Farming (Agriculture and Animal husbandry)

Key Unit Competence: 

Learners should be able to successfully run an integrated livestock-fish farm 

7.1 Learning objectives 

(i) Knowledge and understanding 

(ii) Skills 

(iii) Attitudes and values 

Introduction 

Integrated livestock-fish farming is the rearing of fish in combination with other agricultural operations centred around the pond. It ensures maximum utilisation of available resources and recycling of wastes for maximum agricultural production and especially of fish. Fish is a major source of protein in human diets and livestock feed. In integrated livestock-fish farming, the rearing of fish is combined with the keeping of livestock such as poultry, rabbits and pigs which provide manure for fertilisation of the ponds. It may also include the growing of vegetables using the pond water for small-scale irrigation. 

Analyse the following photographs and answer the following questions:

1. What is your observation on photographs number 1a, 1b, 2, and 3? 

2. What is happening in the photographs number 4 and 5? 

3. Prepare the solution to overcome the problem that occurred on photograph 4. 

4. Prepare the solution to overcome the problem that occured on photograph 1a and 1b.

7.2 Definition of integrated livestock-fish farming

Activity 7.1:  A video show to find out the meaning of integrated livestock-fish farming

Using the references provided, carry out the following activities: 

Integrated livestock-fish farming is a system of producing fish in combination with other agricultural or livestock farming operations centred around the pond. Fish benefits from the manure, from the livestock kept in sheets constructed over the fish pond or adjacent to them. The manure may be added directly to the fish pond where livestock structures are constructed over a fish pond or the materials may be directed to the fish pond from the livestock structures constructed adjacent to the fish pond. Bags of manure may also be placed in the fish pond. 

The manure supply essential nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen to the pond ecosystem. The nutrients from the animal wastes are used to support the growth of planktons in the ponds which serve as food for fish. Planktons are very small forms of life such as algae which serve as the natural food for fish. Some food remains in the manure from the animal yards may also serve as food for fish. Integrated livestock-fish farming is a form of diversification where the farm resources are utilised to the maximum by rearing fish in association with livestock. The rearing of fish is also known as aquaculture. 

7.3 Importance of integrated-fish farm in the pond

Activity 7.2:  A research or group discussion activity to find out the importance of integrated fish farms

Using the references provided, carry out the following activities: 

The importance of integrated livestock-fish farms include the following: 

7.4 Types of integrated livestock-fish farms

Activity 1 7.3:   A field visit to an integrated livestock-fish farm to observe types of integrated livestock-fish farming systems 

Integrated livestock-fish farms are categorised on the basis of the livestock species reared in association to fish farming. Common types of livestock-fish integration in farms include the following integration:

1. Fish-poultry integration– This is the practice of rearing fish in association to a poultry enterprise. The poultry manure is rich in nitrogen. The poultry structure may be constructed over or adjacent to the fish pond. The droppings from the birds enrich the pond water with essential nutrients needed by the planktons.

The poultry species that may be reared in association with fish farming include ducks and chicken. 

2. Fish-poultry-vegetables integration – This is the practice of growing vegetables in addition to the keeping of poultry and fish rearing. The vegetables benefit from the poultry manure. The vegetables are in turn used by the poultry and the fish in the pond. Manure from the poultry is applied to the ponds. This can be directly from the poultry structures or bagged manures placed in the pond. The vegetables are grown on the dykes and the land adjacent to the pond. Where land is limited, vegetables may be grown on the roof of the poultry house.

3. Fish-rabbit-vegetables integration – This is the practice of growing vegetables in addition to the keeping of rabbits in association with fish farming, as a third component of the integration. The vegetables are used for feeding rabbits which produce manure that is in turn used to supply nutrients for the planktons in fish ponds. The planktons are the natural food for fish. Water from the fish pond can be used to irrigate the vegetables after the fish is harvested. 

4. Fish - pig integration –  This is the practice of keeping pigs in association with fish farming. Pigs provide manure that is rich in nitrogen and phosphorous. The manure promotes the growth of planktons which are the primary food for fish. 

