Author
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Small, Brian |
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Submitted to: Southern Regional Aquaculture Center
Publication Type: Experiment Station Publication Acceptance Date: 1/23/2006 Publication Date: 2/1/2006 Citation: Small, B.C. 2006. Managing egg death and disease in catfish hatcheries. SRAC Publication No. 1804, Southern Regional Aquaculture Center . Interpretive Summary: Improving channel catfish fry survival and managing egg disease requires good husbandry practices and continuous attention to detail. Optimal health of the developing fry is best achieved with healthy broodfish, a good environment, reduced handling, and isolation from potential pathogens. Simple management strategies and proper use of chemical disinfectants can substantially improve hatch rates and fry survival. As such, the goals of a good hatchery management program should be to prevent the introduction of disease while providing the optimal environment for fry development and survival to hatch. This publication provides essential guidelines for managing egg death and disease in catfish hatcheries. Technical Abstract: Many factors can be attributed to poor hatch rates, but knowing the optimal conditions for handling and hatching channel catfish eggs and following good hatchery practices will reduce the likelihood of disease and poor fry survival. Managers who are aware of factors influencing survival and disease can realize substantial improvements in hatching success. Recommendations include: (1) Be able to identify the general stages of fry development in the egg; (2) Avoid unnecessary handling of eggs, especially during the first 24 hours following spawning; (3) Avoid delays and prevent water quality and temperature shock to the eggs when transporting eggs from pond to hatchery; (4) Disinfect egg masses with povidone iodine prior to placement in a communal incubation trough; (5) Maintain hatchery water temperatures between 78 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit (26 – 28 degrees Celsius) for optimal hatching success; (6) Avoid overcrowding of egg masses in troughs (7) Maintain adequate water hardness in the hatchery to improve fry survival; (8) Be familiar with the laws regulating chemical use for disinfecting catfish eggs; (9) Treat catfish eggs daily with an approved chemical disinfectant to manage diseases and improve hatch rates; and (10) Develop a management plan that meets the needs of the unique hatchery. |
