8
Jan
Research 2
Growth Characteristics: Hybridization in Clams to Achieve Efficiency and Larger Markets
We conducted on-farm research to replicate growers’ experience and real life to determine viability of growing hybrids clams in Sapelo, GA. We measured several growth characteristics including survival, shell length, shell width, total weight and wet meat weight.
Clam Production at Experimental Site in Sapelo, Ga.
Survival
In terms of survival, M. mercenaria had a higher survival rate, 94%, compared to 89 percent for the hybrids. Table 1.
Although statistically different, the survival rates for both clams is high and acceptable. It should be noted that in Florida, survival rate can be as low as 50% due to the high water temperature conditions in summer.
Growth Characteristics
M. mercenaria overall grew bigger than the hybrids. Growth parameters including shell length, shell width, total weight and wet meat weight were greater for hybrids compared to M. mercenaria. Table 2.
Table 2. Comparison of shell Length, Width, Total Weight and Wet Meat Between Two Clam Types
Research conducted by Florida State University and the University of Florida over decades showed hybrids performing better than M. mercenaria Dalton and Menzel, 1983; Menzel, 1961; Menzel, 1962; Menzel, 1977; Scarpa et al., 2011; Sturmer et al., 2012). This research was done in the warm waters of Florida. Waters in Georgia are relatively colder than Florida.
Among the objectives of the research was to establish viability of growing hybrid clams. The research showed that hybrid clams have the potential as an alternative to M. mercenaria in Georgia. In Georgia, hybrids offer the major advantage of small clams being sold to small clams’ markets at shorter growth periods half as opposed to waiting for maturity in three years.
