Effects of Water Temperature on Sock Grading of Sub-Marketable Channel Catfish,Ictalurus punctatus,in Earthen Ponds

Abstract

The passive sock grading method used by commercial channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, farmers to grade and reduce the number of under-sized fish delivered to processing plants was assessed on an experimental scale. The assessment was conducted at the Aquaculture Research Station at the University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff in 0.1-ha earthen ponds. A rectangular holding sock was fabricated with dimensions of 0.9 m in width, 2.4 m in length, and 1.2 m in depth. The mesh size of the sock was 4.4 cm and the mesh material was nylon netting, 0.64 cm in diameter. Seventeen groups of channel catfish, were graded, with group weights ranging from approximately 115 to 370 kilograms. Fish were held in the sock for approximately three hours (±0.27 hours). The water temperature during the trials ranged from 7.3°C to 28.7°C. The percent removal of fish less than 0.45 kg during the three-hour holding period ranged from 27.6% to 73.3%. Overall, sock grading efficiency increased with increasing water temperature and at water temperatures above 15°C a greater percentage of fish less than 0.45 kg were not retained in the socks.     

Effects of 28% Protein Diets Differing in Quality on Channel Catfish Performance,Processing Traits,and Production Economics in a Multi-Batch System

Three 28% protein feeds (premium, standard, or a low-cost diet) were fed to channel catfish in a pond study to compare growth, production, and costs as a follow up to similar work with 32% protein feeds. Twelve 0.1-ha earthen ponds at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) Aquaculture Research Station were stocked with carryover fish (0.39 kg mean weight) at 5,860 fish/ha and fingerling catfish (mean individual weight of 15.4 g) at 12,500 fish/ha. Total yield (gross and net) did not differ between fish fed the premium as compared to the standard diet, but that of the premium diet was significantly higher than that of fish fed the low-cost diet. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) did not differ between fish fed the premium and standard diets, but was lower than the FCR of fish fed the low-cost diet. There were no differences found in processing yields among treatments. Given the lower cost of the 28% standard diet and yields equivalent to those of the 28% premium diet, the 28% standard diet was economically preferable to the other diets tested.     

斑点叉尾鮰病毒对几种淡水鱼类细胞系感染性的初步研究

To study the susceptibility of multiple fresh water fish cell lines to channel catfish virus （CCV） and to evaluate and assess potentially pernicious impact of CCV on several rare and important economic fish species in China. Five cell lines established from several fish species including grass carp fins （GCF）, epithelioma papulosum cyprini （ EPC）, white sturgeon spleen （ WSS - 2 ）, chinook salmon embryo （ CHSE - 214 ） and parental control channel catfish ovary （CCO） were tested and compared for their sensitivity to CCV infection. After virns infection, test cells were characterized by cell morphology, cytopathic effect （CPE） appearance time, and infectious virus titer. Our results indicated that all these cell lines were sensitive to CCV, but at varied levels. Comparative viral challenge assays revealed that, among these five fish cell lines, GCF exhibited to be the most sensitive one to CCV infection, and infectious viral particles produced in this cell line is significantly more than that generated from parental CCO cells. EPC cells were also highly susceptible to CCV infection with a similar level of viral production as compared to CCO. Experimental data showed that all the test five cell lines were susceptible to CCV and present study suggests that CCV can be a potential pathogen to infect gYass carp, Cyprinus carpio and other fresh water fishes.     

