumption (56.6 vs 41.3 g) and feed efficiency (95.7 vs. 89.9) for USDA103 catfish were also observed. Family differences in weight and length gain and feed intake were significant ( P < 0.05) among USDA103 families; whereas, only differences in feed intake and feed efficiency were significant ( P < 0.05) among Norris families. Nitrogen retention was higher ( P < 0.05) for the Norris strain catfish (35.6%) relative to the USDA103 strain average (31.0%). The results of this study reiterate the superior growth and feed efficiency of the USDA103 strain of channel catfish. Observed differences among USDA103 families suggest that further improvements in weight gain can be made through selective breeding; however, improvements in feed and protein efficiency may be difficult.     

Genetic Effects for Response to Live Edwardsiella ictaluri, Killed E. ictaluri, and Stress in Juveniles from All Crosses Among USDA 103, USDA 102, and Norris Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus Strains

Juveniles from all possible crosses among USDA 102. USDA 103, and Norris channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus strains were compared for: 1) survival and mix-Edwardsiella ictaluri antibody after exposure to live E. ictaluri bacterium (isolate 597-458); 2) antibody level after injection with formalin-killed E. ictaluri (597-458); and 3) pre-stress. post-stress, and stress-recovery serum Cortisol levels. Purebred and crossbred USDA 102 strain fish had higher survival (mean of five genetic groups = 87%) and lower anti- E.ictaluri antibody (mean optical density (OD) of five genetic groups = 0.167) 30 d after live E. ictaluri challenge than purebred Norris and USDA 103 strains and their crosses (means of four genetic groups = 60% survival and 0.210 OD antibody level). Significant general combining ability, line effects, and heterosis indicated that the USDA 102 strain contributed additive and dominance genetic effects for increased survival and lower antibody level after live E. ictaluri challenge. Antibody response to formalin-killed, intra-peritoneally injected E. ictaluri was not different among genetic groups (overall mean = 0.198 OD). Serum Cortisol was measured prior to (pre-stress), immediately after (post-stress), and 2 h after (stress-recovery) a standard stressor. Serum Cortisol level was highest in post-stress fish (35.8 ng/mL), intermediate in stress-recovery fish (10.9 ng/mL), and lowest in pre-stress fish (6.5 ng/mL), but was not different among genetic groups within a stress time period. Results indicate diat differences exist among genetic groups of channel catfish for survival and antibody production after live E. ictaluri challenge, but these differences were not related to antibody response to killed E. ictaluri or serum Cortisol levels.     

2-Methylisoborneol disposition in three strains of catfish: absence of biotransformation

2-Methylisoborneol (MIB) and structurally related terpenoid compounds are responsible for millions of dollars of lost revenue to catfish farmers. In an attempt to determine enzymatic pathways of biotransformation and elimination of MIB, the in vitro metabolism of MIB was examined in the Ulvade strain of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). Although cytochrome P450 (CYP) activities were observed and correlated with expression of specific isoforms (i.e. steroid hydroxylation and CYP3A expression), no metabolites of MIB were observed. To determine whether extrahepatic biotransformation may be occurring the in vivo metabolism and disposition of ¹⁴C-MIB was examined in Uvalde, USDA-103 channel catfish, and a channel catfish X blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) hybrid species. Confirming in vitro hepatic studies, no metabolites were observed in plasma from animals treated with an intra-arterial dose of ¹⁴C-MIB. ¹⁴C-MIB elimination was predicted using a two compartment model in each strain of fish. There was no significant difference in terminal half-lives between strains but possible differences in total body clearance and apparent volumes of distribution which may be related to higher lipid content in the hybrids. Results of these studies indicate biotransformation has no involvement in MIB elimination and that other physiological processes may play a more significant role in MIB disposition within Ictalurid fish species.     

Comparison of Growth, Processing Yield, and Body Composition of USDA103 and Mississippi "Normal" Strains of Channel Catfish Fed Diets Containing Three Concentrations of Protein

