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.