ARS | Publication request: PRACTICAL FEEDING OF TROPICAL AQUATIC SPECIES

Submitted to: International Symposium on Finfish and Crustacean Nutrition Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: November 8, 1995
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: In recent years, due to technological developments and improvements, the aquaculture industry has expanded rapidly worldwide. Culture methods have changed from traditional extensive to semi-intensive and intensive systems where fish depend on prepared feeds for growth and well-being. As a result, the quality of feed and feeding practices have become very critical. Feed must be nutritionally adequate and economical for a given species and production system. Fish larvae with immature digestive systems at the time yolk sacs have been absorbed require live foods as part of their diets, especially at the onset of feeding. Those that have structurally and functionally differentiated digestive tracts at the initiation of feeding will accept prepared diets immediately from the time of first feeding. The benefits of proper feed selection, however, can only be realized if fish are properly fed. For maximum production and profits, farmers are interested in a high rate of feed consumption. However, uneaten or excess feed cannot be recovered and represents not only an economic loss but also pollutes the environment. Thus, if fish farming is to be successful, good feeding practices (feed allowance, feeding frequency, method of feeding and daily feeding schedule) must be applied. Because of the many factors which influence fish feeding practices, the information presented herein should be used only as a guide.