Homestead mechanized aquaculture in Bangladesh: New concept for enhancement for production and profitability

Abstract

In Bangladesh, almost all of the homestead ponds are cultured extensively, where there are scopes to enhance productivity through aquaculture mechanization. Five household-sized ponds (60±0.02 decimal) were selected. No mechanization is done on Pond 1. Pond 2, Pond 3, Pond 4 and Pond 5 were equipped with surface aeration; Pond 3 was with Bottom aeration; Pond 4 and Pond 5 were equipped respectively with surface, bottom, combination of both and combination of both aerations along with additional automated feed sprayer. All ponds were stocked at a rate of 250 pcs. /decimal mono-sex Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and the stocking size was 0.90±0.15 g. Water Temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen (DO) were recorded two times daily, whereas Ammonia, Nitrate, Nitrite and Phosphate data were recorded fortnightly during the 124-day culture period. Highest average growth (266.08±12.80 g) and lowest Feed Conversion Ratio (1.10) were found in Pond 5, whereas the lowest average growth (153.70±48.07) and highest FCR (1.70) was found in Pond 1. Production was enhanced by 40%, 28%, 47% and 54% respectively in Pond 2, 3, 4 and 5; compared with the control Pond 1. Economic analysis showed that the profit increased by 13%, 25% and 41% in Pond 2, 4 and 5 respectively compared with control Pond 1. In Pond 3, profit decreased by 25% compared with control Pond 1. In all treatments, FCR is reduced, which is very important to maintain good water quality for homestead ponds. Economically These experiments need to be further developed for polyculture ponds, to find out the appropriate species combination, to serve partial harvest for household consumption and for more viable economic return.