JUL 2023 - International Aquafeed magazine

FISH FARMING TECHNOLOGY

SUSTAINABLE TROUT FARMING: alternative to antibiotics to fight diseases

- Algae - A key to a better world

- Reducing carbon footprint: A new approach to raw materials

- Alltech ONE - Dublin: Partnering and empowering each other to overcome big challenges

- The Future of Fish Farming is On Land: A disruptive water treatment solution is the future

WELCOME

The topic that takes my eye in this the latest edition of International Aquafeed is our IAF Journal. Yes, we have our first scientific, peerreviewed paper published in the IAF Journal that is a supplement contained within the July 2023 edition of the magazine.

Our congratulations go to the researchers, their institutions and all who have focused on tilapia feeding to address locally-sourced ingredients. It’s a major work and justifies the eight pages we have provided - the additional tables and references along with the entire paper in pdf format, can be read and downloaded from our IAF website under the 'Journal' tab.

This, I hope, will be the first tentative step towards a much sought-after service that we as longstanding publishers in the sector, addresses the nutritional needs of farmed fish and their related activities in the aquaculture sector.

Many of our articles published have been cited and we are proud of our applied nutrition approach. However, publishing peer-reviewed articles in a timely way will mean that information dissemination, verified by scientists within the field, will boost the uptake of the developments they report upon.

I’d like to thank our Editor Professor Simon Davies, our Managing Editor Jyothsna Nelloolichalil along with Editorial Board members and others who have taken on peer-review duties. This dedicated team is prepared to process contributions in as short a time period as possible. I thank them for their commitment.

One proviso I must point out to those submitting contributions; space is at a premium in printed publications these days and therefore we offer just 3000 words per submissions as part of the fees charged. If submissions are longer authors have the opportunity to purchase additional space (at a concession) to have their article in full. As part of our standard publication offer, we carry the article in full on our Journal webpage at no extra charge and this will include tables and references, etc.

I welcome all contributions and hopefully IAF and its IAF Journal will provide a valued service to the aquaculture industry.

Talking events

I talk a lot about the value of events, conferences and other activities that bring industry players together. And this month’s content is no exception in recognising that. It has been a busy time globally for aqua nutrition recently and more is to come.

However, I must point out that not all our focus should be within the sector: by that I mean we should be prepared to engage outside our sectors, our industry and take on board what others are saying about us, related sectors and about themselves.

For instance, today I deleted an incoming email from a PR consultancy which ‘surveyed’ European consumers to show that two thirds of them want ‘truly protected’ marine protected areas. The survey is to coincide with a critical vote on the EU’s Nature Restoration Law in the second week of July. The consultancy says MPAs remain unprotected and are subjected to industrial fishing.

The survey involved just 2500 respondents across four countries to formulate its hard hitting conclusions to criticise the European Parliament’s Environmental Committee and to call for 30 percent of all territorial waters around the EU states to exclude towed fishing methods.

Pressure groups continue to make life difficult for all of us in the food production industries. There is no consequence for their actions - for example where will the seafood not fished in European waters come from in future? Obviously, from regions outside the governance and control of the EU. Yet that 'environmental impact' has been missed entirely. This is just one example of how we in our own insulated communities want to move environmental impact onto others.

We should be looking to protect the seabed and the species living within the oceans - and those in territorial waters in particular which might be more influenced by our activities - while adopting fish and fish farming methods that can deliver the food required.

Seafood has proven to be a highly nutritious food for the human condition and demand for it is increasing.

So let’s understand the goals of pressure groups, gather our facts and scientific information and counter these challenges that are often based on ignorance and misinformation.

In this issue

In keeping with the former topic, several events have been focused on in recent months. However, we lead this edition with two features that point to the future - one on Algae which may well be ‘a key to a better world’ as explained by Francisco Veloso of Algikey in Portugal (page 14) and the other on how Cargill is going about helping aquaculture farmers to reduce their carbon footprint with a new approach to raw materials coming into use. Fredrik Witte heads up the SeaFurther Sustainability Program and reports with Megan Hobbs of Cargill’s R&D Department (page16).

Myself and my colleague Tuti Tan attended the Alltech One Dublin event - held at Croke Park Stadium in Dublin, Ireland (page 18), where we were exposed to this company’s thinking about how we can all make a contribution to having a ‘World of Plenty’ while at the same time understanding and adopting mitigating practices that reduce the impact of greenhouse gases.

