As is known, growing larger and healthier catfish is an operation of science and tools, not just clean water or good feed going into the fish. Hence, in the present era, most farmers embrace modern techniques such as a fish growth booster, fish growth promoter, fish growth enhancer to unleash the maximum growth potential of their investments. This guide exposes 15 proven tactics to help you grow larger and healthier catfish and double your profits.
Introduction: The Science Behind Raising Larger Catfish
Overview of the Global Catfish Farming Industry
The global catfish farming industry is booming. In the aquaculture sector, its scale continues to expand, and production has been increasing year by year, making it one of the most important aquaculture categories.
Why “Fast Growth and Large Size” Are Key to Farming Profitability
According to data from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 2022, the global aquaculture industry's output value increased by 6.2%, with catfish farming contributing significantly to this growth. Large-sized catfish command a premium in the market, particularly in channels such as restaurants and high-end supermarkets, where they are more sought after and command higher prices, thereby generating more substantial economic benefits for farmers. Thus, “rapid growth and large size” have become the key to aquaculture profitability.
Proven Strategies To Help Catfish Grow Larger And Healthier
1. Choose high-quality fingerlings
Healthy fingerlings are of great importance. High-quality fingerlings have stronger vitality and better disease resistance. PeopleCompany data indicates that this can raise survival rates by 30%—establishing a good base for the healthy growth of catfish.
2. Optimize stocking density—follow the 70% principle
Excessively high stocking density may also aggravate the competition among the fish for the available resources, hence leading to poor water quality and increased disease incidence, among other issues. It is advisable that the stocking density per square meter should not be allowed to exceed 70% of the carrying capacity of the pond so that each fish can have ample space and resources for normal growth.
3. Water Quality Management: Beyond Dissolved Oxygen
It is not proper that water quality management be centered only on the levels of dissolved oxygen; monitoring these key indicators, ammonia nitrogen and nitrite, shall be critical. Data indicates that once nitrite levels exceed 0.5 mg/L, catfish growth rates decrease by 15%. Therefore, comprehensive water quality control is essential to create an optimal growth environment for catfish.
4. Temperature control to achieve the optimal growth range
The optimal water temperature range for catfish growth is 25°C to 30°C. According to FAO data, when water temperature drops below 22°C, feed conversion efficiency decreases by 20%, directly impacting catfish growth rates and efficiency. Therefore, precise temperature control is necessary to maintain the water within the optimal growth temperature range.
5. Use functional feed—significantly impacting growth
Functional feed formulations like those from Lima Biotech have numerous advantages, such as being rich in high-protein content and containing digestive-enhancing additives. Actual case data shows that after using Lima functional feed, the average growth rate of catfish increased by 18%, and the feed conversion ratio was reduced to 1.4, effectively promoting catfish growth.
6. Reasonably add growth-promoting additives (ensure safety)
Common growth-promoting additives include immune enhancers and probiotics. LIMA products have also demonstrated good results in practical applications. Comparisons show that they have a positive effect on promoting catfish growth for fish growth booster. Farmers can reasonably select such additives while ensuring safety.
7. Feeding frequency and timing—avoid wasting growth potential
Regular and timely feeding is closely related to feed absorption efficiency. It is recommended to feed 2–3 times daily and avoid high-temperature periods, allowing catfish to better consume and digest feed, fully utilize nutrients, and avoid wasting growth potential due to improper feeding.
8. Stress Reduction Strategies
In catfish farming, transportation, water changes, and regular maintenance often trigger stress responses in catfish. Available research evidence shows that following a stressful event, the appetite of the catfish decreases; this condition may prevail for up to 48 hours. In turn, therefore, appropriate measures to reduce stress should be enacted that will minimize its bad effects on the growth of the catfish.
9. Disease Prevention — Larger Fish Require Stronger Immunity
Catfish immunity is very positively correlated with their growth rate. Catfish that have stronger immunity grow more healthily and have more reliable growth. Fish Growth Promoter additives prove to be excellent in improving catfish disease resistance hence strengthening their immunity and ensuring robust growth.
10. Regularly Sort by Size to Reduce Competition
It is extremely important to sort the catfish by size. Otherwise, the data on operations indicates that if this practice is not carried out in mixed farming, differences in tail weight among catfish can reach 40%, with very strong internal competition in the fish population and therefore an unsatisfactory growth outcome. Therefore, regular sorting is essential.
11. Use probiotics to improve intestinal health and promote growth
Probiotics can improve the intestinal environment of catfish and enhance feed utilization. For example, when used in combination with probiotic products, feed conversion rates can increase by 10%, positively promoting catfish growth.
12. Light management
Light regulation is related to the secretion of catfish growth hormones. Moderate shading not only reduces stress responses in catfish but also increases their feed intake, thereby indirectly promoting growth. Farmers should manage lighting appropriately based on actual conditions.
13. Genetic Selection and Breeding Plan
In aquaculture, it is important to select high-quality catfish breeds while avoiding the risk of breed degradation caused by inbreeding. Currently, international catfish breeding has clear development directions and trends. Aquaculture farmers can refer to these to optimize their selection and breeding work, preparing to cultivate higher-quality, faster-growing catfish.The effect will be better if it is combined with Lima Biotech-fish growth booster-promoting additives
14. Biosecurity Measures — Prevention is the Key to Growth
The prevention of diseases caused by viruses, parasites, and other pathogens has a significant impact on the entire growth cycle of catfish. Data indicates that under good biosecurity measures, the mortality rate in catfish farming can be reduced to below 5%, so biosecurity protection must be taken seriously.
15. Data-Driven Management: Keep Records and Make Quick Adjustments
Farmers should record key information such as catfish growth data, feed consumption, and water quality indicators. By analyzing these data, they can quickly adjust their farming strategies to reduce trial-and-error costs. The intelligent monitoring system developed in collaboration with Lima Bio is an excellent tool that can help farmers manage data more efficiently.
Why is Lima Biotech's Functional Feed Additives Different From Others
Lima Biotech's functional feed has unique advantages, which are demonstrated by third-party test data and numerous practical case results. Specifically formulated for catfish, it effectively promotes rapid and healthy growth, standing out among numerous feed products and becoming a top choice for farmers.
Based on the above 15 strategies, catfish farming requires a systematic management approach, with each complementing one another and none being dispensable. Lima Biotech can help farmers achieve efficient production increases, effectively reduce farming costs, and ensure steady profits. If you would like to learn more about Lima Biotech's products and customized technical support, please feel free to contact us for further information.
