Progress 10/01/03 to 09/30/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: To provide alternative production methods or systems for catfish producers in Alabama, research evaluated 1) effects of catfish strains on production, including hybrids, 2) use of the commercially-available vaccine AQUAVAC-ESC and the probiotic Lymnozyme to protect channel catfish from enteric septicemia of catfish (ESC) infections and improve production, 3) production of hybrid striped bass using poultry-by-product meal in diets, 4) production potential of southern flounder, sunshine bass, Florida pompano, bull minnows, spot, and freshwater prawns in inland brackish water ponds, 5) production of all female versus all male or mixed sex freshwater prawns at densities of 10, 25, 40, and 55/m2, and 6) feasibility of a commercial-scale, in-pond raceway system for catfish production in existing commercial ponds and an integrated, intensive tilapia and plant greenhouse production system which used energy captured from water heated using shelled yellow corn and pelleted hardwood sawdust. The model in-pond raceway system consists of six concrete production cells (4.9m x 11.6m), each with a 1/2 HP paddlewheel upstream (water exchange/cell up to every 1-2min) and aeration grid installed in a 6-acre freshwater pond on a West Alabama commercial catfish farm. Manure is captured mechanically using a "Vee" shaped trap and free-roaming filter-feeding fish graze on plankton. The model integrated tilapia system consists of two aerated 105,980-L cells containing different size cohorts of tilapia fingerlings segregated by netting installed in a 9.1m x 29.3m greenhouse. Research results were presented at annual aquaculture meetings and farmer seminars and published in peer-reviewed publications. The production systems have been viewed on-site by more than 900 individuals and research information distributed through a regular farmer seminar series and electronic media via ALEARN (http://www.aces.edu/dept/fisheries/). More than 300 grower contacts were made during demonstration and print and electronic media reach more than 200,000 people. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals: Dr. Jesse Chappell & William Daniels: Co-PIs. Dr. Daniels led items 1-4 and Dr. Chappell 5. Greg Whitis: Aquaculture Extension Agent assisted in technology transfer, Travis Brown (#6) & Nelson Sansing-technicians (#4,6); Jiang Mingkang: MS graduate student (#1); Harvey Pine: MS graduate student (#3); Daniel Aboagye: MS graduate student (#2,5); Ben Brown: MS graduate student (#4); Partners: Keeton Industries, Inc., Wellington, CO (#1) TARGET AUDIENCES: The main target audience was Alabama fish farmers, particularly those in the western Black Belt region, to provide them with alternative production systems and species and disease control for catfish that would increase competitiveness in the global market. Secondary was distribution to local extension personnel, the general public and local government with interest in seafood production and consumption. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
1) Research on catfish strains did not demonstrate significant differences in survival or growth rates among strains or hybrids during second year of grow-out based upon the growth rate index (a). There were no apparent advantages of hybrids to parent (blue or channel) stocks, except in processing yields, but this could have been negated because of the restricted feeding regime that could have limited growth potential previously reported for hybrids and NWAC 103 channel catfish. The results allow farmers to make business decisions based upon these selected catfish strains and hybrids to match their desired production and processing criteria. 2) The use of the probiotic LymnoZyme in ponds did not demonstrate any production benefit; however, exposure to LymnoZyme in ponds or in aquaria before and after E. ictaluri challenge reduced mortality from ESC. Fish challenged with E. ictaluri under presence of LymnoZyme developed a resistance to ESC under subsequent challenge. With no verifiable ESC outbreak in ponds, despite attempted induction, no potential benefits of Lymnozyme or AQUAVAC-ESC could be demonstrated. Mean survival (%) was control (36.7), Lymnozyme (41.7) and Aquavac-ESC (44.1), and mean harvest weights were 72.1g, 68.2g, and 55.9g, respectively. Mean weights were inversely related to survival rates and most likely not from treatment effects. 3) Select grades of poultry by-product meal (PBM) can replace fishmeal in hybrid striped bass feeds when prices or supplies justify the reduction in growth associated with PBM, thereby reducing pressure on fisheries resources and providing cost savings to fish farmers. 4) From the fish examined and based strictly on production characteristics, sunshine bass appear to be the best alternative species for food production in low salinity waters of the region because high seasonal water temperatures negatively impact flounder and pompano are very sensitive to ion composition of local waters and experience high mortality. Growth of bull minnows was affected by water source and density with fish reaching 5g at 25/m2 in water amended with potassium and magnesium. Spot (4.4 or 8.3g) stocked at 64/m2 reached 33 and 45g, respectively, after 85d with little effect from water source. Culture of bull minnows and spot in low salinity waters currently found on some traditional catfish farms provides a higher value market alternative. 5) Freshwater prawns can be produced in low salinities found on existing farms and provide an alternative market. At higher densities, all females produced larger animals with slightly better survival than all males. While density had a significant effect on mean harvest weight, the effect was nominal on survival. 6) Preliminary production and yield data have demonstrated survivorship levels with channel catfish at 80% with feed efficiency (FCR) of 1.6:1 while hybrid catfish survived at 92% and demonstrated feed efficiency at 1.4:1. Overall biomass reached 22,360 kg/ha. Yields of tilapia have reached 4545 kg per cell or 299,970 kg/ha/yr. On a normal two cycles per year production approach, nearly 300,000 kg of off-season tomatoes can be cultured.
