Reducing feed costs in semi-intensive finfish culture: an update on mixed feeding schedules and an idea for enhancing endogenous food supply in ponds

Some interesting ideas on improving the cost-effectiveness of feeding in semi-intensive finfish aquaculture are presented.

Heterotrophic marine bacteria as supplementary feed for larval Penaeus monodon

The findings are presented of a study conducted to use autochthonously obtained, nonpathogenic heterotrophic marine bacteria as a substitute feed for microalgae in rearing larval Penaeus monodon. Eleven strains were isolated: Micrococcus (MCC), Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Bacillus (two strains; BAC-1, BAC-2), Pseudomonas (two strains; PSM-1, PSM-2), Vibrio parahemolyticus, V. fluviatilis, Moraxella (MOR) and Flavobacterium. Six nonhemolytic strains were then chosen for the Penaeus monodon larval feed trials: BAC-1, BAC-2, PSM-1, PSM-2, MCC and MOR. The study demonstrates that bacterial biomass could be further investigated as a partial substitute for microalgae in penaeid shrimp larval rearing.

Improving aquaculture feed in Bangladesh: From feed ingredients to farmer profit to safe consumption

Use of manufactured feeds in aquaculture in Bangladesh has grown rapidly over the last five years. More than 1 million tonnes of commercially formulated feeds and 0.3-0.4 million tonnes of farm-made feeds were produced in 2012, and sectoral growth is projected to increase substantially over the medium term. This working paper summarizes findings from a study, conducted as part of the WorldFish/USAID “Feed the Future-Aquaculture” project in 2012, assessing the current status of the aquaculture feed sector in Bangladesh. Fish feed value chains, market trends, ingredients and formulation systems, farm feeding practices, ancillary services and feed regulations were investigated. The study identifies a number of entry points for interventions in the sector, and investments which would improve feed quality and farmer access to better feeds and support the growth of sustainable aquaculture.

Feed the future aquaculture project: annual report October 2011-Sept 2012

The Feed the Future Aquaculture project is a five year transformative investment in aquaculture focused on 20 southern districts in Barisal, Khulna and Dhaka divisions, Bangladesh. This report describes the achievements of FtF-Aquaculture project activities implemented during FY12. Some of the targets for production and associated income have not been achieved yet as a large share of the fish will be harvested after closing of the reporting period. However, on the basis of growth monitoring, indications are that production is on track to achieve the targets.

Feed the future aquaculture project: draft quarterly progress report, Jan-March 2013

The Feed the Future Aquaculture project is a five year transformative investment in aquaculture focused on 20 southern districts in Barisal, Khulna and Dhaka divisions, Bangladesh, which started in October 2011. This report describes the achievements of FtF-Aquaculture project activities implemented during the 6th quarter (January to March 2013) along with cumulative progress on FtF indicators. Due to the seasonality of fish and shrimp production, which is out of sync with the project year, final harvesting of aquaculture production was completed in this quarter. The achievements summarized below relate to progress of project activities. Progress against the FtF indicators that were not reported on previously are now included in this report.