This thesis investigated and compared inputs and outputs, economic factors and current feed use in small-scale farming systems producing striped catfish (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) in the Mekong Delta. The nutrient content of locally available natural feed resources for striped catfish was determined and growth performance, feed utilisation and body indices were analysed in pond-cultured striped catfish fed diets where fish meal protein was replaced with protein from local feed resources. A survey showed that around 15 feed ingredients are used in striped catfish pond culture in the region. The combination of feed ingredients used in farm-made feeds varied among fish farms. The cost of producing 1 kg of fish using farm-made feeds was usually 8˗10% lower than that of using commercial feeds. Digestibility trials on selected potential feedstuffs showed that the apparent digestibility (AD) of DM, CP, OM and energy was highest in soybean meal, groundnut cake, broken rice, shrimp head meal, golden apple snail and catfish by-product meal and earthworm meal, whilst the digestibility was in lower cassava leaf meal and sweet potato leaf meal. The average digestibility of most essential amino acids (EAA) in selected feed ingredients was high (range 70˗92%), indicating high protein quality of these feedstuffs. In general, the AD of individual EAA was high for all diets except those with cassava leaf meal, rice bran and earthworm meal, where the AD of EAA was reduced. Two different growth experiments with the same diet (20˗100% replacement of fish meal) were performed in an indoor and an outdoor culture system. A significant finding was that daily weight gain (DWG) was much higher (3.2˗ to 6˗fold) in outdoor culture conditions compared with indoor. Feed conversion rate and feed utilisation were also 0.2˗0.7 units (kg feed DM/kg weight gain) higher in the outdoor system. The results suggest that fish meal protein in feed for striped catfish fingerlings can be replaced with protein from locally available plant and animal ingredients without compromising growth performance, feed utilisation or carcass traits. .
 

Keywords:  Striped catfish, local feed resources, dietary components, amino acids digestibility, alternative protein, growth performance