Carp Breeding in the Carpathian Basin with a Sustainable Utilization of Renewable Natural Resources

Abstract

In the Central European region, there is a long tradition of breeding fish in artificially constructed ponds. As the area belongs to the temperate zone, farmed fish need to survive cold winter periods. Common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.), which is an omnivorous, bioturbating species, is well adapted to warm and cold periods and the alluvial water environment. Since the Middle Ages, a large scale, efficient carp farming methodology has been developed in the region, where production is based on natural resources (protein and fatty acid sources) of renewable water ecosystems. This summary aims to present this well-developed breedi:ng method through discussing aspects of hydrobiology and energy transfer through the food chain as well. Capabilities and effects of agro-technical treatments such as liming and organic manuring, zooplankton management and possible supplementary feedings are also reviewed. Analysing chemical processes of waters uncovers that biological production has no carbon footprint; no carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. In contrast, gaseous carbon dioxide diffuses into pond water containing calcium and/or magnesium, then it accumulates in algae production and, through energy migration to upper trophic levels, increases carp production. Thus, it can be declared that pond-farmed carp provides an environmentally friendly, delicious meat among products of animal origin.

Review of Central-Eastern European Propagation and Larvae Nursing Method for Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)

“…Only mature carps could be caught during the spawning season, and natural reproduction lasts only for a few days within a year, so the amounts of freshly collected carp eggs were very limited (Figure 9). Intensive practical work started around the 1960s to eliminate adhesive compounds from common carp eggs [23]. Researchers managed to successfully use fine clay suspension, diluted cow milk, and protease enzyme treatment, but finally, a simple table salt-urea solution proved to be the most suitable method and became very popular, developed, and published by Woynarovich (1962) [24].…”

“…Intensive practical work started around the 1960s to eliminate adhesive compounds from common carp eggs [23]. Researchers managed to successfully use fine clay suspension, diluted cow milk, and protease enzyme treatment, but finally, a simple table salt-urea solution proved to be the most suitable method and became very popular, developed, and published by Woynarovich (1962) [24].…”

“…(Contrarily, during natural spawning, ovulation is induced by some environmental factors, such as flooding, increased spawning temperature (8-20 • C), weather changes, etc. [23,29]).…”