Low-Intensity channel catfish culture re-visited

Authors: Green, Bartholomew - Bart; ENGLE, CAROLE - University Of Arkansas At Pine Bluff

Submitted to: Catfish Farmers of America Research Symposium
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/9/2014
Publication Date: 2/28/2015
Citation: Green, B.W., Engle, C.R. 2015. Low-Intensity channel catfish culture re-visited [abstract]. Catfish Farmers of America Research Symposium. p. 28.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) farmers can use a variety of management strategies to produce the larger-sized fish that processing plants increasingly seek. A low-intensity production strategy based on low stocking and aeration rates can be used to produce larger channel catfish. Stocker catfish (0.50-0.58 lb/fish) were stocked in 0.25-acre ponds at 4,500 fish/acre in single- or multiple-batch culture (210- and 235-d studies, respectively), fed a 32% protein feed daily, and ponds were aerated nightly (2 hp/acre). Fingerlings (44 lb/1,000) were stocked at 6,000/acre. In a third study, stocker catfish (0.53 lb/fish) were stocked at 3,500, 4,500, or 5,500 fish/acre, fed a 32% protein feed daily, and grown for 168 d in 0.25-acre ponds that were aerated nightly (2.0 hp/acre). Gross (GFY) and net (NFY) fish yields were high and stocker survival averaged 86.4% (Table 1). At harvest, stockers averaged 2.2-2.6 lb/fish and more than 60% of the population was 2 lb and larger (see Figures). Stocking rate affected catfish production in the less than full season third experiment, but fish performance was consistent with the other trials. Results of these experiments indicate that low-intensity channel catfish multiple-batch culture is a viable production strategy.