D

  • Days of Culture (DOC): The count of days since stocking.

  • Denitrification: A biological process (usually anaerobic) where bacteria convert nitrate into nitrogen gas, removing nitrogen from the system.

  • Diagnosis: The identification of a disease (by observation, histology, PCR, etc.).

  • Diet: The nutritional composition of the feed (protein, lipid, etc.).

  • Digestibility: The percentage of an ingredient or nutrient that is effectively absorbed by the animal.

  • Digestive Tract (Intestine): The organ responsible for the digestion and absorption of nutrients. Gut health is key to performance.

  • Disease: An abnormal condition affecting the animal's body, often caused by pathogens, poor nutrition, or environmental stress.

  • Dissolved Oxygen (DO): The concentration of oxygen available in the water, the most critical parameter for survival and growth.

  • Drainage: The act of emptying a pond.

  • Dyke (or Embankment): The sloped earthen wall of a pond.