On-farm Analysis of the use of clear Plastic Pond Sheeting for Enhanced Growth and Productivity of Tilapia Rendalli and Oreochromis Shiranus Polyculture in Earthen Ponds
Abstract
150 words
The effect of clear plastic sheeting on growth of Tilapia rendalli
and Oreochromis shiranus polyculture and pond productivity
was assessed in twelve 200m2 ponds in Dowa district, Malawi.
Clear plastic sheets of 200 microns were installed 50 cm above
water surface, covering 0%, 50% and 80% of the pond area.
The experiment was conducted in a Randomised Blocked
Design. Final mean weight and specific growth rate were
significantly high (p<0.05) in 80% cover ponds. Survival rate,
chlorophyll a, and zooplankton concentration were also highest
in 80% covered ponds although non-significant. Fish grew at
1.12% Body Weight (BW) per day in ponds with 80% cover
showing an increase of 30% from the uncovered ponds which
had SGR of 0.75% BW/day. The study has further shown that
80% pond sheeting is more profitable than 0% and 50% pond
plastic sheet. Hence, covering ponds with 80% clear plastic
sheeting can boost aquaculture production.
Subjects
3 categoriesRelated papers
More in Working Document Series →- Feeding, reproductive biology and aquaculture potential of Clarias liocephalus in the wetlands of south western Uganda
- Influence of Dietary Soya Beans (Glycine Max (L.) Merr.) Protein and Lipid Combination, and Androgen (17 α – Methyl Testosterone) Levels on the Growth and Reproduction of Oreochromis Andersonii (Castelnau, 1861)
- Strengthening the design and management of PhD programmes in African universities: a case study of three RUFORUM Regional PhD Programmes
- Population genetics structure of wild and domesticated African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) in Victoria and Albertine Drainage Basins