Calculating Feed Requirements for Catfish – The Best (1) Fish Feed Calculator

Dec 28, 2024

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Congratulations on starting your catfish farm! But how do you determine the right amount of feed to provide daily, and how often should you feed your fish each day?. Calculating feed requirements for catfish can be a daunting task because of the number of parameters required to make it a reality.

However, regardless of the parameters, involved in fish feed calculations, it is possible to do it and do it right, in this guide, we would take you through the step-by-step requirements, and at the end, introduce you to a tool that you can use to perform all these calculations without hustle.

Feeding is one of the most critical aspects of catfish farming. Proper feeding ensures that the fish grow at an optimal rate, remain healthy, and feed costs are minimized. In this guide, we will break down how a catfish farmer can calculate the daily feed requirements for their stock using a practical example. We will explore the entire process step by step, covering the calculations, factors to consider, and best practices for feeding.

Understanding the Variables Involved in Fish Feed Calculations

Before we get started, let’s outline the key factors involved in calculating feed requirements:

Number of Fish in the Pond
This is the total count of fish in the pond. Knowing the exact number helps you calculate the total biomass of the fish.
Average Fish Weight
Since it is impractical to weigh every single fish, you need to take 3 samples of fish, weigh them, and calculates the average weight. This average is then used for the entire population.
Total Biomass (Weight of All Fish)
The total biomass is the combined weight of all the fish in the pond. It is obtained by multiplying the number of fish by their average weight.
Water Temperature
Fish feeding rates are influenced by water temperature. Catfish eat more and grow faster in warmer water, but there is an optimal range (26°C to 34°C in the table provided). Below 26°C or above 34°C, feeding should be reduced or stopped altogether.
Feeding Level
The feeding level is the amount of feed, in kilograms, given per 100 kilograms of fish weight each day. This is determined from a feeding chart, which accounts for the fish’s size and water temperature.
Feeding Frequency
The number of times the fish are fed per day also depends on their size. Smaller fish need more frequent feedings, while larger fish require fewer feedings.

Practical Example in Calculating the Feed Requirements for Catfish

Let’s use the following scenario:

Number of fish in the pond: 1,000
Average weight of fish: 150 g (0.15 kg)
Water temperature: 32°C
Feeding chart values (from the provided table above):
- For fish weighing 100-200 g at 32°C, the feeding level is 3.1 kg feed per 100 kg fish per day.
- Feeding frequency is 2 times per day.

Calculate the Total Biomass

The first step is to calculate the total biomass of the fish in the pond. This is done by multiplying the number of fish by the average weight of each fish. Total Biomass=Number of Fish × Average Weight.

In this case: Total Biomass=1,000×0.15=150 kg.

This means the combined weight of all the fish in the pond is 150 kg.

Determine the Daily Feed Requirement

Next, using the feeding chart, find the recommended feeding level for the fish size and water temperature. For fish weighing 150 g (100-200 g) and at a temperature of 32°C, the feeding level is 3.1 kg feed per 100 kg fish per day.

Now, calculate the total daily feed amount: Daily Feed Amount= (Feeding Level / 100) × Total Biomass.

Daily Feed Amount = (3.1 /100) x 150

Thus, the fish in the pond require 4.65 kg of feed per day.

Determine Feed Per Feeding

The feeding frequency for fish in this size range is 2 times per day. To calculate the amount of feed for each feeding:

So, the farmer needs to provide 2.33 kg of feed (rounded up) in each feeding session.

Feeding Schedule and Distribution

To ensure the fish get their food evenly, the farmer should:

Stick to Regular Feeding Times
Feed the fish at consistent times, such as 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM. This helps establish a routine for the fish, making feeding more efficient.
Choose a feeding spot
Catfish have what we call learnt behaviour, choosing a spot for feed, and a particular time for feeding would ensure that during feeding time, they would all gather to eat.
Observe Feeding Behavior
During feeding, observe the fish to ensure they are actively eating. If the fish appear sluggish or leave feed uneaten, adjust the feed amount or check for water quality issues.

Factors to Monitor When Feeding Catfish

Water Quality
Uneaten feed can deteriorate water quality, leading to oxygen depletion and harmful ammonia buildup. Always avoid overfeeding.
Fish Growth Rates
Regularly sample the fish to check their growth. As the fish grow, update the average weight and recalculate the feed requirement. Do this at least every 2 weeks for best results.
Seasonal Variations
In colder months, fish metabolism slows down, and they require less feed. In warmer months, they may require more frequent adjustments based on their growth.

Benefits of Proper Feeding Practices

Optimal Growth
Providing the right amount of feed ensures the fish grow quickly and uniformly, reaching market size sooner.
Feed Cost Efficiency
Overfeeding wastes feed, increasing costs, while underfeeding slows growth. Proper calculations save money.
Environmental Sustainability
Reducing feed waste minimizes water pollution and the risk of harming the pond ecosystem.
Healthier Fish
A balanced diet promotes better health, reducing disease outbreaks and improving survival rates.

Common Challenges in Feeding

Estimating Fish Weight
It can be difficult to get an accurate average weight, especially with large populations. Regular sampling is essential.
Uneven Feeding
Inadequate feed distribution can lead to some fish growing faster than others, resulting in size variations.
Water Temperature Fluctuations
Sudden changes in water temperature affect fish appetite and metabolism. Adjust feeding levels accordingly.

Advanced Tools for Feeding

For large-scale operations, farmers can use advanced tools like:

Automatic Feeders: Machines that distribute feed at programmed intervals, ensuring consistency.
Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) Monitoring: Tracks how efficiently fish convert feed into body weight, helping optimize feeding practices.
Water Quality Sensors: Monitor oxygen levels, ammonia, and temperature to ensure the environment supports healthy feeding.

Conclusion

By following the outlined steps and using the feeding chart, a catfish farmer can efficiently calculate and manage feed requirements for their fish. In our example, with 1,000 fish weighing 150 g each and living in water at 32°C, the farmer needs to provide 4.65 kg of feed daily, split into 2.33 kg per feeding. Regular monitoring, accurate weight estimation, and adherence to feeding guidelines ensure optimal growth, cost savings, and a sustainable operation.

If these calculations are hard or too time consuming for you, simply use our catfish feeding calculator to resolve all these issues once and for all.