fish farms
Pak United Food Services Ltd., (PUFS) aims to shift Pakistan’s aquaculture towards more modern farming methods using extensive pond technology, advanced techniques and better resource utilization. The company offers alternative farm-reared fishes that are healthy, guaranteed free of diseases, pesticides and other harmful toxicants and are a more desirable substitute for wild fish that come from potentially polluted waters. The commercial fish farms raise a variety of exotic & high valued fish species as well as some commonly known breeds which are available all around the year.
Based on open pond culture under optimal conditions and with a greater degree of control of the fish culture environment, the fishes are held in large high density farming areas, sustained with external food supply and monitored for health continuously. The farms are managed by the manipulation of environment, primarily by way of water treatment through the use of pumps & aerators to provide circulation & filtration. Strict habitat supervision is undertaken by means of water quality maintenance and control of aquatic weed & algae along with the regular removal of toxic and ammonia.
STOCK MANAGEMENT & AQUATIC FEED
Culture stocking is managed carefully and species ecology is decided on vital factors such as different food habits and habitat, rapid growth rates and market acceptability. The composite fish cultural consists of indigenous species viz. Rahu, Cathala, Mahi-Mahi, Danda & Mori as well as exotic fishes i.e., Grass, Silver & Common Carp. An extruded feed formula is used composed of several ingredients in various proportions complementing each other to form a nutritionally complete diet. The feed is combined with special biding ingredients, incorporated with high vitamins & minerals so that it is more palatable, digestible and water stable while the entire process is controlled by means of floating & slow sinking pellets.
POND MORPHOLOGY & SITE COMPONENTS
The perennial ponds are located on suitable land with clayey soil that has high percolation rates to prevent excess seepage and retain water well. Adequate water depth is maintained while the ponds are constructed to a deeper level to have a longer life expectancy and allow greater water conservation. Pond shapes are kept rectangular so that it’s easier to work on and provision for inlets & outlets is made to have better yields. A pump house is installed that moves water though the system and it is ensured that both pumps & pipes are correct size to allow sufficient flow rates. A bulk feed storage facility is constructed to protect aquatic feed from vermin as well as mildew & mold caused by moisture.
STERILIZATION & WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT
Optimum water quality conditions are ensured to guarantee the freshness of water & safety of fishes by means of periodical eradication of undesirable aquatic plants, animals & waste products. Aeration is carried out through portable tractor driven paddlewheels to supersaturate the water. Regular checking of pH, alkalinity, hardness, ammonia and carbon dioxide levels are conducted with strict control of clay turbidity, algae blooms and aquatic weed to provide a good buffering/stabilizing effect in the ponds. Continuous records of water quality are regularly updated along with treatment of water with appropriate quantity of lime, addition of manure/effluents and adding of fertilizers to ensure fish survival and growth.