SRAC# 223, Trout Production: Feeds and Feeding Methods (Revised 1999)

SRAC# 223

Trout Production: Feeds and Feeding Methods (Revised 1999)

Jeffrey M. Hinshaw

Opening Paragraph:
Aside from final sale price of the fish, the amount and suitability of feed used for trout farming will be the primary factor determining the profitability of production. Digestive systems of trout and other salmonids arc naturally equipped to process foods consisting primarily of protein (mostly from fish), and can obtain a limited amount of energy from fat and carbohydrates. Diets for fry and fingerling trout require a higher protein and energy content than diets for larger fish. Fry and fingerling feed should contain approximately 50 percent protein and 15 percent fat; feed for larger fish should contain about 40 percent protein and 10 percent fat. The switch to lower protein formulations usually occurs at transition from a “crumble” feed to a pelleted ration, called a “growout” or “production” diet. Several brands of high quality commercial trout diets are available in the South. Although a farm could produce its own fish food, it is usually uneconomical to do so.

Retrieve Full Article