Comparative floatability rate of extruded and on-farm floating feeds

Abstract

he comparative floatability rate of extruded and on-farm feeds was evaluated in order to produce a higher quality nutritious locally made feed that can compete favourably with the imported extruded feeds at low cost. The on-farm floating feeds were formulated, to contain 35 and 42% crude protein. The feeds were then subjected to floatation test. The results of the test revealed no significant (p>0.05) differences in the ability of the formulated diets to float up to 90 minutes. However, significant (p0.05) mean floatability rate which was found to be better than the rest of the feeds. The on-farm formulated feeds had similar (p>0.05) mean floatation rate compared to Skretting which is an imported extruded feed. Amongst the imported feed, Skretting had the least floatability rate (70%). Based on the findings of this study, it was concluded that the floatability of fish feed is influence by particle size of the ingredients used, inclusion of a floating catalyst such as yeast, oil, binders and other plant materials