EFFECT OF SUGARCANE BAGASSE AND SUPPLEMENTARY FEED ON EGG AND SPERM QUALITY OF CATFISH, HETEROPNEUSTES FOSSILIS (BLOCH)

Abstract

In modern aquaculture, feed is one of the major components affecting the cost of production. In most traditional aquaculture practices, herbivorous or omnivorous species have been preferred as they feed on natural food organisms, the growth of which can be enhanced through fertilization and water management (Pillay, 2001). But carnivorous species generally need a high protein diet and are therefore, considered to be more expensive to produce, even though the costs will depend largely on local availability and price of the required feed stuffs. To compensate the feeding costs, most carnivorous species command higher market prices. Such species generally have greater export markets and therefore, attract substantial investments. In the present study, investigations were carried out to evaluate the egg and sperm quality of the catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis in sugarcane bagasse substrate medium. This species was selected due to its ability to adapt in fresh and brackish waters with very low oxygen and could grow under generally poor environmental conditions, make these fishes extremely valuable for small and large scale rural fish farming (Pillay, 2001). Substrate-based farming practices are considered viable low-cost technologies as they help in sustainable aquaculture production (Dharmaraj et al., 2002). Sugarcane bagasse is the fibrous residue remaining after sugarcane stalks are crushed to extract their juice, generated in large quantities and is currently used as a renewable resource in the manufacture of pulp and paper products and building materials.