Aquaculture,the most rapidly growing food production sector,has exhibited tremendous expansion over the past several decades and it currently accounts for more than half of the global fish production for human consump...Aquaculture,the most rapidly growing food production sector,has exhibited tremendous expansion over the past several decades and it currently accounts for more than half of the global fish production for human consumption.To ensure sustainable aquaculture,it is necessary to breed farmed fish species(strains)with valuable economic traits,such as high production,high quality,disease resistance,and stress tolerance.Modem fish genetic breeding techniques largely rely on key processes including understanding the genetic basis of economically important traits to the generation and selection of favorable genotypes.展开更多
Commercial farming of anuran species that are declining in the wild raises a need to discriminate wild from farmed frogs.We hypothesized wild frogs might have extended hindlimbs due to greater frequency or intensity o...Commercial farming of anuran species that are declining in the wild raises a need to discriminate wild from farmed frogs.We hypothesized wild frogs might have extended hindlimbs due to greater frequency or intensity of jumping relative to farmed frogs,highlighting a morphometric approach to discrimination of wild from farmed frogs using hindlimb length.In the present study,Dybowski＇s frog（Rana dybowskii） was used to test this hypothesis.We measured body mass（Mb） and hindlimb length（Lh） of 2-year old farmed frogs and wild frogs aged 2 to 5 years.Dybowski＇s frog demonstrated significant dimorphism in Mb and Lh.Mb was significantly greater among farmed 2-year old frogs in both sexes（p=0.000）,while only among females was Lh significantly greater for wild frogs（p=0.000）.Lh/Mb was used as an index for origin discrimination to eliminate the influence of Mb due to variation of husbandry conditions among farms.Mean Lh/Mb for farmed frogs was significantly lower than for wild frogs（p=0.000） in the 2-year old age class.Discrimination correctly classified 84.4% of farmed and 96.3% of wild male frogs.Among females,92.9% of farmed frogs and 90.1% wild frogs were correctly classified.The overall correctness of classification was 92.1% and 90.8% for males and females,respectively.However,Lh/Mb revealed variation with age,resulting in reduced discriminative power for frogs ≥3 years old.We introduced a coefficient Ce to adjust the Lh/Mb of frogs ≥3 years to the level equivalent to 2-year frogs.The adjustment achieved 89.5% for overall correctness of origin for wild males and 92.4% for wild females ≥3 years old.These results show that Lh/Mb is an effective index to discriminate wild from farmed Dybowski＇s frog.Since the physical demands of jumping are common among anurans,this index is also potentially applicable to other anuran species.展开更多
This pilot study documented the occurrence and levels of brominated flame retardants in the tissues of farmed and wild salmon in southern Chile.Samples of Coho salmon and rainbow trout were obtained from fish farms,ri...This pilot study documented the occurrence and levels of brominated flame retardants in the tissues of farmed and wild salmon in southern Chile.Samples of Coho salmon and rainbow trout were obtained from fish farms,rivers and lakes in the Patagonia in Aysen Region,Chile.The samples were analyzed by Gas Chromatography Negative Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometry for the different polybrominated diphenyl ether（PBDE） congeners.Contaminants were observed in all the samples,and the congeners BDE 17,28,47 and 66 were observed in all both farmed and wild samples.The concentrations were higher in the farmed Coho salmon,presenting significant differences with wild salmon.The levels reached 182 pg/g wet weight（ww） vs.120 ww.In the case of the rainbow trout,the concentrations were lower,although the congener profile was quite similar.The levels reached an average of 100 pg/g ww in the farmed fish versus 110 pg/g ww in wild fish,and no significant difference was observed between the species.In both species,the congener with the highest concentration was BDE 47.Based on this information,the BDE ？ow was estimated for commerce,which is a form of pollutant transport not usually considered in POP pollution studies.A preliminary estimation indicated that the quantity of PBDEs mobilized by commerce was in the order of kg,and in the case of Chile might reach almost 1 kg.展开更多
Information of the difference in quality between farmed and wild fish is central to better ensuring fish products produced in aquaculture meet regulatory and consumer requirements. Proximate composition, amino acid an...Information of the difference in quality between farmed and wild fish is central to better ensuring fish products produced in aquaculture meet regulatory and consumer requirements. Proximate composition, amino acid and fatty acid profiles, and toxic elements contents of fanned and wild Chanodichthys mongolicus were established and compared. Significantly higher crude protein content while lower moisture content in farmed fish compared to wild fish were observed （P〈0.05）. The percentages of total amino acids （TAA）, total essential amino acids （TEAA）, total non-essential amino acids （TNEAA） and total delicious amino acids （TDAA） in farmed fish were all significantly higher than those in the wild equivalent （P〈0.05）. Compared to the FAO/WHO recommended reference values, the ratios of TEAA/ TAA （39.84%o-40.33%） were comparable to 40% and TEAA / TNEAA （66.22%-67.60%） were