Utilization of Organic Manure for Culture of Cladocerans, Daphnia carinata, Ceriodaphina carnuta and Copepod, Thermocyclops decipiens under laboratory conditions

Abstract

Mass culture of the cladocerans (Daphnia carinata and Ceriodaphina carnuta) and copepod (Thermocyclops decipiens) was carried out using chicken manure (500ppt) in the medium. The study lasted for twenty-one (21) days. Result showed that total number of individuals produced was highest in C. carnuta culture (10725 ± 846) on 18th day of inoculum using chicken manure. This was significantly different (P<0.05) from D. carinata and T. decipiens cultures. Maximum density of D. carinata (4660 ± 523) and T. decipiens (3706 ± 192) was recorded on 9th and 15th day respectively. pH ranged from 6.2-7.5, 6.5-7.8 and 6.0-7.5 in first, second and third treatments respectively. Optimum density was found when dissolved oxygen level ranged between 4.63-6.43mg/l, 4.08-5.9mg/l and 3.46-5.65mg/l in first, second and third treatments respectively. This study suggests that chicken manure is one of the ideal media for use in zooplankton culture to feed fish larvae.