THE UNIVERSITY OF DODOMA

COLLEGE OF NATURAL AND MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES

DEPARTMENT OF BIOLOGY

DEGREE PROGRAMME: Bsc. Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences

NAME OF STUDENT: GODLISTEN. A. MOSSES

REGISTRATION NUMBER:T21-03-02185

COURSE NAME: PRACTICAL TRAINING II

COURSE CODE: AA 226

PRACTICAL TRAINING LOCATION: EDEN AGRI FISH FARM

DATES OF PRACTICAL TRAINING: 01/08 – 22/09, 2023

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ABSTRACT
This report presents the findings and outcomes of a field practical training program conducted at
Eden Agri Aqua Farm from 1st August 2023 to 22nd September 2023. The primary objective of
the training was to enhance participants' knowledge and skills in various aspects of fingerling
production, feed production, artificial catfish propagation, feeding of brooder fish, sewing of
happa nets, and other important techniques related to the production of fingerlings.

The training program was structured to provide participants with hands-on experiences and a
deep understanding of various aquaculture techniques. Through a combination of theoretical
sessions, demonstrations, and practical training exercises, participants were exposed to the real-
world challenges and best practices in fingerling production.

Fingerling production techniques, Participants learned about the essential requirements for
successful fingerling production, such as water quality management, brood stock selection, and
nursery management. Feed production, the training focused on the formulation and preparation
of nutritionally balanced feeds using locally available ingredients. Participants learned about the
nutritional requirements of different fish species and gained hands-on experience in feed
manufacturing.

Artificial catfish propagation, Participants were introduced to the techniques of artificial

propagation, including hormone injection, egg collection, fertilization, and incubation. They
acquired practical skills in handling and managing the artificial reproduction process.

Feeding of brooder fish, the training emphasized the importance of optimal feeding practices for
brooder fish. Participants learned about the selection of quality feeds, feeding strategies, feeding
frequency, and monitoring the growth and health of brooders. Sewing of happa nets: The
participants were trained to fabricate happa nets used for fish production. They learned about the
materials, measurements, and techniques involved in sewing and repairing these nets.

Through a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical exposure, participants developed

valuable skills and confidence in the efficient production of fingerlings and the associated
aquaculture techniques. The field practical training at Eden Agri Aqua Farm provided an
immersive learning experience, fostering a deeper understanding of the intricacies involved in
successful fingerling production. The participants gained invaluable knowledge and skills that
can be applied to their own aquaculture ventures, leading to improved productivity and
sustainability in the aquaculture sector.

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DECLARATION
“I declare that this field attachment report is a presentation of activities I carried

out in Eden Agri-Aqua farm, from 1ST August to 22ND September 2023 and has

not been submitted by any other student to any other university for Award of

academic certificate

Name: GODLISTEN ABRAHAM OSSES

Reg. number: T21-03-02185

Date ………………….

Signature ……………………

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 Acknowledgement
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all those who have contributed to the successful
completion of this field report on the practical training program conducted at Eden Agri Aqua
Farm. Without their support and assistance, this report would not have been possible.

First and foremost, I would like to thank the management and staff at Eden Agri Aqua Farm
especially Mr. Temu, for providing us with the opportunity to conduct our field practical training
at their facility. Their cooperation and willingness to share their expertise and resources were
instrumental in the success of this program.

I extend my heartfelt appreciation to all the trainers and experts who dedicated their time and
knowledge to deliver the training sessions. Their professionalism, enthusiasm, and dedication to
educating the participants were truly commendable. The valuable insights and practical skills
they shared have greatly enriched my understanding of fingerling production and aquaculture
techniques.

I would also like to extend our thanks to all the participants of the training program for their
active participation and willingness to learn. Their enthusiasm and engagement during the
practical sessions were crucial in creating a stimulating and conducive learning environment.

Additionally, I am grateful to my supervisors, whose guidance and mentorship throughout the

duration of this report have been invaluable. Their expertise and constructive feedback have
played a crucial role in shaping the content and structure of this document.

Finally, I would like to express my appreciation to our families and friends for their unwavering
support and encouragement throughout this endeavor. Their understanding and patience allowed
me to fully dedicate myself to this endeavor and achieve successful outcomes.

