EFFECTS OF STOCKING DENSITY ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND PROFITABILITY OF CYPRINUS CARPIO FRY REARED IN FLOATING CAGES AT TIGRIS RIVER CENTRAL IRAQ
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36103/f3fec434Keywords:
economic Analysis, fry Development, production Efficiency, fish stocking Density, fish cage farming, freshwater fishesAbstract
ABSTRACT
This study assessed the effect of stocking density on growth performance, survival rate, and profitability of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fry in floating cages along the Tigris River, Al-Sewairah, Iraq. The 63-day experiment, conducted from April 15 to June 17, 2024, used three stocking densities: 100, 200, and 300 fry/m³ (G1, G2, and G3), with two replicates per group. Key parameters, including growth rates, feed conversion ratio (FCR), survival rates, and economic returns, were evaluated. Water quality remained optimal. Results showed significant differences (P≤0.05) in growth rates (7.89%/day for G1, 8.03%/day for G2, and 7.14%/day for G3), survival rates (81.6%, 80.25%, and 76.75%), and FCR (3.64, 2.69, and 6.0). Economic analysis revealed G2 had the highest net profit and benefit-cost ratio (BCR=1.6), suggesting it as the optimal density for maximizing productivity and profitability. These findings support floating cage aquaculture for sustainable common carp production in Iraq and similar areas.
Received: 23/1/2025
Accepted: 13/4/2025
Published: 31/8/2026
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