The single take home message from this stimulating event was that food producers such as livestock and fish farmers (although not mentioned specifically) now have two challenges - not only to feed a world that will grow to 10 billion by the middle of this century but also to ‘reverse climate change.’

Phodé of France has contributed a feature on the reduction of negative effects when handling stress in finfish farming. The article is written by Amine Chaabane the company’s aquaculture manager, see page 24.

There is much more in this edition to read and enjoy.

Please let me know if there is a topic or issue you would like to see covered in IAF! Enjoy the read.

Roger Gilbert

Publisher – International Aquafeed and Fish Farming Technology

Last month on June 8th we noted World Oceans Day 2023 with much mention of our precious seas and oceans in terms of environmental protection, climate change and pollution. The latter is of course deeply concerning with the large tonnage of plastics entering the marine environment either directly, or by way of our rivers and waterways to the seas. It has recently been calculated that there is now 5.25 trillion macro and micro pieces of plastic in our ocean with an estimated 46,000 pieces in every square mile of ocean, weighing up to 269,000 tonnes. Every day around 8 million items of plastic route their way into our oceans. It is a very frightening statistic to appreciate and grasp. This major problem is now attracting global attention as it is a matter of grave concern to our shared biosphere and its diversity of organisms from the microbial, planktonic, invertebrate, vertebrate classes of all orders and species.

Plastics breakdown to the micro level and potentially to even nano dimensions. They were first identified in small marine annelid worms but are now present even in the tissues of higher animals. Microplastics, which are tiny plastic particles measuring less than 5 millimetres in size, have become widespread in marine environments due to pollution and improper waste disposal. The potential disruption of the complex food chain is undoubtable and will ultimately affect humans and may already have taken some effect.

As aquaculture expands at increasing rates, we have been dependent to a great extent on marine sourced ingredients although these are being used more strategically in the last few decades. Fortunately, we are less dependent due to the surge in alternative raw materials from terrestrial sources such as oilseed grain proteins, insect meal and cultured algae for oil for compounded diets. However, we should be concerned in the aquafeed sector until this problem relating to aquatic and marine ingredients can be resolved to some degree of certainty. As a nutrition scientist with a focus on fish nutrition and aquafeeds, the safety and efficacy of our food chain is of paramount importance.

There have been recent discussions regarding whether fishmeal could be a vector to deliver microplastics into farmed fish and entering into the edible components like muscle and end products. We know that nano-scale particles can accumulate in human and animal models with speculation that they can even bridge the blood brain barrier. There is much evidence that their absorption from the gastrointestinal tract is feasible, and particles can translocate into the gut, lungs, liver, heart, nerves, and brain. The interaction between marine microplastics and the gut microbiota of farmed fish is an area of growing concern and research. When fish consume water or food contaminated with microplastics, these particles can accumulate in their digestive systems. This ingestion can have various implications for the gut microbiota, which refers to the diverse community of microorganisms residing in the fish's gastrointestinal tract. Studies have shown that microplastics can physically damage the intestinal tissues of fish, leading to inflammation and changes in gut morphology. These alterations can disrupt the balance of the gut microbiota, potentially affecting its composition and function.

The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in nutrient metabolism, immune response, and overall health of the host organism. Research has demonstrated that exposure to microplastics can lead to shifts in the diversity and abundance of gut microbial communities in fish. These alterations may impact the fish's ability to digest and absorb nutrients,

impair their immune system, and increase their susceptibility to diseases. Furthermore, microplastics can act as carriers or adsorbents for various chemical contaminants, such as persistent organic pollutants and heavy metals. When fish consume microplastics laden with these contaminants, they can be absorbed by the gut and transferred into the bloodstream. This can result in toxic effects not only on the fish but also on the gut microbiota, as some microorganisms may be sensitive to these pollutants. Investigations are being conducted at a fundamental level on the zebrafish as a model to study potential invasive routes into the body. Various exposure levels in controlled aquarium facilities in several universities are exploring the effects of microplastics on physiology, metabolism, bioenergetics, and immunology. Plastic particles can disrupt the balance of the gut microbiota, potentially affecting its composition and function. The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in nutrient metabolism, immune response, and overall health of the host organism. Research has demonstrated that exposure to microplastics can lead to shifts in the diversity and abundance of gut microbial communities in fish. These alterations may impact the fish's ability to digest and absorb nutrients, impair their immune system, and increase their susceptibility to diseases. Farmed fish are a major source of seafood globally, and any disruptions to their gut microbiota can have cascading effects on their growth, reproduction, and susceptibility to diseases. Additionally, if these contaminants are passed along the food chain, they may pose risks to human health when consuming fish products.

Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach. Efforts should focus on reducing the input of microplastics into marine environments through better waste management and stricter regulations. Additionally, sustainable aquaculture practices that minimise the exposure of farmed fish to microplastics and other pollutants should be implemented. Further research is needed to better understand the mechanisms underlying the interaction between microplastics and gut microbiota and to develop strategies to mitigate the potential impacts on fish and human health.

I was intrigued by a recent report on a media platform concerning the use of PAPS Processed Animal Proteins with emphasis on PBM, Poultry Byproduct Meal in studies with rainbow trout. The authors found very positive results when inclusion levels in diets were up to 36%. This is hardly surprising as I have been involved with earlier work reporting similar data in several peer-reviewed publication. However, the report is wrong regarding legislation stating that approval has not been granted to date by the EU for PBM use in aquafeeds. It has been approved by the EU Commission since 2013 (COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) No 56/2013) of 16 January 2013, but it is the confidence of retailers and the fish feed industry sector that is at issue here due to remaining public concerns in Europe on the safety of the food chain involving animal derived proteins since the BSE outbreaks in the late 1990s.

My colleague Dr Stephen Woodgate led our comprehensive review paper (Reviews in Aquaculture, 2022) on this topic recently which discuses PBM and other PAPs for aquaculture, legislation, and the future of these products from the rendering industries.

Our July issue contains many articles and features, including our usual feed and nutrition related reports. There are many news updates so please enjoy our mid-year 2023 edition. There will be of course many meetings and workshops in the autumn in different parts of the world and the EAS event in Vienna, Austria in September where the latest developments in aquaculture nutrition and feed technology will be showcased. We may cross paths.

Professor Simon Davies

Nutrition Editor, International Aquafeed

At the Nor-Fishing Foundation, we are currently extremely busy preparing for the Aqua Nor 2023 exhibition and conference, which opens on 22 August in Trondheim, Norway.

We notice a strong increase in interest from international visitors and exhibitors this year. Among the would-be visitors, there is an abundance of companies and individuals from developing countries, particularly in Asia and Africa. We welcome this interest, of course, but we are also a little concerned that the visitors will expect too much, and too fast improvements in their own aquaculture sector. When persons who have never been involved with aquaculture come to the exhibition and expect a quick recipe for how to get rich in a hurry, they are bound to be disappointed. Building an aquaculture business is not done in a hurry, and advanced technology is not necessarily the answer.

With all the interest we are seeing in Africa, I have given a lot of thought to the development of African aquaculture. Until the 1990s, production was very low, less than 100 000 tonnes on the entire continent. Production started to rise at the end of the century, and then grew steadily until about 2018 – 2019. In 1990, the total African aquaculture production was only 90 000 tonnes. In 2021, it had grown to over 2.4 million tonnes. However, the most remarkable development was the rapid increase in the value of African aquaculture production. The first-hand value of African aquaculture production went from 165 million dollars in 1990 to over 5.6 billion dollars in 2021. But over 65 percent of the African aquaculture production came from one country: Egypt. Developments in Egypt have been rapid, and technology-based. The rest of Africa is lagging behind. Even such an advanced country as South Africa, where many aquaculture operations are quite advanced, total production in 2021 was only 10,525 tonnes!

From time to time, we are asked to list what it takes to develop aquaculture, not only in Africa, but anywhere. In my view, here are some of the things needed:

Capital,

Knowledge, biology Technology

Infrastructure Markets

Risk capital to invest in African aquaculture has been and still is a problem. This is mainly because investors are uncertain about political risk, corruption, and about the industry itself. Banks

and insurance companies do not have the knowledge about the industry, so they shy away from it. But in my experience, they become interested if somebody can guide them.

There has been a general lack of knowledge about aquaculture in Africa, about biology and about how to design and operate aquaculture farms. However, this is changing, thanks to authorities, universities, international organisations, and not least industry organisations like the newly established WAS African Chapter. Some investors I have been in touch with have solved the problem of lack of fish farming expertise by hiring experts from abroad for the design period and the initial operations. Even though this may look like an expensive solution, it turns out to be a very effective insurance against making mistakes.

One big problem so far has been the lack of proper infrastructure. In many African countries, roads, electricity, water supplies, communications etc are inadequate. In my view, this is still a problem in many countries, but in others it is improving. Without proper infrastructure, aquaculture development becomes both difficult and expensive.

