Growing Catfish Economically:
Impact of Feed Management on the Production of Channel Catfish in Ponds______________________________

Channel catfish brooder

Justification
        Feeding practices are the foundation upon which animal production is built. Feed management can influence the cost of feeding as well as the growth, feed efficiency, and fillet yield of fish. Currently, there is considerable variability in fillet yield from fish reared at different farms. This not only makes it difficult for the processor to accurately predict yield but it also indicates that feeds are not being used in an efficient manner.

Objectives
        To determine if feeding time (AM and PM), frequency (once vs. twice a day), and intermittent fasting (six days of feeding, one day of fasting) influence culture performance and fillet yield of channel catfish reared in ponds.

Above, Feeding catfish in ponds Below, Harvesting catfish from ponds

Research
         Fingerling and juvenile catfish were fed through the summer based on the various feeding plans. Harvest weight, feed intake, feed use, survival, and fillet yield were not affected. Based on the observed results, there were no clear differences produced by changing the feeding time or frequency for catfish fed to satiation.

Anticipated Impacts
        The results of this study contribute to the continued development of best management strategies that strengthen the economics of catfish farming. Researchers have found that catfish farmers do not need to use two feedings per day or to strictly adhere to a specific feeding time. This information means that catfish farmers do not have to invest in additional equipment and personnel required to feed twice a day or try to feed at a specific time, thus allowing for a more reasonable use of manpower.

Principal Investigator
D. Allen Davis
ddavis@acesag.auburn.edu
Assistant Professor
Auburn University's Department of Fisheries and Allied Aquacultures