Relying solely on natural feed is insufficient for developing the koi farming industry. In addition to artificially cultivating live feed, it is essential to produce formulated feed to meet the needs of large-scale cultivation. Artificial pellet feed for koi must be nutritionally complete, primarily containing five major components: protein, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, and vitamins.
The formulation of complete compound feed for koi is designed based on their nutritional requirements. Taking into account their physiological characteristics and the primary attributes of various raw materials, the formulation process should consider the following ratios:
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The proportion of animal to plant protein should not be less than 3:1.
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The ratio of protein feed to energy feed should be approximately 7:1.
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The calcium-to-phosphorus ratio should be around 1:(1.5–2).
By adhering to these fundamental parameters, a reasonable formulation for complete koi feed can be designed. Several sample formulations are listed below for reference.
1. Complete Feed Formulations for Juvenile Koi
(1) Fishmeal 70%, soybean meal 6%, yeast 3%, α-starch 17%, minerals 1%, other additives 3%.
(2) Fishmeal 77%, brewer's yeast 2%, α-starch 18%, blood meal 1%, multivitamins 1%, mineral additives 1%.
(3) Fishmeal 70%, silkworm pupa meal 5%, blood meal 1%, brewer's yeast 2%, α-starch 20%, multivitamins 1%, mineral additives 1%.
(4) Fishmeal 20%, blood meal 5%, soybean cake 25%, corn starch 23%, wheat flour 25%, growth promoters 1%, mineral additives 1%.
2. Complete Feed Formulations for Adult Koi
(1) Fishmeal 60%, α-starch 22%, soybean protein 6%, brewer's yeast 3%, attractants 3.1%, vitamin additives 2%, mineral additives 3%, salt 0.9%.
(2) Fishmeal 65%, α-starch 22%, soybean protein 4.4%, brewer's yeast 3%, active wheat gluten 2%, choline chloride (50%) 0.3%, vitamin additives 1%, mineral additives 2.3%.
(3) Dried Tubifex 15%, dried mosquito larvae 10%, dried crustacean meal 10%, dried beef liver 10%, tetracycline antibiotics 18%, skim milk powder 23%, sodium alginate 3%, tragacanth gum 2%, gelatin 2%, gum arabic 2%, other 5%.
(Note: The third adult formulation includes antibiotics and several binding agents, which may be specific to historical or therapeutic feed formulations. In modern practice, antibiotic use is strictly regulated, and binders are typically selected based on pellet stability requirements.)