In my view, many aquaculture investment projects, - not only in Africa, but everywhere -, have not managed to get a good estimate of the market potential before the investment is made. Demand for fish in Africa is very good, but why do so many projects base their plans on producing for export markets? The local market is often a better way to start, and far cheaper to serve than a distant export market.

Finally: technology. Yes, the technology used in many African aquaculture operations is old-fashioned, traditional, and not very effective. In order to be able to acquire and use modern technology, the operation most often has to be of a certain size. Technology costs money, and the cost therefore has to be distributed over a large production. Many aquaculture projects in Africa have a tendency to focus on small-scale, “back yard” types of operation. I believe this hinders a broad development of African aquaculture.

Many aquaculture-interested persons in Africa appear to share this view, and that is probably why they go to Aqua Nor and similar high-tech exhibitions. But when these visitors return home, they may be facing another obstacle to developing the industry: the general conservatism of people in fisheries (and agriculture). In general, it is my experience that many operators in fisheries and traditional aquaculture are afraid of making changes, because it means they have to dive into a new an unknown field, one of hightech solutions and complicated science.

FISH FARMING TECHNOLOGY

Erik Hempel

The Nor-Fishing Foundation

Perendale Publishers Ltd

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FISH FARMING TECHNOLOGY

THE BIG PICTURE

Sustainable trout farming: alternative to antibiotics to fight diseases

See more on page 46

FEATURES

14 Algae - A key to a better world

16 Reducing carbon footprint: A new approach to raw materials

18 Alltech ONE - Dublin: Partnering and empowering each other to overcome big challenges

24 A natural solution to reduce negative effects of handling stress in finfish farmin

26 Supporting Portuguese aquaculture growth through higher education

FISH FARMING TECHNOLOGY

40 The Future of Fish Farming is On Land: A disruptive water treatment solution is the future

Hatcheries

Pellet 50-800 µ

Ø Pipe 20 mm

Pre-grow

Pellet 1-4 mm

Ø Pipe 25-40 mm

Pellet 4-20 mm

Ø Pipe 50-90 mm

ASC pioneers digital traceability for shrimp through its key data elements project

Digital supply chain traceability of Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certified shrimp products has become a reality, thanks to ASC’s Key Data Elements (KDE) project. By harnessing the power of technology to improve visibility of each product’s route to market, retailers will have a higher level of programme assurance through increased farm origin and supply chain data transparency.

The groundbreaking project has developed software to digitally capture and convey key data from ASC certified farms and feed sources, through processing, packaging, and transport to retailers. As product is moved, the data is transferred digitally along the supply chain, from one company to the next, using a unique code.

To achieve this goal, ASC has worked closely with supply chain company partners, stakeholders, and large-scale seafood traceability initiatives such as the Global Dialogue on Seafood Traceability (GDST), to ensure that the project is aligned and has shared objectives and outcomes.

Capturing Diverse Data Digitally

Relevant KDEs are captured, including a species’ scientific name, stock size and volume, source of broodstock, production method, country of origin and location of farm, movement and transportation documents, source and certification status of feed ingredients, processor type, date of freezing and sales documents. The data captured support traceability, which ultimately helps strengthen integrity and programme assurance.

Inclusion of hatchery name and stocking data means that tracking and verification measures begin prior to harvest, which is where ASC differs from some other schemes.

The project has already resulted in the building of an extensive database, and the list of captured elements will evolve as it develops further.

UK retailer Sainsbury’s and their supplier, Lyons Seafoods Ltd, are KDE project champions during this initial phase. They are working closely with ASC to offer valuable feedback from the supply chain to help continuously improve the project.

ASC’s Programme Assurance and Integrity

The project’s initial focus has been on shrimp in Vietnam. To date, the majority of companies in Vietnam and India that label their shrimp products with the ASC label have signed up, and the roll-out has begun in Bangladesh. These products are exported around the globe, with the most significant purchasers being the Netherlands, France, Switzerland, and Germany. Products are also sold to many other countries in Europe and are traded as far afield as Canada, Singapore, the USA, Japan, Australia and Hong Kong.

The project aligns with other initiatives that help to re-enforce traceability and integrity and ASC is currently planning to run trials with tools such as farm management software.

Interoperability is crucial to the success of the wider project, and by working with partners and NGOs on protocols, ASC aims to achieve interoperable systems that will facilitate data exchange between different software providers and the ASC platforms.

