INTERNATIONAL CENTER for AQUACULTURE AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION AUBURN UNIVERSITY R. DENNIS ROUSE, Director AUBURN, ALABAMA 'S 'f~ 9- ~ -~:~F ~'~k"$ ~ g~. "~ i %ortucelst zi Research and Development Series No. 9 Project A.I.D./csd-2270 T.O. 8 April 1975 W, I C: 0 N T EN TI'S INii I MI ION1 3 SI lv ou (Ti p liiP'.iijl 'iiitol-' 3 Iiilll(BiI Inpu~its 4 I. Tlriati\ and1( 13i,&iiiil I'ilii(,s 4 '\ C 1 1, 1 L I i \1 IiC5-',ii H 4 F islwi -s lies(11 c- 5 Adh ki l1S ICP% I TAiNIM. 10 iTRIP -1 JAPiAN ANT) I)iiiiii'iiNi 10If IIIN iiTNIii)NSI, (CviiT oll I isii 1I 1. 1111t li ININT.I FISHIEili-S I'TIICA tSiIONS XI kN(I)\I i.x i I I I 55 COVER: Tilapia hybrids being netted from a production pond on the Pentecoste Aquacul- ture Research Center. Annual crops of 4,000 to 5,000 kilograms per hectare coni be raised S s by farmers using a simple fertilization ond Is 7P"~'feeding program. UPPER LEFT: These Tilapia grew from 60 grams to 340 grams overage size in 180 day growing period. With rice bran fed doily at 3 percent of total fish weight, feed conversion was 2.8 pounds per 1 pound of fish produced. CENTER LEFT: Aerial view of Pentecoste Aquaculture Re- search Station. When completed in 1976, there will be a total of 160 earthen ponds with 16.1 hectares of water surface. LOWER 4 LEFT. Examining a freshwater prawn are Dr. Leonard Lovshin (left), Auburn University's res- ident staff member and leader of the Coop- erative Brazil Aquoculture Project, and Sr. Fernondo Melo, Brazilian biologist. Atbi Ci(riyi n(qa Progress Report on Fisheries Development in Northeast Brazil LEONARD LOVSHIN* INTRODUCTION S INCE 1966, the Auburn University International Center for Aquaculture has been under contract by USAID to aid in improving the freshwater fisheries resources in Northeast Brazil. Preliminary survey trips to the semi-arid Northeast were made in 1966, 1967, and 1968 by Auburn University personnel at the request of DNOCS 1 to evaluate methods of increasing the amount of animal protein from fish that could be made available to the population of the area. These sur- vey trips resulted in the recommendation that pond and lab- oratory facilities be constructed and a research program estab- lished to determine the potential of intensive fish culture in the Northeast. A site for the research center was chosen in Pentecoste, Ceara, and construction of ponds was begun in early 1969. USAID entered into an agreement with DNOCS and SUDENE 2 to provide financial and technical support to establish a freshwater research laboratory in Fortaleza, Ceara. In November 1969, the Auburn University International Cen- ter for Aquaculture was contracted by USAID to provide technical assistance in intensive fish culture to DNOCS. Dr. Norris Jeffery was the technical advisor from November 1969 to November 1971. At the end of this 2-year contract, DNOCS asked USAID to extend the present contract so that technical assistance in intensive fish culture could be con- tinued. Task Order 8 was finalized in March 1972 and the author began his 2-year tour of duty on June 16, 1972. The scope of the author's duties was: 1. Assist DNOCS and qualified private organizations and individuals to program, develop, and implement effective methods of intensive freshwater pond fish culture in North- east Brazil. 2. Assist the Center for Ichthyological Research (a sub- division of DNOCS for the development of freshwater fish- eries in the Northeast) in the development of its Northeast fisheries research program by providing technical assistance in: (a) the design, construction, and operation of research demonstration facilities specifically designed for intensive freshwater pond fish culture; (b) the development of fresh- water fish culture research to determine the most effective combination of species for commercial fish culture, to perfect methods of controlling fish diseases and parasites and weeds, and' to test locally available fish feeds; (c) the training of local technicians to assist the private sector in establishing intensive freshwater pond fish culture techniques and opera- tions; and (d) the development of a DNOCS research facility to participate in the comprehensive and systematic interna- tional information exchange system on fish culture techniques. * Assistant Professor, Department of Fisheries and Allied Aqua- cultures and International Center for Aquaculture. 'Departamento Nacional de Obras Contra as Secas (National Department of Works Against the Drought). 2 Superintendency for the Development of the Northeast. Past developments in intensive fish culture and reservoir management, as well as a description of the geography of the Northeast, can be found in Progress Reports I and II on Fish- eries Development in Northeast Brazil.3, 4 STATUS OF THE FISHERIES PROJECT Administration and Personnel In February 1978, DNOCS made a great advance by creat- ing a separate Department of Fisheries and Fish Culture. Before that time the Division of Fisheries was under the con- trol of the Department of Agronomy. In this situation, top level policy decisions concerning fisheries were made by men with little knowledge or understanding of fisheries. As a re- sult, administrative procedures were often slow and poorly planned. Leadership in the Department of Fisheries was pro- vided by the late Dr. Adhemar Braga, who had worked in the field of fisheries within DNOCS for many years. He had a firm understanding of fisheries work and the problems that had to be solved to improve the DNOCS fisheries program. In the year and a half that Dr. Braga headed the Depart- ment, vast improvements were made in departmental organi- zation, departmental communication, morale, and general status within DNOCS. The untimely death of Dr. Braga in June 1974 left the Department of Fisheries leaderless. DNOCS is presently searching for a successor to Dr. Braga. With the creation of a Department of Fisheries, a general reorganization of the fisheries organization was made (chart, page 4). The new organizational structure incorporates the Convenio DPAN 5 , which was the result of the original work- ing agreement between USAID, DNOCS, and SUDENE, into the Center of Ichthyological Research. The Center of Ichthyological Research now employs 15 full time biologists and 1 laboratory technician. The biolo- gists work within the disciplines of fish culture (8), limnology (8), reservoir management (2), fish taxonomy (1), fish technology (1), fish economics (1), extension (2), soil and water chemistry (1), and parasites and diseases of fish (1). Responsibilities of the center's staff are divided between re- search ( -time) and teaching ('/4-time). During the author's 2-year tour, the center's research staff has been expanded from 11 to 15 biologists and a librarian has been added. a JEFFERY, N. B. 1972. Progress Report on Fisheries Develop- ment in Northeast Brazil, I. Project AID/csd-2270, Task Order No. 3, International Center for Aquaculture, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama. 