8/1/2018

CATFISH FARMING
THE RISK & THE GIANT PROFITS

Compiled by: Joseph A. Awuku

Wednesday, 18 July 2018

CATFISH FARMING, THE RISK AND THE GIANT PROFITS

Thank you to our wonderful fans, I have received a

lot of in-box messages to update This our article of
2013 with its title (CATFISH FARMING, THE RISK AND
THE GIANT PROFITS) for the benefit of our fans and
those who intend to go into catfish farming. Due to
the increase in price of feeds each and every day, I
found it difficult to update this Article. Today I
decided to give a highlight for the benefit of those
who will buy fingerlings from Us. As I also promise to
give them more lectures on how to cut costs up to 30
to 40 percent based on if you buy fingerlings from
me.

I will try as much as possible to make it accurate. As I will leave most write-up, as they are still
relevant to the benefit of those who did not have the opportunity to read the first update. I will
change the figure, I mean the prices to suit our market of today.

CATFISH, popularly called Mudfish and or Adwene in Akan is the most popular fish in places
like Nigeria, Benin and Togo and commands much more respect than Tilapia does in Ghana. It is
traditionally served in beer bars in plates of hot spicy pepper soup.

In Ghana, There are varieties of the species though

that are popular amongst all Ghanaians, these
include the smoked fish common in most markets
called the 'gearbox'or Chrysichthys and
nigrodigitatus. The 'gearbox' variety is strangely
though not well researched for farming. This may be
because the Original African Catfish (Clarias
gariepinus) has been adopted worldwide for fish
farming. Presently, China farms more African Catfish
than all of Africa can produce, funny uh?

My purpose is to show the commercial viability of catfish culture, the risks and reasons why
tilapia seems to have more preference amongst fish farmers.
Catfish unlike tilapia are cannibalistic. That is to say they eat other fishes or anything small
enough to enter their mouths. Now this happens mostly when the fish are not well fed. If you
stocked 1000 tilapia fingerlings and did not feed them properly you may lose up to hundred
fingerlings due to natural factors. On the other hand if you did same with catfish fingerlings the
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more aggressive ones would have some of their siblings for lunch and as they get bigger they
have a bigger appetite to eat even more smaller ones. The result is that out of 1000 catfish
fingerlings stocked you may be lucky to count up to 200 if you neglected them for even three
weeks. If well fed though from the beginning they tend not to eat each other after they gain a
certain weight.

Now it must be obvious to you why so many people prefer the more predictable tilapia to farm
in Ghana. Our brothers in Nigeria and the ones in Ghana however prefer the catfish because it
grows evidently faster and has a great market even when smoked. What’s more the price stays
stable all year round and at best goes up once in a while when demand is too high. They are
successful in this venture because they know what profits lie ahead and thus invest heavily in
startup feed for the young fish up to a stage where they won't cannibalize each other and then
they resort to cheaper local homemade feed or agricultural wastes.

Now to the figures, Catfish sells at ₦800 (GHC10.80) per kilogram in Nigeria; a typical fish fed
for five to six months may weigh between 1 to 3 kilograms or an average of 2 kilograms. In
Ghana, the price is GHC 12 per kilogram in Accra. The price is highly unstable and inclined to
rise because the number of catfish farmers and their production is very small.

So imagine you took the risk and successfully

produced 10,000 catfish each weighing 1
kilogram culminating in 10 tons. How and where
would you sell them? Because the market isn't as
well developed as tilapia, market women may try
to cheap the farmer who wants to quickly sell off
his or her fish and make back some profit. It
won't also be practical to decide to sell off your
fish in bits at a time because each day of delay
increases the risk of losses to poachers and
natural causes. This is where the exporter comes
in! Currently the few exporters on my directory buy a kilogram of live catfish for GHC 8.5. This
may be too low compared to the market value of a kilogram, but the exporter offers the
opportunity to sell your fish stock at one go and receive payment instantly irrespective of how
many thousands of tons you may have produced.

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ESTIMATED BUDGET (JULY 2018)
FIXED (INITIAL) COST

Mobile Fish Tank = GHC2,500.00

Water Pump = GHC500.00
Filter & Accessories = GHC250.00
Shade Construction = GHC300.00

Total Number of Catfish Fingerlings = 1,500

Unit Cost of Catfish Fingerling = GH1.00
Total Cost of Catfish Fingerlings = GH1,500.00 (A)

TOTAL FIXED COST = GHC5,000.00

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PROFIT & LOSS ACCOUNTS FOR MOBILE CATFISH BUSINESS

Total No. of Feed Bags = 40 bags

Unit Cost of 15kg Bag of Feed = GHC65.00
Total Cost of Feed = GHC 2,600.00 (GHC433.33 x 6 Months) (B)

*Labour for 6months = GHC 1,000.00 (C)

TOTAL EXPENDITURE = (B+C) = GHC3,600.00

SALES = (1,500 Fish X 1.5 kg) = 2,250Kg

(2,250Kg X GHC10.0 each) = GHC 22,5,000.00
PROFIT = SALES - EXPENDITURE = (22,5000-3,600) GHC 18,900.00
*Using Raana feed*

SOME DIMENSIONAL FIGURES

My Proposed Pond Size = (12x6x4) Ft. = 228Cubic Feet = 6,456.24Litres

228 Cubic Feet = 6.456 Cubic Metres
*E.g. Of Stocking density = 100-200 fish per cubic metre.
*E.g. Of Stocking density For (20x20x5) ft = 4,000 table size fish

NB: You can change the Variables to suit your budget.

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 FIXED COST OF CONSTRUCTING (12x6x3.5)Ft. MOBILE CANVAS CATFISH POND

4
 Item Description Qty. Unit Cost Total Cost Remarks

Galvanized Pipes (1.1/4”) 19 feet 42

Galvanized Pipes (1”) 19 feet 35

Galvanized Pipes (3.1/4”) 19feet 16

Galvanized Pipes square(1”) 19 26

feet

Galvanized Pipes (1.1/2”) 19feet 54/34

Labour Welder 1

Canvas 1

Labour 1

WATER FILTER CONSTRUCTION

Water Pump 1

Rubber Hose 1

Rectangular Basket 2

Mosquito Net 0.5

Coconut Fiber 2Kg 22 44

¼” Foam 3Yrds

Charcoal 1

Labour 1

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I USED AN AVERAGE OF 1 KILOGRAM PER FISH FOR WORST CASE SCENARIOS, IT IS MORE
REGULAR THOUGH TO GET A WEIGHT OF 1.5KG - 2 KG WITH A BUDGET SUCH AS THE ONE
ABOVE. YOU CAN MAKE MORE MONEY THAN WHAT YOU SAW WRITTING ABOVE.

Note that, you could cut down on the budget by investing in for instance 200 bags of feed till
the fish attain a size which makes it unlikely for them to eat each other and then you feed them
with leftover agricultural waste or maggot / animals manues. I have quoted 400 bags though for
those who are well capitalized. In any case you won't be spending the whole amount at a go on
feed as it would be accumulated over the six month period.

NOTE HOWEVER THAT FROM MY OWN EXPERIMENT IT WOULD COST YOU USD 3.4 OR GHS
4.9 PRESENTLY (JULY 2018)TO GROW ONE CATFISH ON ONLY EXTRUDED FEED TO A
KILOGRAM IF IT'S A GOOD BREED.

I have left out the cost of constructing the ponds or buying canvas tanks because I realize the
charges vary by location and nature of soil. An excavator though would do a better and faster
job. The Mobile pond will take you up to 5 years and above, which means you are going up to 8
to 10 farming season for the cost of that.

Like I always say, fish farming is second only to narcotic drugs in terms of profits because very
little effort is needed but great risk is undertaken in both. Getting a consultant to walk you
through the steps eliminates much of the risk. After learning from the consultant in your first
trail you are pretty much well positioned to go independent because trust me there is nothing
complex to it!

I have uploaded some of the pictures of our successful catfish farming, as we have grown More
than 70,000 Kilograms since 2013 until date. I will also add pictures of how our fingerlings look
like in size for you to know what you are ordering from us.