Abstract.— This study evaluated the effects of dietary protein concentration (26, 28, and 32%) on growth. feed efficiency, processing yield, and body composition of USDA103 and Mississippi "normal" (MN) strains of channel catfish raised in ponds. Fin-gerling channel catfish (average weight = 32.5 and 47.3 g/fish for USDA103 and MN strains, respectively) were stocked into 24 0.04-ha ponds (12 ponds/ strain) at a density of 18,530 fish/ha. Fish were fed once daily to apparent satiation from May to October 1999. There were no interactions between fish strain and dietary protein concentration for any parameters measured. Regardless of dietary protein concentrations, the USDA103 strain consumed more feed and gained more weight than the MN strain. There were no differences in feed conversion ratio (FCR) or survival between the two strains. Feed consumption, weight gain, FCR, and survival were not affected by dietary protein concentration. The USDA103 strain exhibited a lower level of visceral fat, a higher carcass yield, a lower level of fillet moisture, and a higher level of fillet fat than the MN strain. Regardless of fish strains, fish fed the 32% protein diet had a lower level of visceral fat and a higher fillet yield than fish fed the 26% protein diet. Fish fed the 32% protein diet were also higher in carcass yield as compared to those fed the 28% protein diet. Fillet moisture, protein, and fat concentrations were not affected by dietary protein concentration. Results from this study indicate that the USDA103 strain of channel catfish appears to possess superior traits in growth characteristics compared with the MN strain that is currently cultured commercially. Both strains appear to have the same dietary protein requirement.     

Susceptibility of three strains of blue catfish,Ictalurus furcatus (Valenciennes), to Ichthyophthirius multifiliis

This study compared the susceptibility of three blue catfish strains (D&B, USDA 101 and USDA 102) to the parasite Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ich). In Trial I, a cohabitation study (all strains stocked communally) was conducted and fish were exposed to theronts at 0, 200, 1000, 5000 or 25 000 theronts fish^?1, respectively. All fish died when exposed to theronts at 5000 or 25 000 theronts fish^?1. When exposed to 1000 theronts fish^?1, USDA 102 strain of blue catfish showed significantly lower mortality (78.5%) compared to USDA 101 and D&B strains (92.7% and 100%). In Trial II, the same three strains of blue fish were evaluated for their susceptibility to Ich with strains challenged in separate tanks by adding Ich theronts at 0, 200 and 1000 theronts fish^?1, respectively. All D&B and USDA 101 blue catfish died; however, 42.3% of USDA 102 strain survived the infection when exposed to 1000 theronts per fish. The results indicate that there are differences among strains of blue catfish for susceptibility to Ich, and these differences will be useful in the development of improved catfish germplasm for commercial aquaculture.     

Restricted and Satiate Feeding of Two Genetically Isolated Strains of Juvenile Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus Reared on 28% and 32% Protein Diets

A 10-wk growth comparison trial of two strains of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus was conducted in 40 120-L flow-through aquaria using a 2 ± 2 × 2 factorial experiment design. The three factors evaluated were: strain (Norris and NWAC103), dietary protein level (28% and 32%), and feeding rate (restricted and satiate). Average initial weight (× SD) for the Norris strain was 3.0 ± 0.08 g/fish, while that of the NWAC103 strain was 4.7 ± 0.13 g/fish. The feeding rate for the satiated group was adjusted based on feeding observations. The feeding rate for the restricted group was adjusted to about ²/₃ of the satiate level. For both satiate and restricted feeding regimens, the NWAC103 strain consumed more feed than the Norris strain. Fish of Norris strain fed the 32% protein diet consumed more feed than fish fed the 28% protein diet; however, there were no differences in feed consumption in the NWAC103 fish fed the two protein diets. Regardless of feeding rate, the NWAC103 fish gained more weight and converted feed more efficiently than the Norris fish. Fillet composition was not affected by fish strain. Fish fed the 28% protein diet had a lower level of fillet protein than fish fed the 32% protein diet. In fish fed to satiation, a 32% protein diet resulted in a lower fillet fat level than a 28% protein diet, but no differences were observed in fillet fat levels between fish fed the two dietary protein levels for the restricted group. Results from the present study demonstrate that under laboratory conditions, the NWAC103 strain of channel catfish is superior to Norris strain in feed consumption, growth rate, and feed efficiency. Our data also indicate that either a 28% or 32% protein diet can be fed to either strain of channel catfish whether they are fed to satiation or fed a restricted ration with no detrimental effects on growth.     

Effect of Feeding Frequency on Feed Consumption,Growth, and Feed Efficiency in Aquarium‐reared Norris and NWAC103 Channel Catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)*

