Alternate feeding strategies for optimum nutrient utilization and reducing feed cost for semi-intensive practices in aquaculture system-A review

In aquaculture system, 40-60% cost comes from the production of fish regarding feed. Hence, there is a need in future to further reduce the cost of the feed and its utilization in aquaculture with low input for growth and high survival of fish. Concerning the former the most obvious approach to reducing the cost of feed is to decrease the amount of the most expensive ingredient in the feed i.e. fishmeal, through substitution with a suitable low-cost alternative ingredients, while ensuring that such substitution will not compromise the growth and quality of the cultured stock. Previously, few attempts have been made on the mixed feeding schedule in carps and other species in aquaculture. There is a need to undertake the effect of mixed feeding schedule with suitable feeding strategies i.e. alternate feeding strategies with the different combination of protein variation in the diet. This study will throw light in the low cost feed formulation, feeding strategies, reduction in pollution load in pond and minimize the cost of fish production in aquaculture of Indian major carps and other cultured species in the country and it will improve the economic status and benefits of farmers in the generation of income and employment opportunities.