Fish Meal and other Alternatives in the Diet of Fish

Abstract:

The two aspects of fish production- feed cost and disease prevention are considering the pillars of success for growth of aquaculture in any culturing system. As feed involves about 60% input cost towards the production of fish and disease affecting the profitability of the culturing system. In order to work on these important aspects, a common approach is needed to solve both these problems which in turn improve fish health and growth to increase fish production. Reducing the dependency of aquaculture on fishmeal and other costly fish feed ingredients is key for sustainable development for the aquaculture industry. One of the major bottlenecks in the expansion of cold-water fish culture is the availability of quality fish feed at low cost. Recognizing the importance of proper feeding in successful fish production, the present review paper is aimed at formulation of quality feed using locally-available by-products, insect meal and other plant and animal based feed ingredients making the feed cost-effect as well as environmentally friendly. The production of quality protein will create economic development among the poor sections of the society and employment generation for the uneducated/educated, skilled or unskilled sections of the society