Effectiveness of Pelleted Fish Feed on Growth Performance of Carps in Farm Ponds under Rainfed Conditions

AbstractAquaculture productivity in rainfed farm ponds is often constrained by poor feed quality and low feed-use efficiency, particularly in the culture of Indian major carps. The present study was undertaken to demonstrate the effectiveness of formulated pelleted fish feed on the growth performance of Indian major carps viz., Catla, Rohu, and Mrigal, cultured in farm ponds under rainfed conditions in Sivaganga district, Tamil Nadu. The study was carried out in five farmer-managed ponds using slow-sinking pelleted feed over a 120-day culture period. Results revealed significantly enhanced growth rates, with average final weights of 412.4 g for Catla, 378.6 g for Rohu, and 352.7 g for Mrigal. The mean daily weight gain ranged from 2.94 g to 3.32 g, and specific growth rates (SGR) ranged between 1.52% and 1.68% per day. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) averaged 1.8, and survival rates exceeded 89%. In contrast, traditional feed (rice bran and oil cake) used in control ponds resulted in lower growth and poorer feed efficiency (FCR 2.65). Farmers reported improved fish health, ease of feeding, and greater profitability. The study affirms that formulated pelleted feed significantly improves the growth and economic viability of Indian major carps in farm ponds and is a scalable intervention for enhancing aquaculture productivity in rainfed regions.