Efficiency from intensive farming of field eels by water circulation technology

The strength of the model is the application of technical and biological solutions, self-cleaning, reuse of water sources, increasing the maximum possible eel farming density up to 600 fish/m2 and increasing productivity to 25kg of eel. /m2.

Eel farming according to new model. (Photo: Anh Tuyet/VNA) Farmers in Can Tho city are very excited because intensive farming of field eels using water circulation technology has helped them stabilize their livelihoods and get rich with typical products. This is a research achievement that has been implemented into reality by scientists of the Can Tho University . Associate Professor, Dr. Pham Thanh Liem, Head of the Department of Freshwater Aquaculture Technology, Can Tho University, Head of the project, shared from the fact that eel farming households in Can Tho are implementing two projects. farming, with soil and without soil with plant media or bamboo/nylon blisters all have limitations. Because, for the farming model with land, the stocking stock is large in size, often using natural seed, the food used is trash fish or homemade food, low density, eels hiding in the mud become a hindrance in the management of feed and health of farmed eels. In landless farming model , if it is an eel obtained from the wild, the growth and yield are lower than the land culture model. The rate of water change in both farming methods ranges from 1-1.3 times/day with 100% fresh water. Both of the above methods give low eel farming productivity of less than 10kg/m2. If the stocking density is increased, the water exchange rate will increase and increase the risk of disease, environmental pollution and food safety. Since 2018, the research team has implemented the intensive farming model field eels by water circulation technology. This is a model that meets food safety and traceability requirements, while maintaining environmental quality and protecting natural resources. The strength of the model is the application of technical and biological solutions, self-cleaning and reuse of water sources, increasing the maximum eel farming density up to 600 fish/m2 and increasing productivity to 25kg. commercial eel/m2. The productivity of farmed eel also increased from 2.5-4 times compared with conventional farming model; profit efficiency is from 36.5-60.2%. Households raising eel under the new model ensure safe operation, control of pathogens, health and quality of farmed eel products; minimize the rate of water change, increase the output of cultured eel; improve and increase the growth rate, eel quality and production efficiency; allows the treatment of contaminated water and helps control the discharge process. Thereby, contributing to environmental protection; forming and developing farming technology to create clean, high-quality products, meeting the needs of consumers. Currently, the model is starting to be transferred and deployed in a number of breeding and commercial eel farming sites in Can Tho city. Mr. Nguyen Thanh Tan, owner of Binh Thuy farm, Long Tuyen ward, Binh Thuy district has implemented the eel farming model in the form of water circulation since 2019, on a test area of ​​30m2, including 5 tanks, each tank is 6m2. The culture tank is designed to connect to the water circulation system including a biological filter tank, a solid waste settling tank and a water tank. The flow of water through the aquarium is adjusted from 0.5-0.8 liters/min. Black nylon rope is tied into a beam with a length of 20-30 cm, used for sheltering eels. This cord is cleaned daily and renewed once a month. Model of an eel tank based on water circulation technology. (Photo: Anh Tuyet/VNA) Eels are incubated for 90 days, size from 1.4-3.2g/head. Eel feed is industrial pellets, with 41% protein content. Instead of having to change the water every day like the old model, in the water recirculation model, the water is changed every 2-3 weeks. This helps farmers reduce labor costs, water costs, as well as help stabilize the water quality of the aquarium, and the eels are healthier and faster. After 8-9 months, commercial eels can reach 400g / head, farmers’ profits doubled compared to the old model. “In the commercial eel farming group of Binh Thuy district, there are currently more than 10 households out of 40 members who have switched to raising eels using water circulation technology. In general, the model is quite easy to install, the initial cost is The income is not high. The members are aware of supporting each other in farming techniques as well as product output. Therefore, most of the farming households give quite positive feedback,” said Mr. Tan. According to Associate Professor, Dr. Pham Thanh Liem, in the near future, the model will be replicated in Ninh Kieu and Phong Dien districts. The purpose is to support farmers to increase the technology content in farming and farming.