'DAVIES, W. D. 1972. Progress Report on Fisheries Develop- ment in Northeast Brazil. Project AID-2270, Task Order No. 4, International Center for Aquaculture, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama. SDesenvolvimento da Pesca nos Acudes do Nordeste Brasileiro (Development of Reservoir Fishing in Northeast Brazil). Administrative Service I Materials and Equipment Section Administrative plan for development of fisheries and fish culture. Eight of the center's resident biologists were trained or are receiving training in their specialities in the United States. Financial Inputs Table 1 shows the financial inputs of the host country agencies involved in the project. As the abilities and outputs of the research center have increased, so have the financial inputs of the Brazilian governmental agencies. This increase in financial support has allowed the research center to con- tinue expanding its facilities, thereby greatly increasing its ability to conduct meaningful research and to transmit knowl- edge of results to both the public and the private sector of Brazil. TABLE 1. FUNDS PROVIDED BY GOVERNMENT OF BRAZIL FOR CONVENIO USAID/DNOCS/SUDENE, 1967-74 Year DNOCS SUBIN 2 SUDENE 3 Total DPt. toC Cr$ Cr$ Cr$ Cr$ Pct. 1967 ------ 50,000 204,000 254,000 19.7 1968 ------- 100,000 200,000 300,000 33.3 1969 ------ 100,000 200,000 300,000 33.83 ($ 75,000 US) 1970 ------ 121,000 200,000 321,000 37.7 ($ 71,333 US) 1971 ------- 200,000 200,000 400,000 50.0 ($ 80,000 US) 1972 ------ 220,000 200,000 200,000 620,000 35.5 ($112,727 US) 1973 800,000 225,000 1,125,000 71.1 ($187,500 US) 1974 ------- 487,000 200,000 425,000 1,112,000 43.8 ($158,857 US) 2 Departamento Nacional de Obras contra as Secas. SSecretaria de Cooperacao Economica e Tecnicea International. SSuperintendencia do Desenvolvimento do Nordeste. Aquaculture Service I) Fishculture research 2) Extension Laboratory and Research Facilities Headquarters of the Center of Ichthyological Research are located in Fortaleza, Ceara. Two houses have been converted into laboratory and office areas. These two buildings have recently been remodeled and painted, which greatly improved their appearance. The laboratory, while small in area, is equipped for a wide range of chemical and physical water analyses and standard analyses for content of fish feeds and flesh. A fisheries library is also located at the center's head- quarters. Pond research facilities are located in Pentecoste, Ceara, 100 kilometers west of Fortaleza. The present intensive fish- culture research facility contains 56 earthern ponds ranging in size from 0.035 to 0.5 hectare. Also located at the site are 10 concrete sided, earthern bottom tanks (30-square- meter size) used for fish spawning, raising of larval fishes and shrimps, and for experimental purposes. Other facilities include a building containing equipment and net storage area, office space, laboratory, wet laboratory, and eight 4-square-meter concrete holding tanks. The laboratory is equipped to do routine water quality analyses and limnologi- cal studies. The wet laboratory contains eight 500-liter ce- ment-fiber tanks with separate inlets and drains, aquariums, and air compressors for providing aeration to the tanks and aquariums. Located alongside the main building is a feed house that contains a small machine for pelleting experi- mental rations, scales for accurately weighing rations, and a storage area for feeds and basic feed ingredients. The first phase of a companion research station located below the Pentecoste reservoir dam is nearing completion. Construction of 48 small earthern ponds (0.04-hectare size) with related water inlets and drains will be completed in February 1975. Already in use are three ponds with natural basins ranging in size from 0.5 to 0.7 hectare, which were constructed by closing off natural depressions with earthen dams. Water for this station will be supplied by gravity from Pereira de Miranda reservoir in Pentecoste. Operation of these two research facilities, located 5 kilometers apart, will be coordinated by the Center of Ichthyological Research. The Pentecoste intensive fish culture research station is now the largest freshwater research station of its kind in Latin America. With the completion of the 48 new ponds, it will have a total of 107 earthen ponds ranging in size from 0.035 to 0.8 hectare. Total area at water level will be ap- proximately 8.5 hectare. Located on the shore of Pereira de Miranda reservoir is a large modem boat house that houses boats, outboard motors, gill nets, and related equipment for reservoir studies. The Center of Ichthyological Research also maintains a garage, machine and carpentry shop, and storage areas in Pentecoste. At the disposal of the research center are a DNOCS run hotel that provides meals and lodging and a classroom for instruc- tion. AQUACULTURAL RESEARCH A program of aquacultural research has been in progress the last 2 years. This work has been directed towards eval- uating Brazilian fishes for culture potential and developing culture systems for use in DNOCS irrigation projects and by private farmers. Exotic species with known culture potential have also been investigated. Brazilian species of fish and shrimps with known market value and consumer acceptance were transported to Pente- coste from