above 60%. Fatty acid profiles in both farmed and wild C. mongolicus were dominated by monounsaturated fatty acid （MUFA）, with farmed fish contained much more MUFA content compared to wild counterpart （P〈0.05）. Notably, wild fish exhibited significantly higher levels of total polyunsaturated fatty acid （PUFA） including eicosapentaenoic acid （EPA） and docosahexaenoic acid （DHA） than fanned fish （P〈0.05）. The EPA （C20：503） and linoleic acid （C18：206） were the predominant PUFA in wild and farmed C. mongolicus, respectively. Moreover, farmed fish displayed an overall lower toxic element levels （As, Cd, Pb and Hg） in comparison with wild fish, and both were far lower than the established limit standard. In conclusion, our results suggest that the nutritional quality of fanned C. mongolicus was inferior to their wild counterpart with respect to fatty acids nutrition, and therefore further studies should focus on the improving C. mongolicus diet in order to enhance the overall nutritional composition.展开更多
Domestication is a very strong process that has enabled humans to produce both plants and animals with desired traits. For land animals, this process started about 12,000 years ago and resulted in that today hundreds ...Domestication is a very strong process that has enabled humans to produce both plants and animals with desired traits. For land animals, this process started about 12,000 years ago and resulted in that today hundreds of well-defined breeds are available for the five most important farmed mammal species (cattle, pig, horse, sheep and goat). For aquatic animals, this process started much earlier, and the bulk of domestication of new species dated back only to the early 1980s. Nevertheless, there are now numerous fish species for which the life cycle is already closed in captivity and some domesticated fish have been genetically improved. This implies that what probably took hundreds of years in mammals (i.e., to control the life cycle in captivity and then to improve captive individuals) has been accomplished in only tens of years for some fish species. Based on the main problems observed today in farmed mammals, the possible consequences of this fast domestication of fish are discussed.展开更多
The aim was to clarify effects of ad libitum and restricted feeding with Ca:P ratios on foot welfare in blue foxes. Experiment was started at weaning on August 6th and finished at pelting on November 26th, 2013. Treat...The aim was to clarify effects of ad libitum and restricted feeding with Ca:P ratios on foot welfare in blue foxes. Experiment was started at weaning on August 6th and finished at pelting on November 26th, 2013. Treatments were: 1) restricted feeding, Ca:P ratio 1.5:1;2) restricted feeding, Ca:P ratio 2.9:1;3) restricted feeding Ca:P ratio control level;4) ad libitum feeding, Ca:P ratio 1.5:1;5) ad libitum feeding, Ca:P-ratio 2.9:1;6) ad libitum feeding Ca:P ratio control level. Body growth variables, feed intake and welfare variables were measured. The behaviour was video recorded. Foreleg carpal joint angle as an indicator of leg weakness and the fox’s ability to move were evaluated. During weeks 32 - 35 and 37 - 47 animals from restricted groups ate 60% - 65% and 67% - 68% of the given feed, respectively. Body weight gain was faster in foxes fed ad libitum than with a restricted diet (P ad libitum groups compared to restricted ones. The body condition score was significantly (P ad libitum animals. Body length was greater for ad libitum than for restricted groups (P ad libitum and restricted groups展开更多
The present study sought to find out how carotenoid supplement influences on body weights, feed consumption and reproductive success in standard farm mink (Neovison vison). Carotenoids were from microalgae Haematococc...The present study sought to find out how carotenoid supplement influences on body weights, feed consumption and reproductive success in standard farm mink (Neovison vison). Carotenoids were from microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis. A dose of carotenoid supplement of 0.20, 0.25, 0.20, 0.20, and 0.10 g/animal was added daily in feed in February, March, April, May and June, respectively. Experimental groups were: 1) control group, and 2) carotenoid group. Each group comprised 100 females and 25 males. The results showed that appetite of animals in all groups was good. Significant differences were not found in body weights before breeding. However, weights of control females were significantly (P < 0.05) lower compared with those of carotenoid fed animals when kits aged 21 days. At the age of 21 and 42 days, body weights of kits were similar in both groups. However, kits from carotenoid group tended to grow better (P < 0.1) than those from control group. Number of whelped females was lower in control group (81 vs 85 females). Number of barren females was higher in control than in carotenoid group (16 vs 13 females). Significant differences were not found in number of kits per mated and whelped female. Number of lost kits was higher in the control group at the age of 21 days (24 vs 20 kits) and the age of 42 days (40 vs 26 kits). The present study showed that carotenoid supplement could be used in mink diet. The results are promising, but require further studies before final implementation.展开更多
