The manual is based on the practical experiences of the authors on the artificial reproduction and pond rearing of the African catfish Clarias gariepinus within FAO field projects in the Central African Republic, the Republic of the Congo, Kenya and Nigeria. The manual is divided into five major sections dealing with: 1) general biology, including natural feeding habits and reproduction; 2) artificial reproduction, including induced propagation without and through hormone injection; 3) fry nursing in earthen ponds, including pond preparation, fertilization, feeding and management; 4) monoculture, including feeding methods; and 5) polyculture with Tilapia. In addition, information is provided concerning the economics of different fingerling and grow-out farming practices in Africa, and concerning diseases and hybridization.

This publication contains two parts.

The book "Seed Production of Catfish in Biofloc" offers an in-depth exploration of the methodologies and principles behind the successful hatchery of catfish using biofloc technology. This technology leverages the natural microbial communities in water to enhance water quality and provide supplemental nutrition to catfish larvae, significantly improving survival rates and growth performance. Key Topics Covered: 1. Introduction to Biofloc Technology: Explanation of the biofloc system and its benefits, including water quality management and cost efficiency. Discussion on the microbial communities involved in biofloc and how they contribute to the health and growth of catfish. 2. Broodstock Management: Guidelines on selecting and maintaining high-quality broodstock. Techniques for optimizing breeding conditions and enhancing reproductive success. 3. Spawning Techniques: Detailed protocols for both natural and induced spawning methods. Instructions on setting up and managing spawning tanks using biofloc. 4. Egg Handling and Larvae Rearing: Best practices for egg incubation, ensuring high hatchability. Steps for managing larvae in biofloc systems, focusing on survival rates and early growth. 5. Nursery Management: Strategies for transitioning larvae to fry, emphasizing the role of biofloc in reducing disease and mortality. Detailed feeding schedules and nutritional management for fry. 6. Water Quality and System Maintenance: In-depth analysis of water parameters critical to biofloc systems. Tips for maintaining optimal biofloc conditions to support catfish health and growth. 7. Economic and Environmental Considerations: Evaluation of the cost benefits of biofloc systems versus traditional methods. Discussion on the sustainability of biofloc in reducing environmental impacts of aquaculture. 8. Challenges and Solutions: Identification of common challenges in biofloc-based catfish seed production. Practical solutions to issues such as disease outbreaks, water management, and system scalability. 9. Marketing and Distribution: Guidance on the economic aspects of catfish seed production. Strategies for effectively marketing and distributing catfish fry, both locally and internationally. 10. Case Studies and Real-World Applications: Examples of successful biofloc-based catfish hatcheries. Lessons learned from various implementations and their outcomes. Authors: Adi Sucipto: With over 25 years of experience in aquaculture engineering, Adi Sucipto brings a wealth of knowledge in hatchery management and the application of biofloc technology in aquaculture. Rafif Muhammad: A student at Universitas Brawijaya, Rafif Muhammad combines academic excellence with hands-on experience in operating a catfish hatchery, contributing fresh insights and innovative approaches to biofloc systems. The book serves as a valuable resource for aquaculture professionals, researchers, students, and anyone interested in sustainable fish farming practices. It not only provides technical guidance but also encourages the adoption of environmentally friendly practices that can lead to more efficient and profitable catfish farming operations.

This book is about important relevant recent research topics in sustainable aquaculture practices. A critical assessment of the sustainable fishing methods and the aspect of sustainable aquaculture feed is presented in this volume. A special focus has been given to socio-economic and environmental assessment of aquaculture practices and analysis of carbon footprint under an intensive aquaculture regime. Aquaponics as a niche for sustainable modern aquaculture has been highlighted. The effect of use of pharmaceuticals to prevent fish disease on the surrounding marine environment is an emerging area of concern, and a critical discussion on this aspect is included in the book. The spread of organic waste and nutrients released by fish farms to natural water bodies has raised considerable concerns. Therefore the methods to prevent their dispersion and removal (treatment) have been comprehensively covered in this book. This book is an essential read for academician, researchers, and policy makers in the field of aquaculture.

This publication is presented in two parts.

Human activity is changing the global environment at an unprecedented rate while humanity faces a range of complex and interrelated challenges to local, regional and global development, human security and politics. Food security ranks high on the science, policy and development agendas. However, most research linking global change and food systems examines the impact of climate change on agricultural production, or the impact of agriculture on land use, pollution and biodiversity, overlooking interactions with other aspects of the food system – such as food processing, packaging, transportation and consumption and employment derived from these activities. This book demonstrates that new threats to food security which arise from environmental change require more than simply a focus on agricultural practices – what is needed is an integrated food system approach. The authors point out that the process of adapting food systems to global environmental change is not simply a search for technological solutions to increase agricultural yields. Tradeoffs across multiple scales among food system outcomes are a prevalent feature of globalized food systems. Within food systems, there are key underexplored areas that are both sensitive to environmental change and crucial to understanding its implications for food security and adaptation strategies. The authors assert that technical prescriptions alone will not efficiently manage the food security challenge. This book is their contribution to a new paradigm, which addresses food systems holistically by engaging researchers in multiple disciplines to understand the causes and drivers of vulnerability.

Animal welfare issues are becoming increasingly prominent in animal prodution, for both economic and moral reasons. This book presents a clear understanding of the relationship between the welfare of major food animal species and their physiology, and the direct impact this has on meat quality. This new edition focuses on recent research and developments and also looks into welfare in aquaculture.