local bodies of water, the Sao Francisco River, and the Amazon River Basin to determine their rate of growth, production potentials, resistance to adverse environ- mental conditions and handling, acceptance of and efficiency in utilizing pelleted feeds, and ability to reproduce in ponds. Water Quality Water entering the research station's ponds has a pH of 7.7 to 8.3 and a total alkalinity of 100-150 p.p.m. Surface water temperatures range between 220 and 351C. Water is delivered through an open irrigation canal from General Sampaio reservoir 35 kilometers from the station. Fisheries Research SABALO (Brycon sp.). Sabalo were received in a shipment of fish from the Amazon Basin in Peru. The fish were stocked in a 0.04-hectare earthen pond at the rate of 8,150 per hec- tare. Their average weight at stocking was 3 grams. After 9 months of growth, during which time fertilizer and a low- protein pelleted ration were added, the experiment was term- inated. Production was 620 kilograms per hectare; average weight per fish was 84 grams. The growth rate of sabalo was considered slow even in view of the high density at which it was stocked. The fish readily accepted a pelleted ration. It handled well, but was difficult to seine as it readily jumped to avoid the net. The fish when eaten were found to contain large numbers of small intermuscular bones. It is not yet known if sabalo will spawn in ponds. Further studies with this fish have been deferred to concentrate on finding a more promising species for culture. MANDI CHORAO (Pimelodella brasiliensis). Fry of this species were transported from the Sao Francisco River and stocked into four 0.035-hectare earthern ponds at the rate of 4,200 fish per hectare. Average size of mandi at stocking was 22 grams. The ponds were fertilized with triple super- phosphate and organic manure and the fish were fed a low- protein pelleted ration at.3 percent of their body weight per day. After 286 days, the ponds were drained. Average pro- duction was 314 kilograms per hectare with an average weight per fish of 100 grams. Mandi fed well on the pel- leted ration and proved to be an excellent tasting fish with few bones. Fish of this species were able to withstand nor- mal handling, but they have sharp spines which make their handling difficult. It is not known if mandi can reproduce in ponds. Because of slow growth and low production per hectare, testing of mandi has been suspended until some other species have been investigated. TAMBAQUI (Colossoma bidens). A shipment of 74 tam- baqui from waters of the Amazon Basin near Iquitos, Peru, was stocked into a 0.085-hectare earthen pond on January 21, 1972. These characids had an average weight of 6 grams and were stocked at 2,077 per hectare. The pond was fer- tilized twice during the first 6 months with 16 kilograms of cow manure (448 kilograms per hectare) and four times in TABLE 2. SUMMARY OF THE RESULTS OF TAMBAQUI (Colossoma bidens) RAISED IN AN EARTHEN POND Result Performance measure Per pond Per ha Total yield 89.6 kg 2,509.0 kg Net gain 89.2 kg 2,495.0 kg Average weight at stocking 6.0 g Average weight at harvest 1,245.0 g Conversion 3.07 Average weight gain per day 8.0 g Survival 100% the same period with 600 grams of triple superphosphate (16.8 kilograms per hectare). Later fertilization was un- necessary since fertility was sustained by the addition of feed only. The fish were initially fed a pelleted ration 6 days a week at 3 percent of the weight of the standing crop of fish in the pond. 'The feeding rate was adjusted monthly following sampling of the fish population by seining. Tambaqui were fed half their allotted daily ration in the early morning and half in late afternoon. Poor water quality developed in the latter part of the experiment, necessitating a reduction in the feeding rate. The ration contained 29.1 percent protein, of which 8 percent was of animal origin. Fish meal made up 3.5 percent of the animal protein. The experiment was term- inated after 405 days. Table 2 summarizes the results. Tambaqui adapted well to the alkaline waters of the Pentecoste research station. They accepted a pelleted ration, were tolerant of low dissolved oxygen and handling, and were easily captured with a seine. An attempt was made to spawn Tambaqui that had reached sexual maturity in a captive environment at 41/2 years of age. The fish were injected with pituitaries taken from curimata comum, Prochilodus cearensis. Eggs were obtained from one female, but fertilization was not accomplished because sperm from male fish were not available. PIRAPITINGA (Mylossoma bidens). A shipment of 94 pirapitinga from waters of the Amazon Basin near Iquitos, Peru, was stocked into a 0.035-hectare earthen pond on Jan- uary 21, 1972. These characids were stocked at 2,632 per hectare at an average weight of 9 grams. The pond was fertilized twice during the first 6 months with 16 kilograms of cow manure (448 kilograms per hectare) and four times in the same period with 600 grams of triple superphosphate (16.8 kilograms per hectare). After 6 months of enrichment, additional fertilization was unnecessary. The fish were fed a pelleted ration 6 days a week at the rate of 3 percent of weight of the standing crop of fish in the pond until poor water quality necessitated a reduction in feeding rate. This rate was adjusted monthly following sampling of the fish population by seining. The allotted daily ration was fed in equal feedings in early morning and late afternoon. The ration contained 29.1 percent protein, of which 8 percent was animal protein. Fish meal made up 3.5 percent of the animal protein. The experiment was term- inated at 405 days. Results are summarized in Table 3. TABLE 8. SUMMARY OF RESULTS OF PIRAPITINGA (Mylossoma bidens) RAISED IN AN EARTHEN POND Performance measureResult Per pond Per ha Total yield 88.3 kg 2,472.0 kg Net gain 87.4 kg 2,447.0 kg Average weight at stocking 9.0 g Weight of ration fed 295.7 kg 8,280.0 kg Average weight gain per day 2.4 g Conversion 3.38 kg Survival 97% Pirapitinga reacted favorably to environmental conditions at the Pentecoste research station, and they accepted a pel- leted ration, were tolerant