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Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 1/15/2013 Publication Date: 2/4/2013 Citation: Chatakondi, N.G. 2013. Recent improvements in channel catfish reproduction. Meeting Abstract. P. 26. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Control of reproduction in fish is a primary requisite for reliable, predictable and quality seed stock for aquaculture production or a stock enhancement program. Channel catfish is the leading aquaculture species in USA, accounting for 335 million pounds with a farm gate value of over $ 400 million in 2011. Channel catfish reproduction occurs once during the spring spawning season, and natural pond spawning is the most prevalent method of propagation by catfish hatcheries. Inefficiencies occur in all phases of catfish production, higher feed costs and competition from lower-cost imported catfish have substantially reduced catfish production. With the interest of increasing the efficiency of US-farm raised catfish aquaculture production, increasing number of catfish producers are raising a superior genotype, channel x blue hybrid catfish in catfish ponds. However, hybrid catfish embryo production relies on hormone induced spawning of channel catfish and in vtitro fertilization with blue catfish sperm. Natural and artificial spawning of channel catfish will be compared. Recent improvements in channel catfish reproduction by genetics, maturation predictors, broodfish nutrition, ovulating hormones, hatching parameters, and fingerling production will be discussed. |
