STONEVILLE -- The research of two Delta professors has the potential to save Mississippi catfish producers an estimated $5 million to $8 million annually. Now the researchers are being awarded for their contributions.

Ed Robinson and Menghe Li are research professors in catfish nutrition at the Mississippi State University Delta Research and Extension Center's National Warmwater Aquaculture Center in Stoneville. They recently received the “most relevant publication to Mississippi” award from the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Experiment Station.

Their publication, “A Summary of Catfish Nutrition Research Conducted under a Cooperative Agreement between MAFES and Delta Western Research Center,” documents ways to reduce catfish feed costs.

The research was a collaborative effort between MSU and Delta Western.

“I'm really proud of these guys, and it's an honor to have two of our Stoneville faculty recognized for their outstanding achievements by our colleagues on campus,” said Craig Tucker, research professor and head of the DREC's aquaculture center in Stoneville.

“Their work has resulted in tremendous savings in feed costs,” Tucker said. “Feed costs have been reduced and more efficient feeding practices have been identified through their research.”

Robinson and Li also have been named researchers of the year in additional awards. Robinson received the award of researcher of the year from MAFES, and Li received a researcher of the year award from MSU's College of Forest Resources.

“It's nice to be recognized, and the awards provide encouragement to continue to work hard,” Robinson said. “It's also good for the research group. All the data are the work of a lot of people.”

Li also noted the contribution of his research group in earning the recognitions.

“I was honored to receive the awards,” Li said. “They recognized not just me, but the hard work of the researchers, support staff and pond crew in the catfish nutrition program.”

Tucker noted that as a result of Robinson and Li's contributions to catfish nutrition research, dietary protein levels have been reduced and vitamin and mineral requirements have been refined.

The DREC is a component of MSU's Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine. The organization works to solve crop and aquaculture production problems as well as to transfer information and technology to area producers.

Writer: Robert H. Wells