Earthen Ponds Research Articles

Investigations on growth performance of grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella (Cuvier and Valenciennes,1844) under forage crops and aquatic macrophyte feeding regimes

The objective of the study was to assess the growth, survival, and production performanceof grass carp Ctenopharyngodon Idella (Cuvier and Valenciennes, 1844) under differentfeeding regimes of forage crops and aquatic macrophytes. In the present experiment, 650fingerlings (average length, 11.13±0.29 cm and average weight, 13.89±0.81 g) of grass carpwere stocked separately in two earthen ponds (40 x 25 x 2.0 m). Fishes in pond one (T1)were fed with forage crops, chopped Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) from June toNovember 2017 and chopped Berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum) from January to May 2018.Similarly, fishes in pond 2 (T2) were fed with Azolla (Azolla pinnata) and Lemna (Lemna minor)during the period June to November 2017 and January to May 2018, respectively. Lineartrend analysis for the length of grass carp showed a significant (p<0.05) increase in size inboth treatments (T1 and T2) and r2 was found to be 0.94 and 0.95, while increasing trend ofweight of grass carp showed significantly (p<0.05) high r2 for T1 (0.88) and T2 (0.84). It isobserved that the application of forage (T1) and aquatic macrophytes (T2) had no significant(p>0.05) effect on the water quality parameters of each pond. The overall specific growthrate, average daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio of grass carp were significantly(p<0.05) higher in T1 compared to T2, while the survival rate was significantly (p<0.05) high in T2. Keywords:Earthen pond, Feed conversion ratio, Macrophytes,Specific growth rate, Survival

Blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus Rathbun, 1896): Initial Adaptation Studies (Brachyura: Portunidae)

The purpose of this study was to determine the blue crab's growth parameters and explore potential adaptations while it was kept in an earthen pond for ninety days. After samples from October 2012 and August 2013 were analyzed, the breeding and biological characteristics of the blue crab (Callinectes sapidus Rathbun, 1896) in the South Aegean were determined. Blue crabs' adaptation to the earth pond, growth circumstances, and morphometric measuremalets using information from the literature are discussed. The process of adaptation took a week, during which time individual blue crabs were seen to begin feeding. The Ege the University Faculty received nine units from the Pond in the Kusadasi/Güzelçamlı area that were examined in cages with 108 distinct experimaletal groups of persons out of 20 living humales.

From marine to fork: Effects of different cooking methods on the composition of sea lettuce

The nutritional, functional and technological richness exhibited by seaweeds has encouraged in recent years their use for culinary purposes. Their broad range of colors, textures and flavors makes of them an ideal ingredient for the preparation of a wide variety of novel and imaginative dishes. However, few studies have been carried out on the effect that thermal cooking treatments have on seaweeds. This study intends to evaluate the influence of certain cooking processes (boiling, steaming and sous-vide) on the physicochemical and functional composition of Ulva sp. collected from the earthen ponds in Cadiz. Sea lettuce has been cooked using three different methods and at three different temperatures (50, 70 and 100 °C) for three different periods of time (5, 10 and 15 min). After the treatments, it could be observed that the structure, physicochemical composition and functional characteristics of Ulva sp. were significantly affected by the cooking method used. The effect of cooking on the alga's properties depended both on the method itself and on the time used. In relation to its nutritional composition, boiling was the culinary method that most affected ash, protein, lipid, unsaturated fatty acid and mineral (K, Ca, Mg and Cu) contents, with longer cooking times leading to their significant or total loss either through chemical reactions or leaching. In contrast, sous-vide cooking proved to be a technique that preserves and can even enhance the nutritional benefits of raw seaweeds.

