Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. What is a typical, suitable proximate analysis for the diet for catla?

Below is a summary of dietary nutrient requirements of catla:

*Empirical data not available, general acceptable level 6-10%

Under semi-intensive farming system, nutrient composition of catla diet (see below) would be less than those given above as fish are able to get part of their nutrient requirement from natural food present in the pond

2. What is a typical feed formulation for catla diets?

A typical pelleted feed under semi-intensive faming system would have the following composition:

3. What essential amino acid levels could be used in formulated diet for catla?

require 10 essential amino acids like any other fish species for normal growth. The total aromatic amino acid (phenylalanine plus tyrosine) requirement of fry is 4.70 percent of the dietary protein. In the absence of cystine, the methionine requirement of catla fry is 1.42 percent of the diet or 3.55 percent of the dietary protein.

4. What plant protein sources and typical inclusion rates could be used in catla feeds?

Several alternative protein sources can be successfully used for the preparation of catla diets. Amongst others these include fermented silkworm pupae silage, which results in higher survival, improved FCRs and specific growth rates in comparison to fishmeal based diets. The incorporation of dry Spirogyra powder (40 percent) in catla fingerling feeds improves the protein and lipid content of the fish. The incorporation of maize gluten (5 percent) in supplementary feeds for catla fingerling can replace fishmeal by 25 percent without affecting the growth of fish under pond culture conditions. Soybean meal supplemented with methionine, lysine (0.4–0.5 percent), oil (10 percent) and vitamins and minerals may totally replace fishmeal in practical feeds for on-growing of carps. Mustard and rapeseed oilcakes may be used up to 35 percent and 24 percent, respectively along with other plant materials in carp diets.

5. What type of live food is normally used for catla larval rearing?

The most commonly used live food used to enhance growth and survival of catla larvae under pond culture conditions are Brachionus sp., Moina micrura, Daphnia carinata, Diaptomus sp., Mesocyclops sp. However, it should be noted that under normal farming conditions larvae are reared in fertilized nursery ponds.

6. What oils are suitable for inclusion in catla diets?

Incorporation of soybean oil (2.7 percent) and fish oil (0.3 percent) in the diet of brood female catla (3.0 – 5.5 kg) for a period of 93 days results in improved reproductive performance such as advanced maturation, increased fecundity and significantly higher fertilization rates of eggs.

7. Feeding strategy: What size of feed do I need at different stages, from first-feeding fry to onwards and how frequently should I feed them?

Particle size plays an important role in the feeding of fish. Larvae and fry are fed on finely powdered (<80 µ) feeds that are broadcasted over the water surface. Fingerlings and growers are fed with feed dough or dry pellets, provided in trays or feeding baskets and/or in perforated gunny bags, which are tied to bamboo-poles at several points in the pond, on which they are suspended in the water column. Perforated plastic fertilizer bags also serve the same purpose and are similarly suspended in the water column. In effect the bags serve as demand feeder

8. What organic fertilizers and fertilization schedules could be used in catla culture?

Suggested fertilization guide for catla farming under different stocking densities