By Given Hamanungu

Fish farming is an integral part of the profitable farming business in Zambia which makes it of great importance to national economic growth. The fish industry adds a good source of protein to the human diet to scale up nutrition or the good health and well-being of the country.

Tiger Animal Feeds plays a key role in the fish farming industry through the manufacturing of qualityfeed and offer clear technical services to farmers.

For intensive cage culture (on large dams and lakes) we offer high protein complete feeds to cater for three growth phases i.e., Fry/larval stage, Grower and Finisher. For the less intensive pond culture systems, we offer a supplemental feed designed to fill in the gaps of a largely algal diet.

Feeding Recommendations

Notes:

• Average growth = 4.5g/ day overall

• Expected FCR 1.3 – 1.4:1 max FCR 1.55:1

• Expected FCR: 1.3 – 1.4:1 max FCR 1.55:1

• Feed 5 times per day

• The feed should be fresh, dry, and kept out of sunlight

• Feed buckets should be kept clean and dry

• Keep modules clean – remove excess feed and dead fish daily

The Intensive Cage culture rations are to be fed to appetite (ad-Lib). The Pond fish supplement is to be fed at 2% of Biomass per pond, from roughly 60-80g onwards.

Medication / Special Additives

There are no growth promoters or antibiotics in all the fish feeds mentioned above. The Pond fish supplement is to be fed at 2% of Biomass per pond, from roughly 60-80g onwards. The Vitamin and Mineral Premixes have been formulated using special ingredients that are not denatured in the pelleting and extrusion process.

General Comments

The rations outlined above have been formulated and developed in conjunction with fish specialists and have been tested in cage cultures and Integrated Pond systems in Kariba and Kafue respectively, delivering very good results. All the above feeds have been developed with Tilapia farming in mind.

Economic Considerations / Profitability

Growth is dependent on many environmental factors because fish are coldby blooded. Water temperature, Oxygen levels and water quality (hardness, pH etc.) are the most critical factors. Genetics, as always, plays a huge role in terms of performance and selecting for higher mature weight should be a key point on any breeding strategy. Fish have the potential to grow rapidly on relatively small quantities of feed provided all three key factors are in balance i.e., Genetics, Feed and Management.

For more information on quality fish feed and proper pond management contact Given at +260 97-540- 3834 or +260 96-793-3658 or send an email to givenhams@gmail.com visit the website at www.tigerfeeds.com.