Once again, I extend my heartfelt thanks to all individuals and organizations who have
contributed to this field report. Your support and encouragement have been crucial in making
this training program a positive and rewarding experience.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABSTRACT................................................................................................................................................i
DECLARATION.......................................................................................................................................ii
Acknowledgement.....................................................................................................................................iii
CHAPTER ONE........................................................................................................................................5
INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................................5
OBJECTIVES............................................................................................................................................7
1.1 GENERAL OBJECTIVE................................................................................................................7
CHAPTER 02............................................................................................................................................8
1.4 MATERIAL AND MATHODOLOGY..........................................................................................8
1.5 Fish feed formulations.................................................................................................................8
1.6 Hatchery managements...............................................................................................................8
1.7 Artificial propagation of catfish..................................................................................................9
1.8 Brood stock management..............................................................................................................10
1.9 Fingerlings packaging and transportation...............................................................................11
2.0 Egg robbing and incubation......................................................................................................12
2.1 Pond Rehabilitation...................................................................................................................13
CHAPTER THREE.................................................................................................................................14
2.2 RESULTS.......................................................................................................................................14
2.3 Hatchery management..............................................................................................................14
2.4 Fish feed formulation.................................................................................................................14
2.5 Monosex feed formulation.........................................................................................................15
2.7 Fingerling packaging and transportation................................................................................15
2.8 Egg robbing and incubation......................................................................................................16
2.9 Artificial catfish propagation....................................................................................................17
CHAPTER FOUR...................................................................................................................................17
3.0 DISCUSSION.....................................................................................................................................17
CHAPTER 05..........................................................................................................................................18
CONCLUSION....................................................................................................................................18
RECOMMENDATION.......................................................................................................................19
REFERENCES........................................................................................................................................19

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 CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Eden Agri-aqua fish farm was found in Dar es salaam-pugu-Tanzania. This training center was
established in 2013.purposely for providing aquaculture extension services and mainly basing on
production of fingerlings, especially in aquaculture industry and other related field ,also it
encourages Tanzania nationals about the establishment and progression of aquaculture projects
in the country, moreover ,it provides practical field for universities students to come across of
what they learnt into practical’s, this aim providing us with very competent expertise in this field
of aquaculture.

Map showing location of Eden Agri Aqua farm

Aquaculture is the cultivation of aquatic organisms (plants and animals), in a controlled aquatic
environment purposely for commercial, research, public projects, and recreational that are
(aquarium fish). depending on the aquatic environment aquaculture is into two types that are,
Freshwater aquaculture is the type of aquaculture which deals with culture of organism in
freshwater such as catfish and Tilapia. Marine aquaculture, is the type of aquaculture which
deals with the culture of aquatic organism in salt water for example clams, shrimps, sea weeds
and fish. (John S. Lucas and Paul C. Southgate, 2012)

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Basing on capital and inputs availabilities , aquaculture is also categorized into three systems,
(Extensive, semi- intensive, and intensive aquaculture) .Extensive aquaculture this is culturing
system which depend on natural ecosystem and feed brought by water flow such as current and
tide also water exchanged is controlled by natural process, in this system fish are stocked in
earthen ponds, cages, and reservoirs, fish species stocked are tilapia and catfish, the ponds then
fertilized to ensure more phytoplankton’s in water which act as food for fish, it's characterized by
low stocking density, poor output .semi-intensive aquaculture Is the type of aquaculture in
which natural water and food are used but semi-intensive tend to be differ with extensive
because semi-intensive involve fertilization by using chemical and organic fertilizers so the yield
in this tend to be high compare to extensive. Intensive aquaculture involves the use of natural
food and artificial feed .Intensive aquaculture is the type of aquaculture which involves the use
of artificial technique to ensure growth and survival culture species. For example, recycling of
water, artificial feeding, optimal pond fertilization also water parameter is maintained rate, this
system requires huge capital in which products tend to be higher in a small square compared to
extensive and semi-intensive. (Robinson, 2003)

Eden Agri -aqua farm, uses, intensive aquaculture system and integrated aquaculture as it
involves both use of natural and artificial feeds, but also it involves pond fertilization, a lot of
activities are conducted by man not all occurs naturally, that, activities are, Egg robbing, fish
feed production and formulation, fingerling production, water exchange, fish packaging and
transportation and further more.

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OBJECTIVES
1.1 GENERAL OBJECTIVE.
 Acquiring knowledge about aquaculture in fresh water

1.2 Specific objectives

 To have a clear knowledge about fish feed formulation (monosex feed)

 To acquire knowledge about egg robbing and incubation
 To have enough understanding about brood stock management and marketing
information
 To get knowledge about hatchery risk and uncertainties manangents
 To have a clear knowledge on how artificial propagation of catfish is done.

