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The history of channel catfish farming in the United States serves as a model for the development of pond-based aquaculture industries worldwide. Channel catfish farming is the largest and economically most important aquaculture industry in the United States. In 2003, over 300,000 metric tons (662 million pounds) of channel catfish were processed, representing about half the total United States aquaculture production. Demand for farm-raised catfish is strong, with record processing years in 2002 and 2003. In 22 chapters written by active scientists in the field, Biology and Culture of Channel Catfish comprehensively synthesizes over 30 years of research on this American icon. Throughout the book, fundamental biological aspects of channel catfish are linked to practical culture techniques. Topics include: • Latest information on reproductive physiology, genetics, and breeding • Comprehensive treatment of catfish nutrition, feeds, and feeding practices • Water quality management and pond dynamics • In-depth review of immunology in channel catfish • Practical information on diseases and health management • Techniques for commercial culture, including innovative techniques such as raceways, recirculating systems, and partitioned aquaculture systems • Catfish economics and marketing • Exploration of environmental concerns, including recommended Best Management Practices
Although aquaculture as a biological production system has a long history, systematic and efficient breeding programs to improve economically important traits in the farmed species have rarely been utilized until recently, except for salmonid species. This means that the majority of aquaculture production (more than 90 %) is based on genetically unimproved stocks. In farm animals the situation is vastly different: practically no terrestrial farm production is based on genetically unimproved and undomesticated populations. This difference between aquaculture and livestock production is in spite of the fact that the basic elements of breeding theory are the same for fish and shellfish as for farm animals. One possible reason for the difference is the complexity of reproductive biology in aquatic species, and special consideration needs to be taken in the design of breeding plans for these species. Since 1971 AKVAFORSK, has continuously carried out large scale breeding research projects with salmonid species, and during the latest 15 years also with a number of fresh water and marine species. Results from this work and the results from other institutions around the world have brought forward considerable knowledge, which make the development of efficient breeding programs feasible. The genetic improvement obtained in selection programs for fish and shellfish is remarkable and much higher than what has been achieved in terrestrial farm animals.