African catfish - West Africa

All feed formulas developed by Aller Aqua at the Aller Aqua Research Centre follow these requirements to ensure proper growth and health:

• Protein Needs: African catfish are carnivorous with relatively high protein requirements, especially during early growth stages. Typical feeds contain 35-45% crude protein to support rapid growth and good health.

• Fat and Energy Needs: Dietary lipids range from 6-12%, providing necessary energy and essential fatty acids critical for metabolism, immune function, and flesh quality.

• Essential Nutrients:
  Balanced levels of vitamins (A, C, D, E, B-complex) and minerals (calcium, phosphorus, selenium, zinc) are essential for growth, reproduction, and disease resistance. Feeds may also include additives like probiotics and immunostimulants.

• Feed Composition:
  Feeds are commonly formulated using fishmeal, poultry by-products, soybean meal, maize, and other local agricultural by-products, making use of available resources in West Africa.

The range of solutions developed by Aller Aqua is suitable for each stage of the fish lifecycle as well as the following farming methods:

• Culture Systems: African catfish farming in West Africa is practiced in earthen ponds, concrete tanks, cages, and hapa nets in reservoirs or lakes. Both extensive and semi-intensive systems are common, depending on scale and resources.

• Environmental Conditions: African catfish tolerate a wide range of temperatures (22-32°C) and low oxygen conditions, making them well-suited to West African climates and water bodies.

• Stocking Density: Stocking densities vary with system intensity: extensive ponds use low densities (~1-3 fish/m²), semi-intensive ponds and tanks may stock up to 10-15 fish/m².

• Feeding Practices: Feeding frequency is usually 2-3 times daily with formulated feeds or supplementary feeds, adapted based on fish size, water temperature, and available resources.

• Breeding and Hatchery: Hatchery-produced fingerlings are increasingly common, with controlled breeding and fingerling production improving stock quality and growth rates.

A carefully selected composition of raw materials and verified feed formulas ensure that the fish is rich in minerals and vitamins, and at the same time that the texture of meat is of the highest quality. We make sure that fish grown using solutions provided by Aller Aqua offer the following benefits:

• Nutritional Value: African catfish is an excellent source of high-quality protein, omega-6 fatty acids, and essential micronutrients like selenium and phosphorus. It’s a lean, healthy option for consumers.

• Affordability: This fish is often more affordable than other species, making it an accessible protein source in developing regions.

• Mild Taste and Versatility: The mild flavor and firm texture of African catfish make it suitable for a wide variety of culinary dishes, from frying and grilling to stews and curries.