FEED FORMULATION AND PROCESSING

Although the methods of feed formulation vary from one
region to another, however it involves the combination
and blending together of feed ingredients (based on a
formular) into nutritionally balanced and economically
sound diet that can be used in required amount to provide
the level of production desired in fish cultivation. The
processing methods which includes sourcing, mixing,
pelleting, drying and storing is very crucial as it determines
bioavailability of nutrients, feed acceptability, palatability
and durability which often have profound effect on
performance of fish. Therefore there is the need to formulate
a diet at the least possible cost so as to maximize
profit. This can be done by careful selection of ingredients
that are cheap but rich in nutrients for fish growth
and optimum performance. Effective substitution of one
ingredient for another can best be done when knowledge
of the nutrient availability of the substitute is ascertained.
In Africa, protein sources of feed stuffs are usually more
expensive than other ingredients. Protein requirement for
varying species of fish differ. Thus, the protein needs of
the culturable fish specie must be known for effective
feed formulation to be achieved.
Sourcing of ingredients
It involves the purchase of high quality ingredients at very
cheap prices, since the quality of the ingredients invariably
determines the quality of the abundance and cost of
the ingredients. Feed producers must take advantage of
the availability of different feedstuff at very cheap prices
at various times of the year, most especially during harvest
times when the ingredients are available at low
prices.
Grinding of feed ingredients
This is normally carried out by using hammer mill. The
structure of the ingredients, whether it is coarse or fine
have a significant effect both on the physical properties
and nutritive value of the finished product (Igbinosun,

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