Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations High Protein Range Cubes For Catfish Feed

Anyone tried it in their pond?

I have never done that. I'm trying to remember the protein % of the high protein RCs and the price. Just can't say how it would be as feed. It will fertilize the pond even if the CC weren't to eat a lot of it. I do know that sinking feeds often are not completely consumed by catfish.

Catfish feed is pretty affordable and can be purchase at around $18/40 lbs for 32% feed. This equates to $1.40/lb. protein. The RCs would have to be a lot cheaper than that on a protein basis before I would consider testing it. To be safe I would personally stick with feed formulated for CC. But if you do it let us know and your results.

I could see using that for Triploid Grass Carp but not catfish. I'd stick to what is proven, you don't see any hatcheries feeding their catfish range cubes.

Nope. Cattle are herbivores (grass) whereas CC are omnivores and need non-plant protein.

I bought some sinking catfish pellets from Purina. Looks like chicken layer pellets. Sinks to the bottom and turns to mush quickly …..the channel cats won’t touch it.

Maybe they would eat it if it’s all they had.

I think the range cubes would be very similar.

They love the range cubes and will clean them up. I was just wondering if anyone had used them as a primary feed.

Let us know the growth rates in a month or so and try that same experiment with a good fish food such as Optimal Bass food. Like ewest said, they are omnivores until they get over 3# then they turn more to carnivores, not herbivores.

Let us know how well they are growing how much feed you are using!

Growth rates have been outstanding. I’m feeding 37% range cubes. I put 130 6” catfish in my house tank in April. I’ve fed them 220lbs and I just had some kids over to catch a few. I’m getting pound and bigger cats from that stocking and all are very healthy. I’m planning on putting a knife on them when they hit two pounds if I still have water in the tank. It’s getting dry in Tx.

Good thing there is 2-3% moisture content in those range cubes!

what size are these range cubes? What I'm seeing online are compressed blocks about a foot on a side? or how big are these pellets if it is pelletized? I haven't found a 37% pelletized 'cube'?

In most cases it is the source of the protein and not simply the % that matters. All sources of protein are not equal or even usable in fish (depending on species).

Agree with Ewest

We’re only talking about one species. Catfish.

See this then for more info.

SRAC_0181.pdf
https://srac.tamu.edu/fact-sheets/serve/24

Contrast to range cubes

Typical ingredients in range cubes include distillers grains, wheat midds, field peas, and urea. Some cubes are higher in vitamin A and calcium than others. The amount of each ingredient varies with the cost of the raw materials.

I guess my question was what the product looked like. a range 'CUBE' seems to be a solid block like a salt block, is that what the OP is putting in the water and letting it break up? Or is it a pelletized 'cube' of some type that fish eat like other fish pellets?

a pelletized 'cube' - extruded.

It sounds like you have put 125 to 150 pounds of waste in your lake to put about 65-80 pounds of live fish. Obviously I am just guessing at the weights.

Those stockers aren’t the only fish in the tank. The bluegill like it too and the big catfish are pretty territorial if the cubes aren’t spread out. I like to watch and throw it right next to the bank.

If they are like the cubes that I am familiar with, they are about 2" square. I use them to help feed Triploid Grass Carp when I have them in a holding tank.

They are the same cubes I use to get my cattle into the holding pen.

Conventional logic says that you’re feeding the wrong stuff to your fish to expect them to thrive. We all know that herbivore feed is inappropriate for carnivores. It would be like feeding a dog on a diet of green beans.

And yet it’s working for you. I would stay with it and see what happens.

Dog food might be better than cattle food for non-herbivores. But neither are fish food.

I don't think a person can go wrong ( other than possibly over doing it) by selecting complete feed that is formulated to provide complete nutrition for species of interest.

I don't know but I think it is not likely that CC that depend solely on RCs would be receiving all their nutritional needs.

I put range cubes in a perforated pvc tube or bucket and it attracts the bait fish. The bait fish and the smell of the cubes brings in the predictors.....at least that is my thinking. FWIW, I have seen the bait fish kissing the holes getting the feed out.

I surround the tube or bucket with Green Hdpe Extruded Mesh Rolled Fencing to give the bait fish some cover.

TBAR, I’ve made feeders like that. Minnows and BG suck the feed from the holes. I have no idea whether the feed getting and staying wet degrades.