At other times, some ponds could have been fed when feeding was curtailed. Feeding more than 40 pounds per acre may be possible in your ponds while maintaining excellent conversion efficiency. It is very unlikely that all your ponds can be fed at the same maximum rate. The most reliable way to determine your maximum feeding rate is to monitor water quality for each pond. This water chemistry profile coupled with daily and extended weather forecasts can help you avoid or lessen the effects of critical water quality problems, and, improve profit potential through increased feed conversion efficiency and reduced aeration expenses.
Organic debris accumulates on pond bottoms as a result of any catfish production.
Drying and stirring this debris helps to oxidize organic wastes and may help curtail chronic disease problems. Seining efficiency should improve also when the pond bottom is reflattened. Make sure to repack the pond bottom before refilling. Wastewater guidelines prohibit discharge of pond bottom sludge to streams. Pond bottom sludge may be applied to fields or gardens as long as it cannot contaminate streams.