In this system, pigs are neared in houses constructed on the upper bank of the pond. Waste, food and excreta washed from the pig house are allowed to flow into the fish pond. Alternatively, pigs may be reared in houses with slatted floors constructed above the fish pond. In this case the pig excreta and the feed wastes allowed to get into the pond directly. Vegetables may also be grown in association to the pig-fish integration in which case the system becomes a pig-fish vegetables integration.

7.5 Integrated livestock-fish farming infrastructure

Activity 1 7.4: A field visit to an integrated livestock-fish farm to observe and find out integrated livestock- fish shelters and their construction materials 

Visit an integrated livestock-fish farming pond and carry out the following activities: 

The infrastructure for integrated livestock-fish farming consists of the following: 

1. A fish pond or fish ponds 

A fish pond is a structure used in the rearing of fish. It is filled with fresh water and stocked with fish. The life of a fish depends on water. It provides for the fish’s movement, feeding, breathing and resting. Therefore, a fish pond is very important in integrated livestock-fish farming. The fish pond may be constructed separately from other livestock structures or it may be constructed in association with other livestock structures in which case it is referred to as an integrated fish pond. 

2. Shelters for housing livestock reared in combination with fish farming 

The livestock shelters may either be a poultry house, a rabbit hutch or a piggery. These structures may either be constructed over the fish pond(s) or adjacent to the ponds. The structures constructed over the pond should have slatted floors to allow animal droppings to pass through. For structures adjacent to the pond, there should be a mechanism for getting the manure into the pond. Manure from the animal houses is used for fertilisation of the pond.

7.6  Construction materials for integrated livestock-fish farm shelters and constructing an integrated livestock fish pond

Activity 1 7.5:  A video show to find out the materials used to construct integrated livestock-fish shelters 

Using the references provided, carry out the following activities: 

Factors to consider in selecting construction materials 

The materials used or needed in the construction of integrated livestock-fish farming shelters depend on the economic status of the farmer and the nature of the soil in the farm. They also depend on the type of integration adopted. Materials required for the construction  of these structures include:

(i) Cement, sand and ballast – These materials are needed for making concrete needed for the construction of the pond floor and walls. Concrete is also needed in laying the foundation floor for livestock structures. Cement, sand and ballast are mixed in the ratio of 1:2:3 respectively by volume for the pond floor and walls. Water used in the mixing of these ingredients should be free from soil and other impurities. 

(ii) Stones – Quarry stones These are needed for the construction of the wall of the rabbit and poultry structures. They make durable structures but they are expensive to buy and transport over long distances. 

(iii) Concrete blocks – These are made up of cement, sand and ballast in the ratio of 1:2:3 respectively by volume. The amount of water added should be controlled to ensure a mixture which is not very dry or wet. Concrete blocks may be used instead of stone blocks.   

(iv) Bricks – They are prepared by using special types of soil with a high amount of clay. The clay is thoroughly puddled with water and moulded in special form boxes to get the desirable shapes and sizes. They are first dried before they are baked in a kiln. The bricks make durable structures if well joined with mortar. They are used in making foundations and walls of the livestock structures.         

(v) Timber – This is used for pole rails, trusses, parlins, rafters, struts and the beams in construction work. Sawn timber produces boards of various sizes for floors and fascia boards. If timber is well treated, it produces structures which are resistant to insect damage, weather elements and fungal attack. 

(vi)  Corrugated iron sheets – They are used for making walls and roofs. They are usually supported on wood frames. Structures made of iron sheets are durable, resistant to insect damage and weather elements. They are also leak proof. However, insulation may be needed to modify temperatures where they are used. 

(vii) Thatch – It is used for roofing poultry and rabbit houses. It can be made from coconut leaves or tall grass varieties, papyrus weeds, water weeds, dry banana leaves and bracken ferns. They can be effective roofing materials and good insulators. However, they are prone to insect damage and hence require constant replacement. They are also prone to fire.  

(viii) Other materials – Include nails, hinges, screws, nuts and bolts, latches and wire mesh. 

Activity 7.6:  A practical activity to construct a standardised integrated livestock-fish pond 

Using the materials provided, carry out the following activities: 

The procedure of constructing an integrated livestock-fish pond is as follows: 

(i) Select a suitable site for the construction of a fish pond. 

