The production of Carp is very much based around a structured method that is replicated by fish farmers all around the world. Brood-stock is selected, based on desired characteristics, (Scaly, fast growing etc) to produce offspring that carry these traits. (Male 2 years + old and Females usually mature at 4 years) Frontfish UK select heavily plated mirrors along with a fast growing Dink strain to produce fast growing scaly fish. The selected fish are netted from the holding pond and brought into the hatchery, usually late February, but this can vary each year. The recirculation system is gradually heated to bring the fish up too spawning temp. (18-22°c) The fish are then held at this temperature for 7-14 days. It is during this time that the male fish will start to rough up on the operculum (gill cover) and begin chasing the females in the tank; the female Carp will have a very soft belly, indicating they are ready for spawning. The next process involves injecting Carp pituitary (hormonal stimuli) into the male and female Carp to kick start the chemical processes that occur inside the Carp prior to spawning. This allows maximum control of the spawning (in theory), as it is possible to predict within a few hours when the fish are ready to spawn. The Carp are now ready for the next stage of spawning, egg striping and fertilisation. Having complete control over this process enables highest fecundity of fertilised eggs, which maximises production from each fish. Allowing natural spawning is effective but is leaving things in the hands of Mother Nature. The fertilised eggs are placed in Zuger jars until ready for hatching usually 2-3 days after fertilisation. The fry swim up 4 days after hatching to inflate their swim bladder and begin exogenous feeding, although the temperature of the water affects this process. Brine shrimp are used as the first feed once the yolk sac has been used up. This gives the carp the best possible start before going out into the ponds. Prior to the spawning the ponds have been prepared for the introduction of the newly hatched fry. This is a simple process that is very similar to a farmer preparing their fields. Once the pond is drained it is covered with lime. Liming can improve phosphorus availability, this greatly enhances the pond productivity. The addition of lime helps buffer the water against acidic soils and adds minerals to fresh water with a low mineral content. It will also kill any remaining life in the pond that may prey on the fry (Leeches, Dragon fly larvae and Stickle-backs). The pond is then dried out and rotivated to allow oxygen into the anoxic mud. The pond is filled and horse manure is added as a fertiliser to encourage primary production, i.e. algae, rotifers, and daphnia. Seeding the pond with daphnia from established ponds can accelerate the process. The fry are now ready to move into their new home for the summer and start growing. At the end of each summer the best fish are selected to grow on which gives us the best possible stock of carp in each age group C1-C6. (C1 = 1 summers growth, C5 – 5 summers) All of the Carp are reared on a specially formulated coarse fish food made by Skretting. Using a specially formulated feed provides all essential minerals and nutrients, which helps all our fish remain in the best of health, not only on the outside but healthy on the inside. A Carp fed on high oil pellets, which is specifically formulated for salmonids will only result in Carp with high levels of visceral fat that could cause detriment to their health.