of low dissolved oxygen and han- dling, and were easily captured with a seine. In addition, they ate a wide range of fruits and vegetables thrown into the pond. Pirapitinga reached sexual maturity in the research cen- ter's ponds in 3 years. Mature males and females were in- jected with pituitaries taken from the characid, Prochilodus cearensis. The spawn from one female was mixed with the sperm of several males and the fertilized eggs developed to the 32-cell stage before total mortality occurred. More detailed information concerning tambaqui and pi- rapitinga can be found in a publication by Lovshin, de Silva, Fernandes, and Carneiro-Sobrinho (1974). MIRROR CARP (Cyprinus carpio). Preliminary work was begun using the widely cultured mirror carp, a fish originally from Germany that has been cultured in Brazil for many years. The carp were fed 6 days a week with a ration of rice bran at 3 percent of the weight of the standing crop of fish. Experimental ponds were fertilized weekly with the equivalent of 1,400 kilograms per hectare of cow manure for 5 months. Preliminary results show a total production of 812 kilograms per hectare in 245 days when carp were stocked at 2,240 per hectare at an average weight of 16 grams, which is not considered satisfactory for mirror carp. It is thought possible that many years of inbreeding of this strain of carp has caused a regression in growth character- istics. It is recommended that a faster growing strain of mirror carp (Israeli strain) be introduced if work with carp is to be continued. A diet more nutritious than rice bran should also be tried. While the present strain of mirror carp in Brazil may not be a fast grower, it is easily spawned at least twice a year using common methods reported in the literature. Water hyacinth roots and artificial mats have both been satisfactory as receptacles for the adhesive eggs. TILAPIA sp. Tilapias are presently being raised in most tropical countries in the world. They are a good culture fish in tropical areas where animal protein sources are limited since they produce high yields on a wide range of agricul- tural waste products and organic manures with intensive culture. Despite many advantages, Tilapia have the disad- vantage of reproducing heavily, which results in over-popu- lating the pond. The large number of small individuals pro- duced are undesirable for commercialization. This disadvan- tage was demonstrated by the following experiments: When stocked at the rate of 5,000 per hectare in ponds fertilized with cow manure and fed a ration of 50 percent wheat bran and 50 percent castor bean meal, Tilapia nilotica grew to a total weight of 8,680 kilograms per hectare in 238 days. Only 5.3 percent of the fish exceeded 75 grams, which is considered the minimum commercial size. In an attempt to correct overpopulation by Tilapia, a commonly available predator, pescada do piaui (Plagioscion squamosissimus), was stocked with T. nilotica. Tilapia were stocked at the rate of 5,000 per hectare in ponds that had been fertilized with cow manure. Pescada do piaui were added at the rate of 2,000 per hectare. The ponds were fed a ration of 50 percent wheat bran and 50 percent castor bean meal. After 238 days, average total pro- duction of Tilapia for all ponds was 2,114 kilograms per hec- tare and 70.7 percent were of commercial size. Results of this experiment are reported in Table 4. The combination of Tilapia and pescada was not considered highly desirable; although the percentage of commercial size Tilapia was in- creased 65 percent in this experiment, total Tilapia produc- tion was reduced by 1,566 kilograms per hectare. Further trials with Tilapia in combination with other locally available predators are indicated. An experiment to test the economics of raising T. nilotica in association with pigs was completed. An earthen pond of 3,800 square meters was stocked at the rate of 10,000 per hectare with fingerlings averaging 13 grams each. This pond had a pig sty located on its margin, surrounded by a corral which allowed the pigs to enter the water and still be con- fined. The pig sty was 36 square meters, with a cement floor, wood sides, and palm frond roof. Twenty-three pigs with an average weight of 17.9 kilograms were placed in the sty and fed a simple ration at 5 percent of their body weight per day. Waste feed and pig waste products were washed into the pond daily. The pond received no other fertiliza- tion. After 150 days the pigs, which averaged 55.7 kilo- grams, were sold and the pond was drained. Total produc- tion of Tilapia was 1,902 kilograms per hectare, of which TABLE 4. PERFORMANCE OF Tilapia nilotica STOCKED WITH PREDATOR PESCADA DO PIAUI (Plagioscion squamosissimus) Result, by treatment Performance measure T. nilotica + predator' - T. nilotica alone 2 38 ponds, 41 ponds, 39 ponds, 40 ponds, 342-m 2 271-m 2 320-m 2 316-m' Total production, kg/ pond T ilapia------------------------------------------- -- 73.3 56.4 113.980 120.0 Pescada.- 6.1 4.6 Total production, kg/ha Tilapia --- 2,146.8 2,081.5 3,556.1 3,804.0 P escad a --- ---- ---- ------ --- -- --- ------- --- ---- ------ 179.3 168 .0 Net production, kg/ha T ilapia.......................................-- .. ... 2,049.5 1,988.2 3,462.5 3,702.8 P e sc a d a --- ---- -------- ------------------------------ 4 6 .9 3 1 .1.. Av. weight of fish at stocking, g T ila p ia .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 9 .0 1 9 .0 1 9 .0 2 0 .0 P e sc a d a -- ------------------------------------------ 6 6 .0 6 9 .0. ... Av. weight of Pescada at harvest, g 100.0 123.0 Percent survival of pescada 89.7 68.5 Feed conversion of Tilapia -- .--- 4.1 to 1 4.8 to 1 2.4 to 1 2.3 to 1 Weight of useable fish (75 g +), kg/pond 50.8 40.8 6.4 6.0 Percentage of useable Tilapia- 69.0 72.3 5.6 5.0 D ays of experim ent ...... ............................... 238.0 238.0 288.0 238.0 Fertilizer applied, kg/pond ----------------- - 332.9 262.6 305.6 305.6 Feed fed, kg/pond. . . . . 238.5 215.5 269.7 272.2 'T. nilotica, 5,000 per hectare; Pescada do Piaui, 2,000 per hectare. 2 5,000 per hectare. At value as defined by Swingle (1950). 