The best time to feed fish during the day on a large farm
is mainly dictated by the logistics required to feed large
numbers of ponds in a limited time period. As a result,
during warm weather many catfish producers start
feeding early in the morning as soon as dissolved
oxygen levels begin to increase. This appears to work
well. In research we find no advantages to feeding at a
certain time of the day. There were no differences in
weight gain, feed consumption, and feed conversion
among catfish fed to satiation at 8:30 am, 4:00 pm, and
8:00 pm. No differences in emergency aeration time
were noted among treatments. But we do not
recommend feeding near dark or at night in large
commercial catfish ponds unless enough aeration is
available, since peak oxygen demand generally occurs
about 6 to 12 hours after feeding. This time corresponds
to the time when dissolved oxygen levels are low.
Generally, it appears most practical to begin feeding in
the morning as the dissolved oxygen begins to increase
during warm weather. But in cool weather (late fall,
winter, and early spring), water temperature is usually
higher in the afternoon, and fish will eat better.