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

Peter Coutteau, Business Development Manager – Aquaculture, Nutriad International NV, Belgium

As ingredient prices rise, nutritionists search for new options for cost reduction by maximizing the efficiency of digestive and metabolic processes which are at the basis of converting nutrients into meat gain. The presentation illustrates the potential to reducing cost of feeding in aquaculture by improving the efficiency of nutrient utilization and optimizing gut health. Digestibility enhancing additives have the potential to improve nutrient utilization from cheap ingredients and stimulate the conversion of nutrients into meat gain and less into fat accumulation in muscle and viscera. The potential of species-specific digestibility enhancers, tailored to the digestive physiology and feed formulation of each aquaculture species, is illustrated with results from feeding trials with Tilapia (Oreochromus niloticus),  tra catfish (Pangasius hypophthalmus),European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax), and white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei).  Fish and shrimp are highly exposed to exchanges of microflora between the environment and the digestive system. Furthermore, the digestive system of fish and shrimp is the main entry port for bacterial and 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 potentially pathogenic micro-organisms. The efficacy of phytobiotics was tested under lab and field conditions for fish and shrimp production, resulting in significant improvements in survival, growth and food conversion.