Design and development of a geothermal temperature control system for broodstock management of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus

A control system was designed to raise and maintain water temperatures within 0.03-ha earthen ponds to a range conducive for spawning (24–30 °C) channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus. Heating was done during February 2001 to April 2001, when temperatures would have otherwise prohibited spawning (<24 °C). Temperature was increased from 10 °C (ambient) by 2 °C per day, and maintained at 27 °C, by the addition of geothermally warmed water (36 °C). The control system substantially increased the controllability and precision of heating ponds compared to manual operation. Systems were designed to control sets of four ponds. In designing this control system, consideration of biological constraints was essential. Reproduction in channel catfish is most strongly influenced by temperature. Because cold fronts are common during the winter and early spring (January–March), it was essential to ensure that pond temperatures did not fall below the range for spawning. Constraints on the heating rate and temperature variability to maintain fish health and stimulate spawning behavior were considered. Components of the control system included temperature measurement devices (type-T thermocouples), a central electronic control unit, electronic switches and electrically actuated ball valves. In response to the temperature sensed by each thermocouple, the controller sent a message to close or open the valve. When the valve was opened, warm water was added to the pond to increase the average pond temperature. Hardware and algorithm design and initial system testing were the major components of this project. The final design incorporated information on relevant biological parameters and safety features including peak pond temperature, independent aeration and water pressure control mechanisms. Initial results indicate successful control of this biological system, and ongoing studies suggest similar mechanisms may be used for additional control objectives. In particular, this system could be used to vary pond temperatures to study biological responses and to cool ponds by addition of well water during summer months.     

辽宁省葠窝水库水质现状与渔业性能评价

近年来,葠窝水库流域综合管理提高了水库水质状况,为了给下一步的渔业生产提供科学依据,在2008-2009年对葠窝水库6个代表性断面进行了4次采样调查和实验室分析,并采用水质综合评价方法对葠窝水库水质进行评价。检测结果表明水质状况总体有所好转,主要污染物为非离子氨和重金属铜,其他指标正常。采用流域综合水质指数法对水库总体水质状况进行评价,水库水质指数为4.33,为Ⅳ类水质;综合考虑水库理化特征、库龄和形态等,评价葠窝水库属中营养类型。通过对葠窝水库进行渔业水质分析发现,库区大部分地区符合水产养殖基本要求,建议在局部科学发展渔业生产。     

Postmortem Changes in Blast,Brine and Brine-Coil Frozen Albacore

This study investigated effects of bleeding or dressing, freezing at sea in refrigerated brine, coil refrigeration or air blast systems, and vacuum packaging on albacore quality. Analytical procedures at 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months determined aerobic plate counts, flesh pH, salt, dimethylamine nitrogen (DMA-N), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and nucleotides. Sensory evaluation at 9 months storage suggested that processing at sea many improve flesh appearance. No significant differences were evident in microbial or chemical indices between handling, freezing or packaging treatments. DMA-N increased only slightly during frozen storage.     

辽宁省葠窝水库水质现状与渔业性能评价

近年来,葠窝水库流域综合管理提高了水库水质状况,为了给下一步的渔业生产提供科学依据,在2008-2009年对葠窝水库6个代表性断面进行了4次采样调查和实验室分析,并采用水质综合评价方法对葠窝水库水质进行评价。检测结果表明水质状况总体有所好转,主要污染物为非离子氨和重金属铜,其他指标正常。采用流域综合水质指数法对水库总体...     

Dose-Confirmation of Copper Sulfate for Treating Fungus on Channel Catfish,Ictalurus punctatus,Eggs at a Commercial Hatchery

This study at a commercial hatchery was required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to provide independent substantiation of the results of previous laboratory dose-confirmation studies on the use of copper sulfate (CuSO₄) to control fungus (Saprolegnia spp.) on the eggs of channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus. The study compared an untreated control group of eggs to eggs treated with 10 mg/L CuSO₄ in a flow-through system; mean water temperature was 23.5°C. Eggs were treated once daily until the embryos reached the eyed stage (5 treatments). Hatching was complete by day 11, and fry were counted to determine the percentage of survival in each treatment. Fungus was identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as Saprolegnia spp. The mean survival in the control treatments was 4% and 40% in the CuSO₄ treatments; the latter survival was significantly higher, but still lower than normal. This study confirms that 10 mg/L CuSO₄ is an effective treatment to control fungus on catfish eggs when used daily until the eggs are eyed. However, continued treatment of eggs until hatching occurs may be warranted based on fungal growth rates observed after treatments were discontinued.     

