Tilapia is a highly favored fish in aquaculture due to its broad diet, tolerance to low oxygen levels, fast growth rate, low disease incidence, and strong reproductive capabilities. It is widely farmed in China and serves as a primary species for many local fishermen and farms. As a tropical fish, tilapia requires specific environmental conditions for optimal breeding, feeding, and management, especially during four critical stages: broodstock breeding, fry production, adult fish cultivation, and wintering preservation.
Currently, tilapia farming methods include pond culture, water-based aquaculture, cage farming, rice field integration, and marine farming. This article mainly focuses on freshwater aquaculture techniques.
**I. Pond Culture**
1. **Pond Conditions**
Farming sites should be located in sheltered areas with ample sunlight, clean and fresh water, no pollution, and easy access for transportation. The pond size typically ranges from 3 to 5 mu (about 2 to 3 hectares), with a depth of 1.5 to 2 meters. The sediment layer should be 20 to 30 cm thick. Each pond should be equipped with a 1.5 kW impeller aerator to ensure good water circulation and oxygenation.
2. **Pond Cleaning and Fertilization**
Before stocking, the pond must be disinfected. Typically, in mid-April, 75 to 100 kg of fresh lime per acre is used to disinfect the pond. After seven days, water is added to a depth of 1 meter, followed by the application of 300 to 400 kg of organic manure per acre. A small amount of annatto or Hongping may also be added to promote plankton growth.
3. **Stocking Fish Species**
When the water temperature rises and stabilizes above 15°C in spring, fingerlings are released. In general, 1,500 to 3,000 tilapia per acre are stocked, along with 40 to 70 cockroach and squid species to help control water quality. If mixed with other fish, 200 to 500 fish per acre can be introduced.
4. **Feeding Tilapia**
Feeding begins two to three days after stocking. Tilapia has a wide range of dietary preferences and can consume various feeds such as wheat, corn, and rice cakes. Feed should contain 32% to 35% protein, with daily feeding amounts at 3% to 5% of the total fish weight. Once fish reach around 200 grams, feed can be reduced to 2% of body weight with 27% to 29% protein. When they grow to about 300 grams, the fastest growth phase begins, with feed amounts maintained at 1% to 2% of body weight and feed protein content above 35%. Feed twice daily—at 8–9 am and 3–4 pm.
5. **Daily Management**
Regular monitoring of ponds is essential. Water temperature, pH, and transparency should be checked daily in the morning and evening, with pH measured once a week and transparency twice a week. Maintain water color as dark brown with a transparency of 25 to 30 cm. Apply fertilizer weekly, using 150 to 200 kg of livestock manure per acre. Adjust fertilizer based on water clarity and quality. During hot seasons, change 20% to 30% of the water 1 to 2 times per week. Ensure proper aeration when dissolved oxygen levels drop, and treat fish diseases promptly with appropriate solutions like salt baths or potassium permanganate.
**II. Rice Field Aquaculture**
Rice field farming allows for dual harvests. Before stocking, lime is applied to the ditches and fields two weeks prior, followed by fermented manure to cultivate natural food sources. Stocking usually occurs five days after transplanting, ensuring seedlings have fully recovered. Fish should be healthy, active, and free of injuries. Stocking density varies depending on field size and management practices—typically 200 to 300 tilapia per mu. Fish should be disinfected before release, using a 3% to 5% salt bath for 5 to 10 minutes. Avoid stocking on rainy or extremely sunny days. Feeding is minimal, as tilapia primarily feed on natural food, but supplementary feeding may be necessary to boost growth.
**III. Cage Culture**
Cage farming is effective for tilapia, especially in larger sizes. Cages are typically stocked with fish weighing between 10g to 50g. When dissolved oxygen levels exceed 3 mg/L, stocking density can range from 3 to 20 kg per cubic meter.
**IV. Flow-Through Culture**
Flow-through systems are ideal for high-density, factory-style farming. Ponds are usually small, ranging from 30 to 50 square meters. Oxygen levels must remain above 3 mg/L, and fish are fed 5 to 6 times daily with 2.5% to 3% of their body weight in nutrient-rich feed containing around 30% protein.
By following these comprehensive guidelines, farmers can effectively raise tilapia in various environments while ensuring sustainable and profitable aquaculture practices.
herpes zoster vaccine,Hepatitis B Vaccine For Adults,Tetanus Booster
FOSHAN PHARMA CO., LTD. , https://www.forepharm.com