AQUAFEED HORIZONS

14 days left to register!

2012-01-17T13:14:00.000-10:00

There are just two weeks left to register for Aquafeed Horizons and the FIAAP Conference Asia 2012

An Extrusion Master Class, New non-GMO tailored soybeans for specific feed use, algae, phytobiotics, AA variability in fishmeal ... and much more at these international conferences for feed professionals.

Download the full program (PDF)

Join your colleagues and friends: Online registration required by January 31. Visit the conference website for full information and to register.

Questions? Contact us.

NOTE: We are now offering special rates for students - see website for details.

Aquafeed Horizons Asia is the Aquafeed.com conference taking place February 15, 2012 at BITEC, Bangkok.

The FIAAP Conference Asia is the feed ingredients and additives conference taking place February 16, 2012, BITEC, Bangkok.

These conferences are organized in association with Victam International and will take place during Victam/FIAAP/GRAPAS Asia 2012 international feed and grain shows - visit the event website for details.

Extrusion workshop: Practical extrusion and diet development for extrusion processing

2012-01-02T22:07:00.002-10:00

PeterHutchinson, Director, E.N. Hutchinson, Auckland, New Zealand

The workshop will comprise twosessions: Practical Extrusion and Diet Development for Extrusion Processing. PracticalExtrusion will focus on feed extrusion principals such as screw designs andprofiles; die design, extruder trouble shooting, drying and cooling. Thesession on practical nutrition will look at diet development for extrusionprocessing and cover such topics as sourcing locally available material,matching extruder profile to formulation, die design in relation to species, highretention (water stable) diets, optimizing the pellet through extruder settings(cook, minimizing nutritional damage, stability and density), basic qualitycontrol, post coating and density control through coating and dryer design. Practicalproblem solving is at the heart of the workshop and Peter will be joined by aninternational panel of extrusion experts to answer your extrusion questions.

Use of distiller’s dried grains with solubles in tilapia diets

2012-01-02T22:06:00.003-10:00

Chhorn Lim, Supervisory Nutrition Scientist, Aquatic AnimalHealth Research Unit, USDA, ARS, Auburn, USA

Distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS)are currently readily available and less expensive than other conventionalprotein sources. However, its nutrient content and nutritional value vary withthe source and quality of grain, fermentation and drying processes and thequantity of distiller’s solubles added. Generally, corn and wheat DDGS aredeficient in lysine and methionine for tilapia, with lysine being the mostlimiting. Feeding studies showed that 20 - 30% corn or wheat DDGS can beincluded in tilapia diets without requiring lysine supplementation. With lysinesupplementation, DDGS at levels of 40% or higher can be used without affectinggrowth and feed efficiency. DDGS also contain yeast, a rich source of betaglucan and nucleotides that have been reported to enhance immunity and diseaseresistance in fish. Corn DDGS, due to its high oil content that is rich inlinoleic acid, is an excellent source of energy and essential fatty acid fortilapia. High concentrations of xanthophylls in corn DDGS may impart yellowpigment in fish flesh if included at high levels. Considering various factorsaffecting the nutritional value and quality of pellet and fish product, 15 -20% DDGS appears to be optimum in diets of tilapia.

The missing link for fish meal substitution: low-cost, high-volume, sustainable protein and EPA-rich microalgae (spirulina) biomass

2012-01-02T22:05:00.003-10:00

Miguel Cizin,President, Biomat

Thedebate over sustainability of fish feed ingredients such as fish meal, which ismostly sourced from unsustainable pelagic fish wild catch, has promotedthe development of sustainable vegetable-sourced protein alternatives as aviable substitute. In addition to other aquatic and non-aquaticingredients, such as soy, microalgae biomass in general, and spirulinaalgae in particular, has been identified and acknowledged as the most promisingingredient for high-volume, sustainable protein, due to its unique ability tocapture CO2 and available energy and very efficiently convert both into proteinand nutrient-rich (EPA) biomass. Thereis a long-standing and still very strong global consensus that the singlemissing link for algae to fulfill its promise as the optimal ingredient tosubstitute a high percent of fish meal in animal feed is the availability ofscalable, competitively priced algae biomass produced in a sustainable process,using a limited amount of non-fertile land, water, nutrients, and energy. Anew, patent-pending, sustainable algae biomass production technology isdescribed, which can be deployed on non-fertile land, and which does notrequire a nearby smokestack as it captures the large amount of carbon moleculesrequired directly from the available CO2 in the surrounding atmosphere. Typical production volumes per unit surface and overall production costs perton of algae biomass produced in the first facility deployed in Israel will bepresented.

Total replacement of fish meal by poultry by-product meal in shrimp feeds

2012-01-02T22:03:00.001-10:00

Victor Suresh¹& Sergio Nates²

¹ Integrated Aquaculture International, BruneiDarussalam

² Fats & Proteins Research Foundation, USA

The presentation will highlightefforts to completely replace fishmeal in shrimp feeds using poultry byproductmeal (PBM). In formulas that are similar to commercial feed formulas andcontaining 21-24% premium fishmeal, total replacement by PBM results in shrimpperformance that is lower by about 15%. We have investigated the attractabilityand palatability factors in PBM, and found them to be present in significantquantities. Nutritive value of PBM’s fat component for shrimp has also beenextensively investigated. The results of the investigations will be discussedin the presentation.

New Non-GMO High Protein Soybean Meals without Anti-Nutritionals for Aquafeeds

2012-01-02T22:02:00.000-10:00

Alejandro Buentello, VP of Researchand Aquaculture Business, Schillinger Genetics, Inc.

Soybean cultivars have been selectedwith 15-20% higher protein content and with the difficult-to-digestcarbohydrates raffinose and stachyose, as well as trypsin inhibitorssignificantly reduced. The defatted meal derived from these cultivars exceeds56% in protein content and with further gentle processing will surpass 60% incrude protein (CP). Feeding trials comparing protein digestibility,metabolizable energy, mortality, FCR and growth performance have been conductedwith Atlantic salmon, rainbow trout, Pacific white shrimp, European sea bass,cobia, yellowtail and red drum. Additional trials with other aquaculturespecies will be conducted in 2012. The search has been intensified for new soymeals and traits that will further improve the nutritive value of aquafeeds inkey aquatic species. In order to expand testing efforts on aquafeeds,Schillinger Genetics (SG) has conducted replicated feeding trials utilizing“first feeding” rainbow trout fry with an average initial weight of ~ 0.1 g.Experimental diets were formulated to contain 42% CP, 15% lipid and derive thedietary protein from sardine meal (reference diet), sardine meal plus SG-cultivar3010 (50:50) or sardine meal plus soy protein concentrate (SPC) obtained fromregular commodity soybeans (also 50:50 replacement). The feeding trial wasconducted over a 6-week period to allow for adequate treatment separation.Results on growth and survival indicatethat SG-3010, substituting half of the fishmeal is able to support the samegrowth performance as the fishmeal-based diet and a significantly higher weightgain than the SPC diet. Taken together, these results indicate that the use ofSG-3010 allows for a higher fishmeal replacement level in rainbow trout diets.In addition, due to its higher protein density, lesser amounts of SG-3010 arerequired to meet the dietary requirement for this species. Therefore, thenutritional value of SG-3010 is significantly higher than that of SPCobtained from conventional commoditysoybeans.

Reducing feed cost in aquaculture by optimizing nutrient utilization and gut health

2012-01-02T22:01:00.000-10:00

PeterCoutteau, Business Development Manager – Aquaculture, Nutriad International NV,Belgium

As ingredient prices rise, nutritionists search for new options for costreduction by maximizing the efficiency of digestive and metabolic processeswhich are at the basis of converting nutrients into meat gain. The presentationillustrates the potential to reducing cost of feeding in aquaculture byimproving the efficiency of nutrient utilization and optimizing gut health. Digestibilityenhancing additives have the potential to improve nutrient utilization fromcheap ingredients and stimulate the conversion of nutrients into meat gain andless into fat accumulation in muscle and viscera. The potential ofspecies-specific digestibility enhancers, tailored to the digestive physiologyand feed formulation of each aquaculture species, is illustrated with resultsfrom feeding trials with Tilapia (Oreochromusniloticus), tra catfish (Pangasius hypophthalmus),European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax), and white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). Fish and shrimp are highly exposed to exchangesof microflora between the environment and the digestive system. Furthermore,the digestive system of fish and shrimp is the main entry port for bacterialand viral infections. Synergistic blends of natural compounds (“phytobiotics”)are capable of modulating the microflora towards a favorable composition,favoring the development of beneficial bacteria and inhibiting potentiallypathogenic micro-organisms. The efficacy of phytobiotics was tested under laband field conditions for fish and shrimp production, resulting in significantimprovements in survival, growth and food conversion.