Effects of temperature on the induced spawning of channel catfish and the production of channel × blue catfish hybrid fry

Hybrid catfish (channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, female × blue catfish, I. furcatus, male) can be obtained by induced spawning and artificial fertilization but with variable results. Temperature of the surrounding environment affects the rates of physiological processes in fish including time to ovulation following hormone injection and time post-ovulation when quality eggs can be obtained. Brood females were held at 24, 26, and 28 °C in 100 L aquaria and injected with LH-RHa at 20 μg/kg followed 12 h later with 100 μg/kg. Fish were monitored hourly recording the time of the first egg deposit. Some females were manually stripped soon after the first eggs were observed, and the remaining females were stripped 4-6 h after the first eggs were observed. Eggs were artificially fertilized with blue catfish sperm and incubated. The percent of females that ovulated were 52.9%, 82.4% and 95.5% at 24, 26, and 28 °C (P = 0.001) respectively. The majority of females that ovulated did so between 58 to 64 h at 24 °C, 48 to 52 h at 26 °C and 24 to 40 h at 28 °C for a degree hour response time of 1405 ± 117, 1141 ± 238 and 951 ± 261 respectively (P < 0.001). Differences in eggs/kg female, eggs/g of eggs, percent viable eggs, percent hatch and survival of sac fry to swimup resulted in an average of 384.4 ± 316.97 fry/kg female at 24 °C, 370 ± 219.2/kg at 26 °C and 1284 ± 1394.1/kg at 28 °C (P = 0.136). Egg quality varied with how soon eggs were stripped after the first egg was observed. For fish held at 26 and 28 °C. the combined effects of egg quality and fry survival resulted in an average 1081 ± 1483.9 fry/kg female for fish stripped within 2 h after the first eggs were released and 500 fry/kg female when stripped after 4 or more hours once the first eggs were released.     

放养密度和微生态制剂对施氏鲟养殖水质的影响

将初始体质量(54.86±10.19)g的施氏鲟Acipenser schrenckii饲养在面积16m~2(4m×4m)、水深1.7~1.9m的陆基围隔中,密度分别为2 000尾/667m~2、3 000尾/667m~2、4 000尾/667m~2和5 000尾/667m~2,每个密度组均设3个平行,常规饲养,混合泼洒光合细菌、枯草芽孢杆菌和乳酸菌,第一次泼洒量为光合细菌50m L、枯草芽孢杆菌50g和乳酸菌50g,之后每5d泼洒第一次量的1/2,研究微生态制剂对静水土养殖池塘水质的影响。结果显示:水体中溶解氧量随养殖密度的增加逐渐降低(P0.05),氨氮、亚硝酸盐浓度随养殖密度的增加逐渐升高(P0.05)。在使用微孔增氧的条件下,泼洒微生态制剂对溶解氧量和氨氮浓度的影响不显著(P0.05),但显著降低了水体亚硝酸盐浓度(P0.05),显著增加了浮游动物生物量(P0.05)。     

Effects of dietary Lactobicillus plantarum on the growth,carcass quality,and immune response of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) challenged with Salmonella typhi

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum on the production of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). Five experimental diets containing 0, 10³, 10⁵, 10⁷, and 10⁹ CFU of Lactobacillus plantarum g^?1 diet (T₁–T₅ treatments respectively) were fed to African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) (9.20 ± 0.1 g initial body mass), for 70 days. Results indicated significantly lower growth performance in the fish fed diet without probiotics and in those fed diet with the least probiotic level. Treatments with probiotics significantly improved the blood profile and carcass protein but significantly reduced the carcass fat (P < 0.05); these treatments also marginally improved the carcass minerals in comparison with the treatment without probiotic (P < 0.05). Challenging the fish fed the experimental diets with Salmonella typhi showed higher immunity of fish fed the probiotic diets than those fed the nonprobiotic diet. Duncan’s multiple range test showed that the best fish performance was observed with 10³ CFU g^?1 L. plantarum for very parameter measured. However, regression analyses showed the optimum level of the bacteria to be 10^4.13–10⁵ CFU g^?1     

