Floating vs Sinking Pellets: When to Transition Fingerlings to Maximize Muscle Assimilation
The Mechanics of Extrusion vs Compression Pelletizing
- Extruded (Floating) Feed: High heat, pressure, and steam gelatinize starches, expanding the pellet into an air-trapping matrix that floats indefinitely.
- Compressed (Sinking) Feed: Dense, cold-pressed pellets that sink directly to the tank floor within 5 seconds.
Strategic Feeding Timeline
- 0 to 60 Days (Nursery & Early Grow-Out): Use exclusively 100% extruded floating feed (0.8mm to 2.0mm, 45% to 56% crude protein). Visual tracking is mandatory to avoid ammonia poisoning.
- 60 to 120 Days (Intermediate Fattening): Maintain 42% protein floating feed (3.0mm to 4.5mm).
- Final 30-Day Finish (Optional Controlled Tanks): High-density concrete raceways equipped with self-cleaning drains can introduce 25% high-protein sinking feed during evening feedings to maximize final belly weight.
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