Achieving full traceability for ASC shrimp products is just the beginning of this journey, and next steps in terms of additional species and geographical locations for the project are already being considered.

Phileo’s probiotics and active yeast fractions are designed for hatcheries and growing farms to support health, feed efficiency and growth performance . Our sustainable solutions bring innovative responses to fishmeal reduction stakes and environmental challenges. Act with nature for animal care.

Aquaculture research alliance leverages capability to support industry research

To help accelerate innovation, research, and development in aquatic food production, and to understand the full potential of the sector, CIEL (Centre for Innovation Excellence in Livestock) has been the driving-force behind an aquaculture seed funding initiative.

Martin Sutcliffe, CIEL’s aquaculture specialist explains that the projects supported through the initiative were selected based on their potential to move the industry forward.

“CIEL works with organisations across the agrifood sector, encouraging knowledge exchange and best practice while tapping into academic expertise,” he says.

“Bringing agrifood and aquaculture sectors together was one of the main goals of this work.

“We’ve supported a variety of projects including one looking specifically at reducing carbon emissions. This involved assessing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from Pangasius (Basa) production in Vietnam, where the majority of aquaculture takes place in open pond systems.

“Little is known about direct GHG emissions from production ponds, and this research could potentially be replicated in other forms of aquaculture production.

“There are also synergies and lessons which relate to reducing emissions from livestock manure,” explains Mr Sutcliffe.

He adds that other projects looked at the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of cleaner fish as a sustainable tool for sealice management, with improvements that could have positive impacts on the salmon industry in Scotland.

“Another project which demonstrates this is the seaweed protein biomass cultivation system project which was run by seaweed farmers Seaweed Generation Ltd. Their research has shown how seaweed has significant potential as a feed source for the poultry industry.”

“The projects have all worked well so far, and the results are promising.”

Phil Bicknell, director of CIEL adds: “We are delighted to support these projects as they not only show the strength of the aquaculture industry in the UK, but they have also sparked further ideas for many in the industry as to how agriculture and aquaculture can be brought together to benefit each other.

“R&D across aquaculture is vital. As an industry, we need to continue to seek investment opportunities to ensure the UK aquaculture industry can be globally competitive and resilient.

“This has been underlined by these seed funding projects, by CIEL’s recent regional roadshows with the sector, and is again emphasised in our latest net zero work.”

• SEA LICE POPULATIONS

• CATARACT PREVALENCE

• AGGRESSION DURING FEEDING

• ENERGY CONSUMPTION

• STORAGE SPACE & COSTS

• MEDICAL TREATMENTS

Legal business advice:

• Mariculture and Aquaculture leases

• Aquaculture and mariculture disputes

• Commercial fishery issues

• Acquisition and ownership of fisheries

• Registration of fishing rights

• Defence of fisheries prosecutions

• Seizure of fishing vessels

• International fishing licenses

• High seas fishing

• FISH HEALTH & WELFARE

• MORTALITY RATES

• STABLE, CONTROLLED GROWTH

• LONGEVITY & EFFICACY

• PRACTICAL FEEDING METHODS

• DAILY OPERATIONAL COSTS

Produced

Brett Glencross

Future feeds will focus on precision nutrition

In the last issue of International Aquafeed I wrote about the journey that we have made in science over the past twenty plus years in terms of improving the outcomes for aquaculture through the three pillars of nutritional research: management / ingredients / requirements. This last of those pillars; requirements, forms the basis by which we design the specifications for feeds and thereby allows us to optimise the nutrients we supply, and directly impact growth and feed use efficiency of the animals we feed. However, one of the things we noted in reviewing the science on this, was that most of the big gains in things like feed efficiency have already been made, at least certainly so for the main aquacultu re species. Increasingly we can see that the science around defining requirements is becoming increasingly precise, to the point where we are now seeing the development of a precision nutrition approach to feed design.

So, what does “precision nutrition” entail? In the early days of aquaculture nutrition, feeds were typically designed based on species alone. We had salmon feeds, shrimp feeds, and so on. Now, we typically see up to ten different feed specifications applied to salmon from first feeding through to harvest. In that regard what we tend to see among those ten different feed specifications is changes in protein and energy balance, with further tailoring of things like EPA and DHA, and specific essential amino acids, and various other micronutrients. We also see a similar trend in shrimp feeds, though perhaps not as many feeds and certainly the changes in protein and energy balance are not as dramatic. There is a good reason for this variation, as it reflects the changes in demands for key nutrients and energy as the animal grows. And it has been derived from a growing understanding of the precise requirements of animals at different stages of production that has led to this precision approach.