Contact us for your orders

call or Whatsapp 0249469469
email: [email protected]
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HOW TO DETERMINE THE QUANTITY OF FEED REQUIRED TO FEED A FISH FROM
STOCKING TO HARVEST

As a rule, the size of fish you should raise is dictated by market requirements or demand. The
Nigerian market for example value catfish sizes which ranges from 500 grams (0.5 kg) to 2,000
grams (2kg). However, it is fish sizes of 800 grams and above that attracts higher value and
farm gate price per kilogram of fish. Thus, while the farm gate price for a fish weighing one
kilogram (1kg) is about five hundred naira (N500) or more as the case may be, two or three
fishes collectively weighing one kilogram is sold for as low as between N400 and N450 per
kilogram weight. As a result of this inconsistent pricing, it is therefore advisable for you to
manage your stocking and feeding rate appropriately in order for you to attain bigger fish size at
harvest.

Following the common practice, for you to get a fish weighing about one kilogram at harvest
you need to apart from getting your stocking rate right (see recommended stocking rate), also
feed each fish with at least one kilogram of feed, from stocking to harvest. Therefore for every
100 catfishes stocked, you need to feed them with between 100 kilograms and 111 kilograms of
feed. this will eventually translate to fish weighing 900 grams and 1kg respectively.

For many farmers this feeding rate is unaffordable. As such you can opt for a more pocket
friendly rate of 4.5 (four and half) or 5 (five) bags of feed weighing 15kg each per 100 fishes.
This amounts to 67.5kg or 75 kilograms of feed for 100 fishes. At an average feed conversion
ratio of 1 kg feed to 0.9 kg fish, what you should expect is a total fish weight of about
60.75kg or 68kg at harvest for every 100 fishes fed with either 67.5kg or 75 kg of feed
at a recommended feeding rate of 4.5 or 5 bags of feed per 100 catfishes. This will translate to
45 bags or 50 bags of feed per 1000 catfishes.

However, if you want to improve on the total weight of your fish, you can feed them with
available supplementary feedstuff such as animal offal (fish, poultry and animals intestines and
other body parts). Please note that all offal to be fed to your fish must be cut to size and cooked
slightly, to prevent disease outbreak.

FEED CONSUMPTION CHART

The feed consumption chart is a feeding guide that shows you in advance the number of bags
or kilograms of feed you may need to feed your fish on a monthly basis. The feed consumption
chart as shown here is designed for different feeding rates. Depending on how deep your pocket
is, you may decide to adopt the feeding rate of 45 bags (675kg), 50 bags (750kg) or 67 bags
(1000kg) of feed per 1000 fishes stocked. As earlier mentioned, the chart is only a guide. You
should use it to manage the feeding process. For instance, they may not be able to consume all
the feeds allocated for the first and second month of stocking, but as from the third month and
particularly from the fourth month, they may consume and even exceed the quantity earmarked
for those months. Thus by the time of harvest they should have consumed all the bags of feed

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indicated for the quantity of fish stocked and for the recommended feeding rate you have
adopted.

To start with, when feeding, you should ensure that the fishes are fed to satiation (to a point
when they no longer rush the feed) but do not over feed them. Do not just dump all the feed
you want to give them into the water at once, feed them either as they eat or give them a little
and move on to the next pond or tank and come back to the starting point to give them more
feed if they have exhausted the feed earlier given to them. Do this continuously until they are all
tired of eating. As soon as you notice that there is still feed in a pond or tank after going round,
do not feed that tank or pond again. It is an indication that they are tired of eating. Of course as
the day passes by, they should be eating slightly more feed but if they eat less, then something
is wrong. You should then try and find out.

TABLE SHOWING MONTHLY FEED CONSUMPTION CHART PER 1000 FISH STOCKED,
AT THE DIFFERENT RECOMMENDED FEEDING RATE OF 45 BAGS, 50 BAGS AND 67
BAGS
MONTHS NO. OF BAGS
1ST 2 2 2
2ND 4 4 4
3RD 6 7 8
4TH 9 10 13
5TH 11 12 17
6TH 13 15 23
TOTAL 45 50 67

This table explains the feed allocation for every 1000 catfish stocked based on a recommended
feeding rate of 45 bags ((675kg), 50 bags (750kg) and (67 bags) of feed per 1000 fishes. For
example, if you use floating feed and follow the recommended stocking rate and other
management parameters, you should be able to harvest a total fish weight of about 675 kg from
the 1000 fish stocked and fed with 750 kg of feed. Please note that the average feed conversion
ratio for most floating feed is not less than 1kg feed to 900g (0.9kg) fish weight. You can
use this as a basis for determining the performance of the fish. It is wrong to judge the
performance of your fish based on the numbers of fishes stocked. It should be based
on the quantity of feed they are fed with. This is one of the main reasons why you should
have a record of the quantity of feeds bought and fed to your fish from stocking to harvest.

APPLICATION OF THE FEED CONSUMPTION CHART

The feeding chart will help you to know from the beginning the quantity of feed that is required
for the proposed quantity of fishes that you want to stock. Furthermore, it will also help you to
know the quantity of feed they will require on a monthly basis so that you can prepare
adequately to replenish your feedstock beforehand. You can plot your feeding chart to reflect
the monthly feed requirement for the fishes at a glance.

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Another very good aspect of the feed consumption chart is that it can also help you to know in
advance the total weight of fish you should expect to harvest, relative to the quantity of feed
fed to the fish. Like earlier mentioned, if your stocking rate is right and you follow all other
recommended water and fish management parameters, the minimum average floating feed
conversion ratio is 1kg feed to 0.9kg (900grams) fish.

By floating feed one is mindful to say that this assertion does not cover all floating feeds.
Coppens, Multifeed, Ziglar feed and Vital feed are some of the floating feeds being referred to.
This is however without prejudice to other floating feeds, local and foreign, which the author
has not used and as such cannot speak for or against. You can try them out on your own; they
might even give you better results.

The table below shows the minimum expected total weight of fish to expect at harvest, relative
to the total quantity (in kilograms) of feed fed to the fish and not the quantity of fishes
stocked.

The tables below show the quantity of feed in bags and in kilograms that is required to feed the
equivalent numbers of fishes (at different recommended feed consumption rates) from
stocking to harvest as well as the expected total weight of fish at harvest.

TABLE SHOWING TOTAL FEED REQUIREMENT FOR DIFFERENT QUANTITY OF FISHES

STOCKED AT A CONSUMPTION RATE OF 45 BAGS PER 1,000 FISH STOCKED AND EXPECTED
TOTAL WEIGHT OF FISH AT HARVEST.

QUANTITY MINIMUM MINIMUM REQUIRED MINIMUM EXPECTED

OF FISH REQUIRED BAGS KILOGRAMS OF FEED TOTAL WEIGHT OF
STOCKED OF (15KG) FEEDS FISH AT HARVEST
(KG)
100 4.5 67.5 60.75
500 22.5 337.5 303.75
1,000 45 675 670.5
3,000 135 2,025 1,822.5
5,000 225 3,375 3,037.5

Once again, contrary to popular opinion of most catfish farmers, it is quantity (weight in
kilograms) of feed fed to your fish that matter the most at harvest and not the quantity of fishes
stocked. The total weight of fish that you harvest at the end of the day is a reflection of the
total quantity (weight) of feed that you gave them, less 10% of the feed weight. this is why you
need to keep record of the feed you bought and gave to them. this will help you to compare
notes.

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==========================================================

Catfish Farming Feeding Your Fishes

By Bamidele Onibalusi

This article will be about how to feed your fishes.

One of the things my teacher emphasized to me when he was teaching me was the importance
of quality feed for your fishes; according to him, good feed is there on the same level with
quality water, and it is often what determines the profitability of a farmer.

While most fish farmers focus only on getting inexpensive feed for their fishes, feeding your
fishes should be less about the cost but more about the profit margin; so, you might be
spending 3 to 4 times more than the average farmer on feed, but there’s nothing wrong with
that if it makes your fishes 5 to 6 times bigger than their fishes, significantly increasing your
profit margin.

In the last article on stocking your pond, I said you can stock your pond with mainly 4 types of
catfishes:

 Fingerlings (3 to 4 grams)
 Post-fingerlings (4 – 6 grams)
 Juvenile (6 – 10 grams)
 Post-juvenile (10 grams and above)

When it comes to feeding catfishes, there’s no one-size-fits all feed; there’s a lot of variations
and factors to be considered depending on the size of your fishes.

Types of Catfish Feed

Since there are different stages of catfish growth, there are different stages of fish feed; fish
feed are often denoted in mm, so you’ll see/hear about 1.5mm feed, 1.8mm feed, 2mm feed,
4mm feed, 6mm feed etc.

There’s also extruded (or floating) and non-extruded (or sinking) feed.