1.3. Significance of practical training at Fden-Agri-Aqua LTD.

i. It has improved our knowledge more in practical a it was mainly based on theories; hence
it has created some awareness of how things are donned in field practically
ii. It has placed student to area of work in turn a student becomes more aware of his or her
upcoming working area and how to overcome problems related to the working area.
iii. Field training is an effective way to help students to acquire new abilities and skills that
they may not possess in classroom. This skill enables them to expand their concepts.
iv. It contributes to student’s professional growth by linking theoretical knowledge with
practical application and provides the opportunity for students to discover their
capabilities, decision and the needs of the labor market in Tanzania.
v. It hasenabled students to understand the need of their career in the future aquaculture
industry, and world marketing.

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 CHAPTER 02
1.4 MATERIAL AND MATHODOLOGY
1.5 Fish feed formulations
Material used for pellets

 Soya beans, cassava, rice beans, fish meals are the ingredients
 Electric weighing scale, for weighing packed feeds as well as ingredients.
 Milling machines for milling soya beans and rice brans.
 Pellets production machine
 Source of fire for boiling of soya beans and nets for sun drying.
 Plastic bags for feed packaging after production.

Procedures for pellets production.

i. Measuring of ingredients that is soybean 33%, cassava 23%, fish meal 25%, rice
bran 16%, minerals 1.5%, Aqua-premix 1.5%.
ii. Grinding of the mixture into powder by a milling machine.
iii. The obtained powder is well mixed with water for moisture content that is
necessary during heating for biding.
iv. A well-mixed content is taken into a pellet making machine.
v. Drying of pellets before packaging this enabling their floating ability.
vi. Lastly is packing of dry pellets into the bags for feeding or selling.

1.6 Hatchery managements

Material used

 Water used as media

 Jug for incubation
 Basin for carrying water during artificial propagation of catfish.
 Brush for keeping off rubbish from Fry's trey

Procedure.

i. Hatchery should be clean and free from unnecessary things

ii. For eggs incubation process we were required to first of all ensure if water is
available and no any leakage of the system.
iii. Clean the jug and the working bench to avoid pathogens.
iv. Furthermore, keep regular check-up of the settled jug if water is keeping flowing in
and egg do not settle.
v. Consider the room temperature 28 to 40 degree Celsius for quick hatching of eggs
into Fries.

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1.7 Artificial propagation of catfish
Materials used.

 Syringe for injecting solution of pituitary gland and saline water into female catfish.
 Knife for cutting male catfish head from body tail and isolated it.
 A small cup or any container for carrying pituitary gland.
 Saline water
 Aerator for drugging oxygen into then container containing catfish fry's

Procedures

i. First of all, we were required to ensure that both male and female catfish for
propagation were available.
ii. Separation of pituitary gland from male catfish by isolating his head and tail.
iii. Grinding of the pituitary gland and mixing it with saline water to make solution that
we inject about 5cc to each to stimulate the ovulation process of catfish eggs for
strumming, and then kept into water for 12hrs in the hatchery container.
iv. Male gonads were also taken and mixed with saline water, then used to fertilize eggs
for only 10 to 20seconds then washed with clean water.
v. Water lilies or cabbages were used to carry eggs into water for their easy hatching
into fry's for 7days.
vi. Then fingerlingswere siphoned and transferred to the nursery, for further
development for stocking.

Picture showing artificial catfish propagation

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1.8 Brood stock management.
Material used

 Happa nets for stocking brooders.

 Brushes for cleaning dirty happa nets and trawling nets.
 Fish feed in form of pellets for brooders.
 Container, pipes and generator for water exchange into the ponds.
 Trowel nets for harvesting into the pond during partial or total harvesting of fish.

Procedures

i. Daily routine such as, feeding, cleaning and water parameters assessing were
necessarily considered.
ii. Fries were taken from the hatchery after 7 days to the nursery ponds where they grow
into fingerlings.
iii. From the first day of fry transferring into the nursery pond monosex feed were feed to
keep the breeding stock into make stock only for best quality and growth rate.
iv. Also, water was exchanged from the ponds to avoid accumulation of toxic ammonia,
and to ensure water parameters.

Picture showing brood

stock management

1.9 Fingerlings
packaging and transportation
Materials used

 Trawling net, used for collection of fingerlings

from their ponds to the starving ponds.
 Polyethylene bag; this is the plastic material
which carry fish for transportation.
 Water use as media for carrying fish.
 Boxes, used to cover the polyethylene bag for more protection.