Detection of Mycobacterial Species in Koi Carp Juvenile Cultured in Earthen Ponds

Detection of Mycobacterial Species in Koi Carp Juvenile Cultured in Earthen Ponds

Feasibility Tests of a Fish Farm Integrating the Breeding of Poultry and a Fly

A locally improvised poultry house built with pure local material called bamboo and covered with dried treated grasses (roof) known as sana which housed 300 laying birds was built near 20m X 20m earthen fish pond with an underground spring water as source of intake with a flow through system and stocked with an improved catfish clarias geripinus juveniles 2000 in number. The floor of the poultry house was cemented to prevent leakages of water and permanently coveted with thick nylon white rubber and layer were placed at high level above the floor on top of bamboo tree having gaps in between them. The usage of these gaps created was to allow layers (chicken) dropping directly on the rubber which eventually served as breeding places for maggot. The maggot was collected washed thoroughly and processed to serve as feed to the fishes. The processed maggot reduces about 40% of total cost of feed in raising the fishes. The birds produced 70piecers of eggs per day 7½ crates and a crate is sold for N2,700 per crate. The fishes were harvested after six (6) months of stocking with a total piece of 1,680 with an average of 800g (1344kg) and is sold at N1500 per kg. The revenue realized took care of both capital and recurrent cost with a working force of three (3) people. The experiment contribute significantly (P<0.05) in reducing the level of poverty and also contribute to food security, transformation agenda of Federal government of Nigeria.

Guiding the path of larvae: The potential of light traps in Neotropical freshwater fish research

Light traps are devices utilized in biomonitoring studies across various aquatic environments. Although light traps are used globally, few studies report their efficacy in capturing fish larvae in the Neotropics. To address this gap, this study aimed to assess the efficacy of light traps in capturing larvae of six fish species commonly found in Neotropical rivers. Additionally, we aimed to evaluate the effect of light color on larval capture. To accomplish this, we selected larvae from six species: Cyprinus carpio, Ctenopharingodon idella, Piaractus mesopotamicus, Pimelodus maculatus, Prochilodus lineatus, and Rhamdia quelen. Each experiment lasted seven days, and six types of traps were tested, including those without light (control) and those with light (green, red, yellow, white, and blue), and installed in triplicate. A total of 18 traps were randomly positioned in earthen ponds containing the six species of interest. Each species was assessed separately in six experiments. Larvae were counted, measured, and identified daily according to their developmental stage. The light traps collected 30,498 larvae, whereas the control traps only collected 39 larvae by the end of the experiment. Larvae from species of the Cypriniformes order were the most captured, while those from the Siluriformes order were least captured. The light traps exhibited selectivity in capturing larvae at different developmental stages, which varied according to species. Traps installed with green lights captured a greater number of larvae and were more efficient at capturing larvae from a wider variety of species. In contrast, traps installed with red light led to the capture of fewer larvae. Therefore, by their ability to attract a greater number of larvae, compared to control, and selectively capture larvae at different developmental stages at variable rates, depending on light source, light traps can be a valuable tool in biomonitoring and managing fish larvae in Neotropical environments.

Comparative Study on Fatty Acids Composition of Lemna minor (Duckweed) Cultured in Indoor Plastic Tanks and Outdoor Earthen Ponds

Global interest in using duckweed (Lemna minor) as a substitute for fish, livestock, and human diets has spurred research on the mass culture of the species. There is a scarcity of information on the L. minor fatty acid composition in different aquaculture settings. A comparative study was carried out to investigate the fatty acid composition of L. minor cultured in indoor plastic tanks and outdoor earthen ponds for 30 days. During the culture period, culture facilities were fertilized using livestock manure. Fatty acid characterization was done using gas chromatography method. Fifteen fatty acids: five saturated (SAFAs), five monounsaturated (MUFAS), and five polyunsaturated (PUFAs) were identified. Fatty acid compositions varied between indoor and outdoor settings. Percentage composition of L. minor PUFAs cultured outdoor (37.13) was higher than that of indoor (21.96) settings. L. minor SAFAs percentage composition was higher in the indoor culture at 41.63% while that of outdoor was 33.75%. The composition of L. minor MUFAs in indoor tanks was higher (36.32%) than in outdoor earthen ponds (29.10%). This study indicated the presence of docosahexaenoic, eicosapentaenoic, linoelaidic, and eicosanoic acids in L. minor seldom reported in past studies. Paired Students’ t-test indicated that the means of the fatty acid composition were significantly different (p<0.05) in both settings, with docosahexaenoic showing the highest paired mean difference.