A review of amino acids levels in fishmeal in Southeast Asia

2012-01-02T21:59:00.003-10:00

DhanapongSangsue, Evonik Degussa (SEA) Pte. Ltd. Technical Sales Manager

Animal protein sources, such as fishmeal, have typically been used in aquatic animal feed to provide essential amino acids and other nutrients, but the nutritional value of these protein sources can vary greatly due to type of species used and processing conditions. Considering the importance of fishmeal in aquatic feeds, it is important to understand this nutrient variation and its impact on production performance if not accounted for. In 2010, 266, 387, 241, 209, and 39 samples of locally-produced fishmeal from Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia, respectively, were analyzed for the crude protein and amino acid contents. The analyzed crude protein contents of those fishmeal samples ranged from 56.23 to 63.18 %, while methionine contents ranged from 1.34 to 1.75%, and lysine contents ranged from 3.61 to 4.71%. Fishmeal from Indonesia had the highest levels of CP, Met and Lys with 63.18, 1.75, and 4.18%, respectively, whereas fishmeal from Vietnam had the lowest with 56.23, 1.34, and 3.61%, respectively. Fishmeal produced in Thailand had the greatest variation with a coefficient of variation of 9.23% for CP, while Philippines had the most-consistent production with a coefficient of variation of 4.59%. A portion of the variation can be explained by origin of fishmeal and processing. For example, analyses of 87 Tra catfish fishmeal samples from Vietnam (by-products from Pangasius processing) revealed 58.5%, 4.04%, 1.48% of average CP, Met and Lys respectively with coefficients of variation of 6.0%, 12.3%, and 14.2%, respectively. To formulate diets as precisely as possible, it is critical to both understand the amino acid requirements of the aqua species being fed and to understand the nutrient variation in the ingredients that will be used to produce that diet. Without this knowledge, safety margins must be increased, which increase diet cost due to less efficient use of this costly raw material. These data highlight the importance of analyzing fishmeal on a routine basis in order to better understand its nutrient content and the variation contained therein.

Program posted

2011-09-19T14:54:00.001-10:00

The program for Aquafeed Horizons 2012 is complete and has been posted to the conference website (http://www.feedconferences.com/). We have a great line-up for you:

In the morning, hear talks on:
- The missing link for fish meal substitution: low‐cost, high‐volume, sustainable protein and EPA‐rich microalgae (spirulina) biomass
- Total replacement of fish meal by poultry by‐product meal in shrimp feeds
- New high protein soybean meals without anti‐nutritionals for aquafeed
- A review of amino acids levels in fishmeal in Southeast Asia
- Reducing feed cost in aquaculture by optimizing nutrient utilization and gut health

In the afternoon there will be an extrusion workshop:
Practical extrusion and diet development for extrusion processing with Peter Hutchinson, E.N. Hutchinson

Download the full program and get great early registration discounts at http://www.feedconferences.com/

Days left to book your place!

2011-04-11T14:13:00.002-10:00

Have you confirmed your place at AQUAFEED HORIZONS 2011? Book before April 15th at www.feedconferences.com

Abstracts now available

2010-12-21T10:44:00.001-10:00

We have just posted the abstracts/summaries of the presentations to be given at Aquafeed Horizons 2011.

Click on the label below "ABSTRACT 2011" to view them all.

Effects on performance and product quality in Atlantic salmon fed diets reduced in organic pollutants

2010-12-21T10:18:00.000-10:00

Jan Olli¹, Bente Ruyter², Turid Mørkøre^2,Harald Breivik³, Aimo Oikari⁵, Aleksei Krasnov², Olav Thorstad⁴, Åshild Krogdahl⁶ , Gunnar Berge⁸ and Torbjørn Åsgård^7*

¹AVS Chile SA, Casilla 300, Puerto Varas, Chile

²The Norwegian Institute of Food, Fisheries and Aquaculture Research (Nofima), P.O. Box 5010, NO-1432 Ås, Norway

³Neperdo™ Biomarine, Porsgrunn, Norway

⁴Pronova,BioPharma P.O Box 2109, NO-3202 Sandefjord, Norway

⁵University of Jyväskylä, , P.O.Box 35, FIN-40014 Jyväskylän yliopistoy

⁶Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, Oslo, Norway.

⁸Pronova,BioPharma P.O.Box 420, 1327 Lysaer, Norway.⁷The Norwegian Institute of Food, Fisheries and Aquaculture Research (Nofima), NO-6600 Sunndalsøra, Norway

Oily fish, including Atlantic salmon, due to their content of omega-3 fatty acids, are considered healthy for human consumption. However, marine raw materials used in fish diets are considered a major source of persistent organic environmental pollutants (POPs). Advice regarding fish consumption has therefore been complicated by reports that some species are burdened with potentially harmful levels of POPs, such as dioxins, PCBs and brominated flame retardants (BFRs). Despite the rather low levels of environmental pollutants found in farmed Atlantic salmon, there is still some concern about the levels found. One should therefore aim at reducing the level of POPs in aquacultured fish, in order to strengthen the “healthy image” of the product. As a way to reduce these POPs in farmed fish, Pronova

BioPharma Norge AS has developed a short path distillation process using a volatile working fluid efficiently removing POPs from fish oils. Potential beneficial effects in the farmed fish from reducing the POPs in the feed oil, were tested in a study lasting from post smolt size to slaughter size at Gildeskål Research Station (GIFAS), Norway. The fish were given feeds containing purified or not purified fish oil, four replicates per treatment. The effects on growth, health and fillet quality were studied. There was a tendency for better growth and feed utilisation in the group receiving feed containing purified oil. This was particularly the case during periods of high growth when both the growth rate and feed utilisation rate were significantly better for the fish that received the feed containing purified oil. The salmon that received the feed containing purified oil appeared to better tackle the handling stress during the slaughtering process, measured as a delayed pH reduction after killing. Other stress markers showed the same tendencies. All the fish in the trial maintained a good red colour and firmness, but there was a tendency that fish that received the feed containing purified oil had a firmer texture. The difference in texture was most pronounced after freezing. The proportion of salmon with soft texture was then halved in comparison to the fish that received unpurified oil.

Improved P utilization of marine feed resources

2010-12-21T09:55:00.002-10:00

Sissel Albrektsen, Kaspar Thorsen and Halvor Nygård

¹Nofima, Kjerreidviken 16, N-5141 Fyllingsdalen, Norway

Sissel Albrektsen, Kaspar Thorsen and Halvor Nygård

Phosphorus (P) is an essential element for normal energy metabolism, skeletal development and growth in fish. The main natural source of P in commercial fish feeds are fish meals and fishery products. In fish bones, P is mainly present in a complicated crystal structure with Ca known as hydroxyapatite ((Ca- PO₄) OH₂) and as constituent of Ca₃(PO₄)₂ which must both be hydrolysed into simple phosphates for intestinal absorption. Fish have limited and variable ability to digest P from fish meal (~10 – 80 %), Cho and Bureau (2001), making it difficult to predict that adequate P is present for normal growth and health of fish. The low capacity for P digestion especially in salmonids releases about 60-80 % of dietary P through faecal and urinary excretion, which is a major environmental concern. In commercial fish farming, addition of soluble P salts in the diet is needed to avoid P deficiency. Expected limitations in rock phosphates in the near future and demand for this non-renewable resource as fertilizer element, has increased cost and the need for developing more P efficient low-pollution feed ingredients in diets for farmed fish.

Nofima Ingrediens has developed a process for alternative processing of the bone fraction of fish meal by separation and hydrolysis to make the minerals more water soluble and available. Improved digestibility (average 60%) has been demonstrated for macro minerals and trace minerals, although the variation in between elements appears to be high. Digestibility of P in fish meal produced from blue whiting has been increased by 70 – 80 % by separation and treatment of the bone fraction in strong acids. Alternative processed fish meals with improved P digestibility have further demonstrated improved growth and skeletal mineralization in salmon similar to that produced by addition of commercial soluble P salts. Selected results from a strategic institute program (NRC project 173499/130: Improved phosphorus (P) utilization of marine feed resources - Dietary impacts and optimal P nutrition in Atlantic salmon and Atlantic cod) related to technological processing of the bone fraction, and to biological performance of salmon fed the P improved feed ingredients, will be presented.

