Effects of cowdung and poultry manure on growth performance of Indian major carps (Catla catla,Labeo rohita) and exotic carp (Cyprinus carpio) in Thatta District (Sindh),Pakistan

In the manuring trials conducted in earthen ponds of 120 m2 for one year,the juveniles of indian major carps (catla catla and labeo rohita) and exotic carp (cyprinus carpio) responded positively during warmer months i.e. march to august. the mean weight increase and mean specific growth rate (sgr) were better in the ponds fertilised with cowdung. total growth rate per day calculated for catla catla was 32.96 g,for labeo rohita 95.02 g and for cyprinus carpio 14.37 g under the influence of cowdung. moreover individual growth rates/day were also high i.e. 2.06,2.50 and 1.43 g,respectively. percent contribution in fish production was 23.15%.,66.74% and 10.09%,respectively. total growth rate of the three was significantly higher in cowdung (142.36 g) as compared to that in poultry manure i.e. 106.64 g. both the fertilisers significantly differed in terms of monthly and treatment variations (p<0.05) except for treatment variation for cyprinus carpio. water temperature,light penetration,electrical conductivity,total dissolved solids,total suspended solids and nitrates were highly significant (p<0.05) both for treatment and monthly variation except ph and dissolved oxygen.