Ration of 20:3 (n-9) to 20:5 (n-3) in Phospholipids as an Indicators of Dietary Essential Fatty Acid Sufficiency in Striped Bass,Morone saxarilis,and Palmetto Bass,M. saxatilis x M. chrysops

The effects of feeding different sources of brine shrimp nauplii with different fatty acid compositions on growth, survival, and fatty acid composition of striped bass, Morone saxarilis and palmetto bass (M. saxatilis x M. chrysops) were determined. The sources of brine shrimp were Chinese (CH), with a high percentage of 20:5(n-3), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and Colombian (COL), San Francisco Bay (SFB), and Great Salt Lake (GSL), with low percentages of EPA but high percentages of 18:3(n-3), linoienic acid. None of the brine shrimp sources contained a measurable amount of 22:6(n-3), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). After enrichment with menhaden oil to increase the content of EPA and DHA, the GSL brine shrimp nauplii were also fed to hybrid striped bass.Growth and survival of fish larvae fed brine shrimp nauplii with high percentages of EPA and DHA (CH and GSLE) were higher (P < 0.05) than those of fish fed brine shrimp with a low percentage of EPA (COL, SFB, and GSL). The ratio of 20:3(n-9) eicosatrienoic acid (ETA), to DHA in polar lipids (phospholipids) of fish, traditionally used as an indicator of essential fatty acid (EFA) sufficiency of the diet, was not a reliable indicator of essential fatty acid sufficiency of diets for larval striped bass and hybrid striped bass. However, the ratio of ETA to EPA appears to be an appropriate indicator. An ETA-to-EPA ratio in phospholipids of less than 0.10 is consistent with an EFA sufficient diet.     

Viability of a Freshwater Mussel (Elliptio complanata) as a Biomechanical Filter for Aquaculture Ponds II: Effects on Aquaculture Pond Water Quality

Bivalves have been proven to be an inexpensive method for removing suspended solids, dissolved nutrients, and controlling algal growth through suspension feeding. The freshwater mussel, Elliptio complanata, is one of the most abundant species in Delaware, and it is additionally favorable for this experiment because of its hardiness against environmental stress and its filtration efficiency. This study examines the possibility that biomechanical filters such as E. complanata can supplement existing chemical and mechanical filtration regiments in aquaculture pond management. Twelve earthen aquaculture ponds located at the Delaware State University were stocked at a density of 4,000 catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) per hectare. Four different concentrations (0, 75, 150, and 300) of E. complanata were placed in trays within the ponds with three replicates of each concentration. The trays were suspended 15 cm below the surface of the water for a period of five months. Fish were fed a 32% protein diet twice daily at a rate of 1% of their body weight. Water quality was analyzed weekly while fish and mussel growths were measured biweekly. Results from water quality parameters varied significantly and were not conclusive based on the data obtained in this study. Water quality did not improve within the mussel treatment ponds during the course of this study and was found to be significantly below that of control ponds for all of the water chemistry parameters measured, with the exception of ammonia. Catfish in the 150 mussel treatment ponds grew the fastest; the 75 mussel treatment provided the most growth in mussels; and the 300 mussel group maintained the highest mussel survivorship. Although there were differences between ponds, fish growth and survivorship were not significantly different between treatments. While our mussel densities may have not been sufficient, their placement within the water column may have added additional stress. Being removed from the sediment can result in a decreased clearance rate in a benthic species such as E. complanata. This study may not have been conclusive in proving that mussels can be used to maintain water quality in aquaculture ponds, but we did see positive growth and survivorship of mussels and fish that indicated that the mussels were thriving in the aquaculture pond setting. This study may show that aquaculture ponds provide a suitable habitat in which propagated mussels may be held until their release into native areas.     