4,5:3 kilogims ortS(i 2:)., fcivtelt, xx(, of idinmel cial size (75 gramls-) 1(11 toSet sliti fiti (ie( pigs \\ia,,.5.2 :1 aod( fott thle p)igs atnd fish citobinedl 2.9:1. 'Illte 1,902 kilogrianms per llietiore pirodutiont of' 1. Iilohti('O. xxitli pig xx aste ttiilx inl 150f (lax.- comltpill-is f :15 titlthlv xx itl the thteorticeal produtionti of his sp~ecies (231I9 k ilii ras per' h ect are ill the simi tinitt iti'ix i ls I Ix it li(Ntttre p~olnd iii whIich 1'. iiiittit'u ,i eu tllred il association wxith pigs is tabiilatedf iii Tale 5. 1ioi (11 111 il in ion ales xx 119et itosxed xxitlt 1. iiuur le- midles to piroduice It)0 perent ittle offispinlg. The cuilturte potential (if 10t0 pereei t male fix inds xxa tuxtdied cill :355 (ia e-tcer-x IA ca ithlet pondsf . TIhi explerim en t iiieli I f ed ttree lex(lx iif' piodiietixitx, eaeli \xtli txxo irates of xtotekiing replicatedf three timtes illit acatoriai (lesigit. cxixof' pro-i duetixit Ix xxi: ) ot galie l'ettill/el, (2) feeding~r atil (:3) xvitaouilt [eedsl or fertiliz er (cti ito ) . Stock iii g rate exreI .5,600) finigerings pet liectie iiid 8,96(1 per heetate, eat late befog~ stocked inl iite pwoiifx. 'Ihe( poutts that I eeeixed gIafilil toiiiire xx e11e tertilizecl onlce at xxeek xx itfi :3)) kilo- gTi alitx ( 84)) k iiogi antx per hiectare) of' cat tie Ittal ilt . Pt i lix that xx ti fedf r eceived at tatiuiii of .50) perent xxhieat chtaff ioid TAttLE 5. PlIEIMi NR Eiie xixL0t\0%11i 0, 15 1 P11. 5 HxisFi iN .Assttlxi (iN xxiii Iilapia toli/e/io\u PIATEix xl x xiNI I FAxitxS IN CFABli, 1IEixTi FISH POtNt) xxIII[ IS) L)ex -)i xl\sii. Pt moo)' 1INs estlitelits Feetd stol I ge fuses( Pir_ sties 97- n TIotill Costs Fixed: Akinotizt ti it it 6)) pigs xx egftitgl 1,0)74 kg (alt Ci 8 :3.2.5/kg) V ariables: Fee d (11,46)) kg- att Ci- 8 ))32/kg) F eitilt 'ti Witter s o xox i tii I ItI x est tt' o \hk -wfi ----- \ I 11 e it t Ci o1------ Totail Gross In1ciiiii 6)) pigzs (lix tI eigh ing.L :3,:342 kg, (it CiS :3.70,/k,, Side ttf 458 kg- o ish oiftt conirerc-iitl x ti iot CrS 3.5)/k, andI eteb xx tighitiig more than 75 g Sale itt 1A 411 kg, of fish tot Ilti oioti itI x alite att Cr8 1.0)) kI xx ith eatch x igit less tfiatt 75) Total-- Net fiwnett (proifit) Atllottlit .500.))) :300.00) 150).00) Cr8 22J125.00) Cr8S :321.0 885.)) ;3,490).50 Ct8' 4,666 .5)) Cr8S .3,6(7.2tt 65.))) 20,))0 1(6.00) 80).00) 100).00) Cr8 5,0)48.2)) Cr8 - 12,365.40) I .6tt:3 tt 1,444.00) Cr8 15,412.1)) Cr8'567.7) (U. S. 8 949.61) 'Att,kzlx bvi fx(ilitt Roi_tw gs ir, Economtist, (eitrlo tdu When two species of Tilopoa ore crossed fmale T. hornorum at top and femole T. ,,idoiica at bottom , younD fish produced ore all moles (center). 5)) peci it citxtttt beai mteid, appliedl 6 clix 's a xxeek A 3pr lelt tof thet xx (igit of the statd~ t crttg~ op of fish. The raitioni cotanieli atppimtN nately 2.5 pet eei it prt iii. Pon ds thalit wvere xtocekecd at thle samne raite xxer e fed[ (Piall v eatch received half of' tlte dtla l tlotment inl eat ix mtitililt andc hllf, ill thle late Aterttimi. The itmtaxirrt i rittea of teedin g xx as 5(0.6( kiloi- gri~tttx pet Itectitie per clay lor t aI ntitti period, inl p)onds stttckel it the~ rate tot 8.96)) ftsht pcr iec-tatre. At iix six of' x a tat ice showxxed it si gilifican t clifiere nee (01.0t5 level )ill tot al fisht prodclltioni bclt xtcii the txxo rates of Stoekitig attiII it highly sigtiicaud tllfflewice (0.t1 level) be- txx i teitItne its. 'rits, igelr fish prodluctionI resullted ft ot t high r ate tof stoekitig xxitht the ulse (If feeds. A s1111- illitortttiitiotl ott the pi llctiltl of itt ilapia ltvh iths husing or- , ilei f i tii.et , cltemteai tetflhiz,'e iil t Coll lil lttioll of 01' (altic tfertilizer atitc leecltig (itit1]( ita I x earl groxwing period. Ai r: lidatilt Iesigi \it x sledl xxitlt i tre treatltlis relicated tx~vicc'. All Pt' Ils xxete stoceked xx itht 8,960) fintgerlings pecr lice- talre. 'lTe twxot pot tcl tha~t nlceixecl 0rgan IC felt iIizer oinly xxe fetrtiltid wxithi cowx inimtttl itt the rlte oif 1,4)0) kilo- grfitnts pet ftectitt t per xxelk. 'I'he txx fptitls thiat xwere triitecl xxitht clIiliiea fertilizer r eceixedl 28 kilogl urns Per hort: t e ot trip le. slipet ph o p 1 tte utti ciit equl atliotlnt of :tlttttoiiln sit 1 fate ex erx 2 wxeeks. 't'lte, fertilizer xxas applied TABLE 6. PERFORMANCE OF MALE HYBRID Tilapia AT Two STOCKING RATES AND THREE TREATMENTS Result, by stocking rate and treatment Performance measure Stocking level, 5,600 per hectare Stocking level, 8,960 per hectare Control Organic fert. Feed Control Organic fert. Feed Total production Kg/pond- - 11.8 28.7 35.0 9.9 36.3 63.5 Kg/ha-.... 330.0 804.0 980.0 277.0 1,016.0 1,778.0 Net production Kg/pond - 10.3 27.3 33.6 6.4 33.1 60.0 Kg/ha 288.0 764.0 941.0 179.0 927.0 1,680.0 Av. weight of fish At stocking, g 7.4 7.4 7.1 8.0 7.3 7.2 At harvest, g 58.0 166.0 185.0 36.0 148.0 229.0 Percent survival 83.3 86.5 94.0 87.3 90.1 86.4 Fertilizer applied Kg/ha - 990.0 990.0 Kg/pond .... 27,720.0 27,720.0 Feed fed Kg/pond 91.3 163.5 Kg/ha ..- 2,556.0 4,578.0 Feed conversion ........ 2.7:1 2.7:1 Days of experiment .... 253.0 253.0 253.0 253.0 253.0 253.0 Growth, g/day 0.2 0.6 0.7 0.1 0.6 0.9 ' Treatment results are the averages of three replicates. by placing both components together in a floating, perforated, Results of the experiment are summarized in Table 7. plastic pail. The remaining two ponds which received fer- Statistical analysis showed a highly significant difference in tilizer and feed were fertilized with 1,400 kilograms per yields (0.01 level) between treatments. Total production hectare per week of cow manure for 9 months. At this time with feeding and fertilization was 163 percent more than fertilization was stopped because feeding alone maintained with chemical fertilization only and 264 percent more than the water fertility at a high level. The ponds were fed a with organic fertilization only. The maximum daily feeding ration of 50 percent wheat chaff and 50 percent castor bean rate was 122.4 kilograms per hectare, which was sustained meal in the early morning and late afternoon. Fish were fed for a 2-month period. No fish mortality occurred. 