Abstract.— A 6‐wk feeding study was conducted to determine the effect of feeding frequency on growth rate of juvenile Norris and NWAC103 channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, reared under laboratory conditions. Four replicate groups of Norris and NWAC103 catfish (average weight of 4.0 ± 0.2 g/fish, SEM) were fed to visual satiety at different feeding frequencies (one, two, or three times daily). The percent of total daily food consumed for Norris catfish fed three times daily (0800, 1200, and 1600 h) was 44.4, 27.7, and 27.9%, respectively, while NWAC103 catfish consumed 42.9, 26.7, and 30.4%, respectively. Specific growth rate and feed intake were higher in fish fed three times daily compared to fish fed once and twice daily for both strains. Feed efficiency was reduced in NWAC103 fed three times daily compared to fish fed once or twice, while feed efficiency was similar among the Norris treatments. Gastrointestinal (GI) tract index ([weight of GI tract/weight of fish] × 100) decreased in NWAC103 catfish as feeding frequency increased, while a similar nonsignificant trend was also observed in Norris catfish. The results of this study demonstrate that aquarium‐reared Norris and NWAC103 catfish fed three times a day consume more feed and gain more weight than catfish fed once or twice a day. The observed decrease in the GI index as a result of feeding more frequently demonstrates that the size of the GI tract increases, relative to body weight, when catfish are fed only once a day. Under laboratory conditions, the number of times a day the fish are fed should be considered when trying to maximize growth of NWAC103 and Norris strains of catfish.     

Comparison of the Channel Catfish,Ictalurus punctatus (NWAC103 Strain) and the Channel × Blue Catfish,I. punctatus × I.furcatus,F1 Hybrid for Growth,Feed Efficiency,Processing Yield,and Body Composition

Abstract

A pond trial was conducted to compare growth, feed efficiency, survival, processing yield, and body composition of the NWAC103 strain of channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus and the F₁ channel X blue catfish hybrid (CB hybrid), I. punctatus X I. furcatus. Each genotype was stocked into five 0.4-ha earthen ponds at a rate of 14,820 fish/ha. Initial weights were 24.9 and 31.8 g/fish for the NWAC103 strain of channel catfish and the CB hybrid, respectively. Fish were fed a commercial, 28% protein diet once daily to satiation for 160 days. Compared to NWAC103 channel catfish, the CB hybrid consumed more diet, gained more weight, converted diet more efficiently, and had higher net production, survival, carcass yield, nugget yield, visceral fat, fillet moisture and protein, and a lower level of fillet fat. There were no differences in fillet yield and fillet ash concentration between the channel X blue catfish hybrid and the channel catfish. These results suggest that the CB hybrid possesses superior production traits compared with the NWAC103 channel catfish. However, problems of producing a large number of hybrid fingerlings in a cost-effective manner remain to be resolved before the hybrid catfish can be commercially farmed.     

Production and Processing Trait Comparisons of Channel Catfish,Blue Catfish,and Their Hybrids Grown in Earthen Ponds

Fingerling HS‐5 channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, NWAC 103 channel catfish, D&B blue catfish, Ictalurus furcatus, HS‐5 female channel × D&B male blue catfish F₁ hybrids, and NWAC 103 female channel × D&B male blue catfish F₁ hybrids were stocked into twenty‐five 0.04‐ha earthen ponds at 12,500 fish/ha and grown for 277 d. Fish were fed daily at rates from 1.0 to 3.0% biomass based on feeding activity and temperature and adjusted weekly assuming a feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 1.8 and 100% survival. At harvest, 40 fish from each pond were sampled, and all other counted and weighed. Mean survival, growth rate indexes (a), FCR, and skin‐on fillet percentages were not significantly different. Mean harvest weights and net production were higher for HS‐5 channel and its hybrid than for the NWAC 103 channel, NWAC 103 hybrid, and D&B blue catfish, partially because of their larger mean stocking weights. D&B blue catfish was more uniform in size than NWAC 103 channel and NWAC 103 hybrid. D&B blue catfish was the easiest to seine. HS‐5 hybrids and NWAC 103 hybrids had lower mean head percentage and a better processing yield than their parent channel catfish.     

Using Genetic Variation to Understand Control of Feed Intake in Fish

The overall goal of our research is to develop fish with superior growth, and feed efficiency attributes. Feed intake is integral to these characters. Over the last several years we have been working with channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, in two directions tied to feed intake regulation. One direction has been to identify genes functioning as physiological regulators of feed intake, and the other has been to measure and characterize the genetic variation in feed intake within and among distinct catfish populations which reveal a wide range in feeding response. The goals are to uncover the genetic basis of physiological variation, to understand the genes and interactions that produce the phenotypic differences observed and to exploit these differences in a selective breeding program. To investigate the links between genetic variation and physiological variation, differences in voluntary feed consumption were documented in two strains of channel catfish. Treatment with orexigenic compounds affected both strains similarly, though anorexigenic compounds inhibited feeding in one strain more than the other and low temperature treatment affected the strains differently with respect to feed efficiency. Phenotypic variation in feed intake among families within one strain suggested that approximately 40% of the variation in feed intake is due to genetic sources. Future work aimed at utilizing strains and families with divergent phenotypes for identifying the specific genes responsible for this variation is discussed.     