Effect of Dietary Protein Concentration on Growth and Processing Yield of Channel Catfish,Ictalurus punctatus Raised from Advanced Fingerlings to Large Marketable Size

Abstract

This study evaluated the effects of dietary protein concentration (26, 28, and 32%) and an all-plant protein diet (28% protein) on growth, feed efficiency, processing yield, and body composition of channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus raised from advanced fingerlings to large marketable size (about 800 to 900 g/fish) for two growing seasons. Fingerling channel catfish (average weight = 56 g/fish) were stocked into twenty 0.04-ha ponds at a density of 18,525 fish/ha. Fish were fed once daily to satiation during the two growing seasons and fed according to recommended winter feeding schedules during the winter. There were no differences in diet consumption, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, survival, processing yields (carcass, shank fillet, and nugget), or fillet composition (moisture, protein, fat, and ash) among fish fed the various diets. These results indicate that a 26% protein diet containing plant and animal proteins or a 28% all-plant protein diet is adequate for channel catfish raised in ponds from advanced fingerlings to large marketable size without adversely affecting weight gain, feed efficiency, processing yield, or body composition. Large marketable-size channel catfish appear to use diets less efficiently but give higher processing yields compared to small marketable-size fish.     

Low-Quality Diets for Growout of Channel Catfish,Ictalurus punctatus

Abstract

A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate low-quality diets for growout of pond-raised channel catfish. Five practical diets containing various levels of protein (10-28%) of varying quality (with or without animal protein and/or soybean meal), and with or without certain nutrient supplements (vitamin, minerals, lysine, or fat) were fed to channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatusstocked in 0.04-ha earthen ponds at a rate of 17,290 fish/ha. The diets were as follows: (1) 28% protein, nutritionally complete control; (2) 28% protein without supplemental vitamins, minerals, or fat; (3) 18% protein + supplemental lysine, vitamins, and minerals, but without animal protein; (4) 10% protein without animal protein, soybean meal, or supplemental vitamins and minerals; and (5) 10% protein + supplemental lysine, vitamins, and minerals, but without animal protein or soybean meal. Each diet was fed once daily to apparent satiation to fish in five replicate ponds for a single growing season. Fish fed diets containing 18% or 28% protein without supplements had similar diet consumption rates and weight gain as those fed the 28% control diet, but the fish fed the control diet converted diet more efficiently. Fish fed the 10% protein diet without supplements consumed less diet, converted diet less efficiently, and gained less weight than fish fed diets containing higher levels of protein. The addition of supplements to the 10% protein diet increased weight gain and processing yield as compared to fish fed the 10% protein diet without supplements. Body fattiness increased, fillet protein decreased, and carcass, fillet and nugget yields decreased as dietary protein decreased. The data show that pond-raised channel catfish can be grown effectively on a diet containing 18% protein that is of relatively low quality, but fattiness is increased and processing yield is decreased. However, because of the negative aspects of this diet, we would not recommend it for general use in commercial catfish culture. It could be used where fattiness and processing yield are not of consequence, such as recreational ponds. For that matter, the 10% diet without supplements could be used as well in these situations if maximum growth is not desired.     

Effects of chronic upper temperature regimes on growth of two geographical strains of channel and hybrid catfish

Climate change is a growing concern for pond culture of catfish, due to possible exacerbation of temperature fluctuations and increased maximum daily temperatures. Because channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) have a broad natural distribution from Canada to Mexico, it was hypothesized that natural differences in thermal tolerance and seasonal growth may be attributed to different geographical strains. Furthermore, it was hypothesized that these differences would be observed in hybrid catfish (I. punctatus x [blue catfish] I. furcatus). Chronic thermal tolerance and growth rate were quantified in two geographically distinct strains of channel catfish and a corresponding hybrid catfish from one of these strains with a cross to an industry standard blue catfish strain. In a 6‐week growth experiment, catfish were subjected to daily cycling temperatures of either 27–31°C or 32–36°C, mimicking pond fluctuations. Hybrid catfish had the highest survival at both temperatures, and both strains of channel catfish had greater growth in weight or length at 27–31°C than at 32–36°C. Therefore, these results indicate that physiological performance, in terms of growth, decreases in channel catfish at temperatures greater than 27–31°C regardless of geographical origin of strain, whereas hybrid catfish did not show a decrease in weight under the same temperature conditions.     

