CRITERIA TO FOLLOW WHILE CHOOSING THE RIGHT FISH FEED
Introduction
Aquafeed and nutrition are the most important factors to consider in order to enhance productivity and economic output of a fish farm, and are simultaneously synchronous. Consequently, nutrition and feed affect the nutritional quality, performance and health of the fish and the final product of the fish supplied to consumers. Therefore, it is vital to understand the aquafeed given to fish and its nutritional value.
It is equally important to note that there are many factors that can influence the quality of the feed, as each ingredient used in feed formulation has its own properties. Meanwhile, the nutritional requirements of the fish should be taken into account. Factors that influence the nutritional requirement of the fish include; growth stage, sex, genetics, physiology, water quality, production regime and production systems (pond size and stocking density) at the farm.
Most farmers base on the performance of fish as the best tool to measure the quality of the feed. However, rapid growth is not the confirmatory indication of good nutrition. It is necessary to check the internal physiology of the fish, specifically the liver, that is easily eroded and colored abnormally. Also, the quality of fish mortality is another indicator of the nutritional condition of fish.
In addition, the quality of fish feeds depends on the nutritional apprehension and procedure used in the manufacture process including the equipment and methods of formulation.
However, the most important factor for farmers/aquaculturists has always been profitability which solely depends on a wide range of factors.
The following precedents can be considered while choosing the right feed for the fish/aquaculture animal:
The nutritional composition
Good quality feed should contain the right amount of nutrients, proportional to the dietary needs of fish, most importantly proteins. Other necessary nutrients include; lipids, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Feed which meets nutritional needs of fish allows for better feed conversion and is most likely not to damage the environment
Pellet size and color
Quality feed should be of the appropriate size to be taken in by the fish without injuring its mouth. The pellet color should be easily identified and traced by fish in water. The feed pellets should be of uniform size and texture.
Particle content of the feed
Quality feed must not contain many fine particles. A sample bag of purchased feed can be screened for residues which are then weighed and must not exceed 1 % of the total weight of feed in the bag.
Water stability of feed
Feed that easily disintegrates in water interferes with water quality and increases feed waste which is bought with money, hence losses. Stability and flotation ability of feed depends on the fat composition and processing at extrusion
Specification of the Aqua feed
Information about the feed and its composition must appear on the food bag, if not, the farmer can as well request for a report from the manufacturer containing the details about the feed.
Digestibility
One of the most important facts that has been neglected by most feed manufacturers. Digestibility is the extent to which a feed is absorbed into the body of fish as it passes through the digestive tract. The better the digestibility of the feed constituents, the more efficient the feed and the less impact the feed will have on the culture environment.
Aquaculture animal/fish
Nutritional requirement of fish species; knowing the nutrient need of the fish allows for better feed conversion and ensures that most of the feed given is utilized, hence reducing food waste and damage to the aquatic environment.
Information about the reared fish; such information includes, feeding behavior, species of fish, stocking density, feeding habit, culture system and optimum range of water quality parameters. Each fish has specific nutritional requirements and feeding behavior.
Manufacture process of feed
The type of feed production and the methods entailed in it are also an important aspect in quality feed management.
Quality feed must be produced from high quality ingredients using clean equipment to cut off contamination points in the manufacturing process.
A good type of feed processing should offer extruded feed rather than granulated feed. Extrusion encourages stability of feed at the water surface, which makes it easier to monitor consumption visually.
Profitability of the feed used
Most farmers base on the price of feed or protein content to choose an aquaculture feed which is very wrong, choice of feed should be determined by the performance it provides, that consequently depends on the quality of feed. Reduction of feeding costs which account for 70 % of the production cost can be achieved with a better feed conversion ratio (lower FCR).
So!
The idea of choosing fish feed entirely basing on the price and crude protein content should be disregarded. Most farmers opt for feed that seems to be cheaper, but consequently becomes expensive. However, they never notice since they don't take records of performance and simultaneous costs incurred. Therefore, an Aquaculturist should put into consideration all the factors explained above to choose quality feed for his/her fish in order to have better performance.
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