Evaluation of Artemia
biomass production in San Crisanto, Yucatán, México, with the use of
poultry manure as organic fertilizer
T.D.N.J. Maldonado-Montiel, L.G. Rodríguez-Canché,
M.A. Olvera-Novoa-2003
Aquaculture, 219(4): 573-584
Abstract:
The main objective of aquaculture is to obtain high
yields to improve the cost–benefit relationship. Organic fertilizers are
considered cheap inputs that may contribute to improving crop yields;
however, responses to these fertilizers can vary not only due to their own
characteristics, but also to environmental conditions at the location,
salinity and handling given to these wastes. In the present work, we
evaluated nitrogen and phosphorus levels resulting from 24, 48 and 72 h
decomposition of five doses of poultry manure (2.67, 5.33, 10.67, 16 and 20
g l-1, equivalent to 100, 200, 400, 600 and 750 kg ha-1
(kg/107 l), respectively) in seawater (experiment 1). The highest
quantity of nitrogen in the water was obtained with 2.67 g of fertilizer at
24 h of decomposition. The highest amounts of phosphorus were obtained with
5.33 g of fertilizer at 24 and 48 h. Based on these results, it was decided
to evaluate the 2.67 and 5.33g concentrations of poultry manure in the
production of Artemia spp. biomass in earthen ponds (experiment 2).
The highest biomass quantities (457.0 and 467.33 g 4000 l-1) were
obtained with both concentrations of fertilizer (2.67 and 5.33 g,
respectively) at 55 days of the trial. Biomass production in control ponds
was always lower than that obtained in fertilized experimental units. The
mean biomass production of the 11 evaluations recorded was not statistically
different between the two doses of fertilizer (P>0.05), but these
were significantly different from the control. The lowest apparent feed
conversion ratio (AFCR=0.88) was obtained with the lowest concentration of
fertilizer (2.67 g). Therefore, the best amount of fertilizer for Artemia
biomass production under proposed experimental conditions is 2.67 g of
fertilizer, equivalent to 100 kg ha-1. The use of poultry manure
as fertilizer in Artemia culture could contribute to diversifying
productive activities in the coastal zone of Yucatán and to partially
satisfying the demand for this source in the region.
(Facultad
de Ciencias Químico Biológicas-Universidad Autónoma de Campeche, Av. Agustín
Melgar s/n, Campeche 24030, Campeche, Mexico, e-mail of L.G. Rodríguez-Canché:
lgrodrig@mail.uacam.mx or rodriguezc6430@yahoo.com.mx)