Measurement of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) plasma insulin in species-specific radioimmunoassay

A single antibody, equilibrium, species specific radioimmunoassay (RIA) for catfish insulin was developed and validated for measurements of plasma levels of insulin in juvenile and adult channel catfish. The RIA appeared to be sensitive (20 pg/tube) and stable with intra-assay coefficient of variation between 5.7% and 3.1% and inter-assay coefficient of variation of 6.5%. The blood was collected from two strains of catfish, USDA 103 and Norris, which differ in food consumption and growth rates, the former strain consuming more food and growing faster (Silverstein et al. 1999). The experiments conducted from December to May included fasting and feeding periods from 5 to 14 days as well as either intravenous or intraperitoneal administration of glucagon-like peptide known for its anorexic effect in both mammals and fish (Silverstein et al. 2001). As in other piscine species studied before, fed fish had higher plasma insulin content than food-deprived fish. Feeding status prevailed over other treatments as the primary physiological factor determining circulating plasma insulin levels. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Acute columnaris infection in channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque): efficacy of practical treatments for warmwater aquaculture ponds

Columnaris disease was induced in channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque), by bath exposure to four highly virulent isolates of Flavobacterium columnare. In untreated controls, mortality began 20 h after exposure and reached 100% by 48 h. Mortality in channel catfish given antibiotic treatments with oxytetracycline or a combination of sulphadimethoxine and ormetoprim in feed prior to bacterial challenge was zero with all four strains of F. columnare. Diquat (Zeneca Agricultural Products, Wilmington, DE, USA) was the most effective bath treatment; mortality with all four strains was zero. With potassium permanganate, chloramine-T, hydrogen peroxide and copper sulphate, bath treatment efficacy varied significantly among strains (P = 0.0346) and among treatments (P = 0.0033). Bath treatments with chloramine-T and potassium permanganate significantly reduced (P < 0.05) mortality from 100 to 75 and 69%, respectively, but copper sulphate and hydrogen peroxide treatments were not effective. Based on our results, oral antibiotics prevented columnaris disease but, of the bath treatments, only Diquat produced a dramatic reduction in the mortality of acutely infected fish. Diquat is labelled for aquatic use as an herbicide in the USA but in large ponds it is prohibitively expensive.     

Family and genetic group effects for resistance to proliferative gill disease in channel catfish, blue catfish and channel catfish×blue catfish backcross hybrids

The severity of gill damage (percentage of gill lamellae with lytic lesions) was determined in juveniles from 10 USDA 103 line channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus full‐sib families, 10 channel catfish×blue catfish I. furcatus backcross hybrid (7/8 channel catfish, 1/8 blue catfish) full‐sib families and a mixed‐family group of blue catfish placed in a commercial catfish pond experiencing proliferative gill disease (PGD)‐related fish mortalities. An initial challenge was conducted with all families, and a second challenge was conducted using the two most susceptible (most gill damage) channel catfish and backcross hybrid families and the two most resistant (least gill damage) channel catfish and backcross hybrid families. In the initial challenge, percentage gill damage was not different between channel catfish (12.3%) and backcross hybrids (11.6%), but was lower in blue catfish (0.2%). Mean percentage gill damage in the second challenge was not different among resistant backcross hybrid families (6.9%), resistant channel catfish families (7.6%) and blue catfish (4.8%), but was higher in susceptible backcross hybrid and channel catfish families (19.0% and 11.9% respectively). The correlation among family means for gill damage from challenge 1 and challenge 2 was r=0.87. Consistent differences between channel catfish and blue catfish and between resistant and susceptible families within genetic groups for gill damage after PGD challenge suggest that there is a genetic component for resistance to PGD and that improving PGD resistance through selection may be possible.     

Morphological and genetic characteristics of Flavobacterium columnare isolates: correlations with virulence in fish

Variability in pathogenicity of Flavobacterium columnare makes disease treatment difficult because there is currently no way to easily recognize those strains that warrant aggressive treatments. In order to identify suitable virulence markers, 17 isolates of F. columnare were cultured from six different fish species. The DNA from all isolates was analysed using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD). Bootstrap analysis of the RAPD data produced a tree with three major groups supported by bootstrap scores of 80-100%. Virulence of the isolates was determined by bath exposure of channel catfish, Ictaluruspunctatus (Rafinesque), and golden shiners, Notemigonus crysoleucas (Mitchill), to broth cultures of F. columnare. In channel catfish, 13 of 17 isolates produced 100% mortality within 48 h post-exposure. All isolates of cyprinid fish origin clustered in a single RAPD group. At least two of the four isolates that were not virulent in channel catfish were of cyprinid fish origin. There was a wide variation in cell morphology between isolates with lengths of cells or cell chains ranging from 3 to 11 microm, even under identical culture conditions. Most of the shorter or single cell isolates fell into a single RAPD group. No clear association was identified between virulence and any other characteristic, including RAPD group.     