The present study evaluates growth, fur properties, health condition and reproduction performance in mink (Neovison vison) and blue fox (Vulpes lagopus) during growing-furring and reproduction periods. Diets compared ...The present study evaluates growth, fur properties, health condition and reproduction performance in mink (Neovison vison) and blue fox (Vulpes lagopus) during growing-furring and reproduction periods. Diets compared were: Diet A, which was composed of a high amount of slaughter-house offal but less fish products than normal, and diet B, which was composed of low amounts of slaughter-house offal but increased fish production content. Whelping succeeded better in animals on diet B than on diet A. The difference in whelping result between diets was 0.6 kits/mated female for mink (P < 0.05) and 0.4 kits/mated female for blue fox. At age 6 weeks, the difference was significant (P < 0.05) only in mink, i.e., 0.8 kits/mated female. Calculated per whelped female, the difference was most pronounced in mink (0.6 kits;P < 0.05). The weights of vixens at 6 weeks were similar with diets A and B in both species. In mink and blue fox, the body weights of male and female kits were higher with diet B (P < 0.05). During the growing period, weight gain was better with diet B (P < 0.05). Final body weights were higher in males on diet B (P < 0.05). A similar tendency was found in females. In blue fox, the skin was significantly longer in animals on diet B (P < 0.05). Significant differences were not found in fur mass, cover or quality. In mink, skin length was similar in both diets. Significant differences were not found in fur properties between the diet groups. The conclusion is that diet B can be better recommended instead of diet A.展开更多
Viral diseases cause serious economic loss in farmed animals industry.However,the efficacy of remedies for viral infection in farmed animals is limited,and treatment strategies are generally lacking for aquatic animal...Viral diseases cause serious economic loss in farmed animals industry.However,the efficacy of remedies for viral infection in farmed animals is limited,and treatment strategies are generally lacking for aquatic animals.Interactions of commensal microbiota and viral infection have been studied in recent years,demonstrating a third player in the interaction between hosts and viruses.Here,we discuss recent developments in the research of interactions between commensal bacteria and viral infection,including both promotion and inhibition effect of commensal bacteria on viral pathogenesis,as well as the impact of viral infection on commensal microbiota.The antiviral effect of commensal bacteria is mostly achieved through priming or regulation of the host immune responses,involving differential microbial components and host signaling pathways,and gives rise to various antiviral probiotics.Moreover,we summarize studies related to the interaction between commensal bacteria and viral infection in farmed animals,including pigs,chickens,fish and invertebrate species.Further studies in this area will deepen our understanding of antiviral immunity of farmed animals in the context of commensal microbiota,and promote the development of novel strategies for treatment of viral diseases in farmed animals.展开更多
Aquaculture provides significant contributions to household food security,as the capture of wild fish from lakes,dams,and oceans do not meet the current demand for animal protein in Tanzania.Sustainable aquaculture re...Aquaculture provides significant contributions to household food security,as the capture of wild fish from lakes,dams,and oceans do not meet the current demand for animal protein in Tanzania.Sustainable aquaculture requires well-established regulatory systems and extension services for good pond management practices and maintaining fish health by fish farmers.Fish farming is practiced widely in Tanzania,from small-to large-scale ponds and these farming systems are moving from extensive normal operations(low input demand)to intensive farming(high input demand).However,the industry is largely still operating at a subsistence level with low production.Bacterial infections have been occurring in these fish farms and will continue to be an issue of concern into the future.This review highlights the current challenges,successes,and prospects towards a sustainable aquaculture industry in Tanzania,including:limited extension services mirroring the limited knowledge by farmers regarding pond management practices;the inadequacy of funds to carry out fish disease research or implement a surveillance system;little expertise in fish disease diagnosis and treatment;and poor management options.To minimize disease outbreaks and optimize production in the future,we suggest a strengthening of extension services,augmented with on-farm knowledge transfer.Emphasis should be on pond management practices and fish disease management;the creation of a well-functioning fish disease surveillance system;and strengthening collaborative research on aquaculture between the government research institutions and academia.Establishing small cooperative fish farmer groups within the Aquaculture Association of Tanzania(AAT)for easy access to information is also recommended.展开更多
文摘Aquaculture,the most rapidly growing food production sector,has exhibited tremendous expansion over the past several decades and it currently accounts for more than half of the global fish production for human consumption.To ensure sustainable aquaculture,it is necessary to breed farmed fish species(strains)with valuable economic traits,such as high production,high quality,disease resistance,and stress tolerance.Modem fish genetic breeding techniques largely rely on key processes including understanding the genetic basis of economically important traits to the generation and selection of favorable genotypes.
