African Catfish - Feed Bulletin

Contents

Introduction 3
Water quality 4
Nutrition 7
Reproduction and broodstock 8
nutrition
Hatchery phase 10
Nursery phase 12
Hatchery and nursery feeding 13
protocol
Grow out Phase 14
Calculating the FCR 16
Health 18
Record keeping 19
Feed requirement calculation 20
Nutrace 22
Skretting ARC 24
Overview of feeding 26
recommendation

2
Introduction

African catfish are an ideal candidate for tropical African catfish have almost pan-African distribution (but
aquaculture, particularly in West Africa where they are naturally absent from the Maghreb, Upper and Lower
originate. They grow easily and fast in ponds and tanks, Guinea and Cape provinces). They are equally present
and can reach 2 kilograms in 6 months under optimal in Jordan, Lebanon, Israel and Turkey. This species is
conditions. The catfish can ‘breathe’ air and do not found in lakes, streams, rivers, swamps and floodplains,
require water aeration. They are a hardy fish and the many of which are subject to seasonal drying. The most
meat is red and tasty. Breeding and hatchery techniques common habitats are floodplain swamps and pools
are well-described. where they can survive during the dry season(s) due to
their accessory air breathing organs. African catfish has
Clarias is a genus of catfish of the family Clariidae, the
also been introduced into most other countries in Africa,
air-breathing catfish. There are currently 60 species
as well as several in Europe, Asia and South America.
recognised in this genus, of which Clarias gariepinus
(African catfish), Clarias macrocephalus (bighead catfish) Nigeria is by far the largest producer of farmed African
and Clarias batrachus (walking or Asian catfish) are best catfish (>150,000 tonnes per annum) in official statistics
For general information on
known. The African catfish and its hybrid Heteroclarias but the Netherlands, Hungary, Brazil, Cameroon, Mali and African catfish
(Claresse® in the Netherlands) – a cross with a closely South Africa also produce significant quantities.
FAO WEBSITE
related genus Heterobranchus, are expected to be
African catfish juveniles prefer to eat insects and http://www.fao.org/fishery/culturedspecies/
increasingly farmed. The hybrid has advantages for
crustaceans over molluscs, detritus and plankton; beyond Clarias_gariepinus/en
farming as it shows improved growth due to hybrid
the juvenile stage they prefer to eat fish. African catfish FAO HANDBOOK
vigour, and it is sterile and not able to reproduce. There
is considered an opportunistic omnivore: proteases http://www.nefisco.org/downloads/Clarias.pdf
are many other catfish species (order Siluriformes) also
are similar to carnivorous fish and starch digestive
farmed around the world, best known are the channel A video “Anou is raising catfish“
capabilities similar to herbivore fish. Food is detected
catfish in the USA and pangasius in Vietnam. can also be ordered
with its 4 pairs of barbells (whiskers).
3
Water quality

It is often mentioned that catfish are a hardy fish In extensive farming pond systems proper management Acceptable water quality parameters for raising African catfish
tolerating poor water quality and low oxygen levels, and of algae and zooplankton may be important for natural Value or
Parameter Unit range
while this may be true in that catfish may survive those food and may require the use of fertilisers to balance
conditions for a short period, they will certainly not thrive nitrogen, phosphorous (and potassium). Temperature o
C 25-30
and grow well. Oxygen mg/L 4-6
In intensive farming systems and recirculating
Therefore, the catfish farmer must assure that there aquaculture systems (RAS) one has to focus either on pH 6-8
is sufficient water and that water quality does not water renewal and flushing or bio-filter functioning to
CO2 mg/L <20
deteriorate. A number of important water quality minimise levels of ammonia, nitrite, and CO2.
parameters for closed systems are given in the table Total suspended solids mg/L <20
Threshold concentration for ammonia in rearing water of
to the right. Catfish is a freshwater fish but can tolerate Total ammonia - N mg/L <3
African catfish is not to exceed 0.34 mg NH3-N per litre.
2-4ppt salinity.
Higher levels will reduce feed intake and thus growth. NH3 - N mg/L
The optimum temperature for growth is around 28°C. This limit is relevant for design and management of
Nitrite - N mg/L <1
Water temperature should be measured daily as it is so African catfish production systems. Ammonia and nitrite
important for growth. should be monitored bi-weekly in pond systems. Nitrate - N mg/L <100

