Home Made Medicated Fish Feeds and Storage of Medicated Feed

June 23, 2023 Agric4Profits

As the popularity of catfish increased, the availability of commercially prepared medicated feeds improved. It is much easier to feed a prepared medication by following label instructions than to mix your own feed. If medicated feed is not readily available in your area, it may be advisable
to special order a few bags to keep on hand. Delivery of feed may take several weeks.

Once a bacterial disease is in progress, medicated feed should be used immediately. It is possible under emergency circumstances to mix your own feed in small quantities if the commercially prepared diet is not available.

Terramycin premix may be purchased as a soluble powder, which is available at many stockman supply stores. A 6.4 ounce packet should contain 10 grams of oxytetracycline, but check the label to be sure. One 6.4 ounce packet contains 50 level teaspoons of premix. Each teaspoon, therefore, should contain 200 mg of active oxytetracycline.

If fish eat 3 percent of their body weight per day, each pound of feed should contain one gram of drug (5 teaspoons). Vegetable oil or fish oil work well as binders. The oil, feed and powdered premix should be thoroughly mixed to assure even distribution of the drug to all pellets.

To coat the pellets properly, mix the powdered premix with the oil, and then add this mixture to the feed. This mixture should be made daily immediately before feeding. This is an expensive, time-consuming and laborious process and is practical only in emergency situations. Romet is available in a form called Romet-B.

This product has easy-to-follow directions for mixing the premix with the feed. Again, binding agents like fish oil or vegetable oil can be used. A disadvantage of Romet-B is that it is only sold in 10 lb. canisters which are too expensive to be practical for use by small farmers.

Storage of Medicated Feed

As with all fish food, store medicated feed in a cool, dry place. Antibiotics and important nutrients will break down more rapidly if kept in a warm, moist environment. Excessive breakdown of antibiotics because of improper storage can be an important reason for unsuccessful treatment. Discard unused medicated feed after 3 to 4 months.

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Home-made medicated fish feeds can be a cost-effective and efficient way to administer medication to your fish. These feeds are specifically formulated to deliver the necessary medication while providing essential nutrients for the fish’s overall health.

Additionally, proper storage of medicated fish feeds is crucial to maintaining their efficacy and preventing contamination.

When creating homemade medicated fish feeds, it is essential to follow a few important guidelines. First and foremost, consult with a veterinarian or an aquaculture expert to determine the appropriate medication and dosage for your fish species and specific health condition. They can provide guidance on the type of medication to use and the ideal concentration for effective treatment.

To make medicated fish feeds, you will need to source the necessary ingredients, including the medication, along with suitable base ingredients such as fishmeal, soybean meal, wheat flour, and vitamins and minerals. It is important to measure and mix the ingredients accurately, ensuring a uniform distribution of the medication throughout the feed.

The medication can be added to the feed using a variety of methods. One common approach is to dissolve the medication in a small amount of water or oil before mixing it with the other ingredients. This ensures even distribution and helps the medication adhere to the feed particles.

Once the medicated fish feeds are prepared, proper storage is crucial to maintain their effectiveness. Here are some guidelines for storing medicated fish feeds:

1. Container: Use a clean, dry, and airtight container to store the feeds. This helps prevent moisture absorption, which can lead to spoilage or degradation of the medication.

2. Labeling: Clearly label the container with the date of preparation, expiration date, medication used, dosage, and any other relevant information. This helps you keep track of the feed’s shelf life and avoid confusion.

3. Cool and dark location: Store the medicated fish feeds in a cool, dry, and dark place away from direct sunlight. Excessive heat and light can degrade the medication and reduce its potency.

4. Separate storage: Keep the medicated fish feeds separate from non-medicated feeds to prevent accidental administration of the wrong feed.

5. Rotation: Use the oldest batches of medicated feeds first to ensure you maintain their efficacy and prevent the expiration of the medication.

6. Periodic inspection: Regularly check the stored feeds for any signs of spoilage, such as mold, foul odor, or abnormal texture. If any of these are present, discard the feed immediately.

7. Disposal: When disposing of expired or spoiled medicated fish feeds, follow proper waste management procedures recommended by your local authorities to avoid any negative environmental impact.

Remember, it is crucial to follow the recommended dosage and duration of medication as advised by a veterinarian or aquaculture expert. Overdosing or prolonged use of medication can have adverse effects on fish health and the aquatic environment.

Always consult professionals for guidance and seek their assistance in case of any concerns or issues related to medicated fish feeds.