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Title: TITLE: PRODUCTION OF LARGE (>0.57KG) CHANNEL CATFISH (ICTALURUS PUNCTATUS) IN MULTIPLE-BATCH CULTURE

Author
item CRISWELL, KHARA - UNIV. OF AR AT PINE BLUFF
item Green, Bartholomew - Bart

Submitted to: Catfish Farmers of America Research Symposium
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/9/2003
Publication Date: 2/21/2003
Citation: CRISWELL, K.E., GREEN, B.W. TITLE: PRODUCTION OF LARGE (>0.57KG) CHANNEL CATFISH (ICTALURUS PUNCTATUS) IN MULTIPLE-BATCH CULTURE. CATFISH FARMERS OF AMERICA RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM. 2003. p.22. Abstract 17.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Technical Abstract: The multiple-batch production system, in which production ponds are subjected to periodic partial harvests and re-stockings, is the most-common production system for channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus). Fish traditionally are harvested for processing once their individual weight reaches 0.45 kg. Processing plants have increased the minimum individual weight they require for catfish by more than 25% to 0.57 kg, and minimum size required is likely to trend higher in the future. Because there is little information available on growing channel catfish to the 0.57-kg size and larger, a study was carried out to compare production characteristics and economics for growing channel catfish to a mean individual weight of 0.57, 0.79, or 1.02 kg in a multiple-batch production system. Nine 0.1-ha earthen ponds were stocked in February/March 2002 with 10-15-cm fingerling channel catfish (average weight 20 g) at 14,820/ha, and "carry-over" channel catfish (average weight 211 g) at 11,115 fish/ha. Fish were fed a 32% floating extruded feed. Fish growth was monitored by monthly seine samples. Gross marketable fish yield was 5,942, 8,362, and 9,892 kg/ha for the 0.57-, 0.79-, and 1.02-kg fish treatments, respectively. Fingerling gross yield was 914, 1,082, and 1,439 kg/ha, respectively. Fingerling survival averaged 49%, while stocker survival averaged 89%. Feed conversion ratio did not differ among treatments, and averaged 1.84. An economic analysis identified and quantified the trade-offs associated with producing channel catfish with a mean individual weight of 0.57, 0.79, or 1.02 kg at harvest.