ANALYZING THE EFFECT OF PRODUCTION VARIABLES ON THE GROWTH VARIABILITY OF CHANNEL-BLUE HYBRID CATFISH

Kamal Gosh *, Rex A. Dunham, Terry R. Hanson, Nagaraj Chatakondi, David Drescher, Dalton Robinson, William Bugg, Nathan Backenstose, Carl Jeffers, Jesse A. Chappell, Fernando Kubitza, and Charles Y. Chen.
 
*School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Science
Auburn University, 213 Swingle Hall, Auburn, AL, USA 36849
kzg0028@auburn.edu
 

The growth variability of channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, female x blue catfish, I. furcatus, male hybrids was studied in both commercial and research settings. Various production variables were, therefore examined surveyed from traditional ponds of single/multiple batch, split ponds, and in-pond raceway system. Stepwise regression, partial F test, ANOVA (analysis of variance) and residual analysis (i.e., residual vs fitted, Durbin Watson test) were, hereby, performed for data analysis. Preliminary results suggested that the coefficient of variation (CV) (%) was in the expected range of 37-48%, which was quite closer as compared to fingerling stage (23-56%). Mean percentage of undersized (<0.45 kg) and oversized fish (>1.82 kg) were also found in minimal stage, which were at the rate of 9% and 5%, respectively. These were evidenced from a typical population distribution data (N= >54,500), which formed almost a bell shape curve with showing a positive and moderate skewness (value >1) (Fig 1). Preliminary results also showed that aeration, individual weight of stocked fingerling, grading, FCR (feed conversion ratio), feeding and culture period, survival rate, sock size, and harvesting method (partial/complete) could have the probable impact on the growth variability of hybrid catfish production.