ARS | Publication request: Food for thought: Feeding management strategies (Part 1)

Submitted to: Global Aquaculture Advocate
Publication Type: Trade Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: November 16, 2007
Publication Date: December 24, 2007
Citation: Riche, M.A. 2007. Food for thought: Feeding management strategies (Part 1) [abstract]. Global Aquaculture Advocate. 10(6):62-64.

Technical Abstract: Nutrition is at the hub of a successful farming operation, but its importance is often overlooked or underappreciated. Nutrition is generally thought of as simply meeting the nutrient requirements of the species, but this misses the broader significance of nutrition’s role in the success of the farm. Generally taken for granted are the roles feed manufacturing and feeding management strategies also play. Also often underappreciated is the importance of integrating this broader understanding of nutrition into the planning stages of the operation. Using this broader view of nutrition one can appreciate how it affects and in turn is affected by the other considerations of the operation. Such a view of nutrition is integral in developing an initial system design or expansion by understanding the amount of nutrient inputs and how these affect water quality. Feed quality and composition directly affect rate of growth, product quality, and time to market. Management of both the animals and farm personnel are dictated by the type of feed, feeding frequency, as well as the time and method of feed delivery. Dietary composition, energy density, and appropriate feeding rates to meet the animal’s requirements directly affect growth, health, feed efficiency and ultimately the bottom line. Therefore, a successful feeding strategy is important for success.