Extruded (floating) catfish feed

What I recommend is to give your fishes extruded (or floating) feed for up to 2 months before
switching to the non-extruded (or sinking) feed.

Non-extruded (sinking) catfish feed

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Catfishes are mostly bottom feeders, so by their very nature they are designed to be eating
non-extruded (or sinking) feed, but the reason I recommend giving them floating feed at the
early stage is because they are more fragile then.

With floating feed, you can put the feed on the pond gradually and let them eat it; the risk of
overfeeding is significantly reduced, thereby ensuring there is no water pollution that can lead to
high mortality in your very fragile juveniles.

Furthermore, due to their fragile nature, giving your juveniles feed that isn’t rich with the right
nutrients can affect their long-term growth; going with floating feed from recognized producers
like Durante, Cargill Aqua Feed, Raanan, and Coppens will ensure optimal growth of your fishes,
even when you later switch to sinking feed comprising of your own formula.

That said, the top feed producers that I recommend and have used are Aqua Feed, Durante and
Raanan; I’ve heard that Coppens could be the best, but there are lots of adulterated versions of
it here in Nigeria, so I won’t recommend it since the inexperienced farmer could fall victim to
these adulterated versions.

From my research, I have also noticed that Aqua Feed, Coppens and Raanan are available
internationally, so my recommendation isn’t restricted to just Nigeria.

What Feed Size to Give Your Catfishes

Like I said earlier, there are various fish feed sizes, whether you go for floating or sinking feed;
sinking feed is usually bigger, and longer, than floating feed.

From my experience, here are the different sizes I’m currently aware of:

1.5mm, 1.8mm, 2mm, 3mm, 4mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, etc.

The bigger you fishes, the bigger the feed size they can pick.

Here’s what I recommend if you just stocked your ponds, if your fishes fall into the following
categories:

 Fingerlings (3 to 4 grams): 1.5mm feed size

 Post-fingerlings (4 – 6 grams): 1.8mm feed size
 Juvenile (6 – 10 grams): 2mm feed size
 Post-juvenile (10 – 50 grams): 2mm feed size

As your fishes grow, the size of feed they can pick will increase. Here’s the feed size I
recommend for bigger fishes, based on their size/weight, if you’re to give them floating feed:

 10 – 50 grams: 2mm feed size

 50 – 150 grams: 3mm feed size

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  150 – 400 grams: 4mm feed size

All things being equal, your fishes should be around 200 – 300 grams in 2 months with floating
feed alone, if they are being fed properly; after then, you can switch to sinking feed and give
them the following feed sizes:

200 – 300 grams: 2mm feed size

300 to 600 grams: 4mm feed size

600 grams to 1kg+: 6mm feed size

If your fishes exceed 1kg in weight, and you’re able to get bigger feed sizes, then you can
consider giving them 8mm, or even later 10mm, feed sizes. 3 to 4kg fishes eat 6mm sinking
feed just fine, though, so don’t worry too much if you can’t find bigger feed sizes.

How Often Should You Feed Your Fishes?

2 months old catfishes eating

How often you feed your fishes will differ depending on a lot of factors, but for the results I get
– an average of 1.5kg to 2kg fish size in 6 months – here’s what I recommend:

 Fingerlings (3 to 4 grams): twice daily

 Post-fingerlings (4 – 6 grams): once or twice daily
 Juvenile (6 – 10 grams): once or twice daily
 Post-juvenile (10 grams and above): once daily
 Anything above post-juvenile: once daily

All things being equal, I feed my fishes daily until they reach the 6 months mark when I sell
them; this is absolutely essential if you want optimal results.

Types of Catfish Feeding

There are two feeding types I use for my fishes:

Broadcast Feeding:

This basically involves me going round my ponds and spreading floating feed all over the pond
to ensure all the fishes in the pond can eat.

I use this for my fishes if they are in the fingerlings to post-juvenile stage, and I do this because
they just got introduced into a large body of water, often from somewhere significantly smaller,
and not all the fishes can come to the same spot to eat.

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By spreading the floating (or extruding) fish across the pond, I’m ensuring they all get to eat.

Once my fishes become more mature, often this is in the post-juvenile stage or around 30 – 50
grams, I instantly switch to spot feeding.

Spot Feeding:

Spot feeding is less time-consuming and more effective, since it is less stressful and I can
carefully monitor how my fishes are eating.

Spot feeding is basically me feeding my fishes in one spot.

I try getting my fishes to eat in one spot once they reach 30 – 50 grams, or after 2 – 3 weeks of
stocking them from juvenile stage.

At first, if they are used to eating using the broadcast style, most of the fishes won’t come to a
particular spot to eat; however, by ONLY feeding them on that spot for a few days, they’ll be
conditioned to come to that spot and eat.

Buying Catfish Feed vs. Making Your Feed

In the short time that I’ve been in this business, I’ve realized that you’ll be more profitable if
you make your own feed as opposed to buying feed from major producers.

Some farmers rely on floating feed from producers like Durante and Aqua Feed to grow their
fishes, but due to the expensive nature of these fishes, it can be unprofitable on the long term.

If you learn how to make your own feed, though, you’ll save a lot more money and you can
have more impact on your fishes since you can easily control what they are eating.

That said, I recommend buying feed from feed producers like Raanan or Aqua Feed until your
fishes reach 200 – 300 grams, and then giving them local feed.

Protein is the main ingredient in fish feed, and every good feed formula contains a significant
amount of protein; however, fishes still need energy, mainly found in carbohydrate, to process
and digest the feed so a protein-only feed isn’t going to be best.

My Fish Feed Formula

That said, here’s the formula I use for my fishes depending on the stage they are at; this
formula uses the Hhanstholm 72% fish meal; I use local fish that can be gotten here in Nigeria
depending on availability, but there is a lot of fluctuations in their availability, which became
especially pronounced during the 2015 elections, ensuring there hasn’t been local fish that fish
farmers can use for over 2 months now at the time of writing this, so I’m giving a formula based
on the Hanstholm 72% fish meal, since this is always available:

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Feed Formula for 200 – 600 Grams Catfish

Your catfishes are still very small and tender at this stage, so they need quality nutrient in their
feed; this formula results in a feed rich in good protein but it is a bit expensive; it is not as
expensive as using floating feed, though.

You should only have to use this feed formula for around 1 – 2 months.

 Fish meal (Hanstholm, 72%): 25%

 Soya Meal (or full fat soya): 30%
 GNC (Groundnut cake): 20%
 Dough/Maize/Biscuit (or other main forms of energy/carbohydrate): 20%
 Molasses: 5%

(Based on this formula, 1 ton of fish feed will have: 250kg fish meal, 300kg soya meal, 200kg
GNC, 200kg Dough, 50kg molasses)

The above are the main ingredients; you can then use other ingredients such as DCP (Dicalcium
Phosphate), Methionine, Lysine, Salt, Vit. C, Fish Premixes, Antibiotics, etc. according to your
preference.

Feed Formula for 600 Grams and Above

 Fish meal (Hanstholm, 72%): 10%

 Soya Meal (or full fat soya): 40%
 GNC (Groundnut cake): 20%
 Dough/Maize/Biscuit (or other main forms of energy/carbohydrate): 25%
 Molasses: 5%

(Based on this formula, 1 ton of fish feed will have: 100kg fish meal, 400kg soya meal, 200kg
GNC, 250kg Dough, 50kg molasses)

The above are the main ingredients; you can then use other ingredients such as DCP (Dicalcium
Phosphate), Methionine, Lysine, Salt, Vit. C, Fish Premixes, Antibiotics, etc. according to your
preference.

PS. In my own case, for 1 ton of feed I use the following: DCP (Dicalcium Phosphate):
10kg, Methionine: 1kg, Lysine: 1kg, Salt: 2 – 3kg, Vit. C: 1kg, Fish Premixes: 5kg,
Antibiotics: Optional, unless my fishes are sick (in which case the quantity depends on the
antibiotics used; it’s often around 500g to 2kg for 1 ton of feed, though)

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How to Know When to Stop Feeding Your Catfishes

Knowing when to stop feeding is something the inexperienced catfish farmer has to deal with; it
took me months to know when my catfishes are well-fed, and I only truly mastered this after
around a year.

Knowing when your catfishes are okay becomes a bit tricky once you switch to spot feeding, but
you don’t have much to worry about.

If using floating feed, try to avoid having excess feed on the surface of the water; carefully
observe your fishes to see what will satiate them.

