Background:
In inland open waters, especially in reservoirs located in the warm temperature regime (22-32˚C), the cage culture of Pangasionodon hypophthalmus has the potential for a booming aqua-farming option. The use of low-quality feed (nutritionally poor) is causing sub-optimal growth and poor feed to flesh conversion in cage farming of this species. As a result, low yield and poor feed conversion will make cage farming a venture of low return on investment threatening its economic viability. Technology Details:
• “CIFRI-CAGEGROW” is a floating feed developed, mainly, for grow-out stages of P. hypophthalmus for their cage farming in reservoirs. • The formulation takes care of the nutrient requirement of the target species and their growth stages. • The protein and lipid levels of the feed were maintained at 28% and 5% respectively to suit the requirements during the grow-out stage. • Ingredients for the feed were carefully selected to ensure high digestibility and to meet the essential nutrient need of the species. Vitamins and minerals were additionally supplemented to ensure micronutrient requirements. Feed supplements were incorporated as an attractant and also to assist in digestibility and nutrient availability. • Good digestibility of feed will ensure energy and nutrient availability for anabolic process and will minimize metabolic loss; thereby reducing the eutrophication rate of the environment. • While selecting the ingredients, care was also taken to optimize the cost of feed to reduce expenditure towards feed cost facilitating the economic feasibility of cage culture. • Selection of ingredients and their proportion and processing done in such a manner that provides water stability for 6-8 hours. • The feed is highly palatable and fishes readily consume it. • The feed ensures feed to the flesh conversion rate of 1.2-1.4 in the temperature range of 28-32˚C. • The feed has been tested in multi-location trials.