Background:
The Asian catfish, Clarias batrachus or Magur is a highly preferred fish by the consumer because of its good taste, less bone, medicinal and recuperative properties. In spite of its omnivorous feeding habit, efficient ability to utilize artificial feeds, the air-breathing nature and tolerance to poor water quality sufficient numbers stocking material is not available for its aquaculture. As the availability of seed for successful Magur culture greatly depends on the use of proper larval feed. ICAR-CIFA, after conducting several feeding trials developed the weaning diet “Starter-M” to meet the nutritional requirement of Magur larvae. The feed was highly appreciated by the Magur hatchery operators in the country. The feed was recognized as the ‘Best ICAR Technology for the Eastern Region’ by the publication of JTMU at NIRZAFT, Kolkata.
Technology Details:
Starter-M is nutritionally balanced and highly palatable for baby Magur. It ensures faster growth and high larval survival. 14 days feeding of Starter-M is good enough to get healthy fry with 90% survivability. The feed is available as crumbles. However, the powder feed can be used as moist pellets. The feeds in both forms are very stable in the aquatic environment. An ordinary dry and cool place is suitable to store feed packets.