(ii) Using pegs, mark the dimensions of the pond from the water source to the entrance, exit and the channel that drains water away from the pond. 

(iii) Clear the vegetation around the selected site using slashers and collect the trash away from the pond area using rakes. 

(iv) Using holes, dig out the soil from the pond area keeping the top soil in a separate place as it will be used again. Ensure you maintain the correct dimensions of the pond after removing the soil from the pond. The upper side of the pond should be 0.5 m deep and the lower one should be 1.5 m deep. 

(v) Construct the dyke; the dyke is the wall that is constructed all around the pond. The dyke is established by digging a trench 0.5 m wide all around the pond. The depth of the trench should be lower than the general level of the pond bottom. The trench is then filled with clay and compacted or concrete may be used instead of clay to prevent seepage. 

(vi) Construct the pond’s inlet, outlet and spillway. The inlet is a canal or pipe at the entrance to the pond. It is made in the dyke slightly above the level of pond water. A screen of fine mesh is made across the inlet to prevent the entrance of undesirable or strange species of fish. The outlet is made at the deeper end of the pond just a little above the bottom of the pond. A pipe is put and cemented round it to make the outlet firm. A screen of fine wire mesh is fitted at the mouth of the outlet to prevent the fish from swimming away. The spillway is a channel to allow excess water to flow out of the pond without overflowing on the dykes. Grass or vegetables may be planted on the embankment. 

(vii) Allow water to fill in the pond through the inlet pipe up to the required level, just below the overflow pipe. The fish will use the deep end of the pond (1.5 m) to spawn or lay eggs while the shallow end (0.5 m) will be used for sunning.  

(viii) Construct the shelter to house the livestock being kept in association with fish rearing. The structure may be constructed over the fish pond or adjacent to the fish pond. The structure could either be an aviary or a rabbit hutch. Where the structure is constructed over the pond, a slated floor is made to allow droppings from the animals to pass through to the pond water. 

After the construction of the pond, water is allowed into the pond. Fish is then stocked in the pond. The pond is stocked with young fish known as fingerlings. The fingerlings are obtained from hatcheries such as Kigembe Tilapia Hatchery. The fingerlings are transported in oxygenated containers such as polythene bags, milk cans or drums. The water in the containers should be clean and at a temperature of about 10°C Celsius. Fingerlings are introduced into the pond by lowering the container into the water and tilting it to allow them to swim away. In stocking, an average 5–10 fingerlings per 5 m2 of the fish pond is appropriate. 

In the same way, the appropriate livestock to be kept in association to the fish rearing are introduced to the livestock structure to supply the manure. 

7.7 Management and maintenance of integrated livestock-fish infrastructure

Activity 1 7.7: A practical activity to manage and maintain an integrated livestock-fish infrastructure 

Using the materials provided, carry out the following activities in an integrated livestock-fish shelter: 

The management and maintenance of an integrated livestock-fish infrastructure involves the following practices: 

• Cleaning up the pond banks – All foreign objects in the pond banks should be removed and vegetation cleared. 

• Management of the water level – Level of pond water should be maintained at its maximum. It should be free from physical and chemical impurities. 

• Cleaning of the livestock structures such as aviaries and rabbit hutches– These structures should be cleaned to safeguard the lives of the animals housed in them. 

• Repairing the dyke and any structure – Any cracks on the dykes should be sealed and any broken parts of the house be repaired. 

7.8 Fish food and fertilisation of the pond 

Activity 1 7.8: A field visit to an integrated livestock-fish farm to observe fish foods and fertilisation of fish ponds

Visit an integrated livestock-fish farm and carry out the following activities: 

Food for feeding fish include the following: 

(a) Grain offal – they are by-products of the dry milling of common cereal grains such as wheat or rice. Wheat offal is made up of germ, bran, coarse middling and fine middling. It contains about 14.5% to 17.6% crude protein, 10% crude fibre and 3.4% – 6.4% minerals (crude ash). Its low fibre content makes it suitable for feeding animals with a simple stomach such as fish.

