| Abstract: | Density reduction, supplemental feeding, and a combination of two treatments were evaluated as means to alleviate stunting of red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii in earthen ponds. Mean total yield of crayfish in low density control ponds averaged 1,218 kg/ha and was 1.5 to 2 times higher (P≤ 0.05) than either the high density control or treatment ponds. Mean individual harvest weight of crayfish averaged 15.1 g and did not differ among treatments. Mean total yield of crayfish in ponds receiving supplemental feed was 32% higher than non-fed ponds (P≤ 0.05). Mean total yield and size of crayfish at harvest from reduced and non-reduced treatments did not differ. Density reduction and supplemental feeding implemented in early April did not increase individual crayfish weight to the commercially desirable size of 20 g. |