Even though the catfish is an air breather, it is still There are water sampling kits commercially available
recommended to maintain normal (>5 ppm) dissolved to help the catfish farmer with monitoring water quality
oxygen levels in the water. Oxygen should be measured parameters on a regular basis and decision-making on
at least weekly early in the morning in ponds when levels water flow adjustments. A simple pH-test is to spit in the
are reaching a minimum. It should not be below 2-3 ppm water: when saliva (alkaline) disappears immediately, the
dissolved oxygen before sunrise. Optimal depth of the water is probably acidic and may require liming.
ponds should be 1.2–1.5 metres.

4
5
6
Nutrition

The protein requirement of catfish for growth is Under good farming practices African catfish can be
high under optimal farming conditions. Larvae and grown from 10g fingerlings to approximately 1.5-2kg
early juveniles require >55% dietary protein. Protein in 6 months at temperatures ranging between 26 and
requirements for on-growing fish is reduced, but remains 29°C. African catfish are not only fast-growing, but also a
high in the range of 40-45%. nutritionally efficient fish, and on floating extruded feeds
an FCR of 0.7-0.8 is feasible in RAS. In pond systems an
Protein quality is important for catfish and involves the
FCR of 1-1.2 is achievable.
complexities of palatability, digestibility and amino acid
balancing. Lysine and methionine are the first limiting Even though catfish can digest starch well, they prefer
amino acids. Catfish follow the Skretting AminoBalance lipids as energy source. The FCR improves significantly
concept. The feeding response is optimal on a when lipid levels are increased to 12-14% in grower
combination of marine, animal and vegetable proteins. In diets. Catfish accept vegetable oils well and the fatty acid
the future alternative protein sources, for example from requirement is more for n-6 than n-3 fatty acids. This is
insect meals, could form part of the protein combination. in accordance with most tropical freshwater fishes.

Dietary energy is required for maintenance and growth of African catfish is not a fatty food fish. Its whole body
animals. Fish are often mentioned as having a relatively composition is typically 15-17% protein, 5-10% lipid and
low maintenance requirement, because they do not use 2% ash (minerals). The lipid level is affected by fish size,
energy for maintaining a body temperature; moreover, feed type and genetics.
swimming also comes at a low cost and protein
breakdown to ammonia is very energy-efficient. Hence,
fish can have a feed conversion ratio (FCR) <1.

7
Reproduction and broodstock nutrition

In nature, African catfish reproduce in response to The most common technique to induce final maturation Skretting Superior Repro feed composition
environmental stimuli such as a rise in water level and and ovulation in the African catfish is to inject the female Component % inclusion
flooding of low-lying areas. These events do not occur in with hormones or pituitary gland material. The male
captivity and hormone treatment is employed to ensure catfish cannot be stripped and consequently the sperm Crude protein 45

large-scale production of catfish fingerlings. Genetic can only be obtained by sacrificing it. Crude fat 15
selection for growth and other economic traits should be
Broodfish should not be fed a standard grower diet but Starch 15
part of the breeding program.
deserve a dedicated broodstock diet. Superior Repro
Crude fibre 2
Ideal broodfish weigh between 300–800 grams. Larger is such a diet especially designed for catfish breeders.
fish are difficult to handle. Females will carry fewer eggs Broodstock nutrition has a profound influence on egg Ash 10

in the dry season, but can spawn the whole year. quantity, egg and sperm quality and performance of Phosphorus 1.5
the offspring. A careful balance of essential nutrients is
Mature broodfish are selected according to the following Digestible energy (MJ/kg) 18.0
vital for ensuring breeder conditioning, optimal sperm
criteria:
and egg development while providing sufficient energy
• A well distended, swollen abdomen from which to aid transition from endogenous to exogenous feeding Courtesy John Ayigo (Oxfam, 2015)
ripe eggs can be obtained by slightly pressing the in the catfish larvae. Pigments and certain vitamins are
abdomen toward the genital papilla. Ripe eggs implicated in protecting gametes against oxidation and
are uniform in size and an experienced hatchery improving hatchability.
operator can see the nucleus as a small dark point
Superior Repro is floating, high in protein and energy and
in the centre of the egg.
can be fed to the breeders continuously or at least 2-3
• A swollen, sometimes reddish or rose coloured months before spawning.
genital papilla.

