Effect of channel catfish stocking rate on yield and water quality in an intensive production system

Authors: Green, Bartholomew - Bart

Submitted to: Book of Abstracts Aquaculture America
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/1/2007
Publication Date: 2/10/2008
Citation: Green, B.W. 2008. Effect of channel catfish stocking rate on yield and water quality in an intensive production system [abstract]. Book of Abstracts Aquaculture America. p. 139.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The effect of stocking rate on production of NWAC 103 strain channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) and water quality was investigated using a completely randomized design in an intensively managed biofloc raceway system. Each of the 9 HDPE-lined raceways (4.6 m x 9.2 m with a 0.9-m water depth; 42.2 m2; 38.1 m3) has semi-circular ends and a center divider. One 1.865-kW blower/3 raceways provided air through a diffuser grid on the bottom of each raceway, which aerated the water and maintained solids in suspension. Raceways were filled with well water in mid-March, fertilized once with 0.32 kg 18-46-0 fertilizer, and stocked several days later with NWAC 103 channel catfish vaccinated against Edwardsiella ictaluri. Stocking rates tested were 2.7, 5.3, or 7.9 fish/m3. Mean initial individual weight was 0.013 kg/fish. Fish were fed daily to apparent satiation (20 min) with a 32% protein floating extruded feed. Dissolved oxygen and temperature were measured on a daily basis, and water quality variables (TAN, NO2, NO3, SRP, total N and P, and chlorophyll a) were measured on a weekly basis. Results will be discussed.