(b) Herbs – Herbs are included in the fish diet mainly as food additives more than they are for nutrient supply. The additives make fish resistant to diseases and also acts as antibiotics and antifungal drugs for controlling diseases. They are also used as growth promoters and stress resistance boosters. Examples of such herbs include lettuce, garlic, raw carrots and pineapples. Some herbs are anti-parasites controlling internal parasites. 

(c) Concentrates – Concentrates are the commercial feeds to fish. They are characterised by the following: 

  • High nutrient content             •   High dry matter content 

  • Long life                                 •   Less bulky

Concentrates are of two types: Energy or carbohydrates concentrates and protein concentrates. Energy concentrate sources include maize germ and bran, wheat pollard and bran, sorghum and cassava. Protein sources include maize gluten meal, cotton seed meal, sunflower meal, ground nut meal, soya meal, fish meal and copra meal. These are the sources of concentrates for feeding fish. 

(d) Livestock dung/Farmyard manures – Dung from the livestock shelters constructed either above the fish pond or adjacent to it helps in pond fertilisation. The manure from the animals contains nutrients needed for the growth of water weeds and planktons. Planktons are the natural food for the fish. Therefore, pond fertilisation promotes the growth of planktons and therefore provides natural food for the fish. The dung may also be directed to the fish pond from the livestock houses in form of slurry.

Activity 7.9:  A research activity to find out the meaning of pond fertilisation 

Using the references provided, carry out the following activities: 

In the fertilisation of a fish pond, manures or inorganic fertilisers are added to the pond to stimulate the growth of planktons such as algae which are the natural food for fish. The manure or fertilisers supply essential nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen needed for the growth of planktons. Farmyard and compost manures are added to the pond either directly from the livestock houses or in bags which are placed into the fish pond. 

7.9  Feeding quantity according to the size of the  pond, and type of fish species

Activity 7.10: A visit to a fish farm to find out how  fish is fed

Using the materials provided, carry out the following activities: 

Fish are fed on the basis of the number of fish reared per pond and the specific fish species reared in the ponds. The number of fish reared in the pond depend on the size of the pond. The size of the pond dictate the methods of feeding used. For example in narrow or small ponds, feed should be spread evenly around the perimeter of the pond. However, in larger pond, other methods are used to distribute the feed evenly in the pond, some of which include, use of boats or feed blowers. 

Sometimes depending on the size of the pond, feed can be concentrated within selected sites in the pond to avoid contact of the feed with the pond bottom. This can be done using the following methods; 

The frequency of feeding is determined by the specific fish species and the type of food given to them. It is important to note that fish will continue eating as long as food is there and they are hungry. Therefore, it is possible to overfeed fish. Excess food should, therefore, be avoided. 

Tables 7.1, 7.2 and 7.3 show feeding plans for tilapia, trout and catfish respectively. 

Schedule for feeding fish should be once a day. The daily ration may also be split into two and therefore fish fed twice a day. However, there are feeding schedule which are species specific, for example, catfish prefer to eat at night when it is dark. So food should be supplied in the evening when the lights go down. Some species feed very early in the morning and will require to be fed early in the morning. Note that herbivorous fish feed on plants throughout the day. 

7.10 Fish pond enemies and diseases 

Activity 1 7.11:  A research activity to find out the pond enemies and diseases of fish and their characteristics 

Use the references provided to carry out the following activities: 

Fish pond enemies include fish predators and parasites. Fish predators include those animals that catch and kill fish for food. Fish parasites on the other hand are organisms that live in fish and derive their nourishment from them. Fish predators include those animals that injure fish without feeding on them. Some of the fish predators include the following: 

(a) Birds  

Birds are the most common fish predators. The most serious bird predator in ponds is the kingfisher which catches and eats the fish. The bird positions itself strategically on trees and bushes around the pond. On spotting a fish, the kingfisher dives into the water and comes out with the fish. Therefore, the control measure for the kingfisher is to clear all the bushes and trees near ponds. 

(b) Bees 

These are not a problem to the fish but prevent humans from working at the pond attending the fish. 