8
 For more information about
artificial reproduction of
African catfish
FAO WEBSITE
http://www.fao.org/docrep/003/w3595e/
w3595e00.htm
ILLUSTRATIVE VIDEO
https://vimeo.com/16890394
Production cycle of African catfish
Source: www.fao.org/fishery/culturedspecies/Clarias_gariepinus

9
Hatchery phase

Traditionally, after yolksac absorption, larvae of African Gemma Wean has been developed to co-feed and wean Providing sufficient feed in multiple feedings will also
catfish have been offered natural food organisms and catfish larvae during the larval rearing phase, and is reduce the risk of cannibalism.
Artemia was often the most common choice before centrally manufactured with a special low temperature
In the more distant past catfish larvae sometimes
weaning to dry feeds. This has changed, however, with extrusion process only available in the dedicated starter
exhibited broken-head syndrome. However, this was
the arrival of new generation larval diets such as Gemma feed plant of Skretting France.
caused by a vitamin C deficiency and should not occur
Micro and Gemma Wean. Moreover, good Artemia is
Gemma Wean is formulated with algal proteins, highly anymore with high quality starter feeds with ample
getting scarce and seldomly available in sufficient
unsaturated fatty acids (HUFAs), hydrolysed proteins, quantities of heat-stable vitamin C.
quantities and quality in Africa.
and phospholipids resulting in each particle exhibiting a
DENSITIES
In a direct comparison against Artemia, Gemma Micro striking green colour. Gemma Wean is formulated on the
(from Skretting France) showed similar performances principles of Protec and contains 62% protein and 14% In intensive hatcheries fry (0.05-0.1g) are held the first
in terms of growth (66mg after 13 days feeding, 300mg lipids. In Nigeria the recommended weaning protocol 10 days in 100-1,000 litre tanks at a stocking density
after 18 days), but a much better survival (92% vs starts with Gemma Wean until the fry are 0.5-1.0 grams. of 600g/m3. Then, advanced fry (0.1-1.0g), stocked at
70% after 13 days). It demonstrated the possibility to 10,000/m3, are held for 20 days in 600-1,000 litre tanks.
Cannibalism is a real threat in catfish hatcheries. It can
totally replace Artemia with Gemma technology. It was Recirculating technology is good to stabilise water quality
be avoided by regular sorting, and removing the large
postulated that the higher energy content of Gemma in hatcheries.
‘shooters’ (cannibalistic individuals). Each system has its
combined with a good supply in micronutrients (amino
own optimal density, both too high and too low densities
acids, phospholipids, vitamins, carotenoids) explained
will contribute to aggressive behaviour and cannibalism.
the better performance.
Hatchery Management
Video
FLEUREN & NOOIJEN
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=li-O4unFL0E
10
Skretting Gemma Wean feed composition

Component % inclusion

Crude protein 62

Crude fat 14

Starch 5

Crude fibre 0.2

Ash 8

Phosphorus 1.6

Digestible energy (MJ/kg) 19.8

11
Nursery phase

When fry reach 0.5-1 gram in the hatchery a gradual

changeover can be made from Gemma Wean to Fish
Starter. In this period fry are often transferred from small
tanks to bigger tanks, to small ponds or to hapas in big
ponds. Fingerlings (1-10g) are typically reared in 600-
6,000 litre tanks at 400/m3 for another 20-30 days. Courtesy John Ayigo (Oxfam, 2015)

Once, they have reached the juvenile stage (10-25 Skretting Fish Starter feed composition
grams), they can be moved to grow-out ponds or tanks.
% inclusion
Netting against birds is recommended in ponds with fry/ Component
0.25, 0.5, 0.7 GR 1.0 MP 1.8 P
fingerlings.
Crude protein 57 57 52
Fish Starter is a product for rearing catfish larvae, fry
and fingerlings during this nursery phase. It contains 55- Crude fat 15 15 15

