By Oscar Kakande

Is your fish feeding routine enough? An expert weighs in on why you should consider having a feeding plan for your fish for proper yields.

Ronald Kimaliyo, the production manager at Novia Investment Limited Farm, Buikwe. has tipped fish farmers off about why they need a feed calendar for their fish. The farm specializes in cage farming with over 100 cages.

A fish feed calendar is a set schedule for feeding aquarium or farm fish at consistent times daily for optimal growth. 

He revealed these sentiments at our exchange visit, which comprised at least 30 youth entrepreneurs specializing in cage fish farming in Masese, Wairaka, and Butagaya under the WeWork Green and Decent Jobs for Youth project.

“Farmers need to feed the fish properly with a feeding calendar. This helps to keep records and monitor feeding and weight patterns of fish, informing future decisions of how, what, and when to feed the fish,” Ronald explained.

He noted that in fish production, 65-70% of investment goes to buying feeds; therefore, getting the right ration is very prudent. To avoid feed wastage, farmers should monitor weather patterns.

“There is no need to feed fish in extreme cold weather since metabolism depends on the temperatures of the fish’s body, which also is determined by the temperature of the surrounding environment.” He emphasized.

The exchange visit provided an avenue for knowledge sharing and management approaches that facilitate better revenues from fish sales after harvest.
Ronald advised on proper site selection, which facilitates good water flow and accessibility, reducing stress on fish and the risk of disease.

According to him, farmers should space the cages to reduce waste buildup, prevent overcrowding, and promote faster growth.