Fish parasites include: 

(c) Nematode worms 

Nematode worms live in the alimentary canal of fish. They feed on the food meant for the fish thus depriving fish of their food.

Activity 7.12:   Watching a video on different diseases of fish and their characteristics 

Watch a video on fish disease and their characteristics and then carry out the following activities: 

The diseases of fish and their characteristics are as follows: 

1. Columnaris  

This disease is caused by a bacterium known as Flavobacterium columnare. The bacterium thrive well in fresh waters common in ponds. The disease is highly contagious. The disease enters the fish through the gills, mouth or wounds. It is prevalent in ponds where there is overcrowding of fish or where dissolved oxygen levels are low. 

Symptoms 

(i) Frayed and ragged fins. 

(ii) Presence of ulcers (wounds) on the skin. This may appear as a white cloudy fungus-like patches especially on the gill filaments. 

(iii) Gills change colour by either becoming light or dark brown. 

(iv) Fish breathe rapidly or fast.

(v) Anorexia or loss of appetite. 

(vi) Listlessness.   

Damage 

The disease has a high death rate and especially where no treatment is given to the fish. 

Control 

• Treatment using a combination of antibiotics. 

• Dipping in medicated fish bath prepared from methylene blue or potassium (VII) manganate and salt. 

• Lowering pond temperature to 24°C. 

• Use of medicated food containing antibiotics for internal infections. 

• Application of potassium (VII) manganate, copper sulphate or hydrogen peroxide on externally infected fish. 

• Vaccination of fish to prevent outbreak. 

2. Gill disease  

The gill disease may be parasitic or infectious depending on its causative agent. Therefore, there is amoebic gill disease which is caused by amoeba and bacterial gill disease which is caused by bacteria. 

Amoebic gill disease is caused by Neoparamoeba perurans, a common amoebic in fish reared in ponds. Bacterial gill disease is caused by bacteria that affects the gills of fish externally. The disease is prevalent in conditions of overcrowding. 

Symptoms 

The amoebic gill disease is characterised by: 

Bacterial gill disease is characterised by: 

Damage 

The disease is highly fatal resulting in heavy losses. 

Control 

3. Dropsy disease  

Dropsy is a health condition in fish where the fluid inside the body cavity on the tissues of a fish builds up and as a result, the fish body swells up. So, the disease is characterised by the swelling of the fish body, a condition also known as oedema. Dropsy is a symptomatic disease in that it indicates a number of underlying diseases which may include bacterial infections, parasitic infections or liver dysfunction. Dropsy may or may not be contagious depending on the causative agent of the underlying disease. Common dropsy is caused by a bacterium of the genus aeromonas.

Symptoms 

Damage 

The disease is highly fatal and leads to heavy losses especially if it is not treated. 

Control 

4. Fin rot  

Fin rot is a symptom of disease or the actual disease in fish. It may be caused by a bacterium known as Pseudomonas fluorescens which causes ragged rotting of the fins. The disease could also be caused by a fungal infection which causes rotting of the fin more evenly and is likely to produce white ‘edges’ on the fins. Both types of infections may occur together. These infections may be brought about by poor water conditions, injury, poor diet, stress or a secondary infection in a fish which is already stressed by other diseases. Fin rot starts at the edge of the fin and continue developing until it reaches the fin base. From the fin the disease advances to the fish body. 

Symptoms 

Damage 

Damage to the fins means the fish movement is impaired. This means that other activities such as feeding are also affected and may result to death especially if treatment is not given at the right time. 

Control 

5. Hole in the head  

It is a common disease of fresh water fish such as tilapia. The disease is caused by a flagellate parasite known as hexamita. The parasite basically affects the intestinal tract but spreads to the other parts of the fish such as the gall bladder, abdominal cavity, spleen and kidneys. As the disease advances to other parts of the body, lesions appear in the head. These lesions open up forming a hole which may discharge small white threads that contain parasitic larvae. Secondary bacterial and fungal infections may then occur through these openings leading to more serious diseases or even death if the condition is not treated early and in good time. The disease is also said to be caused by adverse environmental factors.

Symptoms 

(i)  Lesions on the head and lateral line. 