High growth rates in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) fed 7.5% fish meal in the diet. Micro-, ultra- and nano- filtration of stickwater and effects of different fractions and compounds on Atlantic salmon performance fed very low fish meal diets

2010-12-21T09:54:00.000-10:00

Katerina Kousoulaki*¹, Hanne Jorun Olsen², Sissel Albrektsen¹, Eyolf Langmyhr¹, Paddy Campbell², Anders Aksnes¹
¹Nofima Ingredients AS, Kjerreidviken 16, N-5141 Fyllingsdalen, Norway
² BioMar AS

Stick water (SW) separated during fishmeal production from frozen herring was fractionated following successive micro- ultra- and nano- filtration steps. The press cake (PC) produced during separation of the SW and the different SW fractions were combined again to produce 4 fish meals containing different molecular size soluble protein mixes. The SW fractions used for the production of the experimental fish meals were 1) the micro-filtration (MF) retentate, 2) the ultra -filtration (UF) retentate, 3) the nano-filtration (NF) retentate and 4) the nano-filtration permeate. Four very high plant protein experimental diets were prepared using 1 of 4 experimental fish meals containing the different SW fractions. The experimental diets contained in total 75 g kg-1 fishmeal, of which 25 g kg-1 diet was superprime fish meal (SP) and 50 g kg-1 diet was 1 out of 4 experimental fish meals. The remaining dietary protein sources consisted of a mixture of commercial plant protein raw materials in equal amounts between the low fish meal experimental diets (soy protein concentrate 235 g kg-1 diet, corn gluten 235 g kg-1 diet; field beans 180 g kg-1 diet; wheat gluten 53.5 g kg-1 diet). A control diet was prepared containing 300 g kg-1 diet commercial fish meal. Three more very low fish meal experimental diets were prepared with 25 g kg-1 diet SP and 50 g kg-1 diet either PC alone or PC and crystalline taurine or crystalline hydroxyproline up to the level present in the high fishmeal control diet. The experimental diets including the SW fractions contained similar levels of water soluble protein (WSP) higher than the PC diets but lower than the control. All diets were iso-nitrogenous, iso-lipidic and iso-energetic and were fed to 8 triplicate groups of salmon (80 fish per group of initial body weight 133 g) for 69 days. High growth rates and low fish in-fish out ratios (FIFO) were achieved in salmon fed all the very low fish meal diets. Feed intake, fish body growth, whole body protein content, protein gain and morphometry were significantly affected by the inclusion of the different SW fractions in the low fish meal diets. We did not find any benefits for salmon performance by the supplementation of taurine or hydroxyproline alone to the low fish meal PC diets. The present work gives evidence on the multi-dimensional effects of the different marine water soluble components in fish performance. In order to identify novel high added value water soluble marine raw materials more studies must be conducted on the identification of specific functional effects of marine water soluble compounds in fish.

The use of seaweeds in aquatic feed

2010-12-21T09:53:00.002-10:00

Colin Mair, Technical Director, Ocean Harvest, Ireland

Seaweeds are an under-used natural and sustainable resource in the feed industry, both for aquatic feeds and terrestrial feeds. Analysis of seaweeds shows them to be a rich source of many trace ingredients, as well as having a significant quantity of high quality 'macro' ingredients. Ocean Harvest Technology has been involved in the research and development of a complex mix of seaweed powders that can be used to make a 'chemical-free' feed product, and have shown in rigorous commercial trials with fish and shrimp significant improvements in health, growth rate, feed conversion ratios and resistance to disease.

Aquafeed sourcing, key to successful aquaculture sector

2010-12-21T09:52:00.003-10:00

Mrs. Valeska Weymann, GLOBALG.A.P c/o FoodPLUS GmbH/Standard Management Aquaculture, Cologne, Germany

The aquaculture sector requires in most cases the need to supply compound feed to the farmed organisms for proper growth and health;

- Aquafeed appropriate sourcing plays a key role in the operational costs;

- Feed coming from appropriate sourcing refers to: all raw materials used are subject of a risk assessment, including economical, supply chain, safety and ecological assessments;

- In the case that compound feed may contain fishmeal and/or fish oil, the species of fish used and its respective country of origin are desirable to be identified, together with a proof that it does not contain species classified as critically endangered or endangered on the IUCN Red List;

- At processing level: HACCP system shall be in place as well as consideration to workers health and safety;

- Animal protein shall follow legislation of country of production and purchase requirements of country of destination;

- Certification is a tool that compound feed manufacturers can adapt to support the need to demonstrate responsible sourcing.

Trends in aquafeed: Relevence and technical solutions

2010-12-21T09:52:00.000-10:00

Urs Wuest, Head Engineering & Fulfillment, Buhler, Switzerland

Changes throughout the entire aquafeed value chain will impact feed millers in the near future and beyond. Buhler will present the current trends in the Aquafeed industry to ensure feed and food safety and hygiene. This will include the changes in raw materials, feed manufacturing, aquaculture, processing of the fish and crustaceans and the demand from customers in total and by fish species. Further will be explained how changing requirements in the aquafeed industry translate into a demand for specific technical requirements, such as extrusion technology.

Planning a Strategic Path for Feed Safety in Aquafeed Plants

2010-12-21T09:51:00.000-10:00

Joseph P Kearns, Aquaculture Process Engineering Manager, Wenger Mfg., Inc., USA

The developing trend in aquafeed plants is to insure feed safety throughout the production process. A strategic path to accomplish this would be to assess and design the facility with attention to the following areas: raw materials and their storage, plant equipment design, processing or operating procedures, final product efficacy and the overall culture or day to day operation of the plant.

Hygienic design principles for aquafeed plants and the equipment should be designed to achieve a cleanable HACCP level. The equipment should be constructed of compatible materials with accessibility for cleaning and inspections with no material collection points or niches.

The way forward in aquafeed production safety is to strive to identify and validate critical control points in the process and operate on that basis. Avoid recontamination in downstream areas after the critical points and install a finished product testing procedure for validation.

Multivariate modelling of extruded fish feed pellet quality

2010-12-21T09:49:00.000-10:00

Tor Andreas Samuelsen ^1*, Svein Mjøs^1,2, Åge Oterhals¹

¹Nofima Ingrediens, Bergen, Norway

²Department of Chemistry, University of Bergen, Norway

Physical quality of extruded fish feed have become more important due to the use of bulk transport and pneumatic feed delivery systems. The complexity of the extrusion process, and limitations in basic knowledge on protein properties and protein/starch-interaction, make it a demanding task to obtain consistent product quality based on different types of raw materials. Changes in feed mash properties might lead to large quantities of feed pellets that are not consistent with product specifications and give increased production costs due to reprocessing needs or customer complaints.

Fishmeal at high inclusion level is a critical protein ingredient with respect to aqua feed processing and has a significant impact on pellet physical quality. Fishmeal is produced by use of heat coagulation combined with a mechanical and thermal dewatering process.

We have studied the impact on pellet hardness and durability of commercial fishmeal parcels combined with low, medium and high water and steam input levels in the extrusion process. Commercial fish meal parcels with a large variation in chemical composition and physical properties were produced from high quality herring at three different fishmeal factories in Norway. The experimental feed mixtures were processed on a Wenger TX-52 extruder at three moisture levels. The fishmeal quality was assessed based on 18 quality parameters and prediction models for pellet hardness, specific mechanical energy (SME) and starch gelatinization established based on partial least squares regression (PLSR) modeling. The study documented the possibility to develop a model explaining pellet hardness based on chemical and physical properties of fish meal and steam/water level in the process. The work also demonstrated that fishmeal physicochemical properties and added moisture had a significant effect on the melt viscosity and thereby dissipation of mechanical energy in the extruder barrel.

The information can be used by the aquatic feed industry to better understand and correct the observed variance in extrusion properties and pellet quality and to improve the product specifications used by fish meal producers and purchasers. Examples on how the knowledge can be used to solve problems in the extrusion process will be discussed.