3 percent of their body weight, 6 days a week. Fertilization It was hypothesized that higher fish production could be of all ponds that were to receive either organic or inorganic obtained by raising Tilapia hybrids and mirror carp (Cyprinus fertilizer was begun 2 weeks prior to stocking to increase carpio) together than by raising either species alone. To the available natural food supply when the fry were intro- test this hypothesis, an experiment was begun which utilized duced. a random design of three treatments, each replicated three TABLE 7. PERFORMANCE OF Tilapia HYBRIDS AT ONE LEVEL OF STOCKING AND THREE TREATMENTS Result by treatment Performance measure Organic (cow) manure Chemical fertilizer Manure + feeding 22 ponds 24 ponds Average 21 ponds 26 ponds Average 23 ponds 25 ponds Average Stocking rate/ha .......... ------ 8,960 8,960 8,960 8,960 8,960 8,960 Av. weight At stocking, g ---------------- 20.0 21.0 21.5 22.0 22.0 22.0 200 20.0 20.0 At harvest, g -------------- 164.0 144.0 154.0 226.0 203.0 215.0 616.0 514.0 565.0 Total production Kg/pond ...................... 52.2 43.6 47.9 68.4 64.3 66.3 187.8 161.0 174.0 Kg/ha .....------ 1,462.0 1,221.0 1,341.0 1,915.0 1,800.0 1,856.0 5,258.0 4,508.0 4,883.0 Net production Kg/pond ----------- --- -- . 45.7 37.0 41.4 61.3 57.3 59.3 181.8 154.6 170.0 Kg/ha .-------------------- 1,280.0 1,036.0 1,159.0 1,716.0 1,604.0 1,660.0 5,076.0 4,329.0 4,760.0 Feed Kg/pond 617.2 617.2 617.2 Kg/ha 17,282.0 17,282.0 17,282.0 Organic manure Kg/pond 2,050.0 2,050.0 2,050.0 1,680.0 1,680.0 1,680.0 Kg/ha . .. 57,400.0 57,400.0 57,400.0 47,040.0 47,040.0 47,040.0 Chemical fertilizer Ammonium sulfate Kg/pond 62.0 62.0 62.0 Kg/ha 1,736.0 1,736.0 1,736.0 Triple superphosphate Kg/pond 63.0 63.0 63.0 Kg/ha _ 1,764.0 1,764.0 1,764.0 Feed conversion -. 3.4 3.8 3.6 Survival, pct. 100.0 94.0 97.0 95.0 99.0 97.0 95.0 98.0 97.0 Days of experiment 356.0 356.0 356.0 356.0 356.0 356.0 Growth, g/day - 0.40 0.30 0.35 0.60 0.50 0.65 1.70 1.40 1.55 times. Mirror carp were stocked in three ponds at the rate of 2,240 per hectare. Tilapia hybrids were stocked in three ponds at the rate of 8,960 per hectare, and Tilapia hybrids and mirror carp were stocked in three ponds at the rate of 8,960 and 1,400 per hectare, respectively. All ponds were fertilized with 5,600 kilograms per hectare of cow manure 1 week before fish were stocked to ensure an initial natural food supply. All ponds received additional applications of cow manure at the rate of 1,400 kilograms per hectare weekly for 5 months. Fertilization was then stopped because of the high level of pond fertility. All ponds received a ration of rice polishings containing 14 percent protein. Ponds with mirror carp only were fed 3 percent of their body weight; those containing Tilapia hybrids only and Tilapia hybrids plus mirror carp were fed 3 percent of the body weight of only the hybrids. All of the ponds were fed once a day in the late afternoon, 6 days a week. The maximum feeding rate per day with carp only was 22.4 kilograms per hectare, Tilapia hybrids and carp together 60.2 kilograms, and with Tilapia hybrids only 72.5 kilograms per hectare. A summary of results of this test are given in Table 8. Statistical analysis indicated no significant difference (0.05 level) in total production of commercial size fish between treatments with Tilapia hybrids only and Tilapia hybrids and carp combined. Both treatments had highly significant dif- ferences (0.01 level) when compared with the carp only treatment. While there was no significant difference in total production between the two treatments using hybrids, there TABLE 8. PERFORMANCE OF Tilapia HYBRIDS AND MIRROR CARP CULTURED SEPARATELY AND IN MIXED CULTURE' Result, by treatment' Performance measure Mirror Tilapia Ca Tiia carp hybrid combined' alone alone Production-commercial size fish Kg/p ond .------------------..... 29.0 107.8 105.9 Kg/ha 812.0 3,018.4 2,965.2 Production-small Tilapia Kg/pond .3--------------.4.8 21.5 Kg/ha 974.4 602.0 Total production Kg/pond 29.2 142.6 127.4 Kg/ha 812.0 3,992.8 3,567.2 Av. weight At harvest, g 379.0 353.0 361.0 285.0 At stocking, g ---------------- 16.0 45.0 18.0 45.0 Feed fed Kg/pond 62.7 440.6 295.1 Kg/ha - 1,756.0 12,337.0 8,263.0 Feed conversion Harvestable fish ....... 2.8:1 4.8:1 3.2:1 Harvestable + small fish.. 2.3:1 3.8:1 2.6:1 Cow manure Kg/pond 1,150.0 1,150.0 1,150.0 Kg/ha 32,200.0 32,200.0 32,200.0 Survival, pct. 96 96 95 95 Days of experiment 245 245 245.0 Growth, g/day 1.45 1.26 1.40 1.00 ' Treatment results are averages of three replications (ponds), except the treatment with the mirror carp alone is the average of two replicates because of mortality in one pond. 2 Stocking rates: mirror carp alone, 2,240 per hectare; Tilapia hybrid alone, 8,960 per hectare; combined, 1,785 carp and 8,960 Tilapia hybrids per hectare. ' Combined treatment data are given by species for average weight at harvest and at stocking, survival, and daily growth: carp at left in column and Tilapia at right. were differences between hybrids alone and hybrid-carp combinations. The combination produced 105.9 kilograms of marketable hybrids and carp on 295.1 kilograms of feed, whereas with hybrids alone production was 107.9 kilograms of marketable hybrids on 440.6 kilograms of feed. Thus, 82 percent less feed was needed to raise an equal weight of hybrids and carps together than to raise hybrids alone. Re- production was found in all but one pond containing Tilapia hybrids. Weight of the reproduction ranged between 14.6 and 46.1 kilograms per pond. Several fish culturists have shown that Tilapia hybrids grow faster than either parent species. However, no reports have compared growth of the hybrids with male T. nilotica which grow much faster than the female T. nilotica. To test the hypothesis that Tilapia hybrids grow faster than male T. nilotica, an experiment was planned utilizing a random design with three treatments, each replicated twice. Tilapia hybrids and male T. nilotica were each stocked in two ponds at 10,000 per hectare and Tilapia hybrids and T. nilotica were stocked together in two ponds at 5,000 per hectare each. All treatments received 224 kilograms per