Study of the Form of Fish Feed: The Process of Making, Allocating and Applying It in Fish Farming: A Literature Review

Abstract

Feed is one of the important factors that affect the growth and survival of the fish to be cultivated. Fish feed is a key element in aquaculture, with different feed forms having a significant impact on growth, feed efficiency, and water quality. This literature review aims to examine in depth the differences between the two forms of feed, the process of making it, and its practical application in fish farming. Proteins function as enzymes, hormones, antibodies, the main constituents of tissues, and as a source of energy. Vitamins are organic compounds that can be divided into categories that are fat-soluble and water-soluble.  Powdered feed is more suitable for small fish, with the advantage of higher digestibility and contribution to a more efficient increase in feed conversion ratio (FCR) in larval fish. In contrast, cake-shaped feeds supported the needs of adult fish, with better feed efficiency and significant weight gains in certain studies. Both affect water quality parameters, such as dissolved oxygen and pH, where feed powder dissolves faster and risks increasing ammonia content, while cake feed is more stable and contributes to optimal feed use efficiency. The selection of the right feed form, based on the size and species of fish, is an important step in increasing aquaculture productivity in a sustainable manner. The form of fish feed plays an important role in the success of aquaculture because it affects consumption efficiency, growth, fish health, and water quality. The process of making feed, such as pellets, extrusion, natural feed, cakes, and powders, has their its own characteristics and advantages that are tailored to the specific needs of fish.