Watermelon rind is a rich source of nutrients that can benefit fish. It contains sugars, crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, chlorophyll, and essential vitamins such as carotene, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and ascorbic acid. In addition, it provides important minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and iron—nutrients that are crucial for the healthy development of fish.
Experts suggest that using watermelon seeds as fish feed offers excellent palatability, as fish tend to enjoy eating them. The seeds are easy to digest and absorb, promoting better growth and overall health. Similarly, watermelon rind can also serve as an effective feed option. Not only does it help expand the feed supply and reduce production costs by 15% to 20%, but it also helps minimize environmental pollution. From both nutritional and economic perspectives, it is a highly beneficial feed choice for aquaculture.
However, watermelons are typically harvested in July and August, and their fresh use is limited due to short shelf life. To maximize utilization and ensure continuous availability, proper storage methods are necessary. This allows farmers to make full use of watermelon rind and pulp throughout the year.
There are two common methods for utilizing watermelon rind as fish feed:
1. Fresh watermelon rind can be processed by beating it with a mixer and then scattered directly into the pond. This method is especially suitable for species like carp, grass carp, and small fry. A daily application of 80–100 kg per mu (approximately 667 square meters) of watermelon pulp is recommended, depending on the water quality. Alternatively, 60–80 kg of watermelon rind per thousand fish can be used to allow direct consumption. In addition to providing nutrition, the rind also helps improve water quality by promoting the growth of natural food sources. For best results, the rind should be finely chopped to suit the feeding habits of different fish species.
2. Another approach involves drying the watermelon rind using a planer or similar tool, then grinding it into a fine powder. This dry feed can be spread at a rate of 2–3 kg per mu, three times a day, and combined with other feeds for optimal results. This method ensures longer storage and easier distribution, making it ideal for large-scale aquaculture operations.
By adopting these methods, farmers can not only enhance fish growth and health but also reduce feed costs and promote sustainable farming practices.
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