基金supported by the Project of Tackling Key Problems of Science and Technology of Heilongjiang Province, China (GB06B205-3)Program of Wildlife Conservation and Breeding of State Forestry Administration of China (2008)Special Fund for Postgraduate Dissertation of Northeast Forestry University (2009)
文摘Commercial farming of anuran species that are declining in the wild raises a need to discriminate wild from farmed frogs.We hypothesized wild frogs might have extended hindlimbs due to greater frequency or intensity of jumping relative to farmed frogs,highlighting a morphometric approach to discrimination of wild from farmed frogs using hindlimb length.In the present study,Dybowski＇s frog（Rana dybowskii） was used to test this hypothesis.We measured body mass（Mb） and hindlimb length（Lh） of 2-year old farmed frogs and wild frogs aged 2 to 5 years.Dybowski＇s frog demonstrated significant dimorphism in Mb and Lh.Mb was significantly greater among farmed 2-year old frogs in both sexes（p=0.000）,while only among females was Lh significantly greater for wild frogs（p=0.000）.Lh/Mb was used as an index for origin discrimination to eliminate the influence of Mb due to variation of husbandry conditions among farms.Mean Lh/Mb for farmed frogs was significantly lower than for wild frogs（p=0.000） in the 2-year old age class.Discrimination correctly classified 84.4% of farmed and 96.3% of wild male frogs.Among females,92.9% of farmed frogs and 90.1% wild frogs were correctly classified.The overall correctness of classification was 92.1% and 90.8% for males and females,respectively.However,Lh/Mb revealed variation with age,resulting in reduced discriminative power for frogs ≥3 years old.We introduced a coefficient Ce to adjust the Lh/Mb of frogs ≥3 years to the level equivalent to 2-year frogs.The adjustment achieved 89.5% for overall correctness of origin for wild males and 92.4% for wild females ≥3 years old.These results show that Lh/Mb is an effective index to discriminate wild from farmed Dybowski＇s frog.Since the physical demands of jumping are common among anurans,this index is also potentially applicable to other anuran species.
基金supported by Fondecyt No. 1080294 and Fondecyt 1110719 (R Barra)
文摘This pilot study documented the occurrence and levels of brominated flame retardants in the tissues of farmed and wild salmon in southern Chile.Samples of Coho salmon and rainbow trout were obtained from fish farms,rivers and lakes in the Patagonia in Aysen Region,Chile.The samples were analyzed by Gas Chromatography Negative Chemical Ionization Mass Spectrometry for the different polybrominated diphenyl ether（PBDE） congeners.Contaminants were observed in all the samples,and the congeners BDE 17,28,47 and 66 were observed in all both farmed and wild samples.The concentrations were higher in the farmed Coho salmon,presenting significant differences with wild salmon.The levels reached 182 pg/g wet weight（ww） vs.120 ww.In the case of the rainbow trout,the concentrations were lower,although the congener profile was quite similar.The levels reached an average of 100 pg/g ww in the farmed fish versus 110 pg/g ww in wild fish,and no significant difference was observed between the species.In both species,the congener with the highest concentration was BDE 47.Based on this information,the BDE ？ow was estimated for commerce,which is a form of pollutant transport not usually considered in POP pollution studies.A preliminary estimation indicated that the quantity of PBDEs mobilized by commerce was in the order of kg,and in the case of Chile might reach almost 1 kg.