Optimal pellet quality is a trade-off between durability and responses in the fish

2010-12-21T09:47:00.000-10:00

T. Synnøve Aas^1,5*, Bendik F. Terjesen¹, Trygve Sigholt³, Marie Hillestad³, Jørgen Holm⁴, Ståle Refstie^1,6, Grete Baeverfjord¹, Kjell-Arne Rørvik², Mette Sørensen^2,6,7, Maike Oehme^1,5, Gaojie He^5,7, Torbjørn Åsgård^1,5

¹ Nofima, NO-6600 Sunndalsøra, Norway

² Nofima, Postboks 5010, NO-1432 Ås, Norway

³ BioMar, AS, NO-7484 Trondheim, Norway

⁴ BioMar A/S, Mylius Erichsensvej 35, DK-7330 Brande, Denmark

⁵ Centre for research based innovation in aquaculture technology (CREATE), SFI, SINTEF Sealab, NO-7645 Trondheim, Norway

⁶ Aquaculture Protein Centre (APC), CoE, P.O.Box 5003, NO-1430 Ås, Norway

⁷ Norwegian University of Life Sciences (UMB), Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Ås, Norway

Handling, storing and transport of feeds lead to attrition of the pellets. Undersized particles represent loss and poor utilisation of feed resources. Thus, feeds with high physical pellet quality are demanded. However, the physical properties affect the nutritional value of feeds. In a 48 days trial, two feeds, with high (feed A) or low (feed B) water stability, were fed to rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) kept in sea water (salinity 32-34 ppm, temperature 12 °C, O2-saturation >80%). The feed intake was 23% higher in trout fed feed B than in those fed feed A. Introducing a daily period of lowered salinity (< 10 ppm), temperature (6 °C) and oxygen saturation (50-60%) resulted in a severe drop in feed intake in both dietary groups. However, the apparent digestibility of macronutrients was highest in feed A, but at fluctuating environment the difference between the dietary treatments was small. Furthermore, the stomachs of trout fed feed B, particularly of those kept at stable environment, contained large amounts of free water and oil, which could potentially lead to fat belching. Both apparent digestibility and free water and oil in the stomach seemed to be related to feed intake, and were thus indirectly caused by feed and environmental conditions. In another trial, pellet degradation of three commercial feeds (12 mm pellet size) during pneumatic conveying, which is commonly used in cage culture to transport the feed from the storage silo to the sea pens, was measured. The three feeds, chosen especially for having different physical properties, showed different degradation patterns during conveying. Furthermore, high air speed (m/s) in the conveying system, which is used to spread the feed pellets well in the cage, increased pellet degradation, whereas high feeding rate (kg/min) protected the pellets from breakage. In all runs, less than 1% of the sample ended up as small particles. In conclusion, feed intake appears to be a main factor when evaluating pellet quality, but several other factors, such as pellet durability, nutrient digestibility and fat belching must be taken into consideration when searching for the most economical and sustainable pellet quality.

Program announced and registration begun!

2010-09-23T15:33:00.000-10:00

THe program for Aquafeed Horizons 2011 has been posted to the conference website and registration has started. Early registration discounts are substantial - so don't delay - book your place now!

Nofima partners with Aquafeed Horizons conference at Victam 2011

2010-07-28T20:56:00.003-10:00

We are very pleased to welcome Nofima as a partner in the Aquafeed Horizons Conference. Nofima conducts research and development for the aquaculture, fisheries and food industry. The group's main office is located in Tromsø in northern Norway, while the research divisions are located in: Ås, Stavanger, Bergen, Sunndalsøra, Averøy and Tromsø. Established in 2008, and employing some 470 people, Nofima brings a wealth of knowledge to the meeting.

"We are delighted to have Nofima as partners in the Fifth Aquafeed Horizons Conference", organizer Suzi Dominy said. "In 2007 we partnered with Fiskeriforskning, the Norwegian Institute of Fisheries and Aquaculture Research, Norway. Fiskeriforskning has since been absorbed into Nofima, which will bring an even broader experience to the conference". Nofima will contribute several presentations.
Aquafeed Horizons Conference 2011 is sponsored by Buhler. It will be an integral part of FIAAP 2011, part of Victam 2011, to be held in Cologne Germany, May 3-5, 2011; it will take place on the first day of the event: May 3, 2011,

For more information about Aquafeed Horizons and other conferences to be held during Victam 2011, please visit the conference website: http://www.feedconferences.com/.

Buhler to sponsor Aquafeed Horizons Conference

2010-07-08T11:36:00.000-10:00

Buhler, based in Uzwil, Switzerland, will be the exclusive sponsor of Aquafeed Horizons. Buhler is the global specialist and technology partner in the supply of plants and services for processing grain and food as well as for manufacturing advanced materials.

The fifth in the series of international conferences for the aquafeed industry, Aquafeed Horizons, will take place May 3, 2011, on the opening day of Victam, in Cologne Germany.

"We are very grateful to Buhler for stepping forward to sponsor the conference", Suzi Dominy, the conference organizer said. "Their sponsorship demonstrates Buhler's commitment to supporting the aquafeed sector with knowledge and information to help it grow sustainably and profitably".

CALL FOR PAPERS

2010-06-16T17:49:00.000-10:00

A call for papers has been announced for the international aquafeed conference, Aquafeed Horizons 2011.

The fifth Aquafeed Horizons 2011Conference, to be held in association with Victam 2011, will arm delegates with the latest processing and formulation information to meet head on the challenges facing this sector and succeed.
Papers are now invited from qualified presenters in the following subject areas, as they relate to the Aquafeed sector:

▪ measures to ensure feed and food safety and hygiene,

▪ processing efficiency,

▪ product quality,

▪ formulating for new and emerging farmed species,

▪ formulating for different production methods,

▪ protein alternatives,

▪ specialty ingredients,
▪ regulation, consumer attitudes, market trends,

As in all sectors of the food chain, safety and hygiene and sustainability are key issues. Presentations that address these concerns are strongly encouraged. As in all sectors of the food chain, safety and hygiene are paramount. Presentations that address these issues are strongly encouraged.

Priority will be given to talks that provide a practical take-home message that delegates can apply to enhance their business efficiency, competitiveness and profitability, and those that present new information.

Please visit the conference website and click on CALL FOR PAPERS on the Aquafeed Horizons 2011 page for more information.

Aquafeed Horizons 2011

2010-05-29T15:30:00.000-10:00

Aquafeed continues to be the most dynamic and exciting sector of the feed industry. Characterized by rapid growth and development, it is continually evolving to meet the demands of new species and farm production systems. Unlike terrestrial animals, nutritional requirements for many of the growing and hugely diverse range of aquatic species farmed are still unknown. Add to that the physical demands of feed for differing aquatic environments, feeding habits, and sizes and the complexity becomes clear. Aquafeed manufacturers must also rise to the challenges of environmental responsibility, production efficiency and profitability. Aquafeed Horizons 2011 will arm delegates with the latest processing and formulation information to meet head on the challenges facing this sector and succeed.

Please note: PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Walk-ins will only be accepted on a space available basis.
To express interest in making presentation, sponsoring this conference or being notified when registration opens, please visit the conference website: http://www.feedconferences.com/

PRE-REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED

2010-02-25T20:20:00.001-10:00

We will be accepting on-site registrations if space permits.
We look forward to seeing you in Bangkok!

Current Aquafeed and Aquaculture in Thailand

2009-11-30T20:40:00.000-10:00

Dr. Juadee Pongmaneerat, Senior Expert in Fishery Product and Inspection, Thai Department of Fisheries, Bangkok, Thailand

Thailand is a leading country in aquaculture and aquatic feed development. The country boasts 64 feedmills and premix plants for aquafeed, of which 10 are GMP standard and six HACCP certified. The Department of Fisheries (DoF) has developed policies for food safety standards and promotes the CoC and GAP for aquaculture farms, and GMP and HACCP standards for feed manufacturing, over and above basic feed safety and quality control regulations.
In 2009 some 1.25 million tonnes of aquafeeds were consumed: 672,000 tonnes shrimp feed and 581,800 tonnes fish feed.

The status of economic aquatic species such as marine shrimp, giant fresh water prawn and tilapia will be presented. The DoF regulatory framework for quality control, the inspection and certification system for feed manufacturing and fishery products processing plants will also be discussed.

Conference fees will rise November 1

2009-10-28T09:05:00.001-10:00

Only three days left to enjoy early conference booking rates. Register now before rates go up on November 1. Why pay more than necessary?