Procedures

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 i. Fingering were shifted from their ponds to the starving ponds by using trawling net and
container.

ii. Fingerlings stayed in a rearing tank for One days without feeding in order to empty their
stomach the process called Starvation

iii. Clean water was filled into the polyethylene bag also ices were added to control water
temperature.

iv. Fish were taken from the starving ponds into a polyethylene bag contain clean water,

v. Oxygen gas was drugging into the polyethylene bag,

vi. Polyethylene bag was tied by a rubber band,

vii. A polyethylene bag was coved with boxes for more protection.

viii. Then a bag was taken into transporting vehicle for transportation.

Transportation of fingerlings

Pictures showing packaging and transportation of fingerlings.

2.0 Egg robbing and incubation

Material used

 container containing water for carrying eggs

 Spook for collecting fingerlings
 Water for providing media
 Incubation jugs for carrying eggs and allow water flowing

Procedures

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 i. Brooders were collected at one end of happa net with a pall moved a cross it by two
people.
ii. Inspection was made to check brooder with eggs into their mouth for robbing.
iii. Mature eggs were collected from brooders into the container containing water.
iv. Eggs collected from brooder were washed with clean water to remove grasses and other
waste.
v. Eggs were then putted into the incubation jug; water system was allowed into the jug to
allow water into flow purposely was to keep eggs rotating so that to avoid rotting and
provide same environment like fish mouth.
vi. Later on,for counted seven days fries are already hatched, thentransferred into the nursery
for further development.

.Picture showing egg robbing. Picture showing egg incubation.

2.1 Pond Rehabilitation

Material used

 Spade for removing earth materials from the pond

 Wheelbarrow or carrying away earth material from the pond
 Hoe for digging the soil attached to the pond bottom
 Water pump was used to remove water away from the pond

Procedures

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 i. Water was pumped away from the pond
ii. Hoe and spade were used to remove concrete which had fell into the pond
iii. Wheelbarrow was used to carry away the concrete and the soil from the pond area
iv. The bottom of the pond was then leveled

Picture showing rehabilitation of pond

CHAPTER THREE
2.2 RESULTS
2.3 Hatchery management
Hatchery system is prepared for the hatchery process, the process starts after eggs are collected
from brooders and water circulation is effective. The activity was successful because the
collected eggs hatched and more than 1 hundred thousand of fingerlings were collected from
hatchery and taken to nursery ponds for further growth, although some were found dead due to
competition on oxygen and other water parameters, this fingerlings were feed mono sex feed for
28 days so as to obtain male fingerlings only for further growth, male fingerlings are mainly
preferred because they attain growth very fast compared to female and this is because female

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spend a lot of time in producing eggs and slowly attain growth because they use most of the
energy they get from food for reproduction.

2.4 Fish feed formulation

Number of weeks Amount of feed Total amount of Total amount of feed
packed in one packages packed (kg)
package (kg)

Week 1 10 80 800

Week 2 10 40 400

Week 3 10 70 700

Week 4 10 60 600

Week 5 10 70 700

Week 6 10 60 600

Week 7 10 80 800

Week 8 10 60 600

Combining different ingredients is very important for local fish feed production, the ingredient
include prawns, sardines, soya, cassava flour, maize grain, nutrient protein, yeast and cotton seed
cake. Floating pellets was successful made after all processes and feed to fish of 3months old and
above. Other were packed in different weight and sold to customers. Fish which were feed these
pellets showed very successful growth, they attained maturity and increased in size within the
required time, this was because of ingredients incorporated in the feed were rich in nutrients such
as protein, vitamin, fat, carbohydrates and minerals.

2.5 Monosex feed formulation.

The activity was very successful due to availability of factory with machines which facilitated he
whole process, the mono sex feed produced was given to fries hatched from seven days and were
feed for 28 days, the aim of this feed was to suppress the formation of female sex to fries, other
fingerlings found at the place found to be successful attained male sex after being given this feed
for 28 days consecutively.

2.6 Pond Rehabilitation

The pond was cleaned after removal of waste such fallen soil, decomposing waste and concrete
wall which fall into the pond, pond rehabilitation improves water quality management and thus

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facilitates easy control of water parameters in the pond.It also increases the carrying capacity of
the pond by increasing the area of the pond

2.7 Fingerling packaging and transportation

The fries after finishing the Monosex dose they are sold to farmer who come to buy after being
sold they are packed then transported to their destination. During the process of packing and
transportation, the fries are counted then packed into a plastic bag which is then filled with
oxygen gas.