If floating feed must remain on the water, it should be something that the fishes can finish
within 5 minutes of you stopping their feeding; anything more is potentially a waste.

For sinking feed, carefully observe the response of your fishes; they will eat excitedly while their
reaction reduces as they start to get satiated, but it’s safe to stop if you can barely see them
pop their heads out of the water to eat. If you stocked 1,000 fishes into a pond and can only
see 5 – 10 fishes eating after awhile, it is safe to stop; with sinking feed, anything more could
be a waste.

Conclusion

I tried to include everything I believe you need to know about feeding, that can help you grow
your catfishes from fingerlings stage to several kgs.

I might have missed a few things, so please let me know about questions bothering you in the
comments below.

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15
HOW TO BREED MAGGOTS FOR YOUR CATFISH FEED TO LOWER THE COST OF YOUR
FEEDING

You don't need to spend additional

money at the bait and tackle store.
You can easily grow your own fly
larvae (maggots) for fishing, with a
few household supplies and a little bit
of patience. Creating your own bait-
maggot supply also allows you to
monitor the size and quality of your
bait and choose only the best when it's
time to go fishing.

Place the raw chicken breast onto a

sheet of newspaper.

Place one to two inches of wheat bran into a container.

Place the newspaper, with chicken on top of it, on top of the wheat bran, but do not fold the
paper over the meat.

Place the lid on the container, but do not secure it tightly. The flies need a place to enter and
lay their eggs, which will become your fishing bait once they hatch.

Locate the container in a quiet spot outside where it will not be disturbed by people or wildlife.

Check the chicken breast every few days for signs of fly eggs. They will look like tiny white dots,
often clustered together. Continue checking on the container until you are satisfied with the
amount of eggs you can see.

Wrap the newspaper loosely, but securely, around the chicken breast, to keep the maggots and
their feed (the chicken breast) protected, and tightly secure the lid.

Punch tiny holes in the lid, using a safety pin. This will allow oxygen to reach the growing
maggots but keep other flies and pests from entering.

Check on the container every two days until you see that the eggs have hatched and the
maggots look like plump, short, white or beige worms. At this point they are ready to be used as
bait.

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Clean the maggots off, to prepare them for fishing, by placing them in the colander or sieve
under warm running water for about one minute.

Fill the second lidded container with two inches of wheat bran.

Transfer the rinsed maggots to the second container with the wheat bran, and mix them in
gently. Cover with the lid.

Store the maggots in the refrigerator until you're ready to use them as fishing bait.

TIP.

Be sure to keep the chicken breast and maggots away from children and pets to avoid illness.

Any raw meat can be substituted for the chicken breast.Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly
after handling the meat and maggots.

Discard leftover rotten meat, bran and newspaper in an outdoor trash can to avoid bringing fly
larvae into your home.

==========================================================

17
How To Start A Profitable Fish Farming In Ghana

By Ambassador Victor in Business February 22, 2018

Thousands of Africans venture into agriculture yearly.

This movement not only grows the industry, but contributes some efforts to reduce
unemployment and promote economic growth.

While many farmers focus on various other profitable agricultural businesses , several others
focus on aquaculture.

According to wikipedia, “Aquaculture, also known as aquafarming, is the farming of aquatic

organisms such as fish, crustaceans, molluscs and aquatic plants”.

While Aquaculture covers multiple facets, fish farming is the most common in Ghana, and Africa
as a whole.

Fish farming is a profitable business that’s widespread across various parts of Ghana.

The insatiable demand for fishery products like Tilapia, Catfish, and Mackerel (Salmon) in Ghana
has constantly self-promoted the steady growth and expansion of the industry.

These factors, coupled with the current support of institutions, the Ghanaian government, and
several other African countries to promote agriculture and also support fish farmers, makes the
industry one of the most lucrative agricultural business segments to venture into.

BENEFITS OF FISH FARMING(AQUACULTURE)

1). A Explosive Market:

The market potential for an aquaculture business is enormous in Ghana, Africa, and many other
countries in the world.

Aside from the fact that fishery products are one of the most sought after and consumed
agricultural products in Ghana, it is also cheaper than meat, making it an affordable meal when
the buyer either cannot afford to purchase meat, or simply just wants to have a fish meal.

The explosive market size of this business makes it one of the most important agricultural
business opportunities to venture into for any new, existing, or non-interested farmer.

18
2). Low Operating Cost:

The cost of starting up and running an aquaculture farm is low, compared to many other
agricultural business ideas.

In direct comparison to poultry farming, fish farming has a lower operational budget
because of its cheaper fish feed and running costs.

Also, while poultry products are highly susceptible to dangerous diseases (like Bird Flu) which
could cost the farm owner a lot of wasted investments if not handled properly, fish farming
products have lesser threatening vices.

3). Government Support:

With the governments around Africa currently embarking on a large campaign to motivate the
people on the continent to invest in agriculture with attractive capital incentives, it only makes
this moment a perfect time to consider fish farming as one of the lucrative agriculture business
ideas to venture into.

4). Great Source Of Protein:

Irrespective of the financial benefits fish farming poses, fishery products been a source of
protein, also contributes its health benefits to the general populace.

With millions, if not billions of people consuming fishery products everyday, fish farming
would constantly stand as a healthy proteinous meal with rich health benefits to everyone.

The Various Types Of Fish Farming

1). Catfish Farming:

This is the most popular aquaculture business in Ghana, because of the popularity of the breed
of fishes grown.

Catfishes are the most common fishery products used in African meals at various
households, restaurants, events, hotels, and a lot more.

Their ease of cultivation and demand makes most aquaculture farmers to focus on growing
catfishes instead of other breeds.

19
2). Tilapia Farming:

This aquaculture business is run with fresh water fishes inhabiting shallow streams, ponds,
rivers, and lakes.

These Tilapia are the second most popular fishes used in Ghanaian meals. They’re of increasing
important in aquaculture all over the world.

The fact that these fishes grow rapidly and tolerate high stocking densities and poor water
quality, makes them a lucrative breed for fish farmers to grow.

3). Salmon (Mackerel) Farming:

Salmons are fresh water fishes that usually migrate to the ocean, and return to fresh waters to
reproduce.

While they are generally harvested in the wild, they are also grown in fish farms.

Salmons account for a high percentage of fishery products consumed in Ghana. They’re mostly
known as “Titus” in Ghana, and are purchased by millions of households on a daily basis.

6 Things You Need To Know Before Starting A Fish Farm

1). Location Of The Fish Farm:

When selecting the location for your fish farm, you need to consider it’s proximity from the
nearest town, the security in the vicinity, the presence or absence of fish prey, and more.

Ensure the environment for growing your fish farm is ideal for your business to thrive.

2). Land Mass:

You need to consider the size of the land you intend to use to grow your fish farming business.
Usually, a plot of land or two is great to start out a fish farming business. But where you don’t
have the luxury of land space, you can start out in your backyard, and grow from there.

Acquiring the land mass to set up your fish farm should be strategically done. You need to get
an affordable property in a not-so rural area, but still close to a major city.

This way, you can purchase the lands a lot cheaper than you would have in a city, and also have
the luxury of purchasing as many affordable plots of lands as possible.

20
3). Pond Planning, Size, Design, Construction, And Consideration:

You need to determine the type of pond that you need constructed. For a levee-type pond, a
flat area that has access to a well could be used. But for a watershed pond, steeper areas near
a natural source of water are to be used.

It’s usually best to contact the services of an aquaculture consultant. They’d get your full
requirements, examine your goals, determine what you truly need, and ensure the construction
work and general requirements of the fish ponds are properly met.

4). Source Of Water Supply:

The source of water supply to the fish ponds is important to proper development and maturity
of your fish farm for commercial use.

It’s important to have a proper borehole system built in the vicinity to ensure a reliable source of
water supply.

This gets even more crucial with the fact that the water would have to be changed on a regular
interval, and a lack there in, of proper adequate water supply to ensure the survival of these
fishes, would lead to a considerable loss in investments. You must know that rain water and
chemically treated water are totally out of the fish farming process. They’re unsafe for the
fishes, and cannot be recommended for standard use. Get a steady flow of fresh water, so your
pond can
thrive.

5). Storage System:

How the fishes feed and other items are stored, has to be considered and set up right from the
onset. Ensure the feeds are stored in a cool and dry place.

Also ensure they’re not exposed to little farm animals that could make holes in the bags and
feed on them.

