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Optimization of Stocking Density on Growth and Production of Mono-sex Tilapia in Pond

A. B. M. MOHIDUL HAQUE
Department of Aquaculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Stocking density of cultured fish is an important driver of aquaculture at the farmers’ level, which is a critical factor for commercial aquaculture. An experiment was conducted to optimize the stocking density for all male tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) farming in ponds (mean area of 18 dec and depth of 1.2 m) located at Rahamatpur of Muktagachha Upazilla under Mymensingh district for a period of six months from July to December 2013. The experiment was conducted under three different treatments of stocking densities like T1: 150 fish/dec, T2: 200 fish/dec and T3: 250 fish/dec. Each treatment had three replications. Mean initial stocking weight of fish was 6g. Fishes were fed with a commercial feed at the rate of 5% (1st month), 4% (2nd month) and 3% up to harvesting of their body weight. The fish growth parameters (weight gain and SGR) were monitored monthly. The mean values of weight gain (g/month), SGR (%, d-1), final weight (g), survival rate (%) and yield (kg/ha/6 months) varied from 31.94±4.54 g (T1) to 36.61±3.27g (T2), 1.84±1.02 (T1) to 1.89±0.84 (T2), 192.67±9.87 (T3) to 216.67±21.49 g (T2), 73.00±1.15 (T3) to 91.33±1.20% (T1) and 6609.60±101.97 (T1) to 8661.63±879.83 kg/ha/6 months (T2), respectively. Significant difference among the treatments was found only with survival rate. The highest production of 8661.63±879.83 kg/ha/6 months was obtained in treatment T2, which received moderate stocking density (200 fish/dec). Mean water quality parameters (water temperature, transparency, DO and pH) were also monitored monthly. The mean values of water temperature, transparency, DO and pH varied from 28.27±2.10 to 29.18±1.74°C, 32.28±0.40 to 32.78±0.44 cm, 5.14±0.09 to 5.44±0.11 mg/l and 7.29±0.06 to 7.38±0.09, respectively. No significant difference in the mean values of water quality parameters was found among the treatments. Further research is recommended to explore the economics of different stocking density based tilapia farming in pond.

Keywords: Stocking density, Growth, Production, Mono-sex tilapia

Location: Rahamatpur, Muktagachha Upazilla, Mymensingh district

Start Date: 00-07-2013

End Date: 00-12-2013

Program Area: Animal Health and Management

Commodity: Tilapia

Objectives:

To find out the growth performance (weight gain, SGR, final weight, survival rate, production) of all male tilapia at different stocking densities,
To determine the optimum stocking density for culture of tilapia in ponds and
To observe the water quality parameters (water temperature, transparency, dissolved oxygen and pH) of the study ponds.

Methodology:

Location and duration of the study: The present study has conducted on the optimization of stocking density on growth and production of mono-sex tilapia in ponds under a fish farm, which is located at Rahmatpur of Muktagachha Upazilla, Mymensingh district (Fig.-1). The research work was also carried out at 9 (nine) fish ponds during the period of 6 (six) months from July to December of 2013. The farm was located 17 km away from Bangladesh Agriculture University (BAU) campus. Pond condition: Nine rectangular earthen ponds (18 decimal each) with an average depth of 1.2m were used. Ponds were equal in size, depth, basin configuration, bottom types and contour. The ponds were well exposed to sunlight, not interconnected by inlet and outlet and the main sources of water were rainfall and water supplied from a pump using a flexible plastic pipe whenever needed. The embankments were well protected and covered with grass. The water depth was maintained at least 1m. Experimental design: The trial was conducted under three different treatments, each with three replications. Stocking density of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) was 150/dec, 200/dec, 250/dec in T1, T2 and T3 respectively. Pond preparation: All needless fishes were eradicated by netting the ponds. Those were manually cleaned before starting the experiment. The weeds of embankment were also removed manually. Transportation and stocking of fry: Tilapia fry were collected from a fish hatchery “Reliance Aqua Farm” situated at Trishal, Mymensingh and were transported to the Fish Farm located at Rahmatpur of Muktagachha Upazilla, Mymensingh in plastic bags equipped with aerators. Fry were collected from hatchery and first stocked in nursery ponds. Then the fishes were finally stocked in experimental ponds on 2 July, 2013. The initial average length and weight of the fingerlings of tilapia were 7cm and 6g correspondingly. Selection of feed: Commercial pellet feeds named “Ruposhi Bangla Fish Feed” was selected for the present experiment. The proximate compositions of different types of “Ruposhi Bangla Fish Feed”. Feeding strategy: At the beginning of the experiment feed was supplied at the rate of 5% (1st month), 4% (2nd month) and 3% up to harvesting of their body weight. The feed supplied in the dough form and feeding was done directly without any feeding trays. Half of the ration was supplied at 8.00 am and remaining half was supplied at 4.00 pm. Supply and maintenance of water depth: In the ponds, water was supplied provisionally from a pump to maintain water at a constant level. Collection and treatment of water samples: Water sample was collected in each month for the present study. Glass bottles with stopper having a volume of 250 ml each and marked with pond number were used for collection of water samples. Water samples were collected from all layers of the water column (vertical haul of the tube sampler covering about 3-4 feet depth). Then the water samples were carried to the laboratory for chemical analysis along with few drops of toxin to keep the water quality at desirable level. Harvesting: Fishes were completely harvested on 30 December after 180 days of rearing. Primarily, repeated netting, using a seine net, performed the partial harvesting of fishes. Final harvesting was done by de-watering the ponds by using pump. During harvesting all fishes of each pond were collected and weighed individually to assess the survival rate and pond production. Statistical analysis: Data on water quality parameters and fish growth parameters under different treatments were subjected to one way ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) using computer software SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science, version-11). The mean values were also compared to see the significant difference from the DMRT (Duncan Multiple Range Test)

Source of Information: MS Thesis, Roll No. 13 Fish Aqua JJ 07 M Registration No.: 40855, Session 2013-2014, Department of Aquaculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Present findings indicated that comparatively higher tilapia production was found with treatment T2, which received moderate stocking density (200 fish/dec). Water quality parameters were found within suitable range. Inspite of having comparatively higher fish production in treatment T2, no significant difference was noticed among the treatments for the fish yield. Therefore, further study is needed to explore the economics of tilapia farming with different stocking densities.

Knowledge Management: Thesis