A Comparison of Resources Usage for Two White-Leg Shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) Farming Systems (Earthen Pond System and Round Tank System)

Shrimp farming plays an important role in providing nutritious food and generating livelihoods for many millions of people worldwide. Asia is the biggest producer of shrimp contributing nearly 80% of the global shrimp aquaculture production. Black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) is the main brackish water aquaculture species in Sri Lanka before 2018. White-leg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) was a new species that was introduced in 2018 expecting a rapid increase in production in the country. Shrimp farming is classified into several categories: extensive, semi-intensive, intensive, and super-intensive based on the intensity of management practices such as stocking density, supply of feed and fertilizer, and management of water qualities. The round tank system is round-shaped and is a type of lined pond that uses an impermeable geomembrane for the retention of water. It belongs to the super-intensive category. The earthen pond is a water body that is basically enclosed by the earth. It belongs to the intensive category. The purpose of this study was to assess the amounts of land, water, and energy required per ton of harvested shrimp in two different production systems and identify the most sustainable system that is used minimum natural resources. The round tank system is located in the Erukkalampiddy area in the Mannar district, Sri Lanka. The earthen pond system is located in the Maikkulama area in the Puttalam district, Sri Lanka. Data on water usage, electricity usage, land area usage, and weight of harvested shrimp were collected during two cycles of production from August 2021 to May 2022. The t-tests were performed to compare resource usages. Land usage of the earthen pond system (950.00 m2/t shrimp, 1266.67 m2/t shrimp) is significantly greater than the round tank system (190.77 m2/t shrimp, 139.33 m2/t shrimp). Water usage of the earthen pond system (950.00 m3/t shrimp, 1266.67 m3/t shrimp) is significantly greater than the round tank system (190.77 m3/t shrimp, 139.33 m3/t shrimp). Energy usage of the round tank system (473.84 kWh/t shrimp, 591.46 kWh/t shrimp) is significantly greater than the earthen pond system (119.91 kWh/t shrimp, 154.78 kWh/t shrimp). It concludes that less land and water resources and high energy usage are required for a round tank system compared to an earthen pond system. Although establishing a round tank system will need more capital, compared to that of an earthen pond system, it is evident that the round tanksystem is more environmentally sustainable. 
 Keywords: Shrimp farming, Round tank system, Earthen pond system, White-leg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei)

Cost-Benefit Analysis of Earthen Ponds against Concrete Tanks Production System in Fish Farming in Abuja FCT, Nigeria

This study comparatively analysed the costs and benefits of fish production for earthen ponds and concrete tanks system in Abuja (FCT), Nigeria. A reconnaissance survey of the six area councils of the area was carried out to locate the fishers. The study further employed multistage sampling technique to select the study respondents. In all, 80 fishers were chosen. Data for the study were collected from primary sources using a well-structured questionnaire with open-ended and close-ended questions. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics (tables, percentages, frequency and mean). The cost-benefit analysis was determined using simple budgetary techniques such as Gross Margin, Net Farm Income, Benefit Cost Ratio and Profitability Ratio. Multiple regression analysis was employed to analyse the factors that contribute to the technical, allocative and economic efficiencies of the two production systems in the study area. The result showed that the Gross Margin Index (GMI) for earthen ponds is 3,099,978.98 and 2,960,635.08 for concrete ponds with Cost Benefit Ratio of 2.4 and 2.2, respectively. Feed cost in earthen ponds represents 77% of the TVC, while it represents 67% in the concrete tank production system. Though the concrete tank production system uses more feed than the earthen pond production system. The revenue generated from fish sales is greatly influenced by the location and method of sale. The study concludes that earthen pond system was slightly more economic than the concrete tank production system. The study, therefore, recommends that fishers should come together to form a cohesive and strong association which will be able to negotiate with wholesalers and other middlemen for price bargaining.

A Review on Development of Aquaculture in Cambodia

Aquaculture in Cambodia is gaining popularity due to growing anthropogenic pressures. Policy discourse is promoting its development as a viable alternative to fisheries. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries reports that aquaculture contributes to the daily livelihoods of rural poor farmers and employment. Fish is a significant source of animal protein, and aquaculture-based fisheries offer enormous potential for fish culture production. NGOs and other organizations are playing a significant role in developing aquaculture and managing aquatic resources in Cambodia. This study is to review on the development of aquaculture sector in Cambodia. The result showed that fish is the most important source of animal protein in Cambodian people’s daily diet. There is enormous potential in fish culture production from floating cage culture, earthen pond culture and rice-fish culture and other fish culture activities in small water bodies or aquaculture-based fisheries in Cambodia. Moreover, fish does not only play a major role in the daily diet, but also in the employment, economy of the rural poor farmer and improvement of women role in aquaculture

