Poly Plus- a cost effective feed for brackishwater Polyculture

Abstract

Due to high risk of disease and decreasing profitability in shrimp culture, as an alternative, many small and marginal aqua farmers are now inclining towards low risk brackishwater polyculture to get secured and sustainable income. One of the major hindrances for this polyculture has been unavailability of suitable low cost feed. Keeping in view the changing scenario, ICAR- Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture has developed suitable low cost feed (Poly plus) for brackishwater polyculture using locally available ingredients considering their inclusion levels. Series of experiments were conducted in indoor system, on station and in farmers’ ponds to standardize polyculture system with indigenous brackishwater fish and shrimp species using low cost farm made feed. Effort has also been put to further reduction of the cost by replacing fish meal with incorporation of fermented locally available feed ingredients. Feed management practices have also been standardized to get better feed efficiency.