Visit www.feedconferences.com to register.

Travel and Accomodation Information

2009-10-28T09:01:00.002-10:00

We have posted travel and accomodation information to the conference website. Apecial rates at selected hotels have been arranged by Victam International for all trade show and conference attendees. You must however book using the links provided to receive the special rates. Early booking rates apply.

Find details on the home page at www.feedconferences.com

Victam feed and grain conferences: Early Bird discount registration closing soon

2009-10-12T13:03:00.000-10:00

Less than three weeks left to enjoy lowest rate registration for FIAAP, GRAPAS and Aquafeed Horizons Asia 2010 Conferences

HONOLULU, HI — October 12, 2009 — If you are planning to attend one or more of the feed and grain industry conferences to be held during Victam Asia 2010 in Bangkok, the organizers urge you to register before the end of the month. Early bird registration discounts for FIAAP, GRAPAS and Aquafeed Horizons Asia 2010 Conferences are set to end in less than three weeks.

“Delegates can save a substantial amount by registering early,” organizer Suzi Dominy said.

All three conferences will feature top-level speakers from Asia and around the world who will present the latest information on animal feed ingredient and formulation, Aquafeed formulation and processing and grain quality.

The GRAPAS, FIAAP and Aquafeed Horizons Asia Conferences will take place March 3-5, 2010, in Bangkok as part of Victam Asia 2010. To register and learn more, visit the conference website: www.feedconferences.com which also has links to the conference blogs. You can also keep updates at http://twitter.com/FeedConferences.

Increasing the ingredient flexibility of floating feeds

2009-08-10T08:38:00.002-10:00

William Henry, Director of Technology and Research & Development, Extru-Tech, USA

The environment in which aquatic feeds being produced in Asia today has changed dramatically from even a few years ago. Now, more than ever, the ‘efficiency’ of production is critiqued at the same levels as ‘quality’ and ‘quantity’ of production.

This presentation will focus on the greatest input cost to most aquatic feed production process’s, and that is raw materials.

When reviewing the ‘Total Cost of Production’ for a specific type of feed, the raw material cost is typically in the range of 80 to 90%. Needless to say, a 10% savings on the raw materials will have a greater impact on production cost efficiency than most likely anywhere else in the process.

This strategy of increasing the process’ ingredient flexibility will be addressed from two primary angles. We will first discuss changes and enhancements in the core pieces of equipment in a typical extrusion process. And secondly, a review of proper/recommended process management directives will be presented.

Reassuring the value-chain as to the sustainability and purity of fishmeal and fish oil

2009-08-06T08:47:00.000-10:00

Dr. Andrew Jackson, Technical Director, International Fishmeal and Fish Oil Organisation, U.K.

Two of the most important issues facing the fishmeal and fish oil industry in recent years has been the question of the sustainability of the fisheries providing the raw material and the purity of the products arriving at the feed mills. The industry is therefore looking at ways of reassuring the value-chain on these two critical issues. The best way to do this is using third-party audited schemes and the alternative schemes both developed and in the process of development will be discussed.

One scheme that is being initiated to address both these issues is the new IFFO Global Responsible Supply Standard. The development of this scheme will be discussed and how it assesses both fisheries and factories to provide the reassurance required.

Stabilizing formulation cost and performance of aquafeeds requires innovative approaches

2009-08-06T08:36:00.000-10:00

Dr. Peter Coutteau, Business Development Manager Aquaculture, INVE Nutri-Ad, Belegium

In the livestock industry, a wide variety of feed additives are currently being investigated to improve cost-efficiency of animal nutrition. Organic acids, enzymes, probiotics, prebiotics, highly available minerals, essential oils and natural plant extracts are some alternatives to antibiotics without causing bacterial resistance that would have at least similar effects on growth and food conversion.

This active search for natural growth promoters is starting to extend into fish farming as consumer pressure is likely to ban antibiotics from production in most countries. Although the screening of these compounds for aquaculture has just started, promising results have been obtained with different species.

The presentation illustrates the development of a number of innovative feed additives to optimize the utilization efficiency of nutrients from traditional ingredients for aquaculture species

Extrusion of Micro Aquatic and Shrimp Feeds

2009-07-31T14:11:00.000-10:00

Joseph Kearns, Aquaculture Process Technology Manager, Wenger Manufacturing, USA

Production methods are reviewed for manufacturing of micro - or what is commonly referred to as starter feeds. Extrusions cooking in various formats are discussed with the technology involved for production of these feeds but also the ability to produce at increased production rate. Typical increase levels are in the three to five times range while allowing all the formulation advantages seen in extrusion of shrimp feeds.

Definitions of Micro feeds
Requirement of Fine Grinding
Review Spherizer Agglomeration System (SAS)
Direct Extrusion Review for Small Diameter Feeds
Dryer Requirements for Micro Feeds
Review of New Technologies for High Capacity Shrimp Feed Production

The use of rendered animal products in aquaculture diets

2009-07-30T08:47:00.000-10:00

Geoff L. Allan, N.S.W. Department of Primary Industries. Port Stephens Fisheries Centre, Nelson Bay, Australia

Aquaculture remains the fastest growing food producing primary industry in the world. Of the approximately 52 million tonnes of production, about 16.3 million tonnes comprises species that are fed. Marine finfish are generally strictly carnivorous and most are fed on fishmeal-based, high protein diets (>45% protein) or even directly fed “trash fish”. Current production of fishmeal is stable, and the increases in demand have been met by diverting fishmeal from other animal feeds. However, future increases in aquaculture production will require alternative protein sources.

Increasing amounts of vegetable proteins are being used but for marine carnivores, a requirement for high dietary protein, driven mainly by an inability to tolerate high dietary carbohydrate, or effectively use either carbohydrate or lipid for energy, has restricted fishmeal replacement to date. However, rendered animal protein sources, such as poultry offal meal, meat and bone meal and blood meal products are excellent protein sources with no carbohydrates and few anti-nutrients. Approximately 12.5 million tones of rendered animal meals are available globally, roughly twice as much fishmeal as is available.

Data for digestibility and utilization of rendered animal products fed to a variety of carnivorous and omnivorous aquaculture species will be presented. Data for trout, red sea bream, tilapia and mud crabs from numerous research studies will be summarized and the potential for use of rendered products discussed. The data demonstrate that rendered animal meals can be excellent protein sources for aquaculture species, including carnivorous marine finfish.

Substantial replacement of fishmeal is possible, particularly with blends of alternative protein sources based on rendered animal meals.

Improving Plant Efficiencies

2009-07-27T08:41:00.001-10:00

Galen J. Rokey, Manager, Process Technology, Wenger Mfg., Inc., Kansas, USA

In today’s economic climate, the aquaculture industry is affected by many trends that are affecting plant efficiencies. Industry surveys indicate that energy usage and product safety are the major challenges facing the industry. Sustainability and environmental issues also are impacting aquaculture.

Several specific areas will be reviewed that favorably affect plant efficiency and can easily be implemented.

Trends in aquaculture that impact plant efficiency
A. Raw material costs
B. Market conditions
C. Energy and water conservation
D. Supply chain costs reduction
E. Automation
F. Labor costs
G. Food safety
H. Flexibility
I. Emissions control
J. Lean manufacturing

Specific areas to improve plant efficiency
A. Adjust process to use least cost energy source
B. Tighten product moisture variation off dryer
C. Recycle under-processed material
D. Extended service programs and line audits
E. On-line monitoring and control

Harvesting the benefits of grain application in Aquafeeds

2009-07-26T23:26:00.000-10:00

Dr. Brett Glencross, Stream Leader – Novel Feed Ingredients and Nutrition, CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research, Australia

To reduce risk associated with being too dependent on fish meal use in aquaculture feeds, considerable effort has been expended to assess and develop a range of grain protein meals as alternatives. However, the evaluation of such feed ingredients is crucial to their effective application in diets for aquaculture species. In evaluating ingredients for use in aquaculture feeds there are several important knowledge components that should be understood to enable the wise use of any particular ingredient in a feed formulation. The four primary knowledge components are: (1) Ingredient characterization, (2) Ingredient digestibilities, (3) Ingredient palatability, and (4) Nutrient utilization and/or interference of utilization.

In addition to these four key knowledge components, further details on ingredient functionality, gene and/or protein expression, the influence on immune status and organoleptic qualities are also important considerations.

