Effect of Mixed Feeding Schedules on Growth and Production of Sutchi Catfish, Pangasius hypophthalmus (Sauvage) Reared in Earthen Ponds

Abstract

A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of mixed feeding schedule on the growth and production of sutchi catfish (Pangasius hypophthalmus, Pangasiidae) in experimental ponds (30 m2) for 70 days. Six feeding regimes employed were: continuous normal feeding (T1), alternate day feeding (T2), alternating 3 days normal feeding (NF) and 4 days restricted feeding (RF) (T3), alternating 7 days NF and 7 days RF (T4), alternating 14 days NF and 14 days RF (T5) and alternating 28 days NF and 28 days RF (T6). The restricted feeding was 1% of fish body weight. Results showed that the mean weight gain of fish was significantly (P<0.05) higher in T1 and T4. Survival was not affected by the dietary groups. Feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio ranged from 1.27 to 1.82 and 1.41 to 2.58 respectively. The significantly (P<0.05) higher productions (kg ha-1) were observed in T1 and T4. The highest profit was obtained in T4 due to compensatory growth and saving of feed cost. The results of the present study demonstrated that a mixed feeding schedule of alternating periods of 7 days normal feeding followed by 7 days of restricted feeding is more profitable for sutchi catfish farming than continuous normal feeding.