Abstract
The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of pond management on fish feed, growth, yield, survival, and water and effluent quality, during tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) juvenile production. Fish were distributed in nine 600 m² earthen ponds, at a density of 8 fish per m²; the rearing period was 60 days. Three different pond management were applied: limed and fertilized (LimFer), limed (Lim), and natural (Nat). Fish were fed with a commercial ration containing 34% crude protein three times daily. There were no significant differences in fish growth or yield. Three main items found in tambaqui stomach were insect, zooplankton and ration, without a significant difference among treatments in proportion. Alkalinity, hardness, and CO2 were greater in LimFer and Lim ponds. Chlorophyll a, transparency, ammonia, nitrite, temperature, and dissolved oxygen of pond water were not significantly different among treatments. Biochemical oxygen demand, total phosphorus, orthophosphate, ammonia, and nitrite were significantly greater in effluents from LimFer ponds. Pond fertilization should be avoided, because growth and yield were similar among the three pond management systems tested; besides, it produces a more impacting effluent.
Highlights
Pond management is a common aquaculture practice which has a direct impact on effluent quality (Boyd et al, 2000)
Well-managed ponds tend to have a better water and effluent quality. It is performed for several reasons: pond drying for soil aeration (Boyd & TeichertCoddington, 1992), liming to increase water pH, hardness, and alkalinity to adequate concentrations for fish production (Queiroz et al, 2004) and periodic fertilization to increase plankton production (Boyd & Tucker, 1998)
The experiment lasted for 60 days, with three different pond management, and three replications each: limed and fertilized (LimFer) – limed (4,000 kg ha-1 CaMg(CO3)2) and fertilized ponds (20 kg ha-1 urea and 60 kg ha-1 triple superphosphate) (Melo et al, 2001); Lim – limed ponds (4,000 kg ha-1 CaMg(CO3)2), the most used procedure by Amazonian fish farmers; Nat – ponds supplied with water, referred to as natural ponds
Summary
Pond management is a common aquaculture practice which has a direct impact on effluent quality (Boyd et al, 2000). Pond management performed for this species involves bottom exposure to sun, liming and fertilization These production systems take into consideration an increase in fish production, with low importance to environmental impact. Seo & Boyd (2001a) evaluated several pond management procedures, performed during channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus production, and found fish production similar in managed and unmanaged ponds. Their results showed that fish production could be maintained even when directed for less pollutant production
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
