4 Key Advancements of Aquafeed You Should Know

The aquaculture industry has come a long way since aqua culturists first began fish farming. Several advancements in the maintenance systems and aquafeed have been implemented to boost the production of fish food more than ever before. However, the growing global population’s increasing demand for fish food might be a challenge for the industry. And so, the aqua culturists’ community have planned to deploy a few more developments to enhance the quality of aquatic farmed animals by maintaining the sustainability and efficiency of aquafeeds.

Currently, the community’s prime aim is to support the sustainable growth of the aquaculture sector by feeding healthy and essential nutrients to aquatic animals like fish, turtles, tuna, octopus, oysters, lobsters, and crabs, thus sustaining healthy people. Additionally, the global aquafeed market is predicted to generate a revenue of $120,719.70 million and grow at a stable growth rate of 10.5% CAGR during the 2021-2028 forecast timeframe.

Now let’s explore 4 crucial advancements in aquafeeds that you should know if you run a fish farm.

1. Alternating Feed Sources Can Improve Fish Health

Diets for carnivorous fish consist of approximately 70% fish oil and fishmeal. However, with the availability of alternative feed sources, the percentage has decreased since other combinations of ingredients can also maintain a healthy balance and meet the nutritional requirement of fish. Some replacement options that are widely utilized in the commercial industry include fish processing trimmings, plant-based meals and oils, proteins derived from wheat, corn, and peas, oils from algae, soybean, and canola, and yeasts, insects, etc.

2. Utilizing Fish Trimmings Can Reduce Waste

Fish processing trimmings are those fish parts that are not sent to the commercial market for human consumption. These include bones, heads, and other parts that are utilized by feed manufacturers to reduce waste production. In addition, using fish trimmings in aquafeed also enables feed manufacturers to obtain fishmeal and fish oil without needing any additional wild fish. Moreover, this strategic use of trimmings also attracts fish towards aquafeed and adds more flavor to their food.

3. Combining Taurine with Plant-Derived Proteins Can Add More Nutrients to Aquafeed

Taurine is a vital nutrient that is required by carnivores for improved eyesight and fat digestion. However, many fish cannot produce their taurine and so, they highly depend on forage fish. Although taurine is not a plant-based protein, it can be easily found in animal tissues. Combining this taurine with plant-derived proteins offers complete balanced nutrition to fish and makes the aquafeed nutritious and equivalent to animal proteins. Moreover, this ingredient also helps feed manufacturers obtain healthy fish for human consumption by using only plant-based proteins.

4. Including Sustainable Feeds Can Maintain Nutritional Balance for Healthy Fish

It is well-known to all that seafood consists of abundant omega-3 fatty acids that have a significant impact on the brain, immunity, and heart health. Moreover, seafood also consists of essential amino acids that make a complete protein and fat source for improved human health. And so, feed manufacturers have started using algae and fish oil along with high omega-3 plant oil to ensure these vital omega-3 nutrients are maintained in farmed fish.

Final Word

The above-mentioned advancements in aquafeeds are only a few of the many that have been included in commercial aquaculture. These practices not only ensure improved human health and food security in case of changing climate but also incorporates some sustainable ways to meet people’s growing demand for fish food.

About the Author(s)

 

Niti Pawar

Niti Pawar is a creative writer with almost 2 years of experience in the industry and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from Pune University. She is extremely passionate about writing and is keen to gain significant experience and expertise in the same field. Niti aspires to become an accomplished editor and a linguist in her upcoming years. Besides work, she actively participates in recreational activities like trekking, badminton, singing, and travelling.