SMART LIVESTOCK FOR SCIENCE…12 months later

The fourth issue of Slovak Journal of Animal Science 2023 gives to me the opportunity to overview our scientific publishing activity after the first 12 months together. Along four issues, our Journal has been faced with many different aspects of animal farm production, among them mainly circular economy strategy, non-conventional feed resources, and community-based livestock programs. All these different aspects have a common point: boost and develop the livestock farming system, in terms of competitiveness and profitability. Looking at the different articles collected and published during this year, the incorporation of locally available novel feed resource alternatives can promote circular economy concepts, increase food security, and improve sustainable livestock production. By exploiting locally accessible resources, the inclusion of these materials in animal feed nutrition has significant potential to enhance livestock performance, lower production costs, and promote bioeconomy concepts.
 On the other hand, analysis of genomic data is an important resource for the effective management of small and endangered animal populations. The research activity of scientists has deeply been focused on developing breeding programs able to conserve animal biodiversity and monitor animal biodynamics.
 
 In the last Editorial article of 2023, I am going to introduce the contents of the articles collected and published in the fourth issue of 2023 year.
 Formelova et al. performed a study to evaluate the effect of dried hempseed cake (by-product of oil production) supplementation (5% - EG1 and 10% - EG2) to rabbit feed mixture on livestock performances, quality of meat, digestibility of nutrients and animal health status. All obtained data let Authors to recommend the inclusion of hempseed cake up to 10% in rabbit diet without any negative effect on animal welfare, livestock performance and quality of meat.
 Osaiyuwu et al. organized a study to provide useful information for the creation of sustainable breeding programmes and developing a sustainable use and conservation strategy aimed at developing highly producing Muscovy ducks in Nigeria; consequently, increasing the food security index of the nation and source of income for small-scale farmers. In general, the ducks from all seven ecogeographic locations were rather homogeneous than heterogeneous.
 Mekonnen et al., had the prime objective to survey and characterize the husbandry practices of the different indigenous sheep populations. Authors concluded the study claiming a need of feed development, shift to modern husbandry practices, access to veterinary services, indigenous sheep conservation through utilization, control of inbreeding, ram-to-ewe ratio, fattening and castration should be of future attention of farmers and stakeholders.
 Ajayi et al., to justify the use of duckweed as an alternative and novel aquatic-derived fodder in ruminants' feeding strategies, performed preliminary investigation via in vitro gas production technique. The study assessed the nutrient and mineral potential, secondary metabolites and in vitro gas production characteristics of duckweed to estimate the short-chain volatile fatty acids, metabolizable energy, organic matter digestibility and apparent in vitro dry matter degradability. In conclusion, duckweed from earthen fish ponds is fairly degradable in vitro, and the nutrient contents elucidate its forage value for ruminants.
 Editorial Team looks forward to evaluating your submitted contributions and providing all necessary support to Authors in order to best serve animal science and the scientific community, with commitment to research integrity and the highest publishing ethics. Enjoy the reading!

Temporal patterns of physicochemical and bacteria profiles of static aquaculture systems: insights into health hazards for fish and the public

Knowledge on water quality in static aquaculture systems is crucial to gain understanding of health threats to fish or aquaculture personnel. In the present study, we investigated the temporal profiles of the bacteriological profiles and physicochemical status of static water aquaculture systems (earthen ponds and concrete tanks). All physicochemical parameters measured were within the optimum recommendation. Following microbial analyses in earthen pond water, the TVC and TCC showed temporal variations with concentration increasing with sampling time, however, FCC fluctuated, and 8 bacteria groups were isolated from both rearing enclosures. In which Gram (-) bacteria showed dominance, with 5 Gram negative (Escherichia coli, Proteus spp, Serratia spp, Enterobacter spp and Pseudomonas spp) and 3 Gram positive (Staphylococcus spp, Streptococcus spp, and Bacillus spp) encountered. From earthen pond water, the following microbial occurrences were reported: Staphylococcus spp (20%), Streptococcus spp (12%) Proteus spp (8%) Enterobacter spp (20%) Serratia spp (16%), Bacillus spp (9%), Escherichia coli (8%), Pseudomonas spp (7%). While Staphylococcus spp (18%), Streptococcus spp (16%), Proteus spp (8%), Enterobacter spp (22%), Serratia spp (8%), Bacillus spp (15%), Escherichia coli (8%), Pseudomonas spp (6%) occurred in concrete water. Taken together, although the physicochemical condition raised no well-fare concern, however, the bacteriological profile during this investigation showed potential health risk in static water aquaculture condition or to adjacent aquatic environment from end of production-discharge.

