Hatchery and Broodstock Management to produce quality seed in carps

Abstract

The fish production is needs to be enhanced from 13.75 million metric tonnes (2018-19) to 22 million metric tonnes by 2024-25. To achieve this target aquaculture productivity should be augmented from the present 3 tonnes to about 5 tonnes per ha. The contribution of fish seed in total production cost is 5-10% and stocking of better quality seed is crucial to the expansion and progress of aquaculture sector. Inbreeding depression is observed in many of the carp hatcheries because of repeated usage of the same brood fishes without following intermittent replenishment of broodstock. There is lack of genetic norms in most of the hatcheries in India, which account to nearly 30% loss in production due to bad quality fish seed. Thus, using genetically improved seed following proper broodstock management and genetic norms in the carp hatcheries can serve as a suitable alternative to solve the problem of poor quality fish seed.