Abstract
Muscle quality and the physiological condition of fish are affected greatly by the culture environment. In aquaculture ponds, a bio-floating bed planted with vegetation is often used to improve water quality. This study investigated the growth and muscle quality of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) cultured in ponds equipped with bio-floating beds. Fish were cultured in two replicated pond groups from May to November. Fish in the first group were cultured in experimental ponds equipped with a bio-floating bed planted with Ipomoea aquatica, whereas fish in the other group were reared in control ponds without a bio-floating bed. Compared with control ponds, the experimental ponds had better water quality with significantly lower concentrations of nitrite and ammonia. Grass carp in the experimental group had greater muscle weight gain, a significantly higher content of crude protein, and a significantly lower crude fat level than fish in the control group. The levels of pH, water-holding capacity, and antioxidant capacity of muscle decreased significantly in the control group compared to the experimental group. Texture profile analysis revealed higher values of hardness, springiness, gumminess, and chewiness and lower values of cohesiveness and resilience of white muscle in the experimental group compared to the control group. The filets of fish in the experimental group also received higher grades in the sensory evaluation of springiness, overall acceptability, aroma, and palatability. These results indicate that growth performance and muscle quality of grass carp were improved by the presence of bio-floating beds in the culture ponds.