Aquaculture Operations And Feeding Practice Of Fish Farmers In Bida Local Government, Niger State, Nigeria.

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science (IJRIAS) | Volume V, Issue XII, December 2020 | ISSN 2454–6186

Aquaculture Operations And Feeding Practice Of Fish Farmers In Bida Local Government, Niger State, Nigeria. 

Alfred, O.^1*, Shaahu, A.^2,3, Amon, T.E.², Msaakpa, T. S.³, Orban, D. A.⁴, and Egwenomhe, M.^1
1Department of Fisheries, University of Benin, Nigeria
²Soybean Research Programme, National Cereals Research Institute, Badeggi, Nigeria
³Department of Plant Breeding and Seed Science, Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria
⁴Department of Agriculture, College of Education Katsina-Ala, Benue State, Nigeria
*Corresponding author

Abstract:- This study was carried out to examine the feeding practices adopted by fish farmers in Bida local government area of Niger State Nigeria. Specifically, the objectives were to describe their socio economic characteristics, evaluate the availability of feeds and feed ingredients in the study area, identify the type of fish farming practices and characteristics, determine the frequency and methods used to feed fish and identify the constraints to efficient use of feeds in the study area. A simple random sampling method was used to select fish farmers in the study area. The study was conducted using well-structured questionnaires, administered to respondents. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results showed that majority of the fish farmers in the area were male (64.52%). Higher proportions of the farmers were of the age range of between 41 and 50 years (41.94%); Most of them were married (70.97%) and they were mostly with tertiary education (70.97%). and most of them were part time fish farmers (51.67%). Most of the fish farmers cultured Clariasgariepinus (87.10%). Substantial number of the fish farmers use commercial feed rather than local feed. (51.61%), with majority of the fish farmers making preference of concrete tanks over other culture facilities (51.61%). The major constraint faced by fish farmers was inadequate funding and high cost of feed (25.81%) which was ranked first. Other constraints were high cost of feed (22.58%), then inadequate funding (16.13%).

Key Words: Fish, Farmers, Aquaculture practice, Fish Nutrition and Feed type.

Introduction

Aquaculture production in Africa involves both intensive and semi-intensive system of production, which are daily gaining grounds in the continent. The increase in African’s contribution to world fish production and the fast growth of aquaculture in Africa cannot be discussed without making reference to Nigeria. Being the second highest producer of cultured fish in Africa (second to Egypt) and the highest producer of the second most important aquaculture product in Africa (Clariasgariepinus) (FAO, 2012).Fish is the major source of cheap high quality proteins vital for healthy populace in the developing world. Fish consumption is highly relished among people of all classes and ages in that the fish is less tough and more digestible when compared to beef, mutton chicken and bush meat. Fish as a source of rich food for the poor can play a crucial role in improving the food security and nutritional status of the millions of the people in Africa and other developing part of the world (Ayoola, 2010; Adeniyiet al., 2014). Therefore, the importance of the fishing industry to the sustainability of animal protein supply in the country cannot be over-emphasized. The development of the fish industry will increase local production of fish and save much of the foreign exchange being used for fish importation. Specifically, it has a special role of ensuring food security, alleviating poverty and provision of animal protein (Sadiq and Kolo, 2015). For any aquaculture venture to be viable and profitable, it must have a regular and adequate supply of balanced artificial diets for the cultured fishes. Fish farming is a profitable business, feeding being a major aspect of it. Feeding plays a major role in determining the success of any fish venture. According to (Ayinla, 2007), Fish feed and feeding is an important component of aquaculture as feed account for approximately sixty percent of the variable production cost in intensive aquaculture systems in Nigeria. Furthermore, the degree to which growth potential is realized is highly dependent on feed intake and on how well the feed has been adjusted to the nutritional needs of the fish. Hence, the profitability of an aquaculture venture depends largely on the adoption of correct feeding strategy (Eriegha and Ekokotu, 2017). Fish have a certain biological requirement for nutrients in order to have a healthy, vigorous growth and these nutritional requirements vary mainly depending on the species, its size / life stage and the environment. Therefore, there is a need to develop and encourage fish farmers to make use of ideal pond fertilization programs, non-conventional feed resources, feed stuff processing, refinement and formulations that take cognizance of the requirements of the various species and their stages (Ibiyo and Olowosegun, 2004; Robb and Crampton, 2013).The objective of this study was to investigate the level of engagement and interest of the rural people in fish farming enterprise. Therefore it is imperative that a survey of feeds used in fish farms in Bida Local Government Area be carried out. This is in other to have a reliable data on this important aspect of fish farming and also to be able to advise the farmer appropriately on the type, quantity and quality of the feed to be used to bring about profitable fish farming business as the major goal in any business is to make profit. This will in turn bring about poverty alleviation and improvement of livelihoods, ensures resource sustainability and foster economic growth.

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