Winter Feeding Frequency for Channel Catfish in Cages

Cage-stocked channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) with an average initial weight of 99 g were fed once a day on alternate days or once weekly throughout the winter (19 November–22 April). Total fish weight per cage on the alternate-day schedule increased by 32.1% over the study period. Less weight gain per cage was produced when fish were fed once weekly (1.7–8.5% weight gain; P < 0.01). Channel catfish weight can be maintained by once-weekly feedings during warm winters (mean water temperature near 16.3°C) by feeding during warming trends.