Specific Growth Rate (SGR) in Different Stages of Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Production Cycle in Cemented Tank Based Semi-Intensive Aquaculture System

Traditional assessment of specific growth rate (SGR) using the data of the beginning and the end of aquaculture production cycle, avoiding intermediary data, is criticized as misleading way by the scholars. However, by knowing SGR in different stages of fish growth, the utilization of feed by fish can be well known. The study was conducted with aim to assess SGR of Tilapia in six concrete tanks for 90 days from 8th May to 10th August, 2017. Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fry was released at the rate of 4 fry per tank equivalent to the stocking density of 160 fishes/decimal as of the semi-intensive aquaculture system. Sinking and floating feeds were used for feeding the fish in T1 and T2, respectively with three replications for each treatment. During the experimental period, feed was given at the rate of 20%, 15% and 10% of the body weight in 1st, 2nd and 3rd month, respectively. Moreover, aeration facilities were installed for 24 hours using air stone aerator. The weight of fish was recorded using digital balance in 3 days interval to measure SGR. The water quality parameters i.e., temperature and dissolved oxygen (DO) were recorded twice daily. The weight gains of fish were 49.90±2.40 g and 63.12±4.97g for T1 and T2, respectively. The mean percent weight gain of Tilapia was higher in T2 (747±0.00 g) than T1 (253.51±0.00 g). Feed conversion ratio (FCR) in T1 and T2 were 1.70±0.07 and 1.90±0.20, respectively. Considering the data at the beginning and the end of the production cycle, the SGR (% per day) of Tilapia in T1 and T2 were 6.27±3.27 and 6.26±3.83, respectively. The SGR for floating feed was higher at the initial stage of production cycle and lower in the later stages. For sinking feed, SGR was almost static from the beginning to the end. The higher FCR in T2 correlated with the lower SGR in the later stage of the culture period. Higher total production was obtained in T2 (830.96 g) than T1 (610 g) with 100% survival in both treatments. Therefore, determining SGR in a specific interval, at least 15 days interval, might be the efficient feeding practice of Tilapia farmers.&nbsp

Current Status and Development Trend of Aquaculture: Prospects and Future Potentials

In recent years world aquaculture production has been increased with innovative and technological developments within fisheries sector and scaled up in world total fisheries production. This increasing aquaculture production depends on innovative production systems and technologies, biotechnological developments. The advancements in these cutting-edge technologies have been focused on promoting sustainable aquaculture production, mitigating the risk of disease outbreaks, and contributing to eco-friendly environmental initiatives. This review paper highlights the cutting-edge technologies that have emerged in the field of aquaculture in recent years, up until the present time, with a focus on advancements in fish nutrition. The advancements in aquaculture technology have been instrumental in promoting the achievement of sustainable development goals. As the aquaculture industry continues to evolve, it is expected that there will be further advancements in technology, sustainability practices, and innovative approaches to meet the increasing demand for seafood while minimizing environmental impact. Overall, the future of aquaculture is likely to be characterized by a combination of technological innovation, sustainable practices, and increased focus on environmental and social responsibility. In the arena of aquaculture, this review paper has the potential to nourish the minds of aquaculturists and aquafarmers with a bountiful feast of knowledge. It unveils the latest technologies and developments in the realm of aquaculture, serving as a nutritious resource that can enhance the operation of cultures and promote a fruitful increase in production in the not-so-distant future

Effects of Dietary Vitamin C on the Growth Performance, Antioxidant Activity and Disease Resistance of Fish: A Review