Publications
- Pine, H. J., M. Jiang, W. H. Daniels, D. A. Davis and C. D. Webster. 2008. Replacement of fish meal with poultry by-product meal as a protein source in pond-raised sunshine bass, Morone chrysops X M. saxatilis, diets. Journal of the World Aquaculture Society 39:586-597.
- Jiang, M., W. H. Daniels, H. J. Pine*and Jesse A. Chappell. 2008. Production and processing trait comparisons of channel catfish, blue catfish, and their hybrids grown in earthen ponds. Journal of the World Aquaculture Society 39:736-745.
- Aboagye, D. L. Evaluation of the commercially-available probiotic Lymnozyme as an effective control of bacterial infections in channel catfish. MS Thesis. Auburn University. May 10, 2008. 81 pp.
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Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: 1. To determine the ability of a commercially-available probiotic (Lymnozyme) to protect channel catfish from Edwardsiella ictaluri, a series of challenge studies were conducted using fingerlings either grown in earthen ponds (with or without Lymnozyme) or specific pathogen free (SPF) fingerlings from a laboratory and then exposed to Lymnozyme and challenged in aquaria. Mortalities were significantly different between those pond-reared fish previously exposed to Lymnozyme (85%) and those not exposed (99%), but still high. For pond-reared fish never exposed to Lymnozyme, mortality rates in fish continuously exposed to LymnoZyme (45%) were significantly reduced compared to those not exposed (80%) or those exposed to LymnoZyme only after onset of ESC (75%). When SPF fish were maintained for 3d prior to challenge with or without Lymnozyme and then given no LymnoZyme or applied daily for the next 7d or continuously, mortalities were significantly reduced in both the 7d (47%) or
continuously applied (40%) over others (80%). Fish from the continuous treatment were then re-challenged for ESC along with SPF fish resulting in significantly reduced mortalities (14%) compared to SPF (94%). 2. Research focused on evaluation of brackish water species-bull minnows (Fundulus grandis) and spot (Leiostomus xanthrus) as bait and southern flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma) for food cultured in low salinity water in western Alabama. Bull minnows were successfully spawned, but with limited production, under local low salinity waters followed by grow-out studies of fry (8.1mg) to evaluate production under several densities (25, 50 and 100/m2) at two locations from June 20-October 2 (104d). 3. A commercial-scale, in-pond raceway system was installed in a 6-acre freshwater pond on a commercial catfish farm. Six concrete cells (4.9m x 11.6m), each with a 1/2 HP paddlewheel upstream (water exchange/cell up to every 1-2min) and aeration grid, were constructed. Manure was captured
mechanically using a "Vee" shaped trap and free-roaming filter-feeding fish grazed on plankton. Cells were stocked with 9-10,000 catfish fingerlings (80-200g) and some at 25,000. 4. An intensive tilapia production system consisting of two aerated 105,980-L cells containing different size cohorts of tilapia fingerlings segregated by netting was installed in a 9.1m x 29.3m greenhouse. A 1-6% daily water exchange maintained water quality and discharged water was used to irrigate tomatoes in an adjacent greenhouse. Winter heating (23 and 30 C; typical daily mean 26-27 C) was provided by energy captured from water heated using shelled yellow corn. 5. Field trials in west Alabama and the intensive greenhouse systems were demonstrated to farmers and the public on numerous occasions and information distributed through a regular farmer seminar series and electronic media via ALEARN.
