Biofloc technology (BFT) for indoor rearing of Clarias batrachus (Linn)

Abstract

Increasing human population trends from 1.5 to 6.4 billion, with a projected growth to 9 billion by 2050, necessitates production diversification, which has been estimated at 840 million, in order to prevent malnutrition. The natural resources, particularly the fish reserves in lakes, rivers, and oceans, are negatively impacted by the population's exponential development. In order to encourage sustainable farming, aquaculture production must be increased without significantly utilizing the necessary natural resources. Sustainable fish farming is a method of managing suitable benthic conditions and water quality in a culture system while having a low environmental impact. In order to provide a nutrient-balanced diet, particularly one high in protein, animal husbandry and fishing are the two sources of animal protein. Fish products are the safest group of muscle protein, which contains all needed amino acids, essential fatty acids. Since very few literatures is available in the Biofloc technology (BFT), the present dissertation encompasses the research work from a very grass-root level i.e. from water analysis of BioFloc system to study of different rearing techniques and their effects on the growth of Clarias batrachus. The Biofloc aquaculture system is an eco-friendly one that produces using organic debris and recycled nutrients including phytoplankton, bacteria, dead organic matter by manipulating the C/N ratio to transform harmful nitrogenous wastes into beneficial microbial protein. which aids in water quality improvement in a zero-water exchange system. It may serve as a comprehensive supply of nourishment for aquatic species, as well as some bioactive substances that will improve growth, survival, and defense mechanisms, and it may serve as a unique way to aquaculture health management by boosting animals' innate immune systems.