Fish feeds and feeding in countries of the lower Mekong Basin

摘要

The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) funded a review of feeds and feeding in the countries in the lower Mekong River region, Cambodia, Lao P.D.R., Thailand and Vietnam, with a view to identifying where research could most benefit small-scale, low-income farmers. The review comprised a desk study based, in part, on an extensive month-long field visit to the four countries. Assessment of the need for improved feeds and feeding practices was viewed in the context of theevolution or developmental chronology of pond and cage aquaculture in the region, although diversity and rate of change of aquaculture practice in the region almost defied generalization. Traditional aquaculture developed by the farmers has a long history in relatively few areas of the region; in most areas it is limited in occurrence and underdeveloped, with considerable potential for expansion and intensification. Furthermore, the introduction of manufactured formulated feed by agro-industry has a history of less than a decade, even in areas where it being promoted.