The Influence of Varying Stocking Densities on the Behavioral Indices, Growth Performance, and Welfare of Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) Fish

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Animal Wealth Development, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Cairo, Badr City 11829, Egypt

2 Behavior, Management of Animal, Poultry and Aquatic Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44511, Egypt.

3 Behavior, Management of Animal, Poultry and Aquatic Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44511, Egypt

4 3Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Badr University, Badr city, Cairo Governorate, 11829 Egypt.

Abstract

The aim of this research was to determine how varying stocking densities affected the behavioral traits and the biological performances of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) larvae. Larvae weighted 3.00±1.00 g were randomly distributed in three groups (G1-G3; 2 replicate/group) of low-density medium density, and high density (7, 14, and 21 fish/aquarium), respectively for 8 weeks. The findings revealed that high stocking density (21 fish/ aquarium) showed the lowest values in normal behavior with the highest values of aggressive behavior when compared to low and medium density. Low density raised fish were more active than medium and high stocking density raised fish when it came to the terms of midline crossing test, and finally there was an opposite relationship between average body weight and the stocking density, the lower the density the more weight gained and vice. We can conclude that, to achieve welfare for grass carp, stocking density should be carefully considered with suitable floor space for each fish in low stocking density as mentioned group 1 (7 fish/ aquarium).

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