A Detailed Guide to Feed Formulas and Feeding Techniques for Carp Farming

In natural environments, carp is a typical omnivorous fish. In pond farming, it can feed well on compound feed. The protein requirement of carp is generally between 28% and 40%; when protein is too low, growth is poor. Carp has a strong ability to utilize fat, and the crude fat content in feed can reach 10%, but when the fat content is high, the amount of vitamin E should be increased accordingly to prevent fat oxidation from causing lean-back disease. Carp cannot utilize crude fiber, and the crude fiber in feed should be controlled below 10%. In addition, carp likes the taste of animal-based feed, so more animal-based feed such as fish meal, silkworm pupae, and meat-and-bone meal can be added, but care should be taken that the fat in silkworm pupae and meat-and-bone meal has not already oxidized.

Carp Farming Feed Formulas

1. Wheat bran 45%, soybean cake 40%, barley 10%, fish meal 5%, with appropriate amounts of multivitamins, inorganic salts, lysine, and methionine added; feed coefficient is 2.

2. Wheat bran 45%, fish meal 30%, soybean cake 15%, barley 10%, with appropriate amounts of multivitamins, inorganic salts, lysine, and methionine added; feed coefficient is 2.

3. Soybean cake 50%, fish meal 15%, wheat bran 15%, rice bran 15%, multivitamins 1%, inorganic salts and antibiotic by-products 1% each, binder 2%; feed coefficient is 2.7.

Carp Farming Feeding Techniques

1. Feeding method: Manual feeding is generally used. After the fingerlings enter the cage, they need to rest for 2 days to adapt to the new environment of the cage. If they are fingerlings bred for cage culture and overwintered in this reservoir, they can be fed every other day. At the beginning of feeding, suitable feed should be given according to fish of different sizes so that the fish can eat appropriately and the feeding amount can be increased. The key to feeding is to train the fish to come to the surface to compete for food. Generally, after 7 to 10 days of training, carp can form a conditioned reflex and develop the habit of competing for food.

2. Feeding amount: Flexibly control the feeding amount according to weather, water temperature, and the feeding condition of the fish. Start feeding when the water temperature rises to 12°C. The number of feedings is generally 2 times per day. When the water temperature rises to about 20°C, feed 4 times per day. When the water temperature rises above 25°C, this is the period of vigorous feeding for carp, and 5 feedings per day is appropriate. After September, as the water temperature gradually drops again, the number of daily feedings should also gradually decrease to 4 to 3 times. Generally, the interval between each feeding is about 3 hours. Under normal circumstances, ensure that the fish eat to "80% full."

3. Feeding frequency: At the beginning of each feeding, feed less and slowly. When most of the fish come to the surface to compete for food, feed more and quickly. When most of the fish no longer come to the surface to compete for food, feed less and slowly. In simple terms, master the feeding rhythm of "slow, fast, slow." Feed until the fish are "80% full."