The control of temperature and light intensity in microalgae culture in outdoor tanks is difficult. Progress in algal biotechnology and the use of photo-bioreactors, metabolic engineering and other advances supported development of a novel underwater light bank reactor that allows for more effective light utilization by cultured microalgae.
The development of this reactor for the indoor cultivation of non-suspended microalgae like important diatoms such as Amphora spp., and the cellular dry matter values produced in this study will help bio-filming science support the development and improvement of in situ feed supplementation for fish and shrimp ponds, particularly in desert environments.
A recent study evaluated the effects of a fishmeal-free diet on Atlantic salmon performance and fillet quality during successful growout to market-size in a commercial-scale, land-based, closed-containment system using water recirculation technology. Test fish performed well, with 97 percent survival during the 10-month growout period.
Well-designed and managed biofloc technology systems are a viable alternative for production of various species like tilapia, to increase feed efficiency by lowering aquafeed protein requirements and to help reduce or eliminate effluent discharges.
The effects of the dietary acidifier and feed additive potassium diformate (KDF) were tested in diets of juvenile Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) in Thailand. Results show that including KDF at 0.5 percent in the diets can help improve growth, survival and therefore overall production of this species.
Carotenoids are important pigments that contribute characteristic quality criteria for the marketing of aquaculture products. Aquatic animals cannot biosynthesize carotenoids de novo, hence their inclusion in aquafeeds is important because they are associated with various metabolic functions.
The U.S. Soybean Export Council is a huge supporter of aquaculture growth globally, as so many aquafeed formulators rely on U.S. soy to create nutritious diets. The Southeast Asia senior technical advisor for USSEC’s aquaculture program talks about this symbiotic partnership.
A novel blend of organic acids (OAB) microencapsulated in a lipid matrix and supplemented in the diets of Litopenaeus vannamei enhanced their growth, phosphorus utilization, resistance to Vibrio harveyi and immunity. This may have implications as an eco-friendly prophylactic strategy.
A feeding trial incorporated corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) as an energy and protein source in starter and grower diets for pangasius. Results showed excellent fish growth performance, and no negative effects on mortality, fillet yield or fillet color.
In an opinion piece for the Advocate, the director of ocean sustainability science at the New England Aquarium talks about the F3 Challenge and what the first X Prize for aquaculture could do for the industry: drive innovation.
Gorjan Nikolik, senior industry analyst for Rabobank, presented on fishmeal’s transformation from commodity to a “high-priced strategic protein” at the Global Aquaculture Alliance’s annual GOAL conference in Vancouver. See the full video of his presentation.
A cooperative feeding demonstration conducted by USSEC and Amazon Fish Products S.A. evaluated the use of soy to partially replace fishmeal in diets for paiche, or pirarucu, the largest freshwater fish species.
Interest is growing in a two-year-long competition aimed at driving innovation in the aquafeed sector. The F3 prize for a demonstrably fish-free feed comes with a cash reward, and possibly a glimpse at the future.
Feed plants deal with varied raw materials, formulations and feeds for different animals, which can lead to quality issues and nutrient variations. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has been successfully applied in Brazil to ensure feed quality standards at the farm level.
Various additives, many of plant origin, have been explored to replace the use of antibiotics in aquafeed. The authors compared the performance of rainbow trout fed diets containing oxytetracycline or mineral additives yellow loess and Song-Gang stone powder.
The digestive systems of shrimp are main entry points for bacterial and viral pathogens, and unfavorable microflora. Natural feed additives that combine different actions have proven effective in improving survival where shrimp are exposed to bacterial pathogens.