Fish feed in aquaculture – An analytical view from historical evidence to modern times

Abstract

Aquaculture is essential in generating employment and food in the world. Fish feed is an important aspect in aquaculture. Ancient Sanskrit scripture Manasollasa by King Someshwara has provided a clear evidence of feeding fishes with different kinds of ingredients. Such profound knowledge base has provided impetus to modern feed industry and feed management strategies. Modern extruded and pelleted feeds are in line with the earlier description indicating the farfetched understanding of nature and its systems by the scholars. High cost of feed ingredients has been a huge challenge in aquaculture prompting for rigorous research and development in feed formulations. Evolution in this process has allowed aquaculture production to come closer to the quantity of fish obtained from capture fisheries. Algal biomass, live feeds like artemia have been limited in use due to higher production cost. Biofilms, bioflocs are the most recent technical strategies discussed in the internet era as a part of cost cutting methods in feed management. Search for better process of feeding with cost effective ingredients will be an ongoing process in aquaculture. Population estimates are alarming and demand for food is ever increasing in the world. Quick, sustainable and continued efforts are the only way out to tackle this global emergency food.