Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Cottonseed meal for golden shiners?

Any thoughts about using CSM to feed golden shiners?
It's a little (very little) cheaper than aquamax, but I'm trying to get maximum growth from these baitfish.

Actually I'm feeding them CSM and small 32% floating catfish chow.

I'm considering trying some soybean meal if I can find it locally.

What combination of feeds would pack the size on these fish?

How about Purina Game Fish Chow? It should be less than Aquamax (<2/3 the cost here) and available at the same dealer. My GSH loved it (and just about everything else they got a chance to eat).

I think since they are omnivores, 32% protein should do them fine.

These links are probably more than you want to know. There is another recent thread on the subject also. IMO a lot of pelleted foods would work fine for GS. I would use GFC because it has a little more of lipids/proteins needed by them than plain catfish food (see fact sheet below). I hesitate (although it is done by many acqaculturists) in using bulk organics ( cotton seed meal , soy meal etc) because they are not as complete a diet or as efficient and add bulk to the pond that can effect water quality.

http://srac.tamu.edu/tmppdfs/381285-121f...3fe87e31a608627

http://srac.tamu.edu/index.cfm?catid=2

Ewest,
Those links were very helpful. Thanks!