Using this approach a range of feed grain resources have been evaluated in the diets of a range of aquaculture species. While there is no single ideal alternative many of the different feed grain resources offer sound potential when used in the right application. Indeed the judicious use of certain feed grain resources can confer significant nutritional and technical advantages to the feed design and management process.

Aquafeed Trends in South East Asia and China

2009-07-24T06:09:00.001-10:00

Urs Wuest, Buhler, Head Engineering & Fulfilment

Changes throughout the entire aquafeed value chain will impact feed millers in the near future and beyond.

Urs Wuest will present the current trends in the aquafeed industry,l including the changes in raw materials, feed manufacturing, aquaculture, processing of the fish and crustaceans and the demand from customers in total and segmented by fish species.He will explain how changing requirements in the aquafeed industry translate into a demand for specific technical requirements, such as extrusion technology.

Call for Papers

2009-03-19T15:17:00.002-10:00

A Call for Papers has been published for Aquafeed Horizons Asia 2010. Qualified industry experts are invited to submit papers for consideration on the following topics:

Impact of market trends on feed development ;
Aquafeed processing technology;
Aquafeed ingredients and formulation;
Quality control.

Please download, complete and return the CALL FOR PAPERS form from the home page of the conference website: www.feedconferences.com.

The deadline for submission is April 30, 2010.

Aquafeed Horizons Asia 2010 Date Announced

2009-01-21T10:38:00.003-10:00

The next Aquafeed Horizons Asia Conference will take place alongside the Victam Asia and FIAAP trade shows at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Wednesday, March 3, 2010.

This will be fourth conference in the series to be held in association with Victam International.

FeedLink will once again stage the Feed Ingredients & Additives Asia Pacific (FIAAP) Conference on the following day, Thursday, 4 March, 2010 and joint registration for the two conferences will be offered.

For more information and to download the presentations from FIAAP Conference 2008, visit: http://www.feedconferences.com/

For more information on either conference, please contact editor@aquafeed.com

Presentation Summaries now available

2008-02-05T13:55:00.000-10:00

Summaries of the presentations to be made at Aquafeed Horizons Asia 2008 are now available on the conference website, www.aquafeed.info, along with details of the speakers.

The closing date for registrations is February 22nd. Register now to be sure of your place.

Download the conference summaries (PDF)

Ingredients conference will have strong emphasis on aquafeed.

2008-01-16T16:32:00.000-10:00

The first Feed Ingredients and Additives Asia Pacific (FIAAP) conference will hold strong interest for the aquafeed sector, with several papers dealing specifically with aquafeed-related issues.

"All over the world we face increasing challenges to support the growth of aquaculture", said Colin Mair of Cormal Technology Ltd., U.K."One of these is the supply of the ingredients that provide our base protein and lipid requirements".

The environment we work in becomes increasingly challenging and we are faced with increasing demands for ‘natural’, ‘sustainable’, ‘ethical’ and ‘organic’ products. These demands in turn are driving us to source naturally derived ingredients with, it is hoped, an optimized delivery of nutritional performance plus added health benefits. It will be increasingly important to source ingredients that deliver the benefits of immune system stimulation, suppress auto-immune response, act as anti-bacterial and anti-viral agents, prevent or reduce cancers, deliver organically linked metals and pigments, and yet be sustainable, ethical and not create manufacturing problems. His presentation will look at some of these novel ingredients, at the claims made for them and at the processing issues that may result from their inclusion in diets.

Degussa Feed Additives has during the last years analysed a large number of fish meal samples from India and South America to give a better insight into the content of the first limiting amino acids. Huge differences in crude protein content as well as in the amino acid profile was found."It is evident that the content differs a lot and it is also clear that the amino acid content is not a constant ratio of crude protein", says Torben Madsen, Regional Technical Service Manager, Degussa (SEA) Pte. Ltd.

"Thus, if a constant factor for the amino acid content in crude protein is used the amino acid will in many cases be either above or below the expected level".

The variation in fish meal will of course also be reflected in the feed and the precise need for supplementation of the first limiting amino acids to meet the targets become more uncertain. Thus, as a consequence the needed safety margin to secure that the target is always met will increase. Delegates will learn how the results in this study clearly show that it is not enough only to look at the raw protein content. The focus should in stead be on the real content of amino acids in order to have the best information for the purchase decisions and feed optimization. However, this applies not only for fishmeal but also the other raw materials in the feed diet.

Protein and amino acids (AA) digestibility of poultry by-product meal (PBM), meat and bone meal (MBM), meal meal (MM), hydrolyzed feather meal (FeM), enzyme treated feather meal (ETFeM), blood meal (BM), and red blood cells (BC) measured from several commercially important fish and shrimp will be presented by Dr. Yu Yu, National Renderers Association, Inc., Hong Kong. The respective digestible protein and AA content from these protein meals will be compared for matching the requirements of the aquatic species and the cost-effectiveness measured from growth performance and feed utilization. Special emphasis will be on high-value carnivorous fish and shrimp.

Ingredient market intelligence is important to all sectors, especially in the current environment and the conference will provide insights into grain and soybean markets, fishmeal and oil and functional ingredients. Dr. Bob Swick, ASA-IM, Singapore will report on grain and oilseed trends and Scott Herbert, Omega Protein, will discuss marine oils and proteins.

Consulting Analyst with Frost & Sullivan, Sri Ganesh, will present a market overview of feed additives in Southeast Asia in terms of market size, unit value and volume. Pricing trends and the factors involved in influencing the prices of feed additives will also be discussed. The research is presented into several segmentations which includes feed amino acids, concentrating on methionine, lysine and tryptophan; feed acidifiers, and feed enzymes (non-starch polysaccharides and phytase).

Other topics of general interest to the feed industry but also of direct relevance to aquafeed include bacterial contamination of feed and feed ingredients: Dr Adam Smith, Anitox Ltd., will examine the prevalence of bacteria in animal feedingstuffs and their significance in the safety of the food chain, animal health and performance, while Mathieu Cortyl, Impextraco NV, will examine the problems and solutions associated with mycotoxin contamination in animal nutrition. Recent research indicates that the biotransformation of mycotoxins, using enzymatic preparations, gives promising results.

Some enzymes can transform the structure of mycotoxins such as deoxynivalenol or zearalenone, which are very difficult to bind efficiently. The products obtained from the reaction are less toxic compounds. "The application of such enzymatic transformations to the feed sector gives new opportunities because enzymes can have a specific action and their reaction, compared to binding, is not reversible", he said.

Because of the stong aquafeed content of this conference, delegates to Aquafeed Horizons Asia, can register for both conferences at a special rate.The FIAAP Conference takes place March 5, 2008 and Aquafeed Horizons on the following day, March 6, 2008, both at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok, Thailand. These conferences will be held during VIctam Asia 2008 and the first feed ingredient conference, for the region, FIAAP '08.

You are strongly advised to reserve your place now. More information about the conferences and registration details are available from the conference websites: Aquafeed Horizons: www.aquafeed.info; FIAAP Conference: www.feedconferences.com.

Just Days Left to Qualify for Discounted Registration For Aquafeed and Feed Ingredient Asian Conferences

2008-01-09T13:46:00.000-10:00

Time is running out to benefit from early registration to the most important feed conferences in Asia.

January 15 is the final day to qualify for early booking discounts to Aquafeed Horizons Asia and Feed Ingredients & Additives Asia Pacific conferences, set to take place in Bangkok on March 5 and 6, 2008. Combined conference registration and group booking discounts will still apply throughout the reservation period but the organizers encourage you to book as soon as possible to ensure your place.

These conferences, which will be held during the Victam Asia and FIAAP trade shows, will present feed industry professionals with the very latest information on ingredient availability and quality, processing know-how and novel ingredients to boost their formulation arsenal.

