How to feed pond or pond fish?

Introducing complementary feeds to ponds produces significantly more fish than raising them on natural feeds. For correct and effective feeding, you need to know the physiology and nutritional needs of certain species of fish.

Water temperature and oxygen content are also influenced. The energy requirements are relatively low, but the diet must nevertheless be balanced. In this article you will find useful tips for choosing food and feeding fish.

Basic food for pond fish

Aquatic food is selected according to its specific content of nutrients and trace elements.

Protein

Plays a key role in metabolism. The protein content of the feed should be 30-60% of the total dry matter content. Protein feed is especially necessary for young animals during the period of active growth. The value of proteins lies in the fact that they contain essential amino acids, the lack of which leads to growth disorders and diseases.

Fats

It is the main source of energy. A lack of fatty acids leads to poor growth, causes physiological disorders and reduces the amount of protein and fat in the body. As with protein, fat requirements vary by species (eg carp need 1% fat, eel and trout 0.5% or less).

It is important to note that the presence of fats in the diet accelerates growth, but certain fatty acids can give meat an unpleasant taste.

Carbohydrates

Foods that contain no more than 25% fiber (the main source of carbohydrates) are a complete source of energy. Carbohydrate needs differ from breed to breed. For example, in carp and eel, increased fiber content slows growth and increases the fat content of the meat. The carbohydrate content of the diet should not only vary by species, but also by age.

Minerals

Minerals are essential for the normal development of structural parts of the body. Some of them (for example, calcium, phosphorus and chlorine) are absorbed by water. The others must be introduced artificially by an appropriate selection of elements in the diet. Lack of minerals usually only results in stunted growth, but a severe deficiency reduces the appetite of fish and can sometimes lead to the death of young. 

Vitamins

Play a key role in chemical reactions. Each vitamin is responsible for specific bodily processes. For example, vitamin A regulates metabolism, vitamin D is responsible for bone formation, and vitamin E promotes scale formation. But the most important is vitamin B, which is responsible for the absorption of proteins and carbohydrates. Its deficiency manifests itself after 20 days, after which it is imperative to start giving special food to the pelvis.

Also, biologically active substances (premix) and enzyme preparations are included in the feed to improve digestion. As a rule, a fodder mixture consisting of at least 12 plant and animal components is used for animal feed.

Plant-based foods include:

Cereals, which are one of the main sources of carbohydrates and B vitamins. Most often, ground wheat is used for fish feed.

Durum wheat is rich in proteins and lipids.

Legumes (soya, vetch, lupine), which contain proteins and enzymes necessary for better digestion.

Powders and flours contain a lot of protein (especially soy flour).

Example of ration for fish farming

Animal feed includes fishmeal, meat and bone meal, blood meal, and krill meal, but fishmeal is used the most because it contains all the amino acids necessary for growth and Development. Meat and bone meal is only used sparingly, as it contains many fatty acids with no nutritional value. Fishmeal is brilliantly replaced by krill meal, which is obtained by grinding and processing marine crustaceans.

Features of the diet of pond fish

The feeding schedule and diet depend on several factors. First of all, the season: much more food is needed in summer than in winter, when most species are in a resting period.

Secondly, the intensity of feeding and its composition directly depends on the species. Each species of fish needs a certain amount of protein and energy, so this should always be taken into account when sourcing food.

But one of the key indicators of power is the placement of individuals. Aquatic fish living in ponds require a completely different feeding schedule than individuals living in open ponds or basins. We will take a closer look at this aspect.

In the ponds

When rearing fish in a pond, artificial food requirements are less stringent, as natural food is available in natural ponds and only needs to be supplemented. Food is usually provided in the form of paste, pellets or briquettes. Preference should be given to feed mixtures in granules or briquettes, since they have high moisture resistance, while pasty masses lose half of their nutritional properties after an hour.

In ponds and swimming pools.

Breeding fish in closed environments (ponds and pools) involves a complete switch to artificial feeding. In this case, the efficiency of breeding depends on the correct feeding.

As a rule, it is adapted to the species and age of the fish. It is better to use industrial food mixtures consisting of several elements, which contain the necessary amount of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, minerals and vitamins for normal growth and development of young and adult fish in the closed space of the swimming pool or basin.