6). A Good Knowledge Of Running The Farm:

This is probably the most important thing to know. You must have a sound knowledge of how to
run an aquaculture business.

21
Attend a lecture or a seminar on aquaculture, so you can learn a lot more about the rudiments
of fish farming. Equipped with this knowledge, you’d gain valuable information about fish
farming, and every it takes to turn out successful.

The Risks And Challenges Of Fish Farming

1). Poor Farm Site:

A poor fish farm location can impact negatively on the farm’s full potential for growth.

Due to it’s difficult inaccessibility to a city area, sales may slow down drastically for the farm
owner.

2). Poor Pond Planning And Design:

A poorly planned fish farm can lead to leakages, disorganization, and several other factors that
eventually pile up unwanted expenses.

3). Poor Market Survey:

Without doing a proper feasibility study of the fish farming business by estimating the size of
your potential market, cost of farm products, and a lot more, you could be headed for failure, or
a major loss from the onset.

4). Little To No Experience:

An ardent lack of experience can lead you to waste your entire investment on your fish farm.

5). Competition From Fisher Men:

With lower costs of fishes being sold by fisher men, the revenues your fish farm generates could
be negatively impacted.

Sample Business Plan/Feasibility Study On How To Start A Catfish Farming Business

Step 1:

With $500 to $750, you can setup a 10ft X 10ft earth fish pond with a mild
depth of about 4ft to 6ft.

This constructed dimension would be able to hold about 1,000 grown fishes. You can also
construct a concrete pond, use a plastic tank, or a drum pond.

22
Step 2:

Before you start stocking your fishes, you need to disinfect your pond with an anti-fungi and an
anti-bacteria.

You should also balance your fish pond’s organic and ion concentration by fertilization with
banana leaves or poultry dungs.

Step 3:

You need to purchase fingerlings and juveniles for your fish pond. An economic recession
and other vices can fluctuate the prices of these fingerlings.

Step 4:

You have to feed your fishes once or twice a day. Feeding carries the bulk of the operating cost.

Catfishes in hatcheries are to be fed meals that are properly ground, or feeds that that are flour-
like, and contain 45 to 50 percent of protein.

Small floating pellets ( about 1/8 inch diameter) containing about 35 percent of protein should
be fed to larger fingerlings.

Floating feed of approximately 5/32 – 3/16 inch in diameter containing about 28 to 32 percent
of protein should be fed to advanced fingerlings (which are about 5 to 6 inches long).
Proper feeding intervals can get the fishes to weigh as much as 1.5kg after five months of
adequate care.

Feeding the catfishes is generally about 60% of your entire farm costs.

The way the meals are fed to catfishes have to be carefully executed because 700 two
months old fishes can finish a 15kg feed bag in just 10 days! This high cost of catfish feed
can greatly affect your profitability.

Another alternative is to source locally made fish feeds. With fewer individuals producing locally
made catfish feed, finding and gaining access to these can pose a big challenge.
You have to feed your fishes in such a way that they you don’t pollute the water.

23
This can be achieved by practising spot fishing. You shouldn’t also change the water
immediately after feeding, to avoid the fishes vomiting their meals. And you should constantly
apply supplements like Livestovit and Aquapro to protect your fishes from diseases.

Step 5:

As your fishes grow, you need to constantly sort them to avoid larger fishes feeding on the
smaller ones.

This is best done by putting fishes of the same size inside a pond together to reduce their
cannibalistic instincts.

This doesn’t just ensure a bulk survival, but also ensures adequate growth and
development because, they can equally compete for food, water, and space.

Step 6:

Change the pond’s water on a regular basis to improve the fishes longevity, and reduce the
chances of diseases springing up on your fish farm.

Clean water should be used to replace the existing water every 2 to 3 days. Without proper
water
management, most of your fishes wouldn’t alive to maturity.

Step 7:

With the cost of catfishes in Ghana, you need to do a really good market feasibility study to
understand the type of buyers that’d most likely patronise your own fish farm.
Ideally, this should be the very first thing you do before even starting a fish farm, but assuming
you’ve already done this, contact potentially identified buyers, and offer to sell your fishes to
them on more favourable terms. Make sure your buyers are aware of your fishery products
about 2 months before they’re fully grown, to increase your chances of selling out most of your
merchandise quickly.

The ultimate goal of every fish farmer is to grow their fishes to achieve a body weight of 1kg
within the shortest possible time.

If this is managed and done right, the fishes can achieve this size in four to six months.

24
==========================================================

CATFISH FINGERLINGS PRODUCTION IN

GHANA

Catfish fingerlings production starts with selecting females broodstock fish. Ideally, broodstock
ponder between 500-1000g, with larger fish being difficult to deal with and often resulting in
egg losses ahead of stripping, but its advisable to make use of large fishes if someone can help
in handling. In general, mature females are selected as outlined by this criteria.

A well distended, swollen abdomen from which ripe eggs can be purchased by slightly pressing
the stomach toward the genital papilla. Ripe eggs are generally uniform in size and a
experienced hatchery operator are able to see the nucleus as a small dark point in the heart of
the egg, a swollen, from time to
time reddish or rose colored genital
papilla

The most common technique

employed to induce final maturation
and ovulation in African catfish is
always to inject the female with
bodily hormones or pituitary gland.

Its advisable to Cover the top of the

breeder with a towel in order to
keep it quiet during injection.
Generally speaking most fish keep
still in case their eyes are covered.

The females are mostly injected

inside afternoon/evening and are
kept (separated in the males) in a
pond or perhaps basin, Of major
importance is the breeders can be
caught easily when its time and
energy to ovulate the eggs as avoiding spoilage of eggs.

The speed of the process will depend on water temperature, the higher this temperature the
25
quicker the ova ovulate.

Stripping from the female broodstock is carried out there by gently pressing the abdomen that
has a thumb from the pectoral fin towards the genital papilla. Ovulated eggs will flow out easily
in a very thick jet from the genital vent and so are usually collected into a dry out plastic
container.

The males from the African catfish cannot be stripped and therefore the sperm can only possibly
be obtained by sacrificing a man. The male is killed and also the body surface thoroughly dried
then the testis is dissected and put into a mortar or a teacup. The testis is rapidly cut into small
pieces employing a scissor and finally the milt is pressed out that has a pestle or a teaspoon.

some dilute the milt that has a physiological salt solution about any hour before the female is
stripped and this solution is added using the stripped eggs. The advantage of this technique is
that eggs from many females can be fertilized united testis of a mature male can potentially
fertilize the eggs of 10-15 females.

The sperm (diluted or non-diluted) is included with the stripped eggs, and the eggs fertilized
with the help of an equal volume of clear water. The water and egg mass are then combined by
gently shaking the pan. Eggs must be stirred continuously until there're placed in the hatching
tanks for the reason that eggs become sticky and devoid of stirring will stick together straight
into one clump.About 60 seconds after fertilization has taken place and the sperm features lost
its activity, the fertilized ova are then ready for incubation with vats.

The development process through fertilized egg to hatching, like all other biological processes, is
dependent about water temperature; the higher the river temperature the faster the ova hatch.
The time it takes regarding catfish eggs to hatch depends on water temperature. clarias catfish
typically spawn inside spring, when water temperatures are usually between 70 and 84 °F (21
and 29 °C). A general principle of egg incubation is that water is renewed so as to provide
oxygen and that following hatching the larvae are separated in the remaining egg-shells and
dead ova. The latter is of utmost importance in order to avoid fungal or bacterial infections
connected with hatch-lings and consequent larval fatality.

For more information and supply of fingerlings call 0249469469

LEARN HOW TO HATCH FISH EGG

Posted by KINGSWAY AGRO SERVICES on 10:18 am in Fish breeding | Comments : 0

26
AIM OF THE PRACTICAL
The major objective of the practical is to
(1)Empack the knowledge of artificial induced breeding to learners and beginers.
(2)For learners to know that is better and more reliable because (i) better rate of fertilization
and hatching will be achieved.(ii) protection against enemies and unfavourable environmental
condition.(iii) better condition for growth and survival.

PROCEDURE INVOLVED IN FISH BREEDING.

(1)selection of broodstock from fish pond.
(2)Inducing final maturation and ovulation with hormone treatment.
(3)Procurement of ripe eggs by stripping.
(4)Procurement of milt by dissection of male donor.
(5)Artificial fertilization.
(6)Rearing of lavae or fry.

