Effects of stocking density and feeding duration in cage-cum-pond-integrated system on growth performance, water quality and economic benefits of Labeo victorianus (Boulenger 1901) culture

Abstract

We evaluated the effect of varying cage stocking density (60, 90 and 120 fish m

3 ) and feeding duration (10, 30 and 60 min) in a cage-cum- pond-integrated system on growth performance, water quality and economic benefits in Labeo victo- rianus culture. Interactions between stocking den- sity and feeding duration significantly ( P < 0.05) affected the fish growth performance and yields in the cages-cum-pond system. Stocking density of 60 fish m

3 resulted in the highest growth in cages and in ponds regardless of the feeding dura- tion, but produced lower yields than at stocking density 90 fish m

3 . The lowest Apparent Food Conversion Ratio (AFCR) in cages occurred at stocking density of 60 fish m

3 and feeding dura- tion of 30 min. Growth performance in the open ponds declined with increased feeding duration of the caged fish. Survival in cages and in the open ponds decreased with increased cage density, but was not affected by feeding duration. Low dis- solved oxygen were recorded, at stocking density of 120 fish m

3 , the lowest DO occurred when feeding of caged fish lasted 60 min. Growth perfor- mance, water quality and economic benefits in La- beo victorianus culture positively respond to interaction between stocking density and feeding durations.