Grass pulp feeding fish "Four Qiao"
Sporty Safety Shoes,Sporty Comfortable Safety Shoes,Slip Resistance Sporty Shoes,Red Safety Shoes Brightway Shoes Co., Ltd. , https://www.brightwaysafety.com
Using a pulverizer to process aquatic plants like water hyacinths and water lettuce into pulp can create an excellent feed for raising fish fry and rearing adult fish. This method not only enhances the utilization of forage grass but also promotes the growth of plankton, which is essential for a healthy aquatic ecosystem. According to experiments, 10–15 kilograms of straw pulp is equivalent in nutritional value to 1 kilogram of soybeans. Additionally, 1,000 kilograms of grass pulp can be produced from 150–200 kilograms of straw, and 30–50 kilograms of straw pulp can yield about 1 kilogram of alfalfa or squid spring pieces. To maximize the benefits of using grass pulp in aquaculture, there are four key strategies to follow.
First, all aquatic plants must be thoroughly washed with clean water and disinfected using a 3%–4% salt solution before processing. When feeding, it’s important to distribute the feed multiple times throughout the day, ensuring the right balance between grass and water. The grass should be finely chopped to increase the suspension time of the particles in the water, allowing more fish to consume it. If the mixture is too thick, it may settle at the bottom, leading to poor water quality. Regular maintenance of the pulping machine, including keeping the blades sharp and adjusting the speed, ensures consistent pulp quality and better use of fresh forage.
Second, the amount of straw fed should be adjusted based on the type, quantity, and water conditions of the fish in the pond. It's recommended to feed 50–70 kilograms of straw pulp per mu (approximately 0.067 hectares) per day when raising fish. For seedlings, applying 100–150 kilograms of straw as a base fertilizer per acre of water helps cultivate natural food organisms. Once the fish are in the pond, feed 50–100 kilograms of straw pulp per mu daily, or 120–1,000 fry per day, depending on the size. Feeding every 2–3 days for 15–20 days is effective. To ensure even distribution, spray the entire pond daily for 8–9 hours, with 2–3 hours of additional feeding time to boost fish intake and improve feed efficiency.
Third, managing water quality is crucial when using grass pulp. Overfeeding can lead to pollution, so regular water changes are necessary to maintain oxygen levels and prevent harmful buildup. Adding lime slurry during the rearing period helps disinfect the water, neutralize acidic byproducts from decomposing straw, and support the formation of bacterial flocs that enhance plankton growth, ultimately boosting fish production.
Lastly, when raising fingerlings or feeding adult fish, it’s best to mix the grass pulp with concentrated feed in a ratio of 5:1 to 8:1 for optimal nutrition. If using water peanuts, which contain saponin toxins, add 2%–5% salt to the pulp to neutralize the toxin. Always feed the pulp promptly after preparation, as leaving it for too long can cause contamination and reduce its quality, potentially harming the fish. By following these practices, farmers can effectively utilize grass pulp as a sustainable and nutritious feed source for fish farming.