Fish Feeding Systems and Techniques

A feeding programme is successful when the required amount of nutritionally adequate feed is consumed. The feeding plan and techniques are affected by fish species and size, time of the year and the type of production system. The best guide for the fish farmer is to place the feed where it can be obtained by the fish, offer it so that the fish will receive their share/rations. Floating feeds can be broadcast mechanically from specially designed feeding troughs or from mechanical feeders. For small ponds, the feed can be distributed by hand (self feeder). Feeding of fry and small fingerling poses different challenges. The experienced fingerling producer knows where the young fish are located in the pond. He may use containers or shelters to attract or hold the newly-stocked fry in an area. Note that feed placed in wrong location will not be eaten and will reduce overall water quality. Mechanical feeders include the demand type which is activated by the fish and the automatic type which is activated by a time clock. Both have serious limitations, one of which is the tendency to less frequent observation of the culture system. The demand feeder is useful in extensive systems where fish do not have to be observed closely e.g. in lakes, reservoirs. The automatic feeder is designed to offer a measured amount of feed at predetermined time of the day.