To make a profit, catfish farmers must produce harvestable size catfish in a reasonable amount of time, and to accomplish this, fish must be fed year-round. It is common practice to feed only from April to October, while catfish are consuming 2-3 percent body weight or better.
Many producers mark off a date on their calendars when they can stop feeding.
Catfish can lose up to 9 percent of their body weight during winter when not fed. By feeding during the winter, catfish can gain from 18 to 23 percent in body weight. Advantages Even though the most significant benefit for having a winter feeding schedule is the potential for a 23-percent total winter weight gain, there are also several other benefits. This weight gain could result in having harvestable size catfish in the spring instead of late summer. Winter feeding can also help maintain a healthier fish that is better able to cope with the stresses of the subsequent spring and summer, resulting in fewer disease problems and more profits for the farm.