Cross-protection elicited in channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus Rafinesque) immunized with a low dose of virulent Edwardsiella ictaluri strains

Cross-protection of channel catfish ( Ictalurus punctatus Rafinesque) immunized with a low dose of virulent Edwardsiella ictaluri and challenged with six E. ictaluri strains was examined in four trials. The relative per cent survival among low-dose immunized and then challenged fish ranged from 27.7% to 100%. Significant protection ( P <0.05), with the exception of strain ATCC-33202, was conferred by immunization with a given E. ictaluri strain challenged either with a homologous or a heterologous strain. Antibody titres of pooled serum collected on day 22 from surviving fish examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) ranged from 1:40 to 1:320, but no differences were apparent among different vaccinated groups. The protein profiles of six E. ictaluri strains examined by Sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) showed a relatively homogeneous pattern. Immuno-blots probed with pooled serum from immunized and challenged fish showed a pattern similar to LPS-reaction patterns observed with E. ictaluri in other studies. Since the present studies further corroborate that E. ictaluri is a clonal bacterial species with no apparent antigenic differences, it is possible that immunization with a single E. ictaluri field strain should confer protection against any other strain.     

条斑紫菜6个品系的SRAP分析

为鉴别条斑紫菜不同品系的种质,使用相关序列扩增多态性(sequence-related amplified polymorphism,SRAP)标记对条斑紫菜的5个选育品系和1个野生品系进行遗传分析,结果从35对引物组合中筛选出可扩增出稳定清晰条带的组合11对,共获得131个扩增位点,其中多态性位点125个,多态性比例高达95.42%。6个品系 间的遗传距离为0.364 3～0.867 9,平均为0.593 0。用UPGMA法进行聚类分析,结果将6个品系分为2个群,所反映的亲缘关系与各品系的来源基本一致,说明SRAP 标记技术可以成为条斑紫菜品系间遗传分析的有效工具。在131个多态性位点中,选择扩增出的4个位点构建了6个品系的指纹图谱。另外,通过ME1/EM6引物组合 扩增得到耐高温品系TM-18的特异性条带,经回收测序和重新设计引物,该条带在其丝状体和叶状体DNA中均能稳定地被扩增出来,可用于该品系的种质鉴别 。     

Comparative growth and yield of channel catfish and channel × blue hybrid catfish fed a full or restricted ration

Growth and yield (kg ha^?1) of the channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus, Rafinesque, 1818) and the channel × blue hybrid catfish [I. punctatus female ×I. furcatus (Lesueur, 1840) male], which shared the Jubilee strain of channel catfish as the maternal parent, were compared in sixteen 0.1 ha earthen ponds (14 852 fish ha^?1) during the April to November growing season. Each fish genetic group was fed a commercially formulated 32% protein feed daily to apparent satiation or at 80% of the mean daily satiation ration. Net yield and individual weight were higher for channel × blue hybrid catfish compared with channel catfish and for fish fed a full ration compared with a restricted ration. When fed a full ration, the channel × blue hybrid catfish grew faster from May to September than did the purebred channel catfish because the hybrid catfish consumed a greater percentage of its body weight at each feeding. Net yield within each fish genetic group was lower when feed ration was restricted. The per cent reduction in net yield in response to feed restriction was similar for each fish genetic group.     

Detection of channel catfish virus in asymptomatic adult channel catfish,Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque)*

Abstract. Two populations of channel catfish were examined for the presence of channel catfish virus (CCV) by use of a nucleic acid probe. In one population of 22 fish with no history of CCV, viral DNA was found in every liver. These fish had previously been examined by a technique involving co-cultivation of their leucocytes with catfish tissue culture cells. The co-cultivation method had identified virus in 10 of these fish. The second fish population consisted of 14 adults that had survived a CCV outbreak in 1980. Of the 14 fish, 11 showed positive indication of CCV DNA. The tissue distribution of the CCV differed from fish to fish. All fish from the first group and one fish from the second group showed some alterations in the DNA banding patterns expected from pure CCV DNA. This might be indicative of modifications in the genomic structure of the CCV DNA when the virus is latent in a fish.