(ii)  Loss of appetite. 

Control 

6. Pop-eye disease  

This is a health condition where one or both eyes of the fish protrudes from the body. This disease is also referred to as exophthalmia which means swelling of the eye. It is a symptomatic disease in that it indicates the presence of other underlying infections in the fish. The disease may be caused by a bacterial infection, injury from tightening or poisoning from poor quality water. 

Symptoms 

Damage 

Loss of sight; if the disease is not detected in good time. The fish lose one or both of its eyes and therefore its eye sight. Fish could die due the hexamita infections. 

Control 

7. Cloudy-eye disease  

It is also referred to as cloudy vision. It is a symptomatic disease which may indicate an underlying disease. The disease has many causes. The most common cause of the disease is poor water quality. High levels of ammonia nitrite and nitrates cause the eyes to become cloudy. Low water pH (acidic pH) could also cause cloudy disease. Secondary infections especially bacterial infections may worsen the situation. Medication, poisoning and overdosing may also cause the disease. 

Symptoms 

Cloudy eyes – The fish eye becomes cloudy almost to the point of whiteness. 

Damage 

Reduced vision of the fish which may make movement of the fish difficult. The disease is however, not fatal. 

Control 

8. Water quality induced diseases  

Water in the pond is said to be of good quality if: 

Extremes of temperature, dissolved oxygen concentration pH and nitrogenous compounds together with organic pollutants make the pond water to be of poor quality. Poor water quality causes stress in fish if the situation is not rectified in good time. The body of fish responds to stress by releasing hormones known as corticosteroids from adrenal glands. 

Corticosteroids have varying effects in the body of the fish. One of these effects is that it suppresses the immune system of the fish by lowering lymphocytes numbers and the antibody-production capacity in the fish. This results to the fish being affected by other opportunistic diseases such as bacterial and fungal infections. Corticosteroids also alter the levels and patterns of the reproductive hormones that influence maturation. 

Symptoms 

Retarded growth – Overproduction of corticosteroids due to stress may alter the metabolic reactions in fish, leading to retarded growth and delayed maturation. 

Control 

9. Fungal diseases  

Fungal diseases are those diseases that are caused by fungi. Fungal diseases in fish are more indicative of other serious problems.  Fungal diseases in cultured or pond fish include: 

(a) Branchiomycosis  

This disease is also known as gill-rot disease. It is caused by two fungi; Branchiomyces sangunis and Branchiomyces demigrans. The fungi thrive in pond water with frequent organic pollutions. The disease is endemic, occurring at certain periods when there is an outbreak. The outbreaks and the duration of the disease depend on the environmental factors, the most important being water temperature. It occurs most frequently when the water is above 20°C with an optimum 26°C. It is associated with low dissolved oxygen concentration, reduced water flow and overcrowding.

It occurs as a secondary infection when the mucus layer of the skin, fins and gills undergo mechanical or chemical injury or damage. The fungal spores are transmitted by water to the gills. The spores adhere to the gills, germinate and produce hyphal. 

Symptoms 

Control 

(b) Saprolegniasis 

It affects fish and fish eggs. It is caused by members of the saprolegnia species called “water molds”. Members of this species are common in fresh or blackfish water. The fungus grows at temperatures between 1°C and 32.5°C. The disease attack an existing injury on the fish and can spread to healthy ones. 

Symptoms 

(i) Cotton-like material on skin, fins, gills  or eyes of fish and on eggs and especially those that are damaged. 

(ii) On observing sections of the tissue under a microscope, there appears tree-like branching called hyphae. 

(iii) Fish are less responsive to external stimuli. 

Damage 

There is great losses of the fish and especially through predation. 

Control 

(c) Icthyophonosis disease  

It is caused by the fungus Icthyophonus hoferi. It thrives in both fresh and salt water in temperatures ranging from 3°C – 18°C. The disease is spread by fungal cysts which are released in the faeces and by eating infected fish. The cysts are transmitted through ingestion (swallowing) of the infective spores. 

Symptoms 

(i) Rough skin. 

(ii) Swinging movement of the fish. 

