6 FACTORS THAT AFFECT THE FEEDING RATE OF CATFISH
To ensure that the catfish get to maturity within the given time, then what they are feeding on and how they are fed should be put into consideration. If the catfish are not fed well this will impact the growth of the fish. There are various factors that could result in the catfish not feeding properly.
Learn More1. Change of Environment
Change of environment affects the feeding rate of catfish, when catfish are transferred from one location to a new one, it takes them time to adjust before starting to feed appropriately. This is most common when fingerlings or juveniles are bought and moved from one farm to another, also the change in pond environment also affects how the catfish eats. Most times allowing the fish to adjust before feeding is best recommended so as not to waste the feed. Feeding can be done the next day.
2. Stress
The feeding rate of catfish is very low when they are stressed, they are not to be fed because they won’t eat at that moment. Anti-stress is mostly used to help the catfish become stable. Catfish are mostly stressed during the sorting periods or when they are harvested. It’s advisable not to feed before sorting/harvesting and immediately after.
READ ALSO Critical suggestions for every serious catfish farmer
3. Temperature
Water temperature affects how the catfish feed. The rate at which catfish consume feed differs from season to season. During the colder seasons, the feeding rate of the catfish tends to reduce as compared to warm seasons. Farmers should ensure that the temperature of the water in the pond is monitored. Also, the feeding timing should adjust to enable the fish to feed well.
4. Feed Quality
Quality fish feed is one that meets all the required nutritional compositions of the fish. Also, the feed should have uniformity, and palatability, dust free, and stability in water. The digestive system is short and any ingredient which is not easily digestible will be less beneficial for their growth. Farmers should ensure they use quality feed either sinking or floating when feeding. When the catfish are fed with low-quality feeds the feeding rate of the catfish is low, and they tend not growth well.
READ ALSO 7 difficulties you must be prepared for in fish farming business
5. Disease infection
Catfish reared in ponds are the most popular food fish grown worldwide. However, because of overcrowding and associated stresses, they are more susceptible to disease than those in the wild. Fish disease is a source of colossal loss of revenue to the farmer, a knowledge of its recognition prevention and management is therefore of utmost importance. When the catfish are sick they find it difficult to eat, which will impact their growth. Farmers should maintain a clean pond and apply preventive treatments to avoid disease outbreaks.
6. Dirty or polluted water
Pond water should be changed as often as possible. Waste from the pond is deposited in the water and this will affect the water quality and increase the growth of microorganisms. The oxygen level of the water will reduce which can result in the loss of the catfish. When fresh water is introduced to the pond it enables the catfish to swim very well and the rate at which they consume the feed also increases. Dirty water inhibits the feeding rate of catfish.
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to receive More updates directly on your WhatsApp!
Takeaway
Feeding is essential for the growth of catfish because catfish are what they eat. For a farmer to attain good weight then the catfish should be fed properly with the right feed size and quality feed. Good farm management enhances the feeding rate of the catfish.
-Advertisement-
We do everything possible to supply quality information for farmers day in, day out and we are committed to keep doing this.
Your kind donation will help our continuous research efforts.
