Hazards associated with the use of chicken manure in fertilization of fish ponds [electronic resource].

Includes references.

The main aim of this study was to evaluate the bacterial impact of adding untreated chicken manure to fish ponds as an organic fertilizer on fish health. The most probable number (MPN) of Total Coliforms (TC), Faecal Coliforms (FC), and Faecal Streptococci (FS) were estimated from samples of chicken manure and water and fish (Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus) from ponds treated with chicken manure and other not treated as control. Results indicated that the mean MPN of TC, FC, and FS of chicken manure samples per gram were 4.5 X 108, 1.9 X 105, and 1.9 X 106, respectively. The mean MPN of TC, FC, and FS of water samples per ml from ponds treated were respectively 1.4 X 106, 2.6 X 103, and 3.2 X 103, while those mean MPN were 6.0 X 103, 1.9 X 102, and 2.8 X 102, respectively in water of control ponds. Fish samples from ponds treated showed mean MPN of TC, FC, and FS per gram to be 4.8 X 104, 5.2 X 103, and 5.4 X 102, respectively, while those of control ponds were 3.5 X 103, 2.6 X 102, and 1.2 X 102 respectively. Major fish pathogens isolated were Streptococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas spp., Aeromonas hydrophila, and Flavobacterium columnare as 45 (16.1%), 37 (13.2), 36 (12.8%), and 6 (2.1 %) strains, respectively. The hygienic significance of fish pathogens isolated was discussed. This study suggests that chicken manure should be treated before applying to fish ponds to lower the possibilities of contamination with pathogenic bacteria. Key word: Chicken manure, Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), Ponds, and Fertilization.

Summary in Arabic.