Effects of cowdung and poultry manure on growth performance of Indian major carps [Catla catla, Labeo rohita] and exotic carp [Cyprinus carpio] in Thatta district [Sindh], Pakistan

ABSTRACT

In the manuring trials conducted in earthen ponds of 120 m[2] for one year, the juveniles of Indian major carps [Catla catla and Labeo rohita] and exotic carp [Cyprinus carpio] responded positively during warmer months i.e. March to August. The mean weight increase and mean specific growth rate [SGR] were better in the ponds fertilized with cowdung. Total growth rate per day calculated for Catla catla was 32.96 g, for Labeo rohita 95.02 g and for Cyprinus carpio 14.37 g under the influence of cowdung. Moreover individual growth rates/day were also high i.e. 2.06, 2.50 and 1.43 g, respectively. Percent contribution in fish production was 21.15%, 66.74% and 10.09%, respectively. Total growth rate of the three was significantly higher in cowdung [142.36 g] as compared to that in poultry manure i.e. 106.64 g. Both the fertilizers significantly differed in terms of monthly and treatment variations [P<0.05] except for treatment variation for Cyprinus carpio. Water treatment, light penetration, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, total suspended solids and nitrates were highly significant [P<0.05] both for treatment and monthly variation except pH and dissolved oxygen