Feasibility of Pond Production of Largemouth Bass,Micropterus salmoides, for a Filet Market

Abstract

The effects of stocking density on food-size largemouth bass (LMB), Micropterus salmoides, production (>0.5 kg) were evaluated in a 2-yr study by stocking LMB fingerlings (mean weight = 57 g/fish) in 0.1-ha earthen ponds at rates of 6175, 12,350, or 18,525 fish/ha. Gross yields increased from 3989 to 9096 kg/ha as stocking density increased. No significant differences were observed in survival rates (range of 65-74%) due to density. Maximum feed consumption occurred at water temperatures of 27-30 C. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) and mean harvest weight were significantly different (P < 0.05) among densities, with the lowest FCR and the lowest mean weight found at the highest density (18,525 fish/ha). At harvest, LMB were considered to be in good condition with relative weight (W r ) values of 123-124. Dressout yield percentages were 61-62% for wholedressed LMB and 34-35% for shank filets. LMB grew well and reached a size adequate for targeted shank filet sizes. However, the production costs of $7.26-$9.34/kg mean that LMB production for a filet market is unlikely to be feasible. Research to lower LMB fingerling and feed costs and improved FCR would contribute to improved economic feasibility.

Evaluation of alternative pond production systems for raising largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides

“…Gross yield was significantly higher in IAP and the SPS, corresponding with the higher stocking densities in these two systems compared to the TP treatment. A similar effect was found by Engle, Stone, and Xie (), with higher production yields in ponds stocked at higher densities. The final individual weight, SGR (% gain/day), and WGR (%) were significantly higher in the TP and IAP treatments compared to SPS.…”

“…The SGR in this study ranged from 0.83 to 0.93% gain/day, which seems low when compared with the values reported in Kubitza and Lovshin (); Cochran, Coyle, and Tidwell (); and Tidwell, Coyle, and Bright (). Fulton's condition factor was significantly higher in fish raised in TP reaching 1.79 ± 0.14, which was slightly lower than the values reported by Engle et al (), which were between 1.81 and 1.86 for fish stocked between 18,525 fish/ha and 6,175 fish/ha, respectively. The significantly lower condition factor found for fish cultured in the SPS (1.68 ± 0.13) might be an indication of some physiological stress because of confinement or overcrowding when compared with fish raised in IAP or TP (Barton, ).…”

“…They found that water temperature had a significant effect on feed‐habituated success and growth rate of LMB fingerlings. Engle et al () reported that temperature significantly affected the amount of feed consumption. In this study, we also observed that temperature affected feed consumption, with fish feeding actively during early hours when the temperature was between 27 and 30°C, rather than in the afternoon when temperatures were higher (Tables and , and Figures and ).…”

Effects of Stocking Density on the Growth Performance, Physiological Parameters, Redox Status and Lipid Metabolism of Micropterus salmoides in Integrated Rice–Fish Farming Systems

“…In a land-based recirculating aquaculture system, the growth performance of M. salmoides decreased when the density reached up to 23.34 kg/m 3 (65 times as high as our data) [ 28 ]. In a pond system, M. salmoides reared at a high stocking density (about 798 g/m 2 ) showed lower growth [ 50 ]. The low growth performance seemed to be related to inappropriate environmental and/or feeding conditions, the reduction in available space for individuals and the extra energy requirements induced by stress under a high stocking density [ 51 , 52 , 53 ].…”

Effects of Different Feeding Regimes on Growth Rates and Fatty Acid Composition of Largemouth Bass Micropterus nigricans at High Water Temperatures

“…Furthermore, a vast majority of all food fish LMB raised in the USA are delivered live to ethnic markets in highly populated north American cities [ 17 ]. Finally, the feasibility of a filet market [ 18 ] has also been investigated, although it is not currently economical.…”