By Jesicah Omete
Fish farming is becoming increasingly important in Kenya’s agricultural sector as it provides a solution to food security, is a reliable source of protein, and provides an opportunity for income generation.
For one to be able to plan and develop an aquaculture enterprise, some of the basic requirements to be considered include;
a.) Capital—Financing is generally needed to construct aquaculture fish culture facilities, e.g., ponds, tanks, the purchase of machinery and equipment, the construction of buildings, the purchase of seed, feeds, and fertilizer, and operating and maintenance costs, including labour, power, supplies, and materials.
b.) Land availability – One should choose a suitable site for the enterprise that allows forfuture expansion. c.) Market – A reliable and ready market is crucial; a farmer should carry out a market survey and culture a species that is commonly preferred by the consumers who will form the market.
d.) Water availability – Water is an essential consideration both in terms of quality and quantity. The sources of water for an aquaculture enterprise can be a stream, shallow well or borehole, dam or municipal water with varying cost implications.
e.) Infrastructure and accessibility – Good infrastructure is beneficial to any kind of aquaculture farming. For example, power and water supply and good road connections are some of the factors to consider when choosing a good location. Security is also key; your enterprise should be secured to maximize production and mitigate the risk of theft.
Common species cultured in Kenya. Although several fish species can be cultured within the country, not all are suitable for all regions. In Kenya, the most popular and predominant species cultured include the four species tabulated below, which show a comparison of the four species that one can consider for their aquaculture enterprise.
Also read: TOF MAGAZINE DECEMBER EDITION
Oreochromis niloticus
ADVANTAGES
1.High demand and consumer preference.
2.Fast growth [ 6- 8 months]
3.Fingerlings available in authenticated farms.
4.Good performance in ponds, tanks, cages and aquaponics.
5.Good performance on low-protein diets. DISADVANTAGES
1.Uncontrolled breeding ponds if not mono sex stocked
2.Slow growth in cold areas
Clarias gariepinus
ADVANTAGES
1.Very hardy and can survive in poor water conditions
2.Has more fillet-to-body weight ratio
3.Ideal for value addition, e.g. in fish sausages and samosas
4.Fast growth and attains bigger weight than tilapia and trout
5.Good for controlling the tilapia population
DISADVANTAGES
1.Uncontrolled breeding ponds if not mono sex stocked
2.Slow growth in cold areas
Oncorhyncus mykiss
ADVANTAGES
1.Fetches high prices per unit of flesh
2.Commonly preferred by large hotels and affluent consumers DISADVANTAGES
1. Acquisition of seed is a challenge
2.Doesn’t perform well under warm climate
3.High maintenance costs in terms of feeds and water exchange
4.Market mainly restricted to high-end consumers
Cyprinus carpio
ADVANTAGES
1.Has low crude protein requirements – cheaper feeds
2.Attains bigger size
DISADVANTAGES
1.Not very popular with consumers who say it is too bony
2.Fingerlings not readily available
3.Not recommended within the Lake Victoria Basin for ecological reasons
Good fish farming management practices
A Farmer should adopt the following practices for quality production:
Water quality management – Regular monitoring and maintenance of water quality parameters, e.g. temperature, PH, and dissolved oxygen, by conducting regular water exchange to dilute harmful substances and replenish essential minerals will ensure a healthy environment for the fish.
Feeding practices – Use balanced, high-quality feed appropriate for the species. Avoid overfeeding to reduce waste and water pollution.
Stocking density—Maintain appropriate stocking densities to avoid overcrowding. This helps reduce stress, the spread of diseases, and competition for resources.
Biosecurity measures – Follow strict biosecurity protocols to prevent the introduction and spread of pathogens. This includes disinfecting equipment and maintaining controlled access to the farm.
Record keeping – Maintain a detailed record of feeds, growth, stocking dates and sources for easy traceability.
Sediment control and algae growth – Minimize sediment buildup by managing runoff and controlling erosion around the ponds.
Also monitor and manage nutrient levels to prevent excessive algae
growth, which can lead to oxygen depletion.
What to feed fish for increased production
To achieve maximum production in fish farming, use quality commercial
feeds, which are essential to providing a balanced and nutrient-rich diet for better growth.
Types of feed
Extruded feed: commonly used in aquaculture for its digestibility and ability to float to reduce waste and losses.
Pelleted feed: these are compressed pellets, either floating or sinking effective for large fish farms.
Formulated feeds: Custom-made feeds can be designed based on the nutritional needs of the fish species you are farming, ensuring that all amino and fatty acids are provided.
For juvenile fish or smaller species, use crumbles which are smaller in size than the pellets.
Quality commercial fish feed
Farmers should feed their fish with quality commercial feeds which are formulated to provide the right amount of protein, fat, vitamins and minerals required for healthy growth. They contain the following
ingredients;
Crude protein, e.g., fish meal, soybeans, and other plant-based sources. Fish require 30%—50% protein content for growth, depending on the species.
Fat and carbohydrates; These provide the energy needed for sustained growth and activity. Fat content usually ranges between 5% -and 20% in fish feed, while carbohydrates are also included as a source of energy.
Vitamins and minerals ;Are crucial for fish metabolism and immunity. Commonly added vitamins include A, D, E and C along with minerals like calcium and phosphorus.
Alternative aquaculture feeds include
Black soldier fly BSF with crude protein of 30% – 46%.
Red worms (Eisenia fetida) with 61% crude protein,9% fat and 5% ash.
Cultured algae consisting of Blue Green.Algae BGA, with spirulina platensis being the most preferred species with 60% -70% crude protein.
By using a combination of high-quality, well-formulated feeds and adopting efficient feeding strategies, fish farms can significantly increase production while maintaining the health of the fish and the sustainability of the operation.