Vitamin C is an essential micronutrient that cannot be synthesized by fish and must be present in fish diets for proper functioning of the physiological conditions. It is required for the biosynthesis of the collagen which is a pre-requisite for the formation of connective tissue and increases the absorption of iron in fish. It prevents various diseases; it is soluble in water and is easily oxidated by heat, light and metal. Most animals can generate vitamin C in sufficient quantities for normal growth and function, but many fish cannot because they lack the enzyme L-gulonolactone oxidase for its manufacture. Vitamin C facilitates the absorption of iron and is necessary for a maximum rate of immune responses and enables a good response to stressors. This updated review presents a general outline of the possible physiological function of vitamin C for fish, with an emphasis on the information on growth performance, antioxidant activity, immune response and disease prevention of fish as well as the synergistic effects of vitamin C with other micronutrients. The diets supplemented with vitamin C promote the growth performance, improve the structure of the intestinal mucosal epithelium, and have a positive impact on the hematological parameter. The addition of different dietary vitamin C to the basal diets significantly improved the growth performance, antioxidant activity, immune response and disease resistance of fish. vitamin C in the aquaculture, having a solid understanding of the positive functions and mechanisms that vitamin C possesses is of the utmost significance

Culture suitability of stinging catfish Heteropneustes fossilis in homestead tank: Selection of suitable stocking size

The present experiment was conducted for a period of 150 days to assess the effects of different stocking size on growth and production of stinging catfish (Heteropneustes fossilis) in three homestead cemented tanks (12×10×4 ft). Three different size groups of fish viz., 3.79±0.11, 3.09±0.13 and 2.53±0.18 cm was stocked at treatment T1, T2 and T3, respectively at a stocking density of 5000 individuals/tank each with three replications. Fish were feed twice daily with floating feed containing 35-40% protein at the rate of 15-10% for 1st 60 days, 8-6% for 2nd 60 days and 5-2.50% for rest of the culture period. The water quality parameters were within the suitable ranges for the fish culture. Mean weight gain (g) of stinging catfish was 49.03 ± 1.04, 36.72 ± 1.59 and 28.09 ± 0.41g, specific growth rate was 1.76 ± 0.02, 1.70 ± 0.04 and 1.66 ± 0.05 %/day in T1, T2 and T3, respectively. Food conversion ratio was 3.45 ± 0.82, 3.31 ± 0.10 and 3.30 ± 0.06 and survival rate were 90.67 ± 1.51, 88.20 ± 2.62 and 87.56 ± 1.26% in T1, T2 and T3, respectively. Higher stocking size also resulted in a significantly higher economic output in the form of benefit cost ratio (BCR) at T1 (2.13 ± 0.05) and the lowest at T3 (1.21 ± 0.03). The findings of the present study revealed that the highest weight gain and BCR was found in T1 which dictates that larger stocking size has a significant impact on better production

Alternative protein sources as a replacement of fish meal in the diet of Oreochromis niloticus: A review

The farming of Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) has conquered the significant popularity in tropical and subtropical regions, primarily due to its remarkable faster growth rate. The growth performance of the species makes it an attractive choice for many fish farmers. Additionally, Tilapia exhibits a commendable resilience to disease, further enhancing its appeal as a farming option. Furthermore, the low trophic feeding levels of Tilapia contribute to its desirability, making it an efficient and sustainable choice for nutrition-conscious individuals. Due to the increasing prevalence of aquaculture production, there has been a significant surge in the demand for fishmeal. This particular protein source has relished the widespread popularity for many years and its demand has now more than doubled. The current growth rate of the aquaculture industry is outpacing the available fishmeal supplies, which are insufficient to meet the demand. According to scientific studies, it has been found that fishmeal can be effectively replaced with alternative sources without compromising the overall performance of the fish. This article presents a compelling case for the practicality of replacing fishmeal with alternative protein sources in the diet of Tilapia. These alternatives include terrestrial animal by-products, oilseed plants, single-cell proteins, and protein-rich plant derivatives. In order to mitigate the environmental impact of the fishmeal industry, it is crucial to implement measures that can effectively address this concern. Moreover, it is crucial to highlight the significance of these sources from a nutritional perspective. The blood meal, meat and bone meal are highly beneficial options for incorporating essential amino acids and protein into the diet of Tilapia. These alternatives offer a rich source of nutrients that can effectively replace fishmeal. The minerals instead of amino acids could improve plant protein performance. Due to inconsistent findings, aquatic plants and single-cell proteins in Tilapia meals should be carefully considered. Fishmeal replacers need biological and economic analyses. Long-term evaluations should be done in practical culture systems rather than labs. In conclusion, it is imperative for Tilapia producers to contemplate the utilization of alternative dietary sources, as extensive research has demonstrated the scientific feasibility of substituting the fishmeal in the diet of Tilapia

