Fresh Water Aquaculture Nutrition Research in India

This paper summarizes the available information on nutritional requirements and feeding practices of freshwater fishes in India. Fishes plays an important role in supply of protein diet to the consumers and responsible for nutritional security of the population. The Indian major carps viz. Catla catla (catla), Labeo rohita (rohu) and Cirrhinus mrigala (mrigal) contribute about 87% of total aquaculture production. Fish convert feed into body flesh more efficiently than farm animals. All the nutrients (protein and amino acid, fat and fatty acids, carbohydrate, minerals and vitamins) contribute to normal growth and development of fish. The protein requirement of carp, catfish and prawn feed varies from 25–35, 30–45 and 30–40%, respectively in their feed. The fat requirement of carp and catfish feed varies from 6–8% and in prawn feed the fat requirement is 6%. Amino acid and fatty acid requirement also influence the feed formulation for finfish and shellfish. Feed additives incorporation in fish feed improves feed intake. Feeding of fish with balanced diet helps in optimization of normal growth and fish production.