HumiflocTM: An improved solid waste responsible for sustainable aquaculture

The present experiment intended to find out the alternative usages of solid wastes, left aside due to their nonusage for the benefit of animals. Among the different types of solid wastes, organic bio-degradable solid wastes from the municipal area comprising non-hazardous properties had been considered for enhancing aquaculture productivity. Organic solid wastes along with the vermicast, produced by certain epigeic earthworms (Eisenia fetida, Eudrilus eugeniae, Perionyx excavatus) from the mixture of raw cow dung (added externally), certain beneficial herbs (Neem: Azadirachta indica, Indian-Almond: Terminalia catappa, Kule Khara: Hygrophila auriculata, and Ashwagandha: Withania somnifera), turmeric (Curcuma longa), and whole banana tree (Musa paradisiaca) were the basic ingredients to represent the 'improved solid wastes'(Trade named: HumiflocTM), produced through a series of natural procedures finally to act as a supplement. Periodical [start-up dose: 10 kg acre-1 (single time); maintenance dose: 05 kg acre-1 fortnightly up to 90 days] direct administration of HumiflocTM was done into the experimental ponds reared with teleostean fishes [Catla (Catla catla), Rahu (Labeo rohita), Magur (Clarias batrachus), and Koi (Anabas testudineus) 2:5:1:1] up to 90 days in the dry season (November to January) and were fed with farm-prepared farm-made-aqua-feed or 'farm-feed'. Three ponds [(one control (C farm-feed only): and two treatments (T: P1 & P2 farm-feed plus HumiflocTM)] were considered while observing the growth performances and alteration in tissue biochemistry of the experimental fish species. A comprehensive study based on growth and biochemical parameters of various tissues indicated a quadratic response. Under HumiflocTM exposure, pond water depicted an equilibrium in water parameters like in pH, ammonia, and nitrate, while the fishes depicted faster metabolic rate, higher digestibility, balancing of glucose homeostasis, and higher brain signalling which might finally result in elevation of growth performances with higher productivity, directly affecting to the profitability of the poor fish farmers.

Automated summary

The experiment aimed to explore alternative uses of solid wastes in order to enhance aquaculture productivity. The study found that the use of improved solid wastes resulted in improved growth and altered tissue biochemistry in the experimental fish species, along with balanced water parameters and enhanced metabolic rate and digestibility. This ultimately led to higher growth performances and increased profitability for fish farmers.