Relationship between Water Quality Parameters and Parasite Infestation in Farmed Oreochromis niloticus in Selected Rift Valley Counties, Kenya

Globally, parasitic infections hinder aquaculture productivity and sustainability. Improper water quality parameters reduce fish immunity, make them susceptible to parasites, and enhance parasitic proliferation in culture systems. Subsequently, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and intensity of ecto‐ and endo‐parasite infesting Oreochromis niloticus in varying water quality in aquaculture systems in Kericho, Bomet, and Nakuru counties. A total of 220 Oreochromis niloticus samples were captured from 11 liner ponds, eight earthen ponds, two concrete ponds, and one plastic tank from 22 farms in the three counties. External and internal organs were examined for parasite infestation. Skin scrapings and squash preparation of fish eyes were also examined to reveal the organisms through microscopic examination. A Pearson’s correlation analysis between physicochemical parameters and parasitic prevalence was used to determine the strength and direction of correlation coefficients with significance at 95%. Overall parasitic prevalence infestation was 39.6% (87/220). Ten parasite genera were recovered, with Dactylogyrus species dominating overall at 15.9% (35/220), followed by Trichodina spp. (7.7%; 17/220). Epistylis species had the highest mean intensity of 12.8 ± 35.7 (total number of Epistylis parasites (141)/total of infested fish (11)). Earthen ponds had a significantly higher (36.2%, 29/80) prevalence of Dactylogyrus sp. than liner ponds (3.6%, 4/110) (p < 0.001). Dissolved oxygen levels were 16.9 ± 0.7 mgL−1 in Bomet, 14.9 ± 0.3 mgL−1 in Kericho, and 12.5 ± 0.5 mgL−1 in Nakuru which were above desirable range for fish culture. The electrical conductivity in Bomet was 76 ± 5 µS/cm and Kericho 52 ± 4 µS/cm below the desirable range. Temperature, pH, phosphate, nitrates, and nitrites were within the desirable limit for fish farming. Electrical conductivity and pH had positive correlation of 1 and 0.97, respectively, with the prevalence of Acanthocephalus, Euclinostomum, and Trichodina species. Temperature and nitrate positively correlated between 0.80–0.89 and 0.90–0.99, respectively, with the prevalence of Dactylogyrus, Riboscyphidia, Epistylis, Camallanus, and Paracamallanus species. The study demonstrates that water quality significantly influences parasitic prevalence in aquaculture systems. Therefore, it is crucial for farmers to monitor water quality parameters to mitigate parasitic infestations.

Potential of Moringa oleifera Leaf Meal as Substitute of Fishmeal on Performance of Catla catla Fingerlings Reared in Earthen Ponds

Potential of Moringa oleifera Leaf Meal as Substitute of Fishmeal on Performance of Catla catla Fingerlings Reared in Earthen Ponds

Performance evaluation of the commercial aquafeeds available in the market of Pakistan on Channa marulius (Sole).

The present study aimed to determine the effect of different levels of protein on the growth, body composition, amino acid profile and serology of Channa marulius fingerlings. The experiment was conducted in ten happas installed in earthen ponds, each stocked with 10 fishes for 90 days. Four commercial fish feeds having 25%, 30%, 32% and 40% crude protein (CP) levels were fed to fish at 3% of their wet body weight three times a day. The results of the study revealed that highest weight gain, feed conversion ratio and survival rate were observed in 30% protein feed. Meanwhile, moisture content was higher in fish fed with 30% CP feed while highest crude protein was recorded in 40% CP fed fish. Lowest fat content was observed in 32% CP feed. Amino acid profile of fish revealed better results in 30% CP feed. Total protein, glucose and globulin were also highest in fish feeding 30% CP feed, while albumin was highest in 40% CP feed. It is concluded that 30% CP feed showed better results in terms of growth, amino acid profile and serological parameters without effecting fish body composition.

