VALIDATION OF A GROWTH SIMULATION-MODEL FOR CATFISH

Computer simulations can help in understanding how a fish population r esponds to a series of decision variables and external factors, thus c ontributing to better control of the production system. This paper des cribes a model which has been expanded to deal more explicitly with th e effects of water quality and stocking density. The purpose of this p aper is to compare simulated model results with actual pond trial resu lts to determine the accuracy of the simulation and to assess the need and ability to make adjustments to the model. Data from a pond experi ment using satiation and restricted feeding regimes at 26, 32, and 38% feed protein level were used to validate and adjust the parameters of the simulation model. Actual feeding, temperature, and dissolved oxyg en (DO) were incorporated into the simulation, and feed consumption an d final weight were compared to simulated feed consumption and final w eight. After adjustments for water quality, stocking density, and grow th parameters, simulated results ranged from 0 to 9% of pond experimen t results. Simulated results of restricted feeding treatments were wit hin 5% of pond results.