Effects of substituting plant-based protein sources for fish meal in the diet of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the nutritional adequacy and suitability of rice polish and mustard oil cake as protein sources in the diet of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). To assess the growth performance and feed utilization of Nile Tilapia, three diets containing rice polish (0, 8, and 16%) and mustard oil cake (8, 16, and 24%) were formulated and fed to the fish over a period of 60 days. According to the findings, the growth performance tended to decline as the levels of rice polish and mustard oil cake increased. The control diet (30% Fish meal) resulted in the highest weight gain (373.79±49.78%), whereas the diet (20% Fish meal) resulted in the least weight gain (341.24±27.23%). The specific growth rate (SGR) followed the same pattern, and there were no statistically significant differences in SGR between diets (p>0.05). At the end of this trial, the feed intake (FI) of the various diets ranged between 32.37 g and 37.78 g per fish. Although feed conversion ratio (FCR) and protein efficiency ratio (PER) were not significantly different among diets (p>0.05), feed intake decreased as the incorporation of rice polish increased

Growth performance of Thai Pangus (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) using different synthetic amino acids in plant protein based formulated diets

An experiment was carried out for a period of 120 days to evaluate three formulated diets among of which T1  was formulated based on animal protein, T2  was partially replaced animal protein with plant protein and adding amino acid whereas the T3  was formulated with fully plant protein with adding amino acid to assess the growth performance of Thai Pangus, Pangasionodon hypophthalmus. Each treatment had three replicates using 9 (nine) mini experimental ponds. The stocking density was 120 fish/decimal. Initially, the fish were fed twice daily at a rate of 5% of their body weight, which was progressively reduced to 2% by the end of the experiment. During the experimental period, the water quality parameters observed (temperature 26.0°C-31.5°C, pH 7.50-8.44, DO 4.30-5.94 mgL-1, ammonia-nitrogen 0.01 to 0.03 mgL-1, and total alkalinity 155-185 mgL-1) were found to be optimal and stable. The mean weight gains (WG) of Thai Pangus were 421.6±4.71 g, 407.34±1.97 g and 345.89±4.44 g for T1, T2 and T3, respectively and significantly (p<0.05) highest WG was obtained in T1 and T2 followed by T3. The specific growth rate (SGR) was found highest in T2 (2.70±0.03) followed by T1 (2.53±0.06) and T3 (2.16±0.04), respectively. The highest feed conversion ratio (FCR) was found in T1 (1.62) whereas lowest FCR obtained from T2 (1.52±0.01) followed by T3 (1.55). The protein efficiency ratio (PER) values were ranged between 2.03 and 2.13 and highest was found in T2 (2.13±0.05). The highest production was attained from T1 (13557.50±51.60 kg ha-1) followed by T2 (13227.71±50.72 kg ha-1) and T3 (11450.60±49.87 kg ha-1), respectively. The findings of this study revealed that, the partial replacement of animal protein with plant protein adding limited amino acid (lysine and methionine) exhibited the best performance on the basis of nutritive value and growth performance

Different stocking densities and species combinations effects the growth and production in carp polyculture