Control 

Exercise 7.1

The table below shows different illustrations of fish diseases. Study them carefully and fill in the blank spaces

7.11 Fish pond sanitation 

Activity 7.13:A visit for carry out fish pond sanitation rules in an integrated livestock-fish farm

Visit an integrated livestock-fish farm and carry out  the following activities: 

Pond sanitation include all the routine practices carried out in and around the pond to prevent or reduce the occurrence of diseases and parasites thus promoting the health of the fish. It includes proper disposal of wastes and dirt from the pond which may predispose the fish to diseases. 

Pond sanitation rules include the following: 

1. Proper housing and hygiene 

Overcrowding in the fish ponds  should be avoided. The correct population of fish per pond should be observed according to the various fish species. Livestock shelters over or adjacent to the fish pond should be well constructed and the correct number of animals kept in them. The shelters should have the following structural requirements:

2. Cleanliness  

The area around the integrated-fish farming structures should be cleared and kept free from refuse. Animal houses and the fish pond should be thoroughly cleaned.

3. Provision of good quality water in the pond 

Ensuring there is good quality water in the ponds helps to avoid stress in the fish, thus controlling environmental diseases. The water should be within the optimum range of temperature, dissolved oxygen concentration, pH and nitrogenous compounds for specific fish species. These should be checked regularly and controlled accordingly. All chemical and physical impurities should be removed from the pond water. 

4. Use of antiseptics and disinfectants  

After cleaning, the livestock houses should be disinfected with the recommended disinfectants such as formalin, chlorine, water and detergents. This helps to prevent animals from contracting diseases. Foot baths should  be strategically placed at the door of the poultry houses to prevent entry of disease-causing organisms.

5. Isolation of sick animals  

Sick fish should be isolated and kept in hospital tanks  where they are given specialised treatment. Sick livestock in the shelters should also be isolated and treated to prevent disease spread. 

6. Imposing quarantine  

The movement of livestock and their products from the infected to uninfected areas should be avoided. This helps to prevent disease spread.

7. Proper nutrition  

Fish should be provided with the correct amounts of feeds. Overfeeding should be avoided as this may lead to pollution of the fish pond. The correct feeding plan for specific fish species such  as tilapia, trout, catfish  and carp fish should be observed. Similarly, livestock reared in combination with the fish should be well fed and provided with plenty of clean water and mineral supplements in case of rabbits. 

8. Proper disposal of carcases and waste 

water All carcases from sick animals should be burned completely or buried deeply in the soil to prevent spreading of diseases. Water from  the ponds should be properly treated before it is released to natural water channels. This is done in stabilisation ponds known as lagoons. The water is treated in these lagoons until it is safe to be discharged to the wetlands.

Group activity 

Identifying fish diseases in an integrated livestock-fish pond

Visit an integrated livestock-fish farm and working  in groups, carry out the following activities: 

Unit Summary 

Integrated livestock-fish farming is a system of producing fish in combination with other agricultural or livestock farming operations centred around the pond.  In this arrangement, fish benefits from the manure from the livestock kept in association with fish rearing. This manure promotes the growth of planktons in the fish pond. Planktons such as algae are the natural foods  for fish.

Integrated livestock-fish farming is based on the understanding and exploitation of the existing  natural relationships between living organisms in an ecosystem. Integrated fish farming is important for the following reasons: 

There  are different types of livestock – fish integration depending on the type of animals kept in association with fish rearing. Some of these fish farming integration include: 

In order  for the integrated livestock-fish farming to succeed, the necessary infrastructure must be put in place. These are a fish pond or fish ponds and various shelters for housing the livestock to be kept in combination with fish. 

In choosing the materials for the construction of integrated fish farming, the following factors should be put into consideration: 

Materials for the construction of the integrated livestock-fish farming include the following: 

After selecting the construction materials, a suitable site is selected for the construction of the integrated livestock-fish pond. The site is then prepared for the construction of the integrated livestock-fish farming pond. Once the pond is constructed, water is allowed in and fish stocked in the pond. The pond is stocked with young fish known as fingerings from various hatcheries in Rwanda, for example, Kigembe Tilapia Hatchery. Similarly, the appropriate livestock to be kept  in association with fish rearing are selected and introduced into the livestock shelters to supply manure for fertilisation of the fish pond.