SELECTION OF BROODSTOCK FROM FISH POND.

The broodstock was selected and kept in plastic tank filled with water. The female breeder
showed the maturity by bringing out a brighter colour and the abdomen, was swollen, lighter
brownish in colour, when applied pressure on the abdomen, some eggs quickly comout with
light green and a dot in the middle.
In the male breeder, the genital pappillae was elongated. Dark and slightly swollen.

INDUCED FINAL MATURATION AND OVULATION WITH HORMONE.

On the next day, the breeder was broughtout of tank and placed on top of the table by 8:05am
to weigh by the the use of weighing scale.
The male broodstock weighed 2.0kg
The female broodstock weighed 3.0kg.
The temperature of the environment is 28 degree cen.
The temperature of water 27 degree cen.
The female breeder was injected with ovaprim(1.5mm) dose by 8:12am intra muscularly at
angle 45 degree above the lateral line and above the dorsal fin.
The latency period was 8 hours (time of injection and ovulation).
PROCUREMENT OF MILT BY DISSECTION OF A MALE DONOR.
The male was dissected and to obtained the tastes which are located at the dorsal part of
abdominal cavity of the male. The milt was obtained from the tastes by cutting little incisions in
the external part of the lobules. The milt was preserved temporaly in glass cup and covered.

PROCUREMENT OF THE RIP EGG BY STRIPPING.

The ovulated eggs in the female breeder was obtained when the eggs riped. The ovulation
period reached by 5:15pm. The belly was thick and soft. Two person held the fish with wet
towel to aviod injury to the fish. The ventral side of the fish was dried up with toilet tissue and
gently pressed towards the genital pappillae to extrud the eggs.

ARTIFICIAL FERTILIZATION
We used dry method of fertilization by adding the milt on the stripped eggs and few drops saline
27
solution to ensure proper mixing of the sexual product through gentle shaking of the bowel and
stired.

INCUBATION AND HATCHING OF FRY

We washed the plastic bowel and filled close to the brim with clean water. The fertilized eggs
were spread homogenously in a single layer on a kakaban (mosquito netting material placed on
top of the water in bowel.

LARVAL REARING
We seperated the larvae from egg shell and unhatched eggs. The kakaban was removed which
helped in seperating the lavae from the shell. The remaining unhatched eggs were removed by
siphoning.

NURSING (FEEDING) FRY

Feeding started after the third day of hatching, we introduced Artemia naupilli. We fed with
Artemia for seven days before changing to 0.3mm artificial feed after four weeks we got
fingerlings for stocking.

RAANAN FISH FEED

Factory: Prampram Ningo Road, Prampram Accra,
Show Room & Distrubution: Ashaiman, opposite Ashiaman Timber market
+233 241 435 600
+233 544 356 839
+233 544 356 838

[email protected]

Training Centres & Seminars

Raanan Fish Feed West Africa Limited offers technical assistance through workshops and
trainings in the fish farming areas in and around the country. During these sessions extensive
knowledge about fish farming management practices is given to participants and platform given
them to share the problems they face in the sector and appropriate recommendations given.

We offer to the fish farmers a consistent program of training sessions along the Volta river and
Volta lake at Kpando, Kpeve, Akuse, Akosombo, Sogakope, Tarkwa, Takoradi and in Nigeria,
Togo, Benin and Ivory Coast.

In Ashanti region a Raanan fish feed training school has been set which offers training for fish
farmers in and around the region. The training school set up in November, 2012 and
commissioned by the Honourable Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development on 26th
April, 2013. It features a week long training sessions once every month with 20-25 participants.

28
114 fish farmers in the Ashanti, Brong Ahafo, Easter and Northern regions have so far benefited
from this training and acquired knowledge and skills in fish farm management.

29
30
31
Cat fish fingerlings ¢0.5p per 0203343259 For sale by Niko 3 Aug 6:32 am Kwashieman, Accra

EASYFISHº 》AGRIC IN MOTION LTD 0559451747

Locally made, by experienced artisan. Tarpulin thickness is 1.9mm
Fish Tank / Pond 13ft by 13ft by 4ft H ₵2,550.00

This tank is 13ft by 13ft and 4ft in height. Big outlet for draining and comes with durable
galvanized steel frames to hold the pressure. This is a cheaper alternative to our China made
ones if you are not the type who bothers about the looks or aesthetics.
Bigger and custom sizes available to meet any need.
70% deposit applicable.
Sample tank available for viewing in Weija.
Catfish Fingerlings DUTCH CLARIAS

Fast growth rate. Out of every 1000 fish 30% would hit a kg in 3-4 months, 50 percent would
hit 1kg to 1.3 in the 5th month. The last 20% would mostly hit a kg in six months or seven. If
no mini harvest is done within the period, sizes more than 2kg would be harvested.
Minimum order is 3000. A deposit of 60% would be made to our company account. Prices are
80p and not Ghc1 as listed.
Size of fingerling is an HONEST 0.5 to 0.7 grams.

32
M&C AGRIC FISH LTD - 0249469469

Promotion, Promotion, promotion. The M&C Agric Fish Ltd wants to give everyone opportunity
to start a catfish farming at home to suit any budget. We do this promotion to encourage you to
learn first before venturing into commercial.
We have a variety of prices and ideas that will suit you.

7ft by 20ft 4ft Height = GHC2,500 with 1000 fingerlings or 500 Juvenile or 200 jumbo size/
beginner size attached to it.
7ft by 10ft 4ft Height = GHC2, 200 with 500 Fingerlings or 250 Juvenile or 100 jumbo size/
beginner size attached to it.
For your special size contact us for a quotation and fingerlings attached to it. orders from this
promotion above is 2 weeks pickup date from the day you order, note all orders must deposit
60%
You can now buy also our fingerlings of any quantity you desire, from 100 pieces to 1,000,000
pieces at this price listed below:
For fingerlings
3000 and above = 63Ghp per one
3000 below to 1000 = 68Ghp per one
1000 below to 100 = 72Ghp Per One
you have discount on order above 5000 and 100 pieces added on each 1000 orders
Below 1000 orders is instant pick up while orders above 1000 will be between 5 to 7 days from
order day. Note all orders must deposit 60%
For juvenile
2000 and above = 1.20Ghcp per one
2000 below 1000 = 1.30Ghcp per one

33
1000 below to 100 = 1.50Ghcp per one
you have 80 pieces bonus added for each 1000 when you buy from 4000 pieces above.
Orders below 1000 is instant pick up, while orders above 1000 will be between 5 to 7 days from
order day. Note all orders must deposit 60%
Jumbo size/beginners size You can order from 100 to any amount at 1.80Ghp orders are instant
pick up
All payments must be made to our Bank account, our Mobile Money or Cash at our home office
in Ashongman Estate Bridge, by Bridge bus stop

You have the chance to own Mobile fish pond at your home ₵1,800
Ga East Municipal, Ga East Municipal, Greater Accra
For your mobile pond call on us because we build and install it for you to start your fish farming
at your home.
We have different variety that will suit your home all you need is to choose the type and color
that will match your environment. we build with wood, iron rod, pipe and Galvanize pipe to suit
your budget. We have a range of prices between Ghc1800 to Ghc6500 depending on what you
want and how you want it set up for you. Contact us immediately for your own pond.
==========================================================

HOW TO FORMULATE FEED THAT WILL ENHANCE YOUR PROFIT

By Eniola Abiodun

On February 1, 2016

Feed formulation is an integral part of catfish farming business, especially in tropical Africa. This
is due to the fact that imported fish feeds are always expensive due to the cost of logistics on
importation and weak local currency, making the cost of such products skyrocket.

The environment in Africa allows individual farmers to formulate feed for their fishes in order to
reduce the cost of feed production and also to enjoy flexibility in choice of feed ingredients for
feed formulation. It has been observed that majority of catfish farmers have little or no
knowledge of this aspect of their business. As a result of this, many gamble and some even
depend on the judgment/choice of their feed millers who are ready to exploit them for the
purpose of making more profit. Little wonder that some farmers fail at this critical point.

Ideally, your choice of feed ingredient and formula should be guided by the following;

 Nutritional requirement of your fish stock

 The presence or absence of anti-nutritional or toxic factor
 Availability of preferred ingredient
 Palatability of available ingredient
 Cost and benefit of the available ingredients
 Available processing technology or method
34
Nutritional requirement of your fish stock: Adequate knowledge of ingredients and
nutritional value of various ingredients, coupled with the nutritional requirement of your feed at
various stages, will help you as a farmer to formulate a quality feed. From ingredients
combined, it is possible to calculate the crude protein, energy, and fat in your feed either
manually or by inputting it on a dedicated computer program.

