Introduction to Feeding Management

It makes economic, environmental and common sense to feed any stock of fish in a well-managed fashion. Any method employed has to satisfy the appetite demands of the stock, promote good growth, be economically efficient and be capable of being easily delivered to the fish. The 'what, when and how' of feeding has become very important over the past 5 years or so as the price differentials of production and sale prices have reduced.

Feeding can be divided into a number of areas - how much should be fed (ration size), how does the ration fit in with growth potential, how often should rations be given and at what time of day (feeding regimes), how are rations best delivered and how to monitor the efficiency of the diet and its performance. These factors all interact and need consideration in order to get the best out of both the diet and the stock. If one factor is outside the optimal range, stock quality and income will ultimately suffer. There may also be a need to utilise specialist diets at certain points of the production cycle.