SEX REVERSAL IN FISH TO BOOST PRODUCTIVITY.

University pioneers sex reversal in fish to boost dwindling stocks in kenya. Fish is one of Kenya’s favorite delicacies and also a rich source of protein. However, most consumers of the popular tilapia fish are not aware that the meal on their plate is mostly from a male fish. According to fish scientists, male tilapia are fast maturing, rich in flesh and therefore ideal for market purposes once they attain a weight of between 250 to 400 grammes. For optimum exploitation of the sector, the experts say sex reversal can be done to ensure mass production of the popular white meat. The University of Eldoret (UOE) is currently conducting sex reversals on 20,000 fingerlings following the recent opening of a multipurpose hatchery. The hatchery has the potential to conduct sex reversal on 500,000 fingerlings. The university says, this will boost the production and supply of fingerlings across the North Rift region. With the advent of counties, which have been promoting diversification of agriculture over the last four years, residents of the North Rift are taking up fish farming. Besides, most households are shifting from red meat to fish, which they believe is rich in nutrients and also medicinal. According to Josiah Ani, the fish farm manager at the University of Eldoret, the institution has begun sex reversal on fingerlings using a hormone known as Methyl Testosterone which changes the female hormone to male. “Male fish are highly marketable due to their fast growth. The male fish can achieve the market size faster than the female, which consumes a lot of food to help it in reproduction and development of eggs,according to Ani. Before the transformation is done, brooders fed on protein have to be introduced into a fertilized pond. “The brood should be introduced into the pond in a specific ratio, generally two against one.A female tilapia is checked for fertilized eggs before it is transferred to another tank where it pours outs her eggs. The eggs are then taken to an incubator (container) full of water that circulates through pipes and has a temperature of approximately 24-28 degrees. Here, the eggs are hatched into fingerlings. “When they are hatched, the fingerlings have food attached to their body commonly referred to as yolk sacs. For three days to one week, the fingerlings will derive their food from these yolk sacs. When the yolk is fully absorbed, the fingerlings will become active as they seek food. This is the most ideal moment to conduct the sex reversal. The process, according to Ani, involves the use of methyl testosterone, a hormone, mixed with stock solution (dry matter which is food for the fish and contains high protein) and fed to the fish for 21 to 28 days. Feeding is done four to six times a day. It is mainly conducted during the day because tilapia, unlike catfish, is not photophobic and prefers light when feeding. “Fish is still the safest animal for protein and highly recommendable for both the young and the old. We must strive to increase its numbers as well as conduct sex reversals to ensure more males in the market,” he explained. Read more at: http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/article/2000198393/university-pioneers-sex-reversal-in-fish-to-boost-dwindling-stocks?articleID=2000198393&story_title=university-pioneers-sex-reversal-in-fish-to-boost-dwindling-stocks&pageNo=2

ATOVI , WASTE WATER TREATMENT AND FISH FARMING.

Waste water contains organic materials and nutrients, as well as pollutants and microorganisms that are harmful to humans and wildlife. which is the reason, all waste water treatment plants are designed to take advantage of the decomposition of organic materials by bacterial activity. Bacteria break down this organic material to obtain energy and building material for cell growth. The primary treatment involves physical removal of debris and large particles from the waste water; once at the plant, it enters one of two pumping stations. Sewage enters a large vat, where powerful pumps convey it into stilling basins and as the waste water flows past, mechanical augers grind up large debris and filter it out for disposal. The next step ; waste water enters grit removal tanks where sand, gravel and seeds settle to the bottom by gravity. The waste water then flows into the primary settling basins, where smaller particles settle out and mechanical devices skim off oil and solids that float to the top. When the removal of large particles and solids are done, the waste water flows into aeration basins where it is constantly stirred to help introduce oxygen and promote bacterial growth. This process is the secondary treatment and the mass of bacterial cells generated is called activated sludge. The beneficial bacteria will clean the water by digesting organic materials and other contaminants present in the waste water, consuming oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide. The waste water treatment plant will end up with a large amount of activated sludge (bacterial cell mass). The activated sludge (concentrated) will be placed in a large anaerobic digester designed to further treat the sludge using anaerobic bacteria. The result is not that satisfying because of the fact that harmful (anaerobic) bacteria can dominate the environment and in their decomposition process, produce hydrogen sulfide gas and similar by-products, this is the major cause of death in fish tanks. Where beneficial bacteria will be eliminated because they also die in toxins. The use of Atovi powder makes all the beneficial bacteria present in the waste water charged with high micro potential energy, making them strong and immune against any pollutants or toxins. The technology promotes regeneration of super strong beneficial bacteria thus, neutralizing harmful microorganisms through the process of competitive inhibition and competitive exclusion. The result is fully treated clean water, without traces of any chemicals, metals, toxins and bad bacteria. When the water turns green, it is a sign that marine ecosystem has been restored and it’s now suitable for fish and crustaceans culture. The use of atovi powder is of immense advantage in water plant and fish farming.