hectare of triple superphosphate and 224 kilograms per hectare of ammon- ium sulfate in four applications over the 2-week period prior to stocking Tilapias. After they were stocked, all ponds re- ceived 56 kilograms per hectare of each chemical fertilizer approximately every 2 weeks. The fertilizers were applied by placing them in floating, perforated, plastic pails. All treatments were fed an equal amount of rice polishings (14 percent protein) 6 days a week in late afternoon, at the daily rate of 3 percent of their body weight. The maximum daily feeding rate was 84 kilograms per hectare, which was fed for 1 month. Results of this experiment are summarized in Table 9. Analysis of variance revealed no significant differences (0.05 TABLE 9. PERFORMANCE COMPARISON BETWEEN MALE Tilapia nilotica AND Tilapia HYBRIDS UNDER INTENSIVE CULTURE' Result, by treatment' Performance measure Male T. Tilapia Combined nilotica hybrid Tilapia T. alone alone hybrid nilotica Av. weight At harvest, g 299.0 340.0 346.0 296.0 At stocking, g- 63.0 60.0 64.0 65.0 Av. growth, g 236.0 280.0 282.0 231.0 Total production Kg/pond 101.4 116.0 106.4 Kg/ha -- 2,839.0 3,248.0 2,979.0 Feed Kg/pond 258.9 258.9 258.9 Kg/ha - 7,249.0 7,249.0 7,249.0 Feed conversion 3.4 2.8 3.2 Fertilizer Kg/pond 24.0 24.0 24.0 Kg/ha 672.0 672.0 672.0 Triple superphosphate Kg/pond 24.0 24.0 24.0 Kg/ha 672.0 672.0 672.0 Survival, pet. 96.5 97.5 94.0 Days of experiment - 180.0 180.0 180.0 Growth, g/day 1.3 1.6 1.6 1.3 'Treatment results are averages of two replications. 2Stocking rate: male T. nilotica or Tilapia hybrids alone, 10,- 000 per hectare; combined males and hybrids, 5,000 each per hectare. level) in average net growth of Tilapia hybrids and male T. nilotica. Also, statistical analysis of total production of the two treatments showed no significant difference (0.05 level) between the two fish. In this experiment, therefore, Tilapia hybrids did not grow significantly faster than T. nilotica males. All-male Tilapia hybrids are an excellent culture fish for use in developing tropical areas. Yields of 4,000 to 5,000 kilograms per hectare per year of hybrids can be raised by farmers with little technical understanding of fish culture if simple feeding and fertilizing instructions are followed. Ti- lapia hybrids are highly tolerant of poor water quality and resistant to diseases, which reduces problems in culturing them. The hybrids will accept and grow well on a wide range of organic manures and agricultural waste products to keep cost of production low. More detailed information concern- ing methods of Tilapia hybrid fry production and culture can be found in a publication by Lovshin, da Silva, and Fernandes (1974). In May 1974, the research ponds and buildings were flooded when unusually heavy rains caused the river Curu to overflow. While causing little damage to the ponds and laboratory, the flooding did cause the loss of large numbers of fingerling Tilapia hybrids. Further experiments were de- layed several months until replacement fingerlings could be produced. PARTICIPANT TRAINING Two DNOCS biologists are presently studying for M.S. degrees in fisheries at Auburn University. Joaquim Figueiredo is specializing in fish parasites and diseases and Afonso Men- des Augusto is specializing in limnology. A third participant, Cincinato Paiva, is participating in a 1-year special Auburn course of study specializing in fish nutrition. Joao de Oliveira Chacon received a 45-day special training course in fish taxonomy, also at Auburn University. At present, participant training is a weak point in an other- wise strong program. The difficulty lies in finding partici- pants who have the desire and English language ability to study in the U.S. DNOCS realizes the importance of ad- vanced training in the United States but is unable to hire new biologists because of upper level governmental restric- tions on direct hiring of new personnel. This greatly limits the number of people available for such training. DNOCS biologists who have received special training in the United States are listed in Table 10. SHORT-TERM TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE With the aid of Auburn University, three short-term visits were made by fishery personnel to aid the project in specific areas of interest. Dr. Wilmer Rogers, fish parasitologist, and Dr. Thomas Lovell, fish nutritionist, of Auburn's Department of Fisheries and Allied Aquacultures, spent November 20-27, 1973, working with DNOCS biologists in their fields of in- terest as well as evaluating the project for Auburn University and giving timely suggestions for improving research efforts. Dr. Jack Greenfield, regional fishery economist with the National Marine Fisheries Service, spent November 20-De- cember 2, 1973, working with Mr. John Jensen and the DNOCS fisheries economist. His efforts were directed towards evaluating the economic and business potertial of commercial fish culture in Ceara and aiding in planning a program that the DNOCS economist can follow to further evaluate this potential. Results of this study will be pub- lished and distributed in the near future. All three visiting advisors presented lectures to fishery students and DNOCS biologists at the University of Ceara in their specific fields of interest. TRIP TO JAPAN AND PHILIPPINES The author and two Brazilian biologists who work for DNOCS, Osmar Fontenele and Jos4 William Bezerra e Silva, attended the worldwide FAO Technical Conference on Fish- ery Products held December 4-11 in Tokyo, Japan. This conference dealt with latest developments in fishery products, handling and preservation, and processing in developed and developing countries. Sessions were also devoted to tropical TABLE 10. DNOCS BIOLOGISTS TRAINED IN THE UNITED STATES ON USAID PARTICIPANT TRAINING PROGRAM Present employment Name Dates Locale Area of study Present employment Employer Position Amaury B. da Silva Aug. '68- Auburn University Fish culture DNOCS Director of Pentecoste June '69 Research Station Helio A. Rezende Melo........ Aug. '69- Auburn University Limnology DNOCS Director of Limnology July '70 Research Odilo F. Dourado Aug. '69- Auburn University Fishery biology DNOCS Director of Reservoir Mgt. July '70 Program Joaquim Figueiredo - June '73- Auburn University Fishery biology (M.S.) DNOCS In U.S. studying Afonso Augusto June '73- Auburn University Limnology (M.S.) DNOCS In U.S. studying Jarbas Studart Gurgel.. Mar. '71- Kansas State University Fish nutrition DNOCS Administrator of Freshwater Dec. '71 University of Seattle Fish technology Fisheries in the Northeast Jose Rogerio Travares Aug. '68- University of Seattle Fish technology University Assistant Professor- July '69 of Ceara Chemistry Jose Valdo Freitas - Aug. '68- University of Seattle Fish technology DNOCS Director of Fish Technology July '69 Program Cincinato Paiva Jan. '74- Auburn University Fish nutrition DNOCS In U.S. studying Joao O. Chacon. Oct. '73- Auburn University Fish taxonomy DNOCS Fish taxonomy Nov. '73 5 DNOCS Biologists------- 45 days Visited various state DNOCS and federal fisheries institutions 10 fish and aquaculture, product development, marketing, train- ing of fishery technologists, and international cooperation. The conference provided an excellent opportunity to view some of Japan's large and modern fishery industries, make contacts with fishery workers from nations around the world, and gain insight into the coordination and administration of an international conference. After the FAO conference, the three participants flew to Manila, Philippines, to visit the USAID/Auburn University fisheries technical assistance project. Guided by Dr. Rudy Schmittou, Chief-of-Party for the Auburn University team, they visited the freshwater research stations in Munoz, Nueva Ecija, the government fishery laboratory and research ponds in Manila, and a number of private milkfish farms in the Manila area. The participants were able to observe extensive commercial fish culture enterprises of types which are almost nonexistent in Brazil. This was of great value for the Bra- zilians who had previously seen little fish culture outside of Brazil, providing a chance for them to see that fish farming can be an important money-making business. INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR FISH CULTURE TRAINING The author firmly believes that DNOCS now has a strong foundation in facilities, trained personnel, and departmental organization to establish a much needed training program in aquaculture. The Department of Fisheries has already re- ceived numerous inquiries from other Brazilian agencies and neighboring South American countries to provide technical assistance and training. DNOCS gave individual training in fish culture and related disciplines to 15 Brazilian and one foreign biologist in 1973 and 9 Brazilian biologists in the first 6 months of 1974. With the Convenio's facilities and personnel, an interna- tional program for fish culture training can easily be estab- lished with the aid of USAID and Auburn University. The program should be a well organized presentation of specifi- cally defined subjects. Instead of providing training programs demanding much time and effort on an individual basis, a single well organized program could be offered once a year to interested biologists utilizing DNOCS staff and facilities. It is clear that the demand for training in fish culture is grow- ing rapidly in South America. The best source of training is the DNOCS research station in Pentecoste, which is consid- ered the best facility of its kind in South America. FISHERIES PUBLICATIONS The following publications relating to fish culture and fish culture extension have been published within the last 2 years or will be published in the near future. DA SILVA, CARNEIRO-SOBRINHO, FERNANDES, AND LovsmN. 1973. Observations preliminaires sur l'obention d'hybrides tous males des especes Tilapia hornorum et Tilapia nilotica. Notes et Documents sur la Peche et al Pisciculture, Centre Technique Forestier Tropical Nouvelle Serie 7:1-8. DA SILVA, CARNEIRO-SOBRINHO, FERNANDES, AND LovSIN. Ensaio preliminair sobre a criacao consorciada de especie ictica Tilapia do nilo, Tilapia nilotica (Linnaeus) e suinos em viveiros. Notes et Documents sur la Peche et la Pisci- culture, Centre Technique Forestier Tropical. (In print) DA SILVA, CARNEIRO-SOBRINHO, FERNANDES, AND LovsmN. Observacoes preliminares sobre a criacao de Tambaqui (Colossoma bidens). Boletim Tecnico da Superintendencia do Desenvolvimento do Nordeste. (In print) DA SILVA, CARNEIRO-SOBRINHO, FERNANDES, AND LOVSmN. Observacoes preliminares sobre a criacao de Pirapitinga (Mylossoma bidens). Boletim Tecnico da Superinten- dencia do Desenvolvimento do Nordeste. (In print) GREENFIELD, LIRA, AND JENSEN. 1974. Economic Evalua- tion of Tilapia Hybrid Culture in Northeast Brazil. FAO Aquaculture Conference for Latin-America, Montevideo, Uruguay. (In print) JENSEN, J. W. 1974. Fishculture Activities in the Lower Sao Francisco River Valley, Brazil. 1974. FAO Aquaculture Conference for Latin-America, Montevideo, Uruguay. (In print) LovsnIN, DA SILVA, FERNANDES, AND CARNEIRO-SOBRINHO. 1974. Preliminary Pond Culture Tests of Pirapitinga (My- lossoma bidens) and Tambaqui (Colossoma bidens) From the Amazon River Basin. FAO Aquaculture Conference for Latin-America, Montevideo, Uruguay. (In print) LovsHIN, DA SILVA, AND FERNANDES. 1974. The Intensive Culture of the All Male Hybrid of Tilapia hornorum (male) x Tilapia nilotica (female) in Northeast Brazil. FAO Aquaculture Conference for Latin-America, Montevideo, Uruguay. (In print) JENSEN, J. W. AND ANTONIO CARNEIRO-SOBRINHO. 1974. Cartilha do Criador de Peixe. No. 1 Minter/DNOCS, Diretoria de Pesca e Piscicultura, Centro de Pesquisas Ictiologicas. ACKNOWLEDGMENT The author acknowledges the contributions made by DNOCS fishery biologists Amaury Bezerra da Silva, Antonio Carneiro-Sobrinho, Jos6 Anderson Fernandes, and Fernando Rezende de Melo to the fish culture research program. Re- search summaries presented in this progress report are the results of work done by the above mentioned Brazilian biolo- gists and the author. I also extend a big "Thank You" to all those Brazilians connected with the Ichthyological Research Center for the friendship and understanding I received in the past 2 years. 11