Hatchery and Growout
Performance of Sunshine Bass and Backcross Hybrid Striped Bass in
Recirculating Aquaculture Systems
S.R.
Lindell, B. Delbos, R. Perham, J. Goldman, E.M. Hallerman, T.O. Brenden-2004
International Journal of Recirculating Aquaculture,
5: 43-54
Abstract:
Previous research has suggested that backcross hybrid
striped bass (BX: sunshine bass female x striped bass male) perform as well
as F1 hybrid striped bass (sunshine bass: white bass female x striped bass
male) for many economically important traits. We conducted trials to compare
rearing and growth traits of selected backcross hybrid striped bass with
hybrid striped bass (HSB). We spawned and reared larval BX fry in two
hatchery cycles, measured fry growth and performance, and compared them to
past performance of HSB fry. We conducted a grow-out trial of
commercially-available hybrid striped bass versus backcross hybrid striped
bass in replicated tanks to phase II fingerling size (approximately 100g).
Compared to HSB, in the hatchery phase, backcross hybrid striped bass
exhibited lower fertilization rate, comparable swimbladder inflation rate,
shorter time-to-weaning, lower survival, comparable growth, and comparable
condition factor. After 60 days, HSB exhibited significantly better growth,
survival, and feed conversion efficiency than BX. However, BX may have
better potential market acceptance by virtue of having a lower condition
factor, appearing longer and less deep-bodied than HSB.
(Fins Technology, 15 Industrial Road, Turners Falls,
MA 01376 USA, e-mail of E.M. Hallerman: ehallerm@vt.edu)