Aquafeed Horizons Asia Topics:
Aquafeed and aquaculture production and policies in Thailand
Pheromone-based feeding attractants for sustainable aquaculture
Promoting animal health through feed
Improving palatability in shrimp feeds
Starter diet production technology
Ingredient trends and effects on extrusion process
Technical advances in extruded shrimp
Krill as a feed source for aquaculture
Beyond pre-conditioning – reducing carbon footprint and Increasing quality
Sustainable Production of a High Quality Fishmeal Substitute – Ento-Protein
Innovation in Closed Containment System Technology, the Aqua-Sphere

Feed Ingredients & Additives Asia Pacific (FIAAP) Conference Topics:
Southeast Asia Animal Feed Additives Market: Overview And Trends
Raw Material Supply And Demand – Are They In Balance?
A Comparison Of Digestible Protein And Amino Acids Content And Value Of Terrestrial Animal Protein Meals For Aquafeeds
Fishmeal and Oil Review
Amino Acid Content In Fishmeal Shows High Variation
Natural Ingredients – Product Opportunities And Process Issues
Mycotoxins In Animal Nutrition - Problems And Solutions
Bacterial Contamination Of Feed And Feed Ingredients – Importance Of Control For Food Safety And Animal Performance
Efficacy Of Phytogenics In Commercial Layers
A sustainable alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in poultry nutrition
Turning Bad News Into Good News – Feeding Opportunities For The Asia Pacific Animal Industry To Maximize Profitability
A Healthy Gut For Optimal Performance Through Target Release Concepts In Animal Diets

The full program, sponsorship information, registration form and brochure are available on the conference websites at: www.aquafeed.info and www.feedconferences.com or contact: conferences@aquafeed.com.

Held every other year, Victam Asia is the premier event for the feed industries in Southeast Asia. You can view information on Victam Asia 2008 here: http://www.victam.com/asia.php

Senior Thai Official to Open Strongly Technical Conference

2007-12-04T10:57:00.000-10:00

Dr. Juadee Pongmaneerat, senior expert in fishery product and inspection, Thai Department of Fisheries, to open strongly technical aquafeed conference

Cultivated marine shrimp have been an important source of protein in Thailand for many years and the country has been an exporter since 1991.

In 2005 and 2006 total production of marine shrimp was about 380,000 tons and 410,000 tons respectively, and in 2007, that figure is expected to reach over 500,000 tons. However, the Thailand has not escaped the devastating disease outbreaks suffered in shrimp farms world wide: WSSV, TSV and IHHNV have taken their toll.

This and the uncertainty of healthy brood stock supply, has seen the country make a dramatic shift from black tiger shrimp (P.Monodon) to the white shrimp (P. vannamei) , which today accounts for 95-98 per cent of production.
Other major aquacultured species in Thailand are sea bass, grouper, green muscle, blood clam, oyster, tilapia, catfish and giant fresh water prawn. There are 155 registered aquafeed mills in the country including premixed, supplemental feed, concentrate feed and complete feed.

Dr. Juadee Pongmaneerat, senior expert in fishery product and inspection, Department of Fisheries, Bangkok, Thailand will open the Aquafeed Horizons Asia Conference with an update of the country’s aquaculture and aquafeed status and explain the steps the Department of Fisheries has established to develop a strategy and policy for sustainable aquaculture and to enhance the safety and quality of aquatic food.

The conference will have a strong technical emphasis. Delegates will discover the very latest innovations in feed additives, such as pheromone attractants and palatability enhancers. Ingredients to add to the aquafeed formulator’s arsenal will be presented - from krill to insects, and novel feed supplements and neutraceuticals to promote performance and health in farmed fish and shrimp.

Many of these new ingredients will have an impact on the processing and this will be examined as part of the afternoon session, which will be devoted to practical processing issues.

Can you use an extruder to make shrimp feeds?
Current technology and the advantages of this method of production will be reviewed in a talk that will cover all aspects of this process from the raw materials through to drying and cooling before packaging. Final product quality aspects will also be presented.

Starter feed production will be reviewed in another talk and the day will finish with a discussion of upstream processing to improve process efficiencies. It will explore work done on early pre-hydration and the effect on improved production rates, the hydration being either/and combinations of grain tempering and last minute addition of water to ground powders before going into the storage bin that feeds the extruder. This talk will also discuss high speed continuous mixer/choppers to hydrate and add other liquids before the conditioner, and the theory that supports these technologies.

Ways of misting steam and water into existing conditioners and the beneficial effect of these: the presentation will be an overview of techniques that are available to improve product quality through homogenous mixing and heating and to improve production rates and reduce machine wear.

As an end to the day, delegates will be able to sit back and enjoy a presentation on the very latest in contained aquaculture productions systems and the development of entoprotein – an alternative protein source from insects, about to be commercialized.

To register for Aquafeed Horizons Asia 2008, visit www.aquafeed.info.

2007-10-13T08:53:00.000-10:00

Aquafeed Horizons Asia announces hotel deals and joint registration with feed ingredient conference

Delegates to Aquafeed Horizons Asia 2008, which will take place at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok, March 6, 2008, can now register jointly for the Feed Ingredients & Additives Asia Pacific (FIAAP) Conference. This related conference will take place at the same venue on the previous day.

"We know that many people will be interested in both conferences and it makes sense to register for both at once", Suzi Fraser Dominy, president of Aquafeed.com and both meetings, commented. "Combined registration will cut down the paper work for delegates ad save them money".

The FIAAP Conference program is close to being finalized and includes a number of presentations of direct relevance to the aquafeed community. In particular:
Natural Ingredients – Product Opportunities and Process Issues - Colin Mair, Cormal Technology Ltd., U.K.

Amino acid content in fishmeal shows high variation - Torben Gosvig Madsen, Regional Technical Service Manager, Degussa (SEA) Pte. Ltd.

A comparison of digestible protein and amino acids content and value of terrestrial animal protein meals for aquafeeds - Dr. Yu Yu, National Renderers Association, Inc.,

A healthy gut for optimal performance through target release concepts in animal diets - Koen Schwarzer, NUTRI-AD International N.V.

Bacterial Contamination Of Feed And Feed Ingredients – Importance Of Control For Food Safety And Animal Performance - Dr Adam Smith, Anitox Ltd, Earls Barton, Northants, NN6 OHJ, United Kingdom

Mycotoxins in animal nutrition - problems and solutions - Mathieu Cortyl, Impextraco NV, Singapore Representative Office.

Aqafeed Horizons sia and FAAP are beng held in association with Victam Asia 2008 and delegates will be ble to visit both shows freeof charge. Special hotel rates have been announced and you can find these on the conferences' websitebelow:

FIAAP Conference: www.feedconferencescom

Aquafeed Horizons Asia: www.aquafeed.info

Technical Advancements in Extruded Shrimp Feeds

2007-08-20T14:48:00.001-10:00

Wenger Mfg., Inc., Kansas, USA
Email: jkearns@wenger.com

This presentation will cover the current possible technology used in production of shrimp feeds via extrusion and the advantages of this method of production.

The review will cover all aspects of this process from the raw materials through to drying and cooling before packaging.

The final product quality aspects of shrimp feeds via extrusion compared to other processing methods will also be presented.

Starter Aqua Feed Technology

2007-08-20T14:43:00.000-10:00

Will Henry, Extru-Tech, Inc., Kansas, USA
Email: extru-techinc@extru-techinc.com

a. Size Comparison
b. Poor Pellet Construction
c. Preferred Pellet Construction

2. Mixing Considerations
a. Dedication
b. Grinding/Pulverising
c. Sifitng (Pre & Post Production)

3. Starter Diet Production
a. Pellet & Crumble
1. Overview
2. Pros and Cons
b. Direct Extrusion
1. Overview
2. Pros and Cons
c. Spheronise & Agglomerate
1. Overview
2. Pros and Cons

4. Vitamin Survival
a. Vitamin Uses
b. Vitamin Survival
c. Comparison

5. Flexibility

6. Research Results
a. FCR
b. Uniformity
c. Water Quality / Waste Management
d. Survival Rates

7. Q&A

Ingredient Trends and the Effects on the Extrusion Process

2007-08-20T14:14:00.000-10:00

Galen J. Rokey, Manager, Wenger Mfg., Inc., Kansas, USA
Email: grokey@wenger.com
I. Benefits of proper particle size in raw materials
a. Product appearance
b. Reduction of blocked die orifice
c. Ease of cooking
d. Increase in throughputs

II. Protein constituents in recipe
a. Functional versus non-functional sources
b. Impact of high levels of vegetable proteins

III. Starch components of the recipe
a. Starch functionality
b. Recommended starch levels

IV. Effects of fat in the diet
a. Internal versus external fat addition
b. Impact of fat levels on the product technical properties
c. Proper analysis methods for fat levels

V. Role of minor ingredients
a. Vitamins and pigments
b. Humectants and other preservatives
c. Rework

Beyond Pre-Conditioning – Reducing Carbon Footprint and Increasing Quality

2007-08-15T22:58:00.000-10:00

Colin Mair, Cormal Technology Ltd., U.K.
Email : colinmair@btinternet.com

The presentation will be on upstream processing to improve process efficiencies.