基金Supported by the Central-level Non-profit Scientific Research Institutes Special Funds(No.2014A07XK04)
文摘Information of the difference in quality between farmed and wild fish is central to better ensuring fish products produced in aquaculture meet regulatory and consumer requirements. Proximate composition, amino acid and fatty acid profiles, and toxic elements contents of fanned and wild Chanodichthys mongolicus were established and compared. Significantly higher crude protein content while lower moisture content in farmed fish compared to wild fish were observed （P〈0.05）. The percentages of total amino acids （TAA）, total essential amino acids （TEAA）, total non-essential amino acids （TNEAA） and total delicious amino acids （TDAA） in farmed fish were all significantly higher than those in the wild equivalent （P〈0.05）. Compared to the FAO/WHO recommended reference values, the ratios of TEAA/ TAA （39.84%o-40.33%） were comparable to 40% and TEAA / TNEAA （66.22%-67.60%） were above 60%. Fatty acid profiles in both farmed and wild C. mongolicus were dominated by monounsaturated fatty acid （MUFA）, with farmed fish contained much more MUFA content compared to wild counterpart （P〈0.05）. Notably, wild fish exhibited significantly higher levels of total polyunsaturated fatty acid （PUFA） including eicosapentaenoic acid （EPA） and docosahexaenoic acid （DHA） than fanned fish （P〈0.05）. The EPA （C20：503） and linoleic acid （C18：206） were the predominant PUFA in wild and farmed C. mongolicus, respectively. Moreover, farmed fish displayed an overall lower toxic element levels （As, Cd, Pb and Hg） in comparison with wild fish, and both were far lower than the established limit standard. In conclusion, our results suggest that the nutritional quality of fanned C. mongolicus was inferior to their wild counterpart with respect to fatty acids nutrition, and therefore further studies should focus on the improving C. mongolicus diet in order to enhance the overall nutritional composition.
文摘Domestication is a very strong process that has enabled humans to produce both plants and animals with desired traits. For land animals, this process started about 12,000 years ago and resulted in that today hundreds of well-defined breeds are available for the five most important farmed mammal species (cattle, pig, horse, sheep and goat). For aquatic animals, this process started much earlier, and the bulk of domestication of new species dated back only to the early 1980s. Nevertheless, there are now numerous fish species for which the life cycle is already closed in captivity and some domesticated fish have been genetically improved. This implies that what probably took hundreds of years in mammals (i.e., to control the life cycle in captivity and then to improve captive individuals) has been accomplished in only tens of years for some fish species. Based on the main problems observed today in farmed mammals, the possible consequences of this fast domestication of fish are discussed.
文摘The aim was to clarify effects of ad libitum and restricted feeding with Ca:P ratios on foot welfare in blue foxes. Experiment was started at weaning on August 6th and finished at pelting on November 26th, 2013. Treatments were: 1) restricted feeding, Ca:P ratio 1.5:1;2) restricted feeding, Ca:P ratio 2.9:1;3) restricted feeding Ca:P ratio control level;4) ad libitum feeding, Ca:P ratio 1.5:1;5) ad libitum feeding, Ca:P-ratio 2.9:1;6) ad libitum feeding Ca:P ratio control level. Body growth variables, feed intake and welfare variables were measured. The behaviour was video recorded. Foreleg carpal joint angle as an indicator of leg weakness and the fox’s ability to move were evaluated. During weeks 32 - 35 and 37 - 47 animals from restricted groups ate 60% - 65% and 67% - 68% of the given feed, respectively. Body weight gain was faster in foxes fed ad libitum than with a restricted diet (P ad libitum groups compared to restricted ones. The body condition score was significantly (P ad libitum animals. Body length was greater for ad libitum than for restricted groups (P ad libitum and restricted groups
文摘The present study sought to find out how carotenoid supplement influences on body weights, feed consumption and reproductive success in standard farm mink (Neovison vison). Carotenoids were from microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis. A dose of carotenoid supplement of 0.20, 0.25, 0.20, 0.20, and 0.10 g/animal was added daily in feed in February, March, April, May and June, respectively. Experimental groups were: 1) control group, and 2) carotenoid group. Each group comprised 100 females and 25 males. The results showed that appetite of animals in all groups was good. Significant differences were not found in body weights before breeding. However, weights of control females were significantly (P < 0.05) lower compared with those of carotenoid fed animals when kits aged 21 days. At the age of 21 and 42 days, body weights of kits were similar in both groups. However, kits from carotenoid group tended to grow better (P < 0.1) than those from control group. Number of whelped females was lower in control group (81 vs 85 females). Number of barren females was higher in control than in carotenoid group (16 vs 13 females). Significant differences were not found in number of kits per mated and whelped female. Number of lost kits was higher in the control group at the age of 21 days (24 vs 20 kits) and the age of 42 days (40 vs 26 kits). The present study showed that carotenoid supplement could be used in mink diet. The results are promising, but require further studies before final implementation.