PARTICIPANTS: Individuals: Dr. Jesse Chappell & William Daniels: Co-PIs. Dr. Daniels led items 1&2 and Dr. Chappell 2-5. Greg Whitis: Aquaculture Extension Agent assisted in technology transfer Travis Brown & Nelson Sansing-technicians (#2) Daniel Aboagye: MS graduate student (#1) Ben Brown:MS graduate student (#2) Partners: Keeton Industries, Inc., Wellington, CO (#1)
TARGET AUDIENCES: The main target audience was Alabama fish farmers, particularly those in the western Black Belt region, to provide them with alternative species for use in existing or new production systems that would be competitive in the global market. Secondary was distribution to local extension personnel, the general public and local government with interest in seafood production and consumption. Local high school vocational training programs in aquaculture were one of the outlets used for distribution.
Impacts
Catfish farmers are facing increased competition and rising production costs requiring an increase in production efficiency and lower costs. 1. One of the major problems is mortality from pathogenic bacteria like E. ictaluri. Use of Lymnozyme appears to provide some reduction in mortalities associated with ESC when applied in ponds, but appears to have greater benefit when applied continuously (at least 12 consecutive days) in tank systems. Its use appears to allow fingerlings exposed to E. ictaluri to develop resistance to ESC when re-exposed. 2. Growth of bull minnows was affected by water source and density with fish reaching 5g at 25/m2 in water amended with potassium and magnesium. Spot (4.4 or 8.3g) stocked at 64/m2 at the same locations and time under conditions similar to the bull minnows reached 33 and 45g, respectively, after 85d with little effect from water source. Growth of flounder during summer was slow because of sub-optimal (high) temperatures found in
Alabama. Culture of bull minnows and spot in low salinity waters currently found on some traditional catfish farms provides a higher value market alternative. 3. Preliminary data indicate that production equivalent to 28,000-39,200 kg/ha, survival above 90% and feed conversions below 1.7 are feasible. The in-pond raceway technology is expected to make gains in survivorship, feed efficiency, management of disease and overall production and significantly reduce the cost of production, greatly increase yield and thus improve profitability. 4. Tilapia yield data indicate production of 335-403,000 kg/ha at $1.44/kg is achievable. Tomato production exceeded 4.5 t/cycle (2 cycles/yr). High tilapia and tomato yields for the intensive greenhouse systems combined with more energy efficiency (300%) and less water usage (80%) than in aerated ponds systems make this system a viable alternative especially in limited footprint areas. 5. The project has generated several excellent press pieces and
approximately 250 people have physically visited the sites and more than 250,000 were informed about demonstration of the technology via various media.
Publications
- Brown B. J. Evaluation of three fish species for culture using low salinity ground water in the Black Belt region of Alabama. MS Thesis. Auburn University. December 17, 2007. 60 pp.
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Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06
Outputs
1. To determine the ability of a commercially-available probiotic product to improve production of channel catfish grown in earthen ponds through changes in water quality or fish health, fingerlings (initial mean weight of 9.8 g) were stocked into six ponds at densities of 12,350/ha in April, grown following best management practices and harvested in November. At harvest, mean survival for the probiotic and control treatments were 39.3% (range 33.4-50.6%) and 34.9% (25.4-48.2%), respectively, while mean weights were 598 g (range 519-649 g) and 588g (504-713 g), respectively. Early mortalities related to undersized fingerlings not being feed trained and subsequent disease outbreaks occurring prior to treatment application make it difficult to interpret results. Laboratory analyses of water samples taken during the study and subjected to total DNA extraction to amplify internal spacer region (IRS) of the ribosomal genes are pending. These IRS amplified products will be
resolved and bacterial community fingerprints generated and analyzed. 2. To determine production potential of three euryhaline species-Southern flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma), Sunshine Bass (HSB, Morone saxatilis X M. chrysops), and Florida Pompano (Trachinotus carolinus) cultured in low salinity water in western Alabama, each species was stocked into 750-L tanks with four replicate/ treatment at two operational farm sites and growth and survival determined over twelve weeks. Mean initial stocking weights were: Site A - Flounder 50.0 g, HSB 2.1 g, Pompano 4.0 g; Site B-Flounder 51.4 g, HSB 1.8 g, Pompano 3.6 g. Results indicated a considerable effect of site on specific growth rate (SGR) and survival of fish. Site B showed a significantly higher SGR (3.72) and slightly better survival (97%) for HSB than those for site A (3.28 and 94%, respectively). Pompano had 80% survival and SGR of 3.09 at site B, but did not survive at site A. Mean SGR of flounder was low at both sites
(A=0.61; B=0.37) while mean survival was 82% and 91%, respectively. Because all monitored water quality parameters stayed within reasonable levels for each species, it is believed that differences relate to potassium and magnesium levels and the need to correct for key ion deficiencies. 3. To test the proof-of-concept that freshwater prawns, Macrobachium rosenbergii, are female-superior under intensive culture conditions, manually sexed prawns were cultured in 1.06-m2 cages (n=4) within ponds as mixed sex and monosex populations at densities of 10, 25, 40, and 55/m2. Initial mean weights for male, female and mixed sex populations were 1.01 g, 0.97 g and 1.08 g, respectively, After 123 days of grow-out, density had a significant effect on mean harvest weight producing averages of 25.9, 17.6, 12.6, and 12.0 g but a nominal effect on survival yielding 60.6, 63.6, 62.3, and 65.8% for initial densities of 10, 25, 40, and 55/sq.m, respectively. At densities of 40 and 55/sq.m, all females
produced larger animals (13.25 and 12.83 g) with slightly better survival (66.1 and 67.2%) than all males (11.60 and 11.48 g; 62.5 and 62.9%, respectively).
