Effect of Stocking Density on Growth Performance, Proximate Composition and Hematology of Anabas testudineus in Biofloc Culture System

In a biofloc fish culture system, this experiment assessed the effects of stocking densities of 200, 250, and 300 fish/m3 at treatments T1, T2, and T3, respectively, on the growth and production performances of Anabas testudineus. With a mean final weight of 121.64 ± 1.354 g, T1 produced the largest weight, followed by T2 (111.63 ± 0.552 g) and T3 (104.65 ± 0.602 g). In addition, the feed conversion ratio in T1 treatment (0.97 ± 0.011) was noticeably lower than T2 (1.36 ± 0.020) and T3 treatment (1.67 ± 0.116). Survival rate in T1 treatment (86.66%) was substantially greater than T2 (80.71%) and T3 treatments (74.81%). The comparative analysis of proximate composition has shown lower total microbial colony count, higher protein and fat content, and lower moisture and ash content in biofloc system. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) found in water quality parameter. Significant difference found (p < 0.05) in DO among three treatments. Comparing T1 (1.77 ± 0.017) to T2 (1.46 ± 0.005) and T3 (1.16 ± 0.047), BCR in T1 were higher. There was no significant differences found in HDL, LDL, Triglycerides and cortisol among three treatments but significantly found in control of A. testudineus. The higher level of HDL found in T1 and lower in control, LDL level lower in T1 and higher in control, triglycerides were lower in T1 and higher in control, cortisol higher in control and lower in T1. It might be concluded that the comparatively lower stocking density provides enhanced production and also be suitable in order to maintain better water quality parameters in biofloc culture system. This density is appropriate for the nation's biofloc culture of A. testudineus, as evidenced by the lowest production costs and maximum income seen in T1.