Ginger shrimp Metapenaeus kutchensis (George, George and Rao, 1963) – A promising diversified shrimp species for culture under high salinity and low temperature conditions in Earthen pond

Ginger shrimp Metapenaeus kutchensis (George, George and Rao, 1963) – A promising diversified shrimp species for culture under high salinity and low temperature conditions in Earthen pond

Diversity of Antibiotic-resistant of Tentative Motile Aeromonas Species Isolated From Clarias gariepinus (Burchell 1822) Cultured in Earthen Ponds

Background: Aeromonas species is one of the most important causes of diseases in Clarias gariepinus, a public health threat with significant economic losses. Objectives: In this research, the prevalence and variety of Aeromonas species isolated from C. gariepinus cultured in an earthen pond were investigated, as well as the antibiogram and multiple antibiotic resistance index Methods: Aeromonas species were isolated by culture and biochemical test and confirmed using a Microbact 24E kit. The antibiotic susceptibility to 10 antibiotics was determined using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Results: Aeromonas species were isolated with a prevalence of 43.1% with 4 different phenospecies with the highest prevalence of 46(24 %) for Aeromonas hydrophila followed by 15(7.8%) for Aeromonas caviae, then 10(5.2%) for Aeromonas veronii sobria, and the least was observed for Aeromonas veronii veronii 6(3.1%). The Aeromonas species showed high resistance to amoxicillin, ampicillin, colistin sulfate, oxytetracycline, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and penicillin, with varying resistant patterns, and the multiple antibiotic resistance index values ranged between 0.20 and 0.80. Conclusion: There was a diversity of Aeromonas species associated with multiple antibiotic-resistant leading to the wide spread of antimicrobial resistance. Therefore, there is a need to control the use of antibiotics and ensure the effective use of biosecurity and preventive management measures in fish farms.

The Australian red-clawed crayfish (Cherax quadicarinatus Von Martens 1868) is a promising aquaculture object for the south of the Russian Federation

The paper presents information about a promising aquaculture object for the south of the Russian Federation - the Australian red-clawed crayfish Cherax quadicarinatus Von Martens 1868. A brief description of its biological characteristics, which are the main factor in the development of specific biotechnologies for its commercial cultivation, is given. The main limiting factor in the artificial cultivation of this species is water temperature. The article indicates that for Russian conditions, three possible directions for growing Australian crayfish can be distinguished: in ponds in the southern regions of Russia in natural climatic conditions (summer); in ponds, cages and pools on warm waters of energy facilities in the summer; in closed water supply installations – year-round. A technology has been proposed for combined cultivation of crayfish, in which the production of juveniles is carried out in controlled basin conditions, and the cultivation of commercial products in earthen ponds in warm seasons, when the water temperature corresponds to the biological needs of the species.

Growth and Production Characters of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Stocked at different Stocking Densities in Earthen Ponds under Local Climatic Conditions of Pakistan

Growth and Production Characters of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Stocked at different Stocking Densities in Earthen Ponds under Local Climatic Conditions of Pakistan

Determinants of technical and allocative efficiencies in catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Production in South-East, Nigeria

The study analysed technical and allocative efficiencies and their determinants in Southeast zone of Nigeria with the objectives of examining and identifying the socioeconomic characteristics of the catfish farmers in the area, the technical and allocative efficiency levels of the farmers, the determinants of technical and allocative efficiencies in catfish production, and the effect of pond systems on technical and allocative efficiencies. Multi stage and simple random sampling procedures were adopted in the selection of 384 respondents for the study. The results showed that majority of the farmers were males, educated up to secondary school level, with the mean fish production experience of 9.6 years, and high use of family labour. It was also found that average stocking rate was 2,500 per production phase with average duration of production of 6months. The result on the efficiency distribution showed that the mean technical and allocative efficiency levels of the farmers were 0.73 and 0.87 respectively. The results further pointed out that the socio-economic characteristics included in the study significantly contributed to technical and allocative efficiencies of catfish farmers in the area with experience standing out as the most important. Lastly, it was found that farmers who farmed in earthen ponds allocated their resources more efficiently.