The Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center/Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC/AQD) has developed a protocol that shortens the grow-out period of milkfish (bangus) to just 85 days, nearly half of the usual 120–150 days.
The breakthrough was achieved at SEAFDEC’s Dumangas Brackishwater Station (DBS) by using probiotics and high-protein feeds during the first 30 days of culture.
“Milkfish typically require four to five months to reach approximately 440 grams, an ideal market size,” SEAFDEC said. In the trial, fingerlings that initially weighed 37 grams grew to 350–400 grams in only 85 days.
DBS head Edgar Somblingo explained that probiotics improved pond water quality by breaking down organic matter, creating a stress-free environment that boosted growth, weight gain, and feed efficiency. This also lowered the feed conversion ratio, meaning less feed was needed to produce a kilogram of fish.
“Shortening the grow-out period could mean lower production costs for fish farmers. This method can make milkfish culture more profitable,” Somblingo said.
Compared to conventional methods, the trial also recorded a higher average body weight and better survival rate.
SEAFDEC/AQD chief Dan Baliao said they will share the protocols with fish farmers once further trials confirm consistent results.
“This is part of SEAFDEC/AQD’s ongoing efforts to refine milkfish farming through practical and cost-saving techniques, but we want to be sure our methods are consistent before we share them with the industry,” Baliao said.
