Assessment of Fish Growth Rate and Feed Utilization in Carp Polyculture under Variable Stocking Density

Abstract

Stocking density is a critical management factor influencing growth performance, feed utilization, and overall productivity in carp polyculture systems. This study assesses fish growth rate and feed utilization efficiency under variable stocking densities to identify optimal stocking strategies for sustainable aquaculture production. The proposed methodology involves controlled pond experiments with multiple stocking density treatments, incorporating common carp species in polyculture combinations. Key parameters such as growth rate, weight gain, specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), survival rate, and water quality indicators are monitored using standard aquaculture techniques. Environmental parameters including temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and nutrient levels are continuously recorded to evaluate their interaction with stocking density. The collected data are preprocessed through cleaning, normalization, and statistical validation to ensure consistency and reliability. Advanced analytical and machine learning models, including regression analysis, Random Forest, and Artificial Neural Networks, are employed to analyze the relationship between stocking density, feed utilization, and growth performance. Experimental results indicate that moderate stocking densities optimize resource utilization, leading to improved growth rates and efficient feed conversion. In contrast, excessive stocking densities result in increased competition for food and oxygen, reduced growth performance, and higher FCR values. Lower stocking densities, while reducing competition, may underutilize available resources and limit total production. The study identifies an optimal density range that balances growth efficiency and overall yield. The findings highlight the importance of precise stocking management in enhancing aquaculture productivity. The study concludes that optimizing stocking density using data-driven approaches provides a scalable and sustainable solution for improving fish growth performance, feed efficiency, and profitability in carp polyculture systems.