Abstract |
A total of 275 channel catfish, measuring on the average of 21.4 mm in total length were raised in the laboratory for 120 days under controlled temperatures of 26, 28, and 32 C with 10-hr and 14-hr photoperiods. Data on growth, food consumption, food conversion efficiency, and water quality were collected at 15-day intervals. Analysis of length-weight relationship showed that the experimental conditions had no effect on body shape. The fish under 28C-10L had slow growth in length throughout the study period. Variations in food consumption and food conversion efficiency in 15-day intervals were discussed. Average food consumption and food conversion efficiency for the entire study period were discussed in relation to temperature-photoperiod combinations. The fish at 28 and 32 C consumed more food under 10-hr than under 14-hr light conditions. There was a direct relationship between photoperiod and food conversion efficiency for the fish at all the three temperatures. Based on overall evaluation of growth, food consumption, food conversion efficiency, water quality, and mortalities, it was concluded that the optimum condition for raising channel catfish was at 32 C under a 14-hr photoperiod. (Author) |