Comparative Study of Different Types of Sinking and Floating Feeds Formulations for Culture of Pangasius Sutchi

Abstract

A study was undertaken to know about the existing farming system of Thai pangas (Pangasius sutchi) and to develop better quality sinking and floating feed from locally available fish feed ingredients. Data on socio-economic condition and farming practices were collected through direct interviews with the randomly selected pangus farmers. Socio-economic conditions of the pangas farmers were found quite developed while they encountered several problems in their farming practices. Study revealed the average production of pangas was 37.50 t/ha along with carps and tilapia was 3.50 t/ha with a FCR value of commercial feed ranging from 1.96 to 2.20. They also revealed that 83% pangas ponds surveyed had CBR within 1.0-2.0 and only 3% had greater than 2.0. Therefore, the study concluded with remarks of major problems in lack of quality feed and their higher market price. As a consequence, the second experiment, locally available nine raw materials and seven types of feed additives were used to formulate two types of sinking and floating diets with two formulas each. Each of the formula also had starter and grower graded feeds. Sinking pellets were 2.0-3.0 mm in diameter and 4-7 mm in length and the floating pellets were 2.0-3.0 mm in diameter. Production cost of these two types of feeds was evaluated whereas the price of sinking starter was BDT 36.17 and 38.32; the growers were BDT 34.50 and 36.39. Furthermore, production cost of floating starter was BDT 44.24 and 46.01; and the grower was BDT 40.95 and 43.39. Protein content ranged from 27.42 to 30.55% in sinking pellet feed and 27.95 to 30.85% in floating pellet feed. Lipid content was ranged from 9.26 to 9.45% in sinking pellet feed and 9.15 to 9.53% in floating feed. In the performance evaluation trial of formulated feeds, third experiments were conducted for a period of four months in Jikorgacha Upazila of Jessore district. Among the formulation of sinking pellet feed, significantly higher gross production was recorded at treatment T2 (40.02±0.76 t/ha) and among the formulation of floating pellet feed treatment T1 (62.89±0.25 t/ha) showed higher gross production. Along with significantly higher feed cost, total cost was also recorded higher at treatment T3 (BDT 2839109.37) for sinking pellet feed fed feeding trial. However, significantly higher gross return from fish sales was obtained from treatment T 3 (BOT 3802303.80), and therefore, BCR was also recorded higher from treatment T2 (1.64). On the other hand, in feeding trial two with floating pellet feed, significantly higher total cost was recorded at treatment T 2 (BDT 2999343 .90) and the gross return from fish sales from treatment T1 (5660775.25). Moreover, significantly higher BCR was obtained from treatment Tr (2.04). Therefore, it is evident that formulation process of floating pellet feed at treatment T 1 provided better economic return compared to its subsequent treatments and sinking pellet feed groups.