Recent Developments in Catfish Aquaculture

Book excerpt: This book is a single convenient source of information that covers priority areas of research in channel catfish aquaculture. Recent Developments in Catfish Aquaculture compiles some of the latest research in the field as presented at the Catfish Research Symposium. The editors present a diverse collection of chapters that illustrates recent research efforts in catfish culture and shows the scope of research that is being conducted in nutrition, genetics, water quality management, economics, fish health, and pond production systems. Some of the contributing authors’chapters are developmental but many contain information that can be immediately applied to commercial situations to improve production efficiency. A variety of subjects are covered in this catfish resource, including: Health Issues: immunology, vaccination, selection, drug evaluation, nutritional causes Genetics: hybridization, selection Hatchery Management: new techniques to incubate eggs; control of fungus on developing eggs; evaluation of mechanical graders Production Economics: comparison of different approaches Water Quality: discovery and identification of an algae that kills catfish; off-flavor; water circulators Nutrition: effects of feed on growth and fattiness of fish; nutritionally induced health problems Food Technology: impedance microbiology for evaluation and safety of processed catfish Behavior: behavioral interactions and feeding behavior Recent Developments in Catfish Aquaculture shows the paradox that exists in catfish farming research. On one hand, extremely sophisticated research is being used to solve complex problems. On the other, the basic method of raising catfish has not yet been determined. Several chapters describe important new developments in the field and will lead to important breakthroughs and developments in the future. This volume is required reading for those conducting catfish research or catfish culture, including university and federal aquaculture researchers as well as students. They will find it useful as a reference guide, and catfish farmers will find it helpful as a guide to recent advances in production technology.