The presence or absence of anti-nutritional or toxic factor: Some ingredients are better
not used due to presence of certain anti-nutritional element(s) in them. For instance, Soya
Beans grain must be well processed to remove some anti-nutritional elements in them. Some
ingredients like GNC can also encourage the growth of Aflatoxin, although this may not be a
major concern in catfish farming business unlike in poultry.

Availability of preferred ingredient: Certain ingredients are preferred over others. This
might not be unconnected with cost and availability of such ingredients. When such ingredients
are not available, a farmer is saddled with the responsibility of choosing from a wide range of
similar ingredients. For instance, when flour or dough is not available, a farmer is faced with the
challenge of choosing from energy grains or processed tuber crops to complement the energy
requirements of the fish.

Palatability of available ingredient: An experienced catfish farmer understands that

catfishes have taste preferences, and he will ensure that he chooses from a variety of
ingredients that will suit the taste of his fishes. For instance, GNC has better taste and aroma
over its substitute Bernseed, and soya meal is preferred above cotton seed.

Cost and benefit of the available ingredients: Cost factor, as well as benefit of the cost, is
an important factor that must be well considered in feed formulations. The cost of 72% fish
meal against its benefit might not make it the best alternative where local fish meal is available,
especially in a situation where most of the imported fish meals in the market are adulterated.
Also, there may be many ways to meet up with the protein requirement for your fish but animal
protein, especially protein from fishes, must not be totally removed from the feed; the quality
and quantity must be well sustained regardless of your choice of ingredient.

Available processing technology or method: This is a crucial factor to be considered when

formulating your feed. Some ingredients should not be used at all due to crude processing
method which might have led to the loss of essential nutrients. Maize should not be used at all if
the feed miller does not possess the technology to powder it because experience has shown
that fish might not be able to fully digest maize grain that is not well milled.

Nutritional Requirement for Catfish Feed

Catfish feed requires certain nutrients that will help the farmer optimize the growth as well as
increase the profit on their catfish farming business. Below are the 4 classes of nutrients, in
order of importance, essential in any feed formulation:

35
  Protein: This class of nutrient is required for building body tissue and replacement of
damaged tissue. It contains physiological molecules such as hormones and enzymes. It
can be obtained from plants and animals.
 Energy (Carbohydrate): This nutrition provides the energy needed for catfishes.
Grains of cereals and cassavas are the major source of this nutrient.
 Vitamins and minerals: Growth, health, and body process are controlled by this class
of nutrition. For example, organic and inorganic chemicals are found in vitamin and
minerals.
 Fat: Fat contains vital fatty acids and also enhances energy delivery in feed.

There is a need to understand nutritional contents of available feed ingredients so as to

understand and select appropriately ingredients that will meet the nutritional needs of your
catfish. Each class of nutrition is analyzed separately below:

Nutritional Level of Animal Proteins

Animal Energy Crude Fats Calcium/ Methionine Lysine

Protei Level Protein (%) Phosphorus (%) (%) (%)
n (mj/kg) (%)
Meat 11.2 50 – 51 10 8 0.7 2.6
meal
Blood 15.2 88 – 90 1 0.4 0.6 7.1
meal
Feather 13.7 80 – 85 7 0.4 0.6 2.3
meal
Poultry 13.1 60 – 64 13 2.0 1 3.1
meal
Fish 5 55 – 75 3 1.0 1.5 2
meal

Nutritional Level of Plant Proteins

Plant Protein Protein (%) Energy Calcium (%) Lysine Methionine

(cal/kg) (%) (%)
Soybeans meal 44 – 48 2557 0.20 3.2 1.4
Cottonseed 40 – 41 2350 0.66 4.2 1.4
meal
Sunflower Meal 46 – 47 2205 0.30 3.5 2.3
GNC 45.6 – 61.8 3860 1.7 3.2 1.0

36
Nutritional Level of Energy Base Ingredients

Ingredients Protein (%) Energy (cal/kg) Calcium (%) Lysine (%)

Wheat 13 3153 0.05 0.5
Sorghum 9.0 3263 0.02 0.3
Maize 8 – 11 3200 0.5 0.27
Cassava 2.5 1601 1.6 0.07

From the nutritional table of certain feed ingredients, a sample of simple catfish feed formula
can be generated thus:

Sample 1:

Ingredients Quantity (kg)

Maize/Wheat/Cassava Flour (any of the three) 25kg
Soya/Sunflower/Cotton seed (Soya preferred) 30kg
GNC/Benseed (either of the two) 20kg
Fish (72%) 25kg
Fish Premix 0.5
Lysine 0.1
Methionine 0.1
Vitamin C 0.1
Salt 0.2
DCP 1
TOTAL 102kg

Sample 2:

Ingredients Quantity (kg)

Maize 20
Poultry meal 15
Fish meal (72%) 10
Blood meal 5
Soya 30
GNC 20
Fish premix 0.5
Lysine 0.1
Methionine 0.1
Vitamin C 0.1
Salt 0.2

37
 DCP 1
TOTAL 102kg

==========================================================

Formulating CatFish Feed In Nigeria

Why Catfish Farmers Prefer to Make Own Fish Feed Pellets?

● Lots of cheap raw materials for making catfish feed pellets are available locally.

● Catfish farmers can choose the ingredients of homemade catfish feed pellets based on their
own need.

● Affordable user-friendly fish feed pellet making machine is available and the fish feed machine
supplier can offer the detailed catfish feed pellet making guide.

How to Make Fish Feed Pellets?

● Material selection: soybean meal, cottonseed meal, corn grain, wheat middlings, fish
derivatives, derivatives of vegetable origin, algea, oils ad fats, minerals, protein

● Crushing: use feed hammer mill to crush raw materials.

● Mixing: use grain power mixer which has a U-type tank with dual shafts and paddles to mix
the crushed materials well as the mixing has a relation with the daily intake. Mix vitamins and

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minerals with small mount, and then add oil in to the ingredients. Add water and mix well to
form a mash.

● Extruding: pass the feed mixture through a fish feed pellet extruder. Set up the suitable
diameter for the die, and during the extrusion the pellets are cut off or broken into smaller
lengths.

● Pellets Drying: usebelt type feed pellet dryer to dry the pellets. The moist pellets should be
dried at low temperature and with good airflow to dry the pellets to a water content of 10% or
less. The temperature should be less than 60ºC to protect vitamin from destroyed.

●Fish Feed Pellets Packing: use feed pellet packing machine to pack feed pellets into bags or
containers that can be stored against insects, rats and to keep out moisture. When packing fish
feed pellets, please avoid using plastic bags as feed can sweat.

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Materials for Fish Feed in Kenya

1. Feed Ingredients
Fish feed is formulated by mixing several raw materials to make a balanced diet. These
ingredients are crushed separately and later mixed to ratios before extrusion. The most
commonly utilized feed ingredients in Kenya include: wheat or rice bran, sunflower or
cottonseed cake, cassava, freshwater shrimp and etc..
Proximate analysis of some commonly used fish feed ingredients

Ingredients % Nutrient Concentration

Dry matte Crude protei Lipi Nitrogen free extract Crude fibr As
r n d s e h
Cotton seed cak 93.0 35.9 6.7 44.5 7.1 5.8
e
Sunflower cake 94.0 21-25 5.5 29.2 39.6 5.0
Wheat bran – 14-18 6.5 59.5 16.0 4.0
Maize bran 93.0 10-15 4.4 70.8 11.6 3.2

2. Proportion of Materials in Feed Production

Ingredients Proportion
Cottonseed cake 37%
Wheat bran 57%
Freshwater shrimp 6%
Vitamin mix Minimal

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Note: other easily prepared and economical formulas are as follows:
Mixture of 76% rice bran and 24% fish meal
Mixture of dried freshwater shrimp and maize bran, sometimes with some omena meal added.

