Microbiological assessment of channel catfish grown in cage and pond culture

Abstract

Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) grown in cage and pond culture were collected from South Georgia. Bacterial indicators and pathogens of pond water and fish samples were assessed. Microbial changes on processed catfish packaged with wrapping or vacuum packed were analyzed during 16 days of refrigerated (4°C) storage. Results showed that water for cage culture had significantly higher (P < 0·05) fecal streptococci and Aeromonas hydrophila populations than water for pond culture. This difference in water and bacteria was reflected in the microbial populations on skin rinse fluid of the catfish. On both cage- and pond-raised catfish, bacterial counts were reduced by processing procedure. However, on the eighth day of cold storage both cage- and pond-raised catfish packaged in vacuum bags had lower (P < 0·05) bacterial counts than catfish packaged with wrapping.