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Abstract
Live feed on hatcheries is essential for many aquaculture species and this situation is predicted for the future. Therefore, a two-year study (March 2020 to February 2022) was performed in Ballavdikanda, Bangladesh, for commercial production as live feed for fish farms. Live feed was produced/decimal/m water depth by a mixture (with live feed creator 10gm, NaHCO3 100gm, wheat flour 200gm, rice polish 300gm, water 3 liters and fermented for 3 days) in the nursery pond. Live feed’s production cost (BDT) significantly achieved 189.50% profit. This mixture was applied directly to nursery ponds and a large number of zooplanktons germinated after 3-4 days of application for consumption by fish fry Cirrhinus cirrhosis, Oreochromis niloticus, Anabas testudineus, Ompokpabda, Cyprinus carpio and Macrobrachium rosenbergii. The live feed significantly decreased 20% feed cost and raised the fry survival rate upto 85%-90% with improved physical appearance, attractive body color and strength, whereas the survival rate in the control treatment was 50%-60%. It is suggested that the Copepod can be used as a live feed to produce commercially important fish. We concluded and suggested that the authority expand the scope of this live feed production and commercialization at the farmer level throughout the country.