A comparative experiment was undertaken to assess the effectiveness of different carp species i.e., Rohu (Labeo rohita), Catla (Catla catla), Mrigal (Cirrhinus cirrhosus), and Silver Carp (Hypophthalmicthys molitrix) with variable stocking densities. Three treatments each with three replicates were maintained and the stocking densities of carps were 40, 80, and 120 fish/decimal in T1, T2, and T3, respectively. The stocking ratio of Rohu, Catla, Mrigal, and Silver Carp was 2:1:2:1. The experimental diet included rice bran (25%), wheat bran (25%), fish meal (25%), and mustard oil cake (25%), with a total protein content of 28%. This dietary supplement was administered twice daily. The fish were supplemented with 5% of their body weight for the first month, 4.5% for the next three months, and 2% for the final two months. The water quality parameters i.e., pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen and transparency were measured every 14 days interval. In T1, Silver Carp obtained the highest weight (188.86±17.86g) followed by Mrigal (106.78±14.23g), Catla (74.0±3.80g), and Rohu (67.72±6.03g). In T1, Silver Carp also attained the highest length at 26.33±0.63 cm, followed by Catla at 14.40±2.10 cm, Mrigal at 14.09±0.89 cm, and Rohu at 14.07±0.59 cm, respectively. Nevertheless, both weight gain and length gain were lowest for all species in T3. The highest SGR% was found in T1 for Silver Carp (3.22±0.06), whereas the lowest SGR% was found in T3 for Catla (1.69±0.06). In addition, T2  yielded the highest production (3090.91±119.57 kg/ha), followed by T3 (2949.80±137.67 kg/ha) and T1 (2946.21± 129.00 kg/ha). The experimental findings suggest that, the stocking density of 80 fingerlings/decimal (T2) yielded the highest production in carp polyculture

Effects of dietary Cu nanoparticles on growth performance, physiology and bioaccumulation in Asian walking catfish (Clarias batrachus)

The present investigation was conducted to determine the optimal dietary Cu-NPs requirement of Asian walking catfish, Clarias batrachus (7.46 ± 0.15 cm; 5.28 ± 0.10 g) by feeding with diets supplemented with different concentrations of Cu-NPs (10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 mg/kg) and control group. Each experimental diet was hand-fed to triplicate groups of fish for 60 days in glass aquarium. Results showed that fish group fed with 20 mg/kg Cu-NPs in feed exhibited highest (P < 0.05) growth performance and feed utilization compared to the control group. However, increased level of Cu-NPs from 30 to 50 mg/kg in feed significantly reduced the growth performance. Significantly higher protein and lipid were also recorded at 20 mg/kg Cu-NPs supplemented group. Haematological parameters, serum lipid and enzymatic profile were found to influence significantly with the addition of Cu-NPs in feed compared to the control group. Based on the polynomial regression analysis between FW, WG and SGRW against dietary Cu-NPs levels, the optimal dietary supplementation of Cu-NPs for C. batrachus were estimated to be ranged between 19.98 to 20.05 mg/kg per diet, respectively. Bioaccumulation of Cu was the highest in liver compared to muscle and serum, whereas the highest Cu accumulation was observed at 50 mg/kg Cu-NPs supplemented group. The findings of the present study will be helpful for formulating nutrient rich low cost catfish feed

Heavy metal contamination and risk assessment on ecological and public health in a tropical estuarine river

Heavy metals contamination of water is one of the most severe environmental and public health issues. The present study was conducted to assess the levels of lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in surface water of the Pasur River estuary in Bangladesh along with their health risk through the ingestion and dermal exposure. The decreasing order of studied metals was Cr > Pb >Cu > Zn > As > Cd with the mean value of 0.050 > 0.024 > 0.021 > 0.014 > 0.012 > 0.006 mg/L respectively. Pb, Cr, Cd and Zn concentration in water samples exceeded the safe limits of drinking water and thereby not safe for drinking. The multivariate analysis identified the common anthropogenic source and existence of studied metals. Heavy metal pollution index (HPI) and heavy metal evaluation index (HEI) indicated significant contamination of water. The HQ and HI through ingestion and dermal contact were <1 except for the adult, whereas HQ (only for As) and HI value through ingestion was >1 indicating an unacceptable risk of non-carcinogenic effects on public health. Carcinogenic risk through ingestion (CRing) indicated that consumption of water from Pasur River estuary may develop cancer risk of Cd. Therefore, strict rules and regulations must be adopted to reduce water contamination of this tidal river from anthropogenic sources for improving the health of this riverine ecosystem