FIVE COMMON MISTAKES IN FEEDING CATFISH
There are various techniques required for feeding to get the desired result, most people feel just pouring feed into the pond is all it takes in feeding it way much more than that. Observation of their response to the feed is key when it comes to feeding.
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1. OVERFEEDING OF CATFISH
Most farmers overfeed their fish and this results in waste in the feed. As a farmer saving the cost of production is paramount, so wasting feed as a result of overfeeding will increase the cost of production, thereby reducing the profit margin. To avoid overfeeding it is very important you always take note of the quantity of feed you give and also watch their feeding rate before pouring more feed. Another effect of overfeeding is that your water gets polluted quickly then you have to be changing water more often which will result in more cost.
2. UNDERFEEDING OF CATFISH
Catfish are what they eat. Underfeeding has negative effects on the catfish, ranging from slow growth to increased time of harvest and cannibalism. Underfeeding is majorly caused by a lack of proper record of feeding rate and amount of feed given per time. There should be a record of the weight of feed given per time and note as the growth these should be increasing. You don’t feed 2kg weight of feed today and tomorrow you feed 1kg, except other factors are affecting their feeding rates. Not feeding your fish adequately is not a strategy for saving costs.
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3. WRONG CATFISH FEEDING TIME.
Proper feeding time should be put into consideration, there are times the fish don’t eat well, so have a feeding time record and keep to it. Fish tend to feed less when they are stressed, during the cold period, and when their water is very dirty. The feeding time can be adjusted based on the weather and other activities.
4. WRONG CATFISH PATTERN OF FEEDING
To avoid irregular growth of the fish and possibly cannibalism the feeding pattern should ensure all the fish are eating at the same time. You can use the broadcast or point pattern of feeding; these are based on the pond type and stocking density of the seeds. Use any that works best for you.
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5. WRONG FEEDING METHOD.
Different sizes of fish take different sizes of feed, feeding a size bigger than their current size will hinder the growth of the fish. So accurate size should be used at every given time. The feed size may vary based on the manufacturing company. Below are the different sizes of the feed;
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Fish Fries: 0.3mm to 0.8mm. It looks like a powder
Fingerling/Post Fingerlings: 1.2mm to 1.5mm
Juvenile: 2mm
Grow-out sizes – 3mm, 4mm, 6mm, and 9mm
There are other factors that will also affect the way the fish respond to the feed these include; the palatability of the feed, the aroma, and also is the feed is sinking or floating.
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