Finisher
Harvest at the right time
Main target in this stage
Quality fish, efficiently produced
The main goal of the finisher stage is to prepare fish for harvest at market size, ensuring they are of good quality and appearance while keeping costs controlled. Plan the harvest carefully, ensuring the fish have an empty gut for better post-harvest quality. Harvesting at the right time helps optimize sales at the appropriate price.
Most feed is used during this stage
Fish consume the most feed as their body weight and feeding rates increase, making this stage a significant production cost. Make sure you have enough feed for all fish till harvest. Make sure you have a buyer ready when your fish reach harvest size, so you do not have to feed them longer than necessary.
Select finisher feed
Feeding finisher fish is a balance between feed efficiency and economics. Nutritionally rich feeds promote faster growth, earlier harvests, and lower feed use but are costlier per kg. Cheaper, less rich diets result in slower growth, extended harvests, and higher feed use but may suit some farms due to lower feed costs. Choose the approach that aligns with your farm's goals and economics.
How to keep mortality to a minimum?
Now, every fish is valuable as farmers have invested in them, so keeping mortality low is crucial. Regular monitoring during feeding helps track fish development, and it is beneficial to have the same person feeding, as they become familiar with the fish’s behavior and can quickly spot any changes. Additionally, consistently monitoring water quality is essential for maintaining healthy fish.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Key questions in the finisher stage
Low fish prices and demand often trigger this question. You can keep the fish longer, but it's best to continue feeding at a maintenance level to prevent them from using their reserves, which would reduce their weight. It’s also beneficial to have a steady supply of fish each week, keeping buyers (typically middlemen) interested and returning regularly.
Contact your aqua expert to identify maintenance feeding levels