文摘The present study evaluates growth, fur properties, health condition and reproduction performance in mink (Neovison vison) and blue fox (Vulpes lagopus) during growing-furring and reproduction periods. Diets compared were: Diet A, which was composed of a high amount of slaughter-house offal but less fish products than normal, and diet B, which was composed of low amounts of slaughter-house offal but increased fish production content. Whelping succeeded better in animals on diet B than on diet A. The difference in whelping result between diets was 0.6 kits/mated female for mink (P < 0.05) and 0.4 kits/mated female for blue fox. At age 6 weeks, the difference was significant (P < 0.05) only in mink, i.e., 0.8 kits/mated female. Calculated per whelped female, the difference was most pronounced in mink (0.6 kits;P < 0.05). The weights of vixens at 6 weeks were similar with diets A and B in both species. In mink and blue fox, the body weights of male and female kits were higher with diet B (P < 0.05). During the growing period, weight gain was better with diet B (P < 0.05). Final body weights were higher in males on diet B (P < 0.05). A similar tendency was found in females. In blue fox, the skin was significantly longer in animals on diet B (P < 0.05). Significant differences were not found in fur mass, cover or quality. In mink, skin length was similar in both diets. Significant differences were not found in fur properties between the diet groups. The conclusion is that diet B can be better recommended instead of diet A.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(2018YFD0900400)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31925038,31872584,31972807)。
文摘Viral diseases cause serious economic loss in farmed animals industry.However,the efficacy of remedies for viral infection in farmed animals is limited,and treatment strategies are generally lacking for aquatic animals.Interactions of commensal microbiota and viral infection have been studied in recent years,demonstrating a third player in the interaction between hosts and viruses.Here,we discuss recent developments in the research of interactions between commensal bacteria and viral infection,including both promotion and inhibition effect of commensal bacteria on viral pathogenesis,as well as the impact of viral infection on commensal microbiota.The antiviral effect of commensal bacteria is mostly achieved through priming or regulation of the host immune responses,involving differential microbial components and host signaling pathways,and gives rise to various antiviral probiotics.Moreover,we summarize studies related to the interaction between commensal bacteria and viral infection in farmed animals,including pigs,chickens,fish and invertebrate species.Further studies in this area will deepen our understanding of antiviral immunity of farmed animals in the context of commensal microbiota,and promote the development of novel strategies for treatment of viral diseases in farmed animals.
基金This work was supported by the African Development Bank(AFDB)capacity building initiatives through Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology.
文摘Aquaculture provides significant contributions to household food security,as the capture of wild fish from lakes,dams,and oceans do not meet the current demand for animal protein in Tanzania.Sustainable aquaculture requires well-established regulatory systems and extension services for good pond management practices and maintaining fish health by fish farmers.Fish farming is practiced widely in Tanzania,from small-to large-scale ponds and these farming systems are moving from extensive normal operations(low input demand)to intensive farming(high input demand).However,the industry is largely still operating at a subsistence level with low production.Bacterial infections have been occurring in these fish farms and will continue to be an issue of concern into the future.This review highlights the current challenges,successes,and prospects towards a sustainable aquaculture industry in Tanzania,including:limited extension services mirroring the limited knowledge by farmers regarding pond management practices;the inadequacy of funds to carry out fish disease research or implement a surveillance system;little expertise in fish disease diagnosis and treatment;and poor management options.To minimize disease outbreaks and optimize production in the future,we suggest a strengthening of extension services,augmented with on-farm knowledge transfer.Emphasis should be on pond management practices and fish disease management;the creation of a well-functioning fish disease surveillance system;and strengthening collaborative research on aquaculture between the government research institutions and academia.Establishing small cooperative fish farmer groups within the Aquaculture Association of Tanzania(AAT)for easy access to information is also recommended.