57% protein and 15% lipids. It is available in 3 granulate Starch 10.5 10 13

sizes (GR), a minipellet (MP) and finally the first pellet
Crude fibre 0.5 0.3 0.4
size. Fish Starter has been formulated for high survival
and excellent growth according to AminoBalance, Ash 9 10 10
LipoBalance and MicroBalance principles. Protec Phosphorus 1.2 3.8 3.8
supports the immune system.
Lysine 3.7 3.8 3.8

Copper (mg/kg) 5 5 5

Digestible energy (MJ/kg) 19.2 19.2 19.0

12
 Days Mean fry Daily Feed Days Mean fry Daily Feed
Feed type and Feed type and
post weight ration amount for post weight ration amount for
size (mm) size (mm)
hatch (g) (% BW) 1000 fry (g) hatch (g) (% BW) 1000 fry (g)

Hatchery and 1

2
0.01

0.01
36.0

30.0
2.9

3.8
Gemma Wean 0.1

Gemma Wean 0.1

31

32
0.99

1.09
6.0

7.3
59.3

79.3
Fish Starter GR 0.5

Fish Starter GR 0.5

nursery feeding 3

4
0.02

0.03
24.0

21.0
4.6

5.6
Gemma Wean 0.1

Gemma Wean 0.1/0.2

33

34
1.19

1.29
7.3

7.4
86.4

95.4
Fish Starter GR 0.5

Fish Starter GR 0.5

protocol 5

6
0.04

0.05
18.0

15.0
6.5

7.1
Gemma Wean 0.1/0.2

Gemma Wean 0.1/0.2

35

36
1.41

1.54
7.4

7.5
103.9

114.7
Fish Starter GR 0.5

Fish Starter GR 0.5

This guideline is for the first 60 days under optimal 7 0.06 13.2 7.8 Gemma Wean 0.1/0.2 37 1.67 7.5 125.0 Fish Starter GR 0.7
growth conditions. Daily feeding amounts are given for 8 0.07 11.4 8.2 Gemma Wean 0.2 38 1.82 7.6 137.9 Fish Starter GR 0.7
1000 larvae in grams. One has to make adjustments for 9 0.09 9.6 8.2 Gemma Wean 0.2 39 1.99 7.1 141.9 Fish Starter GR 0.7

mortalities and when larvae are growing slower than 10 0.10 9.0 8.9 Gemma Wean 0.2 40 2.16 7.2 155.8 Fish Starter GR 0.7

expected, feeding amounts must be adjusted accordingly. 11 0.11 8.4 9.6 Gemma Wean 0.2 41 2.34 7.2 169.1 Fish Starter GR 0.7

12 0.13 7.8 10.2 Gemma Wean 0.2 42 2.54 7.2 183.5 Fish Starter GR 0.7
How does the table work? On day 1, the catfish larval
13 0.15 7.8 11.5 Gemma Wean 0.2 43 2.76 7.2 199.1 Fish Starter GR 0.7
weight is about <0.01 grams, they can eat 36% of their
14 0.17 7.2 12.0 Gemma Wean 0.2/0.3 44 2.99 7.2 216.0 Fish Starter GR 0.7
body weight, this amounts to 2.9 grams of feed, and the
15 0.19 7.2 13.4 Gemma Wean 0.2/0.3 45 3.24 7.2 234.3 Fish Starter GR 0.7
feed type is Gemma Wean 0.1. If co-feeding with live food 16 0.21 7.2 15.0 Gemma Wean 0.2/0.3 46 3.52 7.2 254.3 Fish Starter GR 0.7
the feeding amount is reduced. 17 0.23 6.6 15.4 Gemma Wean 0.2/0.3 47 3.82 6.8 259.6 Fish Starter GR 1.0