The economic feasibility of adoption of a new in-pond mechanical grader for food-sized channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus)

An economic analysis of an in-pond horizontal floating bar grader for food-sized channel catfish was performed. Data from previously reported field trials were used to determine whether farmer adoption of this grader is economically feasible. Scenarios for four farm sizes (65, 130, 259, and 478 ha) were evaluated. Partial budget, payback period, net present value, internal rate of return, and Taguchi quality loss function analyses were used to quantify and compare economic losses due to deviation from the target fish size. Partial budget results indicated positive net revenue for all farm sizes. Net revenue increased with farm size, market price, and increased dockage penalties. Payback periods ranged from 0.1 to 2.0 years depending on the scenario. Net present values were positive and increased with increasing farm size. Estimated internal rates of return were higher than the current opportunity cost of capital and increased with increasing farm size. The value of the gain in quality from reducing size variation from use of the UAPB grader was estimated to range from $770 to $5575/year, depending on farm size. Producer adoption of the UAPB grader is economically feasible for the scenarios analyzed.     

液质联用技术测定甲砜霉素及其在斑点叉尾鮰体内的药代动力学

本试验建立了斑点叉尾鮰体内各组织中甲砜霉素的高效液相色谱-串联质谱法,本方法甲砜霉素在5-100 ng/mL浓度范围内呈线性相关,相关系数为0.998,平均回收率在79.05% -95.58%之间,相对标准偏差在2.01%-9.36%之间,血浆中甲砜霉素的定量限为5.0 μg/L,肌肉、皮肤、肾脏、肝脏中甲砜霉素的定量限为5.0 μg/kg。试验在水温为28 ℃条件下,单次口灌（17.5 mg/kg b·w）甲砜霉素,并用高效液相色谱-串联质谱法测定各组织中的药物浓度,采用3p97药代动力学软件处理药-时数据,研究斑点叉尾鮰体内的药代动力学特征。结果表明,甲砜霉素血浆药-时数据符合一级吸收二室模型,血药达峰时间（Tpeak）为8.00 h,血药浓度峰值（Cmax）为933.75 μg/L,药时曲线下面积AUC为12.10 mg/L,消除半衰期（T1/2β）为69.32 h,吸收半衰期（T1/2ka）为4.97 h。药代动力学结果表明,甲砜霉素在斑点叉尾鮰体内呈二室模型分布,以一级药代动力学方式消除。该方法简单可靠,满足甲砜霉素的测定及药代动力学研究的要求。     

Effect of Dietary Lipid Levels on Growth,Feed Conversion,and Muscle Composition of the Walking Catfish,Clarias batrachus

Feeding trials were conducted to determine the feasibility of using spray-dried blood meal (EM) or enzyme-hydrolyzed (EH) and low-ash (LA) poultry products to partially replace fish meal (FM) in diet formulations for palmetto bass. Pelleted diets were formulaled with EM protein replacing 10, 25, or 50% of the FM protein and either EH or LA poultry products replacing approximately 25, 50, or 75% of the FM protein. All diets were formulated to contain 14kJ GE energy/g and 35% crude protein. Fish fed a die1 in which BM replaced 50% of the protein supplied by FM had significantly (P < 0.05) lower weight gain and feed efficiency compared to fish fed the control diet at the end of 6 and 12 weeks. Total body lipid was significantly higher for those fish receiving diets with 10 or 25% BM. However, there were no differences in total body moisture, protein, or ash. When either EH or LA protein rep     

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.