Mississippi State University scientists have found that catfish can thrive for the first six weeks after hatching by feeding on naturally occurring zooplankton – which could save producers money.
Researchers compared the growth and survival of two groups of recently hatched catfish. One group ate commercial feed daily while the other group did not.
“Postponing the use of specially prepared commercial fry feed for six weeks showed fry are relying on naturally occurring microscopic food organisms, such as zooplankton,” said Charles Mischke, aquaculture research professor at MSU’s Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville.
Zooplankton are a natural food source for fry that can save producers money, especially as prices for commercial catfish feed continue to rise.
Producers usually supply a specially formulated, high protein fry feed once or twice daily for six weeks, but this study saw that the fish the were not given this feed grew just as well as they group that was.
David Wise, coordinator for the Thad Cochran National Warmwater Aquaculture Center in Stoneville and researcher with the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station said, “Implementing this practice can save fingerling farmers at least $236 per acre on initial feed costs.”
Mr Wise said the study also shows the importance of promoting the growth of zooplankton communities in ponds so they can better serve as a natural food source.
