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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Stoneville, Mississippi » Warmwater Aquaculture Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #341543
Research Project: Genetics, Breeding and Reproductive Physiology to Enhance Production of Catfish

Location: Warmwater Aquaculture Research Unit

Title: Near infrared spectrometers determine stage maturity in channel catfish

Author
item Chatakondi, Nagaraj
item RODGERS, JAMES - Retired ARS Employee

Submitted to: Global Aquaculture Advocate
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/20/2017
Publication Date: 5/30/2017
Citation: Chatakondi, N.G., Rodgers, J.E. 2017. Near infrared spectrometers determine stage maturity in channel catfish. Global Aquaculture Advocate. P. 16-20.

Interpretive Summary: Gonadal maturity is not synchronized in channel catfish, hence fish are handled more frequently to determine the stage of maturity and select fish of appropriate maturation for hormone-induced spawning to produce channel x blue hybrid catfish in hatcheries. Rapid, non-invasive methods to objectively stage maturation in fish do not presently exist for consistent and increased hatchery production. Our preliminary study suggests the development of a strategy to stage maturity of channel catfish by a portable microNIR spectrometer under field conditions. The results of this preliminary studies are promising, and these findings are of interest to catfish hatcheries regarding the development of strategies to stage maturity in channel catfish by rapid, non-invasive and repeatable methods. This technology appears to be feasible and has a potential for large-scale application in aquaculture industry.

Technical Abstract: Maturation is not synchronized in channel catfish and hence, individual fish are frequently handled and manually stage for maturation based on a selective subjective method. Fully matured fish are more responsive to hormone-induced spawning, and often result in better egg quality, higher relative fecundity and superior hatching success. The feasibility of a portable hand held Near Infrared spectrometer to objectively determine the stage of maturity in channel catfish is evaluated in this study. A rapid, non-invasive method to stage fish maturity in hatcheries will improve the efficiency of hatchery production.