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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Stoneville, Mississippi » Warmwater Aquaculture Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #148967
Title: COMPARISON OF PRODUCTION, MEAT YIELD, AND MEAT QUALITY TRAITS OF NWAC103 LINE CHANNEL CATFISH (ICTALURUS PUNCTATUS), NORRIS LINE CHANNEL CATFISH, AND CHANNEL CATFISH FEMALE X BLUE CATFISH MALE (I. FURCATUS) F1 HYBRIDS

Author
item Bosworth, Brian
item Wolters, William
item SILVA, J - MISS. STATE UNIV.
item CHAMUL, R - MISS. STATE UNIV.
item PARK, S - MISS. STATE UNIV.

Submitted to: Journal of the World Aquaculture Society
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/14/2004
Publication Date: 7/15/2004
Citation: Bosworth, B.G., Wolters, W.R., Silva, J.L., Chamul, R.S., Park, S. 2004. Comparison of production, meat yield, and meat quality traits of NWAC103 line channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), Norris line channel catfish, and channel catfish female x blue catfish male (I. furcatus) F1 hybrids. North American Journal of Aquaculture 66:177-183.

Interpretive Summary: Evaluation, identification, and commercial use of superior genetic groups of catfish will benefit catfish producers, processors, and consumers. Three genetic groups of catfish (NWAC 103 line channel catfish, Norris line channel catfish, and Norris line channel catfish x Dycus Farm line blue catfish hybrids) were compared for important production, meat yield, and meat quality traits. The NWAC 103 line of channel catfish grew faster and had higher production (kg produced/acre) than the other groups and the channel catfish x blue catfish hybrid had higher meat yield than the other groups tested. There were only minor differences in meat quality traits among genetic groups. Genetic groups of catfish differed for economically important traits, demonstrating the important role evaluation, identification, and use of superior genetic material can play in the catfish farming industry.

Technical Abstract: NWAC 103 line channel catfish, Norris line channel catfish, and Norris line channel catfish x Dycus Farm line blue catfish F1 hybrids were compared for production, meat yield, and meat quality traits. Juvenile fish were stocked in ponds (3 ponds/genetic group), fed, and harvested after 200 days. Fish were weighed and counted and 150 fish/genetic group were processed and measured for meat and body component yield. Instrumental and sensory panel evaluations of quality were measured on fresh, frozen-thawed, and baked fillets. Stocking weight, harvest weight, and net production (kg produced/ha) were highest for NWAC 103 line channel catfish, intermediate for the hybrid, and lowest for Norris line channel catfish. Percent weight gain, survival, and feed conversion were not different among genetic groups. Carcass yield and fillet yield were higher for the hybrid than for the 2 channel catfish lines. Head yield and total viscera yield were higher for the channel catfish lines than the hybrid. Visceral fat yield was higher for the hybrid than for the 2 channel catfish lines. Instrumental and sensory panel analysis indicated only minor differences among genetic groups for fillet quality. Catfish producers and processors can improve important traits and increase profits by utilizing catfish lines with superior performance.