1. Aquaculture Production

2. Question of the day?
What factors do you need to consider before starting an aquaculture program?

3. Productive Characteristics of Aquacrops
Ectothermic animals
Body density is similar to habitat
Save energy in getting food
Multi-dimensional environment
Growth rate often rapid
Efficiency of feed conversion

4. Ectothermic Animals Body temperature same as environment
No energy used to regulate body temperature
Energy goes to growth

5. Body Density Fish and crustaceans near that of water
Less energy used to support weight
More energy for growth

6. Search for Energy
Efficiency occurs when energy is not used to search for food
Some species are filter feeders

7. Multidimensional Environment
Various space and positions used by different species
Polyculture is used
Aquaculture structures for space use include pens, cages and others

8. Rapid Growth Some species grow rapidly
May be used as food by other species
Some species reproduce rapidly

9. Efficient Feed Conversion
Ratio of feed to gain is conversion
Aquatic species more efficient than terrestrial species
Fish = 1.4 pounds feed to 1 pound gain
Beef Cattle = 4-8 pounds feed to 1 pound gain

10. Characteristics to Consider in Selecting an Aquacrop
Reproductive habits
Egg and larvae requirements
Nutritional needs and feeding
Polyculture ability
Adaptability to crowding
Disease resistance
Market demand

11. Importance of Reproductive Characteristics
Reproductive process must be understood
Stable supply of seed
Amenable to selection and stock improvement

12. Characteristics of Eggs and Larvae
Need large eggs
Need hardy larvae
Massive quantities
Frequent reproduction
Amenable to artificial hatching

13. Characteristics of Nutrition and Feeding
Selection based on:
Low on food chain
High on food chain

14. Polyculture Ability Ability to thrive with other species present
Variety of organisms use different niches in system
More volume produced

15. Crowding Adaptability
Intensive systems use high population density
Crowding causes potential problems
Good management is essential