Impacts
Catfish farmers are facing increased competition from foreign imports and rising production costs. Farmers must be able to increase production efficiencies and reduce costs to compete in global markets. 1. One of the major problems is mortality from pathogenic bacteria. Use of probiotics or naturally occurring microorganisms may provide beneficial effects to the host or the environment by displacing pathogens, thereby increasing survival and reducing treatment costs and use of antibiotics. 2. Development of appropriate species for culture in low salinity waters currently found on some traditional catfish farms provides market alternatives using existing production systems. 3. Freshwater prawns can be produced in both the freshwater and low salinities found on existing farms and provide an alternative market using existing ponds. Being able to intensify production using monosex culture would open new markets using smaller sizes but higher yields.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05
Outputs
1. To determine which catfish is best for pond production of food fish in southeast U.S., advanced fingerlings from two strains of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus, HS-5 and NWAC 103), one strain of blue catfish (I. furcatus, D&B) and their hybrids (channel female x blue male) were compared in twenty-five 0.04-ha earthen ponds at 12,500 fish/ha. HS-5 and its hybrid began (56 g) and ended (850 g) with larger mean weights than the others (29 g and 639 g, respectively). D&B was more uniform in size than NWAC 103 and its hybrid, but similar to HS-5 and its hybrid. HS-5 (2.76) and its hybrid (2.87) had better mean growth rates (g/day) than NWAC 103 (2.31), its hybrid (2.30), and D&B blue (2.03). The NWAC 103 (1.12) and its hybrid (1.06) had better mean specific growth rates (%) than those for the HS-5 (0.97), its hybrid (0.96), and D&B blue (1.01). Mean growth rate indexes (a, mean 1.89), survival (88.9%) and feed conversions (1.62) were similar. Net production (kg/ha)
of HS-5 (8396), its hybrid (8480) and NWAC 103 hybrid (6953) were not significantly different but greater than those of NWAC 103 (5791) and D&B blue (5774). D&B blue (94%) was the easiest to seine. For processing, mean head percentages (%) of hybrids HS-5 (17.0) and NWAC 103 (16.5) were less than those of the parent channel catfish (20.8 and 19.1, respectively). Both hybrids had better mean dress-out percentages (HS-5, 72.1% and NWAC 103, 71.8%, deheaded and gutted with skin) than those of parents (67.4% and 69.6%, respectively) and D&B (70.2%), but were similar in mean skin-on fillet (50.6%). There was no clear advantage to using NWAC 103 over HS-5 or their hybrids based upon growth and production indices. The advantage of hybrids over parent stocks for processing yields is only advantageous if processors have adequate supplies. 2. To evaluate replacement of fish meal (FM) with poultry by-product meal (PBM) in sunshine bass diets, 400 phase II bass (5.6 g each) were stocked into
twelve 0.04-hectare earthen ponds, fed twice daily below satiation and cultured for 246 days. Ponds were randomly assigned one of four commercially extruded diets formulated to be isonitrogenous (37% protein) and isocaloric with various percentages of PBM (0, 16.5, 33.0, and 49.3% of total protein; diets 1-4 respectively) partially or totally replacing FM (0, 33, 67, and 100% of FM protein). Mean net production (4257 kg ha-1), individual harvest weights (511 g), percent filet weights (49%), survival (85%), weight gain (9100%), feed conversion ratio (2.47), specific growth rate (1.84), protein conversion efficiency (65%), intraperitoneal fat (9.8%) and proximate analysis of whole fish and fillets were similar. Mean protein content of diet 3 (34.43 % protein) was lower than that of the other diets (37% protein). Amino acid analysis revealed a possible deficiency in methionine for diets 3 and 4. Results showed that total replacement of FM with PBM yielded no significant differences in
production, dress-out, or body composition. However, economic analysis indicates that replacement of FM with PBM may result in reduced revenue over feed costs.