==========================================================

George Boamah 0553671695

Amansie Central, Amansie Central, Ashanti

Prepare your own cheap fish feed. I will teach you how to prepare quality fish feed if you don't
know how to do it

==========================================================

Home using small bird feed pellet making machine For Sale

Jiaozuo double eagle machinery co. ltd.

https://detail.en.china.cn/provide/p139131591.html
[email protected] pelleting marching.
Mould plate hole size: 1.5/2/2.5/3/3.5/4/5/6/7/8/9/10mm Jiaozuo Double Eagle Machinery Co.,
Ltd E-mail:[email protected] Tel/WhatsApp/Wechat:008613782614163

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==========================================================================

MARKETING OF FISH

I have written a post on this subject before but i feel a need to write about it again.
Let me start by saying that there is no real glut in fish marketing.
What you have is the situation where the farmer wants to produce in his farm and sell the
produce on his farm. This may not work because production is increased in some area while it is
still at infancy in other areas.
So the farmer with fish ready for sale should move out his comfort zone if he wants to sell at a
premium.
So establish contacts in other states where ou can move your products and get higher prices.
You may also add value to your products soa s to create alternative marketing channels. You
may invest in smoking Kilns (We can set-up one for you to smoke to EU standard).And produce
smoked fish.
In fact you earn more from value addition and of course you stop expending money on feeding
immediately you have processed fish. So think on these if selling fish had been a problem to
you.

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CATFISH MARKETING IN NIGERIA

Posted by KINGSWAY AGRO SERVICES

Marketing Although there is an optimistic outlook for the growth of channel catfish markets, new
or prospective producers should not assume there will be a willing buyer at harvest time. While
most current catfish production is sold tolarge processing facilities, a new producer may be too
far from a processor to market fish this way.
Before investment, construction or production, new producers should research and understand
their
marketing options.
New processing plants locating in areas with little existing production and relying on promises of
new
production may fail within the first few years.
Possible reasons for failure include:
over capitalization and limited cash flow during the first few years.
Inconsistent supply of fish harvesting and logistical problems in transporting fish to the
processing plant established producers in the area may already have specialty markets for live
fish which offer a better price than the processor can afford to pay generally, it takes 18 months
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in construction and production time for a farmer to produce his first crop of fish the availability
of financing capital or high interest rates may limit the
development of new production acreage inability to compete with existing processors for market
share Even in areas with established production and processing, farmers should continually
investigate new markets.
Although limited in size and availability, these markets can be more profitable than processing
markets. Alternative markets include: live-haulers, on-farm sales, fee fishing and local sales.
Live-haulers buy live fish from producers for resale. Fish may be resold for stocking in
recreational ponds or fee-fishing ponds or to a processor. In some instances, producers may
contract with a live-hauler to transport fish to a buyer.
On-farm sales are usually more successful in or around metropolitan areas.
Fee-fishing ponds, also called catch-out ponds, provide an opportunity for the public to fish in
private ponds. Usually the customer is charged a set amount per pound of fish caught.
Another option is for the producer to process fish on the farm and sell small amounts to
customers.
For on-farm processing. Local sales involve on-farm processing and delivery to restaurants and
supermarkets.
For most producers this is the most attractive yet most difficult marketing alternative. These
markets usually require a weekly supply of fresh fish of consistent quality, quantity and size. It
is very difficult for individual producers to supply this demand year-round.
Most of these retail businesses buy from established distributors. Even if they do buy local fish,
one missed delivery or other problem can cause them to change suppliers immed iately .
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Nigeria: Pains, gains of Lagos Catfish farmers

By Inoussa Maiga on April 20, 2017

Despite perceived profitability of catfish farming with a projected return on investment of 70%
to 80% catfish farmers in Lagos are grappling with myriad of challenges that leave a sour taste
in their mouths. According to REJOPRAO’s investigation into catfish farming by in Lagos, Nigeria,
the problems bedevilling catfish farming in Lagos State ranges from theft, under-pricing, inability
to identify Runts from Shoots, high cost of fish feeds; high mortality rate of fingerlings, poor
funding, and epileptic power supply to instability on market. While some Lagos catfish farmers
struggle to remain in business; many others who lack the financial muscle and professional skills
are quitting; at a time Nigeria’s annual fish import bill, according to Audu Ogbe, minister of
Agriculture, stands at a staggering $700 million.

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Not for the faint-hearted

Mr Solomon Olutunbi, a 60-year-old catfish farmer in Lagos, Nigeria provided insights into the
challenges of catfish farming in Nigeria. Olutunbi, a retired banker likened catfish farming to a
two-edged sword that can be both profitable in one breadth and in another loss-making. “I
have been in the business of catfish farming for upward of 8 years but each experience differs
from another. Sometimes I make profit of up to 70 percent of my investment and at other times
I record huge losses,” said olutunbi.

For her part, Mrs Opeoluwa Fadairo, an ex-catfish farmer explained that catfish farming is not
for the faint-hearted. Fadairo, who had been involved in catfish farming for more than 12 years
before quitting three years ago, explained why she had to quit. “I made profit in the business
when feeds were affordable but I was so unlucky to make huge losses for three consecutive
years before quitting it. The losses were as a result of high cost of feeds and high mortality rate.
I had to quit the catfish farming when I was on the verge of becoming hypertensive.”

Sola Joseph, a cosmetologist concurred that catfish farming is profitable but acknowledged that
the cost of fish feeds accounts for 70 percent capital expenditure. “Feeds are now very
expensive and we had to resolve to buy both local and foreign feeds. Despite all odds, I make at
least 70-80 percent return on my investment during one harvest. Profitability depends on your
marketing ability. Some catfish sell at N840 per kilogram while others sell at N850 per kilogram.
Marketing strategy is germane because demands for the catfishes is still higher than supply in
Lagos. When you feed your fish very well, a single catfish is more than a kilogram,” said Joseph.

Professional knowledge is vital

While showing this reporter her abandoned fish pond, Fadairo said she can only come back to
catfish farming if she finds a professional, who can guarantee the kind of breeds that are viable.
Fadairo’s view highlights the need for professional training for catfish farmers in Nigeria. The
experience of Odubela, who is a qualified agricultural economist, buttresses the importance of
professional training as a requisite credential for successful catfish farming in Nigeria. Odubela
ascribes his success in catfish farming to his professional background in fishery and agriculture.

He emphasised that the greatest challenge that catfish farmers face is the lack of knowledge of
breeds that would grow fast. “Most farmers in Nigeria lack the technicality to identify which of
the cat fish breed that feeds well and grow faster. Unless a catfish farmer witnesses the
spawning process, he or she cannot know the breed. Here in Nigeria, most catfish farmers do
not witness the spawning process. They only go to buy fryers or fingerlings,” said Odubela.
“There are some catfish called runts which grow very slowly. Fish farmers hardly know this on
time until they must have spent so much feeding these kinds of breed without showing
commensurate growth. Whereas the breeds called ‘Shoots’ grow faster and grow according to
the quality and quantity of feeds they consume. Nigerian cat fish farmers prefer to grow this
breed but our inability to identify this breed remains a major challenge. We sometimes waste
much money on Runts.”

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For his part, Dr Olumide Agbesola of Maymid Farm Limited lamented that majority of catfish
farmers in Lagos do not seek professional advice before situating their fish ponds. He explained
that some catfish farmers who situate their earthen ponds on a valley often lose many of their
fishes to erosion. He emphasised that Fish ponds should not be situated in a place that is more
than three hours’ drive to the market.

High mortality rate

Odubela explained that between the ages of 0-2 months there is high mortality rate for catfish,
which he noted, calls for more attention of fish farmers. He explained that the depletion of
oxygen in the fish pond is responsible for the high mortality rate of catfish.

“Once the fingerlings keep coming to the top of the water in the ponds, it shows that the
oxygen level of that water has been reduced and the fishes need fresh water. At this point, the
water must be changed. As a matter of fact, constant change of water in the pond could help
reduce the threat,” he advised.

Odubela also disclosed that cannibalism constitute a hindrance to catfish farming. He

emphasised that despite the amount of food available to the fishes in a pond, cannibalism
cannot be controlled. The only measure, according to Odubela, is to reduce the quantity of the
fishes in the pond and increase spaces for the fishes to swim. For Sola Joseph, the best way to
control cannibalism among catfish is to separate the big fishes from the smaller ones.

Absence of government incentive

Starting up the business of fish farming in Nigeria is also challenging because government has
not been supportive with providing requisite infrastructures. For instance, epileptic power supply
affects catfish farming in Lagos because farmers incur cost fuelling their power generating sets
to be able to pump fresh water into their ponds. Odubela explained that the Nigerian
government seems to be biased and insincere about its promise to promote agriculture as an
alternative to oil. He urged the federal government to help stem the abnormal rise in cost of fish
feeds.

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