It will explore work done on early pre-hydration and the effect on improved production rates, the hydration being either/and combinations of grain tempering and last minute addition of water to ground powders before going into the storage bin that feeds the extruder.

Also there will be discussion of high speed continuous mixer/choppers to hydrate and add other liquids before the conditioner, and the theory that supports these technologies.

Also ways of misting steam and water into existing conditioners and the beneficial effect of these. Also the effect of pre-heating conditioning water.

The presentation will be an overview of techniques that are available to improve product quality through homogenous mixing and heating and to improve production rates and reduce machine wear.

The (South Antarctic) Krill Industry - How far can krill derivatives become a real feed ingredient substitute? - A Brief Industry Overview

2007-08-01T15:11:00.000-10:00

Dimitri Sclabos, General Manager, Tharos Ltd. E-mail : dimitri@sclabos.com - dimitrisclabos@tharos.biz

Much has been said about South Antarctic Krill (Euphausia superba, Dana) species products, specifically meals and oils, becoming sustainable, competitively priced aquafeed ingredient replacements for brown fishmeal and fish oils.

Undoubtedly krill meals and oils have unsurpassed nutritional qualities that aquafeeds can and should profit from. Nonetheless, feed manufacturers should count on them as one-more feed component alternative rather than being an entire substitute option.

There are three relevant aspects of this fishery that will preclude South Antarctic Krill derivatives from becoming stable, price-competitive feed ingredients; processing and logistic complexities, owner/processors’ options of alternative higher value-added routes and environmental and regulatory aspects.

Processing complexities abound, no matter how simple it may be seen to process “just another pelagic” species, South Antarctic Krill has not proved to be another “typical pelagic species”. Logistic aspects are also difficult to work with, in relation to the area where it is captured and processed as well as the costs involved for this operation.

For key fishing operators (owners), although feed-grade krill meals and oils are relevant end-product targets, there are also other krill derivatives that may add much more value to the at-sea operation, for example pharma-grade krill oils (phospholipids-rich), food-grade whole frozen krill and white tablecloth food-grade meats.

Environmental and regulatory aspects will and need to be seriously addressed in order to prevent the South Antarctic Krill face the same detrimental fishing effort seen on other species if it wants to become a sustainable and environmental-friendly resource option. The major over fishing risk relies on the South Antarctic Krill species’ being key resource for the entire South Antarctic trophic feed-chain.

For more information and to register for Aquafeed Horizons Asia, visit http://www.aquafeed.info/

Palatability Improvement in Shrimp Feed

2007-08-01T15:09:00.000-10:00

Dr Vincent FOURNIER, R&D Manager AQUATIV. Email: vfournier@aquativ-diana.com

To contend with the palatability problems that have arisen as a result of fishmeal replacement in aquafeed, Aquativ has been developing and selling natural attractants for more than four years. Excellent feed intake and growth improvement have already been obtained in laboratory and with aquafeed producers in various species such as european seabass, atlantic salmon, yellowtail.

Some recent trials were conducted in shrimp (penaeus vannamei) in well known testing facilities: the objective was to demonstrate if a good level of palatability could be reached using natural attractants in shrimp diets containing low levels of fish meal.

Growth and preference trials were conducted. Several PE were added to feed formula containing low fish meal levels (LFM), and compared with formula containing a high level of fish meal (HFM) without PE. Shrimps were fed to satiety by feeding trays for 70 and 15 days in growth and preference trials, respectively.

No significant difference was observed between HFM and LFM diet showing that scarce raw materials like fish meal could be successfully replaced with more available plant based raw material when using natural attractants.

For more information and to register for Aquafeed Horizons Asia, visit www.aquafeed.info

The Development Of Novel Feeding Attractants For Sustainable Aquaculture

2007-08-01T15:04:00.000-10:00

Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Pakefield Road,Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, United Kingdom. Email: andy.moore@cefas.co.uk

Since 2001 the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) has been developing a range of novel feeding attractants to support the development of sustainable aquaculture. The attractants, which are nature identical chemosensory stimulants have been shown in a series of laboratory tank trials to increase feeding activity in a range of fish species.

The feeding attractants, which are in the form of a liquid-formulation are added to the water prior to the addition of the feed. The feeding attractants developed for European cod, (Gadus morhua) tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and a penaeid shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) have been tested under commercial conditions in hatcheries and production facilities in Norway, China and Thailand.

Initial data from the feeding trials indicate that the application of the feeding attractants resulted in a significant increase in growth of all three species. The results of the studies are also discussed in relation to the application of the feeding attractants for use with reduced fish protein based commercial feeds.

For more information and to register for Aquafeed Horizons Asia, visit http://www.aquafeed.info/

Provisional Program now available

2007-07-10T11:11:00.000-10:00

The provisional program for Aquafeed Horizons Asia technical workshop has been announced.

CHAIRMEN:
· Dr. Dean Akiyama, Senior VP Aquafeed Technology, Charoen Pokphand Indonesia
· Dr. Warren Dominy, Director, Aquatic Feed & Nutrition Department, Oceanic Institute, Hawaii

SPEAKERS INCLUDE:
· Dr. Juadee Pongmaneerat, Department of Fisheries, Thailand
· Dr. Andrew Moore, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, U.K.
· Dr. Peter Coutteau, Inve, Belgium
· Dimitri Sclabos, Sclabos Consulting, Chile
· Galen Rokey, Wenger Manufacturing, Inc., USA
· Joe Kearns, Wenger Manufacturing, Inc., USA
· Will Henry, Extru-Tech, Inc., USA
· Dr. Vincent Fournier, Aquativ, France

TOPICS INCLUDE:
· Aquafeed and aquaculture production and policies in Thailand
· Pheromone-based feeding attractants for sustainable aquaculture
· Promoting animal health through feed
· Improving palatability in shrimp feeds
· Starter diet production technology
· Ingredient trends and effects on extrusion process
· Technical advances in extruded shrimp feeds
· Krill as a feed source for aquaculture

Download the brochure and see registration details on the conference website: www.aquafeed.info.

FIRST ANNOUNCEMENT & CALL FOR PAPERS

2007-06-14T10:17:00.000-10:00

Aquafeed.com will run a one day Symposium during Victam Asia 2008, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Bangkok, Thailand.

“Aquafeed Horizons Asia 2008” will present the latest advances in aquaculture feed formulation and production technology and explore the trends and direction in which the industry is headed.

The workshop will be extensively publicized by Victam, Aquafeed.com, direct mail, associations and the trade press. Held every other year, Victam Asia is the premier event for the feed industries in Southeast Asia. You can view information on Victam Asia 2008 here: http://www.victam.com/asia.php

If you would like to participate as a presenter at this conference, please indicate your interest as soon as possible.

Submissions are sought in the following categories:

Feed Processing Technology: Latest concepts in feed processing and new equipment for the production of aquatic feeds for hatchery and cage culture;

Feed Formulation and ingredients: New ingredients, formulation concepts and applied nutritional science for hatchery and growout of aquatic species appropriate to the region;

Markets and Trends: Status and overviews of world and Asian aquafeed markets, emerging species, farming technologies, market drivers.

PLEASE NOTE
Papers will be selected on their relative value to the commercial aquafeed industry and at the sole discretion of the organizers.

Technical presentations must be narrowly focused and impart a high level of technical expertise: broad, superficial papers will not be accepted.

Presentations must not be sales orientated - although your brochures etc. may be made available to delegates at the meeting.

Presentations must be tailored to the needs of the commercial aquafeed industry.

Presenters will be required to make available the full text of their presentations, abstracts, biographies and other written material in the format required and by the given deadlines.

Presenters who do not submit their presentations on time may be dropped from the program.
Presenters will be responsible for their own expenses.

Please submit an outline only. Outline Format: No longer than a single page in Word (12pt Times New Roman, single spaced). Your name, affiliation and email address must appear at the top of the page.

The Symposium will be organized to encourage as much interaction between participants as possible. With this in mind, the number of presentations will be strictly limited. Please therefore indicate your interest without delay.

Submit your abstract by mail to: editor@aquafeed.com.
CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSIONS: Friday June 29, 2007