by Given Hamanungu

Fish farming is an integral part of profitable farming business in Zambia, which makes a great and important contribution to the econ­omy, social health and well-being of the country. Fish is a good source of protein in the human diet. Tiger Animal Feeds plays a key role in the fish farm­ing industry through the manufacturing of quality fish feed.

For fish farming to contribute meaningfully in the national economic circle, there is a need to have a viable and reputable fish feed manufacturer. Tiger Animal Feeds is committed and focuses on technical service to the already existing and potential fish farmers, whilst producing quality fish feed that provides faster growth in fish.

The following are key points to be considered when farming with fish:

Water Quality

Fish need good water quality to survive and grow. Quality water should be high in dissolved oxygen, have no pollut­ants, and should not have excessive organic or toxic matter. A vegetated dike is needed to reduce soil erosion and pesticides entering the pond.

Feeding recommendations:

Notes:

1. Average growth = 4,5g/day overall
2. Expected FCR (feed conversion rate) = 1,3 to 1,4:1
3. Maximum FCR = 1,55:1
4. Feed 5 times per day
5. Feed should be fresh, dry and kept out of sunlight
6. Feed buckets should be kept clean and dry
7. Keep modules clean – remove excess feed and dead fish daily

Record keeping

Keep accurate records of numbers and sizes of fish caught in the pond that will determine the evaluation and fish population status, or if any management is needed. Record the feed consumption, feeding period, water quality, fish mortality, and fish weekly weights and sizes. Periodically review your records to see if there are any differences from the standard parameters.

Stocking density

Stock the pond with all male fingerlings. The use of mixed sex tilapia is not recommended because:

•Males grow faster than females.

•Mixed sex tilapia will start to reproduce after a few months. This reproduction cannot be controlled.

•Uncontrolled breeding leads to poor growth of the fish and other problems like diseases.

Mortality

Fish mortality affects population. Given that drug treatments are expensive, fish mortality invariably leads to lower harvest and higher cost. Fish farmers often suffer hefty economic losses due to high mortality rates.

To alleviate such losses, it is crucial to take precautions to prevent fìsh mortal­ity. It is also important to prevent water quality from deteriorating due to high pathogen levels and other sources.

Regular monitoring of fìsh health is an effective way to prevent high mor­tality rates. One major cause of serious fish deaths is overlooking the conta­giousness of fìsh diseases and thus delaying treatment.

Visit Tiger Animal Feeds’ main office or sales depots throughout the country for valuable technical services free of charge, and keep abreast of progress in fish farming management information. Contact Given Hamanungu, Technical Advisor, at +26-097-540-3834 or givenhams@gmail.com for more information.