CATFISH FEED NUTRITION AND NUTRIENT BALANCE.

In catfish feed nutrients requirements and feeding
characteristics of channel catfish
have been extensively researched.
This research has provided the
basis for the formulation of
efficient, economical diets and for the development of feeding
strategies - both of which have
been instrumental in the success of the catfish industry. Nutrition Catfish farmers are able to feed a
nutritionally complete diet that
provides required levels of
nutrients and energy in a readily
digestible form. It is essential to
provide a complete diet because catfish can synthesize only a small
portion of the required nutrients
and the quantity of nutrients from
natural food organisms in the pond is relatively small. Forty nutrients have been identified as necessary for the normal metabolic function
of channel catfish. Based on current knowledge, a
digestible energy to crude protein
(DE/P) ratio of 8.5-10 kcal/gram is
adequate for use in commercial
catfish feeds. Ratios above this
range may lead to increased fat deposition and if the energy ratio
is too low, the fish will grow
slowly. Catfish feeds contain grain or grain by-products that are rich in starch. In addition to providing an inexpensive energy source, starch helps bind feed ingredients
together and increases expansion of extruded feeds so that the feed
pellets are water stable and float in the water. A typical catfish feed
contains 25 percent or more of
digestible carbohydrates. Lipid levels in commercial catfish
feeds rarely exceed 5-6 percent.
About 3-4 percent of the lipid is
inherent in the feed ingredients,
with the remaining 1-2 percent
being sprayed onto the finished pellets to reduce feed “fines”.
Both vegetable and animal lipids
have been used for pellet coating. Considerable work has been
conducted over the last 10 years
concerning the level of dietary
protein and amino acids needed for cost effective growth. Data from these studies indicate that the dietary protein requirement for various life stages of catfish ranges From about 25-50 percent. Recent studies have indicated that a protein level of 28 percent isadequate for growout when fish are fed to satiation. Catfish feed are generally supplemented with a vitamin premix to meet dietary
requirements and to compensate
for losses due to feed manufacture and storage. Catfish feeds are also supplemented with phosphorus and a trace mineral premix. However, there is evidence that supplemental trace minerals may not be need in diets using animal proteins. Feeds There are various types of catfish
feeds. The type being used at any
particular time is a function of size of fish being fed, whether the fish are feeding at the surface or in the water column, and if an antibiotic is incorporated. Catfish fry in hatcheries are fed
finely ground meal- or flour-type
feeds containing 45-50 percent
protein. Fines or crumbles from 28 or 32 percent protein feeds for
food fish growout are suitable for fry stocked in nursery ponds until
they reach 1-2 inches in length.
Larger fingerlings should be fed
small floating pellets (1/8 inch
diameter) containing 35 percent
protein. Advanced fingerlings (5-6 inches) and food fish are generally fed a floating feed of
approximately 5/32 - 3/16 inch in
diameter containing 28-32 percent protein. Some producers switch to a slow-sinking feed during the winter. Antibiotics are administered to catfish through incorporation in feeds. Depending on the particular antibiotic chosen, the feed may either be floating or sinking. Feeding Despite considerable research,
feeding catfish is far from an exact
science. It is a highly subjective
process that differs among catfish
farmers. The variation in feeding
practices is a product of numerous factors such as cropping system, fish size, ability to manage water quality, experience of feeding labor, and difficulty in estimating
fish inventory. In general, fish should be fed once a day as much feed as they will consume without adversely affecting water quality. However, depending on water quality variables and the health of the fish, it may be advisable to restrict the daily feed allowance or to feed less often. Long-term feed allowance should not exceed 100-125 pounds per acre per day. Most catfish producers feed once a
day, 7 days a week during the
warmer months. Although feeding twice a day may slightly improve growth of fingerlings, the logistics of multiple feedings on large catfish farms make it impractical. Feed is typically blown onto the surface of the water using mechanical feeders. Feeds should be scattered over as wide an area as possible to provide equal feeding opportunities for as many fish as possible. Feeding with
prevailing winds allows the feed to float across the pond and
minimizes the amount of feed
washing ashore. Overfeeding
should be avoided since wasted feed increases production costs.
FOR YOUR FEED FORMULATION, POND CONSTRUCTION, HYBRID FINGERLINGS PRODUCTION AND AND SUPPLY , WE UNDERTAKE FEASIBILITY STUDY, AND CONSULTANCY. CALL US ON 08032861326.

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