18 0.26 6.6 17.1 Gemma Wean 0.3 48 4.12 6.8 280.4 Fish Starter GR 1.0

19 0.29 6.6 19.0 Gemma Wean 0.3 49 4.45 6.8 302.9 Fish Starter GR 1.0

20 0.32 6.6 21.1 Gemma Wean 0.3 50 4.81 6.8 327.1 Fish Starter GR 1.0

21 0.35 6.6 23.4 Gemma Wean 0.3 51 5.19 6.8 353.2 Fish Starter GR 1.0

22 0.39 6.6 26.0 Gemma Wean 0.3 52 5.61 6.8 381.5 Fish Starter GR 1.0

23 0.44 6.6 28.8 Gemma Wean 0.3 53 6.06 6.8 412.0 Fish Starter GR 1.0

24 0.48 6.6 32.0 Gemma Wean 0.3 54 6.54 6.8 445.0 Fish Starter GR 1.0

25 0.54 6.6 35.5 Gemma Wean 0.3 55 7.07 6.8 480.6 Fish Starter GR 1.0

26 0.60 6.6 39.4 Gemma Wean 0.3 56 7.63 6.8 519.0 Fish Starter GR 1.0

27 0.44 6.6 43.8 Gemma Wean 0.3 57 8.24 6.8 560.6 Fish Starter GR 1.0

28 0.74 6.6 48.6 Gemma Wean 0.3 58 8.90 6.8 605.4 Fish Starter GR 1.0

29 0.82 6.0 49.0 Fish Starter GR 0.5 59 9.62 6.8 653.8 Fish Starter GR 1.0

30 0.90 6.0 53.9 Fish Starter GR 0.5 60 10.00

13
Grow out Phase

Grow out of catfish can take place in a variety of systems Floating extruded catfish feed is superior to sinking Densities of up to 250-500kg/m3 can be reached with
from ponds, cages, aquaria and tanks with stagnant feeds or home-made mixings both in nutritional balance catfish while balancing welfare. When catfish are held
water, flow-through or RAS. The farming system dictates and physical quality. Superior, the most popular catfish indoors it is common practice to keep fish under low light
stocking densities, input efforts and choice of feed. grower brand, contains 45% protein and 14% lipids. It intensity conditions or even in darkness. It will reduce
is available in 5 pellet sizes and formulated according swimming, aggressive behavior and skin injuries and
In pond systems natural food will contribute to the total
to AminoBalance, LipoBalance and MicroBalance® improve performance. In Holland, pendulum demand
ration consumed by catfish, particularly when catfish are
principles. feeders are standard equipment as an aid in reducing
held in polyculture with tilapia.
labour.
The number one advantage is that floating aids fish
In monoculture ponds with water renewal, stocking
farmers in feeding-to-appetite in pond systems. Both Skretting Superior feed composition
densities of 30 fish/m2 are common in the growout
underfeeding and overfeeding can be avoided by
phase. Exchange of water should always be related to Component % inclusion
following the surface response of the fish. The extrusion
feed amount; in ponds a water exchange of 500-1000L/
produces strong pellets reducing the risk of dust and Crude protein 45
kg feed is advisable.
breakage which leads to uneaten feed and water
Crude fat 14
Pond dams need to be constructed with good slopes, pollution. All these aspects contribute directly or indirectly
otherwise dams collapse easily and must be repaired to better feed efficiency and catfish can be grown from Starch 15
continuously with sand bags. In between production fingerling to market size of 1.5-2kg in 4-6 months with a Crude fibre 2.5
cycles mud must be removed from the pond bottoms; feed conversion ratio of 1.0-1.2.
Ash 6.5
this is essential for optimal water quality and fish health.
In RAS no natural food is available, so diet adaptations
A fence is recommended after cleaning out of the Phosphorus 1.0
may be needed to reduce organic loading of the
ponds; this will prevent predators such as reptiles and Digestible energy (MJ/kg) 17.5
mechanical and bio filters of RAS. RAS is recommended
amphibians to enter the ponds.
when space and/or water is limited and high density
rearing is required.
14
Feeding recommendations Growth curve of African catfish (10-2000g)

Daily feed intake at 2500

Fish weight
Pellet (mm) 25-26°C
(g) (% of body weight)
2000
2 15-40 5

3 40-150 3.5 1500

120-300 3.0
1000
4.5 300-600 2.0

600-900 1.5 500

6 900-1500 1.2
0
0 15 30 45 60 75 90 105 120 135 150 165 180
8 >1500 1.0 Days

15
Calculating the FCR

It is recommended to calculate the FCR of your production.

