Comparative analysis of growth and survival of two Indian major carps cultured in recycled cattle wastewater

Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the growth and survival of two Indian major carps (Catla catla, Labeo rohita) in diluted cattle farm wastewater to observe the probability of recycling cattle wastewater in aquaculture systems. Methodology: A sixty days outdoor trial was conducted in cemented circular tanks.The cattle wastewater was collected and treated with lime and potassium permanganate. After primary treatment, the wastewater was diluted in the ratio of 50 (cattle wastewater): 50 (bore well water) and Lemna minor was inoculated for removing excess nutrients. After secondary treatment, the fish were cultured in three treatment groups viz., T0 -only bore well water; T1- cattle wastewater: bore well water (20:80 ratio) prepared from secondary treated dilution and T2- cattle wastewater: bore well water (50:50 ratio) to assess the performance of two Indian major carps. Results: Catla performed better than Rohu in terms of both survival and growth (P<0.05). Rohu did not survive at the end of experiments in 50% diluted cattle wastewater. The organoleptic score for odour was poor in 50% diluted wastewater for both the species. The organoleptic score (odour) for T1 and T0 treatments did not differ significantly (P> 0.05). Interpretation: The results suggest that cattle shed wastewater can be recycled in aquaculture for rearing major carps after treatment and making proper dilution. The diluted wastewater efficiently enhanced the productivity, and reduced freshwater demand and eutrophication in open waterbodies by removing nutrients from wastewater. Key words: Carp culture, Duckweed, Phytoremediation, Wastewater recycle