Table showing result of fingerling transportation

Number of week Number of fingerlings Number of Mortality

transported

1 1500 70

2 7200 0

3 5300 22

4 4500 47

5 7000 81

6 2800 0

7 3000 0

8 7100 58

2.8 Egg robbing and incubation

Egg robbing is conducted using scoop net, long bamboo stick and large basin with water early in
the morning so as to reduce the stress to brooders. In this process the female Tilapia are caught
then their mouth is inspected to see if they contain egg if they contain eggs in their mouth the
eggs are collected then washed and placed in the hatchery jug ready for incubation.

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Table showing result of egg robbing and incubation

Week number Amount of eggs Number of days Percentage of hatching

collected in Grams (g) collected in a week fingerlings

1 978 3 77

2 1092 3 75

3 1274 3 80

4 849 2 72

5 752 2 80

6 1038 3 75

7 967 3 80

8 1185 3 78

2.9 Artificial catfish propagation

In this process the Catfish are carefully selected from the pond, then male and females were
sorted out, the female were then injected with hormone which induce the maturity of the eggs.
Males were then killed then the gonads and pituitary glands are extracted from them. The
gonads and pituitary were grinded and pounded then kept, after twelve hours the eggs from the
female catfish were collected then fertilized by the mixture of gonads and pituitary gland then
salt water was used to wash away the gonads and it also helped to close the egg membrane after
fertilization then the eggs were incubated in hatchery.

Table showing result of catfish propagation

Phases of propagation No of male catfish No of female catfish No of fingerling

1 6 7 0

2 5 6 320

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 CHAPTER FOUR

3.0 DISCUSSION
Monosex breeding of tilapia is strategieous due to high demand of fingerlings which have high
growth rate, attaining large size, and fillet quality compared to mixed stocking which have low
growth rate, the disadvantage that a farmer may get is Monosex fry cannot reproduce. According
to the result above Monosex production has high advantages but depend directly on Egg
produced by brooder fish

Artificial propagation of catfish, under normal condition are unable to reproduce in the ponds so
artificial method is employed to ensure that seed are produced .It is very difficult and expensive
to manage the production of catfish as compared to tilapia , during the Practical training at Eden
we conducted artificial catfish propagation in two phases where we obtained 320 fries but only
273 survived ,that means managing them is complicated in terms of water quality parameters
maintenance..

Egg robbing and incubation this process is employed to improve Monosex fingerling production
since the dosage should be administered in early four weeks of their life. Natural hatching of
brooders because allows eggs from different brooders to be hatched at the same time, same size
also obtained, but this process is disadvantageous because it is the major stress causer to
brooders, Handling of brooders should be taken with great care so as to prevent occurrence of
stress to brooders.

Pellets production this activity was weekly performed but it depended on is most the demand of
the customers who mostly are fish farmers around the practical site, it is important to have a clear
knowledge about feed production before starting up a fish farm. The ingredients used were
cassava, soya beans, fish meal, and rice bran that contains high amount of protein. Each week a
minimum of 60 packet of fish meal were produced each containing 10kg of fish feed.

CHAPTER 05
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, my field practical training at Eden Agri Aqua Farm has been a valuable learning
experience. I have gained a deeper understanding of Monosex fingerlings production, fish feed

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production, fish feeding and pond management. I have learned that producing Monosex
fingerlings can increase productivity of fish farm while reducing the chances of uneven growth
and breeding. Fish feed production is also crucial for healthy growth of and development of the
fish. Egg robbing is essential in production of Monosex fingerlings. Catfish propagation can also
increase the number of fish produced, while fish feeding plays a crucial role in health and growth
of the fish. Proper pond management is also a key to maintaining the health and growth of the
fish.

Overall, my time at Eden Agri Aqua Farm has given me a practical understanding of how to
successfully manage fish farming operations. The experience has been invaluable, and I am
grateful for the opportunity to learn from experienced professional in the field.

RECOMMENDATION
Material for working and cleanness such as gloves, boots, overall and soap should be given to
students to simplify the hardness of working.

Eden aqua farm should consider the security of the nursery pond because mostly fingerlings were
eaten by birds, so they may cover the top with nets or any material

Ponds rehabilitation should be conducted because some ponds are too old causing injuries to
people during an activity which needs one to get into the pond.

If necessary the farm should increase the rate of stocking because some of the ponds are empty
but still demand is huge for fish and fingerlings.

REFERENCES
 John S. Lucas and Paul C. Southgate. (2012). Farming aquatic animal and plant.
califonia: Wiley-Blackwell.

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  Robinson, E. H. (2003). PRINCIPLE OF AQUACULTURE. CALIFONIA: Wiley-
Blackwell.

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