Feed is the most expensive input in fish farming, and FCR
How to calculate FCR
expresses how many kilograms of feed you need for 1 EXAMPLE
kilogram of fish growth. It is a direct indicator of farm
profitability. START END
Number of fish 1000 900
FCR is only a measurement of feed quality, at least if
Mean weight 10g 1.5kg
you are feeding correctly to appetite. You can compare
the FCR on different feeds for benchmarking. When you Biomass = number of fish x mean weight 10kg 1,350kg
know your FCR, you can use it to estimate growth or feed
demand of your fish in the next period.
Amount of feed used : 1500kg
FCR = amount of feed used/biomass gain
So, in this example, the FCR = 1500/(1350-10) = 1.2

amount of feed used

FCR =
biomass gain
16
Remember that both underfeeding and overfeeding can HOW TO FEED CORRECTLY? Complete harvests are necessary in ponds and are
lead to a high FCR. accomplished by seining in combination with draining.
• Use extruded floating fish feed in ponds
A complete harvest is not possible by seining alone as
UNDERFEEDING • Avoid underfeeding and limit overfeeding to a
catfish are adept at escaping seine nets. The pond should
minimum
• Poor growth, slow growth be dried between production cycles to avoid carryover
• Meal feeding 2-4x per day
• High proportion of feed used for maintenance to the next production cycle. Partial harvests of tanks,
• Allow for sufficient feeding time (10-20 minutes
metabolism raceways and recirculation systems, which maximise
per meal per pond)
= High FCR production, are accomplished with grader bars to remove
• Provide proper training of people that are feeding
the largest fish.
OVERFEEDING the fish
Handling live African catfish is easy because, as long as
• Good, fast growth • Set a target for the daily feed amount from feeding
the skin remains wet, they can stay alive for many days
• Proportion of feed is ‘wasted’ and potential for table (fish feed supplier) or better from your
out of water. Harvested fish are loaded live into hauling
water pollution historical records
pick-ups and taken to city markets.
= High FCR

17
Health

During the grow-out phase catfish will grow and consume Protec, developed by Skretting Aquaculture Research
increasing amounts of feed. Hence, the capital invested Centre (ARC) in Stavanger, Norway, helps to shield skin,
in the fish rapidly increases and survival rate becomes gut and gills; it supports the immune system, provides
an important economical factor for the farmer. Proper the building blocks for new cells and optimises the
health management includes disinfection procedures balance between fish, microbes and environment. Protec
of ponds and equipment, hygiene procedures for farm diets contain a wide range of novel functional ingredients
workers and visitors, quarantine periods for broodstock together with optimised doses of vitamins and minerals
and fingerlings, disease prevention by maintaining good that have been shown to support the functioning of the
water quality and reducing handling stress. immune system.

Generally, when catfish are in a vertical position ‘hanging’ SHIELD, SUPPORT AND BALANCE
in the water, they are stressed and/or diseased. Bacterial
The benefits of Protec have been documented in a large
diseases may make the fish sluggish, while parasitic
number of research trials and field experiences with both
diseases may agitate catfish. Fungi typically form white
freshwater and marine fish species, as well as shrimp.
spots on jaws, barbs, fins and skin.
In Skretting Africa all starter and broodstock feeds come
Catfish skin is relatively vulnerable to injuries. The with the Protec package.
skin has no scales for protection and fighting, but also
handling fish can lead to problems. When catfish have
skin (and gill) parasites, bath treatments with salt may be
required. Salt is a cheap disinfectant and improves fish
health under a number of conditions. Do not add it to the
ponds, but give your fish a bath treatment - 20g/L for a
few minutes is safe.
18
Record keeping

As a catfish farmer you have to keep good records of your

farm activities, including:

• Number and size of ponds, cages and rearing units

• Stocking rates and origin of fry or fingerlings
• Water temperature and quality parameters
• Daily feeding rates and feed source
• Use of fertilizers, pesticides and veterinary drugs
• Harvesting date and quantities
• Fish purchaser or processing plant

Records will help you to repeat good practice, plan your

production better the next time and how to improve
step-by-step and avoid mistakes. Records are also
important for traceability and mandatory when you seek
certification.

19
Feed requirement calculation

How can you calculate how much feed you need for your A farmer should also consider how much feed he can
rearing unit or for your farm? This is a typical question purchase in 6 months and back-calculate stocking rate
that we get from catfish farmers. from an economical point of view. It is better to stock less
fish and feed them well instead of stocking too many fish
This can be calculated by hand, but also using a Microsoft
and run the risk of underfeeding.
Excel spreadsheet:

What is the end weight of a catfish on a feed type?

