ARS | Publication request: Production of channel catfish and channel x blue hybrid catfish subjected to two minimum dissolved oxygen concentrations

Submitted to: Book of Abstracts World Aquaculture Society
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: December 1, 2009
Publication Date: March 1, 2010
Citation: Green, B.W. 2010. Production of channel catfish and channel x blue hybrid catfish subjected to two minimum dissolved oxygen concentrations [abstract]. Book of Abstracts World Aquaculture Society. p.401.

Technical Abstract: As the channel x blue hybrid catfish is stocked by an increasing number of catfish farmers, it is important to quantify the production response of this fish to dissolved oxygen management strategies. The purpose of this study was to compare the production and water quality responses of the channel x blue hybrid catfish to that of purebred channel catfish in ponds managed to maintain minimum dissolved oxygen concentrations at 25% and 50% of saturation. The Jubilee strain of channel catfish was the maternal parent for the purebred and hybrid catfish. Four replicate 0.1-ha earthen ponds each were stocked per treatment with 15,016 fish/ha in February. Fish were fed as much 32% protein feed as they would consume in 20 min. Each pond was equipped with an electric paddlewheel aerator (11.2 kW/ha) that was activated to maintain a minimum dissolved oxygen concentration of 25% or 50% saturation. Water quality was monitored throughout the experiment. Growth of both channel catfish and channel x blue catfish was impacted by dissolved oxygen concentration. Fish in the high oxygen treatment consumed more feed than those in the low oxygen treatment. Water quality variables were unaffected by dissolved oxygen concentration or fish strain, except for chlorophyll a, which was higher in ponds stocked with channel x blue hybrid catfish.