Impacts
1. Catfish farmers are facing increased competition from foreign imports and rising production costs. Farmers must be able to increase production efficiencies and reduce costs to compete in global markets. The results of this research allow farmers to make business decisions based upon these selected catfish strains and hybrids to match their desired production and processing criteria. 2. As pressure on the limited global fishmeal supply increases and prices match market demand, fish farmers must reduce their dependence on it and utilize alternative protein and oil sources to reduce costs. This research demonstrates that select grades of poultry by-product meal (PBM) can replace fishmeal in hybrid striped bass feeds when prices or supplies justify the reduction in growth associated with PBM, thereby reducing pressure on fisheries resources and providing cost savings to fish farmers.
Publications
- Pine, H. J. 2005. Evaluating the replacement of fish meal with poultry by-product as a protein source in sunshine bass Morone chrysops x Morone saxatilis diets, M.S. Thesis, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, December 16, 2005.
- Jiang, M. 2005. Production Comparison of Channel Catfish, Ictalarus punctatus, Blue Catfish, I. furcatus and Their Hybrids in Earthen Ponds, M.S. Thesis, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, December 16, 2005.
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Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
1. Production characteristics (survival and yield) and growth rates of two strains of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus, USDA 103 and HS5-strain), one strain of blue catfish (I. furcatus, D&B line) and their hybrids (USDA 103 x D&B line; HS5-strain x D&B line) were evaluated during year two of grow-out to food market size (0.9 kg) in 0.04-ha earthen ponds at a rate of 12,350 fish/ha. The mean initial stocking weight for each treatment varied due to growth of the different species during year one fingerling production: USDA 103 channel catfish (30.1 g), HS5-strain channel catfish (55.8 g), D&B blue catfish (36.4g), USDA 103 x D&B hybrid (36.0 g), and HS5 x D&B hybrid (60.3 g). Mean weight gain, survival rate, dress-out yield (headed-gutted and fillets), and feed conversion rate were used to determine differences. The susceptibility of these fishes to disease outbreaks was also monitored. The HS-5 channels and their hybrids had average yields of nearly 8800 and 8900
kg/ha and were better than those for USDA 103 channel, D&B blue, and USDA 103 x D&B hybrid (5900, 6000, and 7200 kg/ha, respectively). They also had larger final mean weights (820 and 855 g, respectively) than those of the other treatments (667, 599, and 672 g, respectively). However, final mean weights and yields were partially related to the lower mean initial stocking weights compared to the HS-5 and their hybrids. Survival rates (76% to 93%) and FCR (1.57-1.83) were not significantly different. Disease problems were not significant during grow-out. 2. To evaluate the replacement of fish meal (FM) with poultry by-product meal (PBM), phase II sunshine bass (mean weight 5.6 g) were stocked into each of twelve 0.04-ha ponds at 9880 fish/ha in mid-March. Four isonitrogenous (37% protein) and isocaloric (4 kcal/g) BB size (2.4 mm) floating diets with various percentages of protein contributed by PBM (0, 16.5, 33.0, and 49.3%), partially or totally replacing fish meal, were tested.
Feeding was restricted below satiation. Fish were grown to market size and harvested in October. Mean weight, survival, and dress-out yield (percent fillet) were used to compare treatment differences. The diet containing only FM provided a significantly higher net yield (4592 kg/ha) grown to market size (490-540 g) than the diet completely replacing FM with PBM (4007 kg/ha). The difference in yield was not recuperated by the difference in feed costs. Mean harvest weights, FCRs, survival rates and dress-out characteristics were not significantly different among treatments.
Impacts
1. Strain evaluation of catfishes allows farmers to make production decisions based upon strain differences. 3. Alternative feed ingredients, such as poultry by-product meal, can be incorporated into hybrid striped feeds but the cost savings are not recovered because of reduced growth. However, increases in fish meal prices or lack of its availability may make the cost recovery more viable.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
This is a new project and no data are currently available. Research is on-going.
Impacts
Once the research is completed, it is expected that farmers will be able to determine which species/strains are best for improving production efficiency and increasing profitability.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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