Introduction

The use of formulated aquaculture feeds, which are commercially designed and produced, is well-established in intensive aquaculture. Increased understanding of the nutritional requirements of fish, along with improvements in feed manufacturing technology and feeding techniques have allowed the expansion of modern aquaculture. As feed may account for 40 - 60% of a fish farms' production costs, the choice of diet and how it is used by the farmer can have a significant financial impact.

For a diet to be used to its fullest potential, i.e. to produce healthy fish with high growth rates to specified buyer/consumer quality standards, it must be easily digested and satisfy all the fishes' dietary requirements. This means it should contain the optimal nutritional balance of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, vitamins and minerals. Diets dispensed in such a way as to maximise appetite and minimise waste should improve growth performance, reduce financial outlay and minimise any potential environmental effects.

To achieve these goals some aspects of fish feeding biology, including relevant areas of physiology and behaviour, should be taken into account when a farm manager/ operator is devising a feeding strategy. This strategy, when coupled with improvements in water quality management, disease control and husbandry techniques, should allow a farmer to produce the highest quality product at a much lower unit production cost.