Commercial catfish feed comes in several different pellet sizes and crude protein levels. The two most common levels are about 28 percent and 32 percent crude protein. Farmers choose which formula they want based on the type of catfish they are raising, their desired growth rate, and their profitability. Read on to learn more about the different types of catfish feed and their costs. And don’t forget to check out our price comparison chart to see which products have the most competitive prices.
Cost of commercial catfish feed
To determine the cost of commercial catfish feed, look at the price of soybean meal and corn, which are the main ingredients in the fish food. You can get these feeds from the Chicago Board of Trade, which takes all the available information into account to determine the prices at which they will be sold in the future. You can also use the CME Group for commodity futures quotes. The following is a breakdown of the price of these feeds:
Feed is a major operating cost for catfish farms. It accounts for 50 percent of total operating costs. If you want to determine your profit margin, divide the total cost of feed by the expected sales revenue. You’ll know how much money you’ll make by subtracting the cost of feed from your expected sales revenue. Sales revenue is the expected price of the fish that you sell. Once you’ve worked out the costs of feed, you can determine the value of your fish production and set the price for your fish.
Feed price increases have forced researchers to consider alternatives to corn and soybean meal. Soybean meal and part of corn are cheaper and can be substituted for energy feeds. Some research has shown that catfish fed with high-protein finishing feeds have improved body composition and reduced feed costs. For example, if you want to reduce feed costs by five percent, you can try a higher-protein formula instead. This can save you money on feed and still have a high-quality product for your customers.
Common ingredients in catfish feed
Most catfish feeds contain soybean meal as the primary source of protein. Other common ingredients include meat and bone meal, which adds phosphorus, calcium, and ash. Although these ingredients are high in protein, they are deficient in lysine, an essential amino acid. In addition, some plant proteins may contain antinutritional factors or toxins. While heat treatment inactivates some of these substances, other processing methods can decrease the levels of antinutrients.
Grain makes up 35 percent of the composition of most catfish feeds. Starch is a cheap source of energy and also helps bind other ingredients together. It also contributes to the extrusion of feed pellets, which are stable in water. Typical catfish feeds contain 25 percent or more digestible carbohydrates. The majority of these ingredients are sourced from grain and other plant sources, which is not always a good thing for fish.
Peanut meal is an excellent source of protein for catfish, though it has a relatively high risk of mold contamination. Soybean meal is generally considered safe as long as it isn’t higher than seven parts per million of yellow pigments. Canola meal is an excellent alternative to soybean meal, as it contains 38 percent protein. However, it isn’t widely used in catfish feeds. If you are considering purchasing commercial catfish feed, read the label carefully.
Cost of Purina Catfish 32
A popular floating fish feed for your catfish, Purina Catfish 32 is a high-quality formula with an ideal balance of nutrients and ingredients for fast and efficient production. This product helps your fish grow into large, healthy fish. You can buy Purina Catfish 32 online and have it delivered to your home, or you can choose to have it delivered locally. Here’s a look at some of its advantages and how much it costs.