For example 900g

What is the start weight of the same catfish?

For example 150g

Next, you calculate the gain in weight:

900–150 = 750g

Divide this gain by the expected feed conversion ratio

(FCR). For big catfish 1.0 is good.

That means that you need 750 grams gain/1.0 =750g or

0.750 kg of feed.

Suppose you have 5,000 fish, the feed requirement

would be 0.750 kg x 5,000 = 3,750 kg feed.

20
Feed calculation for catfish

Number of
Size Start weight End weight Estimated Feed amount per
Product Feed type fingerlings Feed (kg)
(mm) (g) (g) FCR fish *1000

Gemma Wean 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 0 0.3 0.5 0.15 5 0.75

0.5 Fish Starter 0.5 microparticles 0.3 1 0.6 0.42 5 2.10

0.7 CFish Starter 0.7 crumble 1 3 0.6 1.2 5 6.00

1.0 MP Fish Starter 1 crumble 3 10 0.6 4.2 5 21.00

1.8 P Fish Starter 1.8 mini pellet 10 15 0.8 4.0 5 20.00

Superior 2.0 2 pellet 15 40 0.9 22.5 5 112.50

Superior 3.0 3 floating 40 150 0.9 99 5 455.00

Superior 4.5 4.5 floating 150 900 1.0 750 5 3750.00

Superior 6.0 5 floating 900 1500 1.1 660 5 3300.00

TOTAL 7707.35

21
Nutrace

Nutrace® is our quality standard, ensuring safety and quality from feed ingredients to feed and food products.

What does it mean for you as a catfish farmer?

CERTIFIED QUALITY & FOOD SAFETY RISK MANAGEMENT

Skretting catfish feed is produced according to internal We are prepared for potential feed safety issues,
and external certified quality standards (ISO 9000). accidents and calamities in the production process of
catfish feed.
INGREDIENT AND SUPPLIER
ASSESSMENT & MANAGEMENT TRACKING & TRACING

Our suppliers undergo a rigorous assessment and Skretting can recall a batch of catfish feed immediately
approval process before we purchase their feed if required using state-of-the-art tracking & tracing
ingredients. solutions.

MONITORING & CONTROL

We have a globally managed program to analyse fish You can trust that your feeds from Skretting are not only
feeds & feed ingredients for food safety risks using nutritionally sound, but also of a high quality standard
approved laboratories and methods. For example, we and safe for fish and fish consumption.
monitor for undesirable substances such as pesticides,
heavy metals, dioxins and mycotoxins.

22
23
Skretting ARC

Skretting invests in research and development of its Feed technology ensures that catfish feed factories
catfish feeds. This is organised through a dedicated are efficient in producing both floating or sinking feeds
company, Skretting Aquaculture Research Centre (ARC) with the correct pellet quality including hardness and
based in Stavanger, Norway, with satellite research durability.
stations in China, Chile, Spain, Italy and Japan. More
Fundamental catfish nutritional research is carried out at
than 40 international scientists focus on fish nutrition,
the research station in China, but also in collaboration
health and feed technology to bring innovations to our
with universities such as Wageningen University (The
customers.
Netherlands).
Nutritional research defines optimal nutrient
Furthermore, Fleuren & Nooijen (http://www.fleuren-
requirements, for example digestible protein and energy,
nooijen.nl) is our aquaculture technology partner in Africa
of the different life stages of catfish; estimating apparent
and operates a small research unit for practical feed tests
digestibility coefficients of typical feedstuffs used in
and documentation in Someren, the Netherlands.
catfish feed; differentiating nutrient requirements for
rearing catfish in ponds, cages and RAS.

24
CURIOSITY
IS OUR
PASSION
Overview of feeding recommendation

Feed name GEMMA WEAN FISH START

Feed size 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.5 0.7

Fish size (g) 0.01-0.05 0.05-0.2 0.2-0.75 0.3-1.0 1-3

26
TER SUPERIOR

1.0 1.8 2.0 3.0 4.5 6.0

3-10 10-15 15-40 40-150 150-900 900-1500

REPRO

Fish size >1kg

27
Veerstraat 38
P.O. Box 234
5830AE, Boxmeer
The Netherlands
Tel: +31 485 589 988

For more information: [email protected]

www.skretting.com