After the integrated livestock-fish farming has been established, it has to be managed and maintained for the enterprise  to succeed. The management and maintenance of an integrated livestock-fish farming infrastructure involves the following practices: 

Food for the fish reared in ponds include: 

The livestock dung is meant for fertilisation of the pond.  Fertilisation of the pond refers to the addition of manures or fertilisers  to support the growth of planktons, the natural food for fish. 

A feeding plan should be made to guide the feeding of fish. This is done for every species of fish in the farm. The feeding plan helps to avoid overfeeding or underfeeding the fish. There are enemies of fish and diseases which may disrupt their growth in the pond.

The enemies of fish include: 

The diseases of fish include the following 

These diseases cause a lot of damage to fish enterprise and therefore appropriate measures  should be taken to control them through various sanitation measures. The following are the sanitation rules for an integrated livestock-fish pond: 

Key terms 

1. Antibiotics – These are drugs used in the treatment and prevention of bacterial infections. 

2. A stressor – An agent of stress. 

3. Aviary – Structure in which poultry are kept/poultry house. 

4. Concentrates – These are commercial livestock feeds that have a high protein or carbohydrate content and a low fibre content. 

5. Cultured fish – Fish that is reared in ponds 

6. Diversification – The practice of allocating productive resources in different enterprises so that should one fail, the farmer benefits from the others. 

7. Ecosystem – This is a natural community of interacting organisms and their physical environment. 

8. Enterprise – A single unit of production. 

9. Feed plan – A feeding schedule for fish which is based on the species and population of fish reared in pond. 

10. Fingerlings – These are young/juvenile fish about the size of human fingers. 

11. Fish pond enemies – These are animals that either kill fish for food or cause injury to the fish. 

12. Fish predators – These are animals that kill fish for food. 

13. Integrated fish pond – This is a fish pond that is constructed in such a way that it has provisions for keeping livestock such as poultry or rabbits either above it or beside it.

14. Integrated livestock-fish farming – A farming system where fish are reared in combination with other livestock animals. 

15. Integrated livestock-fish farming infrastructure – These are shelters used for reared/keeping the various components of animals in an integrated fish farm. 

16. Integration – The act or process of combining two or more things to come up with whole/the act of making something a part of a large group or organisation. 

17. Lesion – A region in an organ or tissue that has suffered damage through injury or disease. 

18. Medicated bath  – Medicine dispersed in water which is used in controlling external body disorders in animals. 

19. Planktons – Lower forms of life such as algae which serves as the natural food for fish 

20. Pond fertilisation – This is the addition of manure or inorganic fertilisers to the pond to stimulate the growth of plantations. 

21. Rabbit hutch – Rabbit house. 

22. Roughages – These are livestock feed that have a high crude fibre content with low protein and carbohydrate content. 

23. Sanitation measures/rules – These are hygienic means of promoting and protecting the health of animals. 

24. Stress – Any form of discomfort/threats to the well-being of an organism. 

25. Sustainable resource management – This is the utilisation of resources in a manner that will ensure the resources remain productive for generation to come. 

26. Vaccination – The administration of vaccine (antigen) to stimulate the individual’s immune system to produce antibodies that combat any form of foreign body/protein/antigen. 

End of Unit 7 Assessment 

1.  (a)  Explain what an intergrated livestock-fish farming is. 

     (b)  Give two ways in which livestock shelters in integrated livestock fish farming may be constructed in relation to the fish pond. 

2.  Outline the factors to consider in selecting the site for the construction of integrated livestock-fish pond. 

3.  Explain how you would identify the type of integration in an integrated fish farm. 

4.  Outline the maintenance practices carried out on an integrated livestock- fish farming shelters/infrastructure. 

5.  Describe columnaris disease in fish under the following sub-headings:  

6. The diagram below shows parasite and predators of fish in the pond. Study them and then answer the questions that follow:

7.  Identify the characteristics of good quality water for fish reared in ponds.