Another aspect to that precision nutrition story has been to move away from crude feed specifications towards diets being designed based on digestible nutrient and energy, or in some cases, net energy supply. This advance has considerably opened the capacity of feed formulators to use a wider range of ingredients and ensure consistency of animal performance. After all it’s the digestible nutrients that an animal uses, not the crude nutrients. So, it makes logical sense to approach formulating that way, but this has taken a step-change in our understanding of both nutrient utilisation and ingredient management to be able to make that advance. A recent development of our understanding of the net energy concept in aquaculture has led to the realisation of the actual energy available from different nutrients (protein, fat, starch) within various ingredients and how that is not consistent across many species. Some species like tilapia seem to use starch well, whereas some other species not-so-much.

So, now in the 21st century, we see that through a precision nutrition approach we are formulating different feeds for different species and different life stages. We can also do this based on variable nutrient supply from various ingredients, and through a better understanding how some species can use starch, while others less so, be more precise in ensuring that both the nutri ents and energy being supplied, are done so in an effective way. And just when you might have thought we almost had it all covered, we are now finding that further dimensions exist in terms of both the health-status and the environment in which the animals are being raised. We are now also seeing feeds for immuneenhancement, recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) and highwater temperatures, among other things. But I guess this is the nature of a precision approach, it all just continues to get a little more precise.

Environment

Agency invests in 220 projects to benefit England’s fisheries

Nearly UK£1 million of rod licence income has been invested to improve fisheries across the country in the last year, the Environment Agency announced, with 220 projects delivering benefits to anglers and supporting sustainable fish stocks. Projects supported with £925,000 through the Fisheries Improvement Programme (FIP) include creating habitat for coarse fish and trout and improving angling access facilities so that more people are able to enjoy the sport. Since FIP was established in 2015, over 1000 projects have been successfully completed, with a total of nearly UK£7 million reinvested from fishing licence sales alone.

Heidi Stone, Environment Agency Fisheries Manager says, “The Fisheries Improvement Programme is a great example of how rod licence income is being reinvested, resulting in sustainable fish stocks and directly benefiting angling and local communities. The programme recognises and invests in a wide programme of work to help maintain, improve and develop fisheries.

“Looking to the future, we will continue to work with our partners, angling clubs and fisheries to identify and deliver high quality projects, the more people who buy a licence and go fishing, the more we can invest in this way.”

Every penny that the Environment Agency receives

in fishing licence income is reinvested to protect both the sport of angling and England’s waterways. The FIP funding is also matched by local partners including angling clubs and fisheries and local trusts. Over the last year the total match funding, made up of additional cash and in-kind contributions, is estimated to be early UK£6.3 million. The Environment Agency works with organisations such as the Angling Trust and Wild Trout Trust to make sure projects are carried out to their full potential and have the support they need.

Shaun Leonard, Director at the Wild Trout Trust says, “Money from the Fisheries Improvement Programme has allowed us to do some really good work with angling club members to improve habitats for the wildlife of England’s rivers. In rivers in Cumbria, Hertfordshire, Lancashire, Northumberland, Suffolk & Yorkshire, we’ve fenced out livestock, planted trees, battled problem plants like Himalayan balsam and introduced wood and gravel to create more and varied habitat. All of which, benefit the river’s plants, invertebrates, fish and the people that value those places.”

Mark Owen, Angling Trust Head of Fisheries says, “At the Angling Trust we very much support the Environment Agency’s Fisheries Improvement Programme. Funding from anglers’ rod licence income and the resulting work will benefit local anglers and improve fishing opportunities.

“We support the process by gathering project ideas from clubs and fisheries for assessment by Environment Agency fisheries officers.”

Algae

A key to a better world

by Francisco M. Veloso, Head of Commercial Department, Algikey, Portugal

One of the oldest living beings at the base of the food chain, they produce 50 percent of the planet’s oxygen, and are considered a super food. Although only now we begun to explore its full potential, it is estimated that microalgae have existed on our planet for about 2500 million years, which makes them one of the oldest living beings on Earth.

Algae have been at the base of the food chain, and they have, for humans and animals, the characteristics of a superfood contributing to innovation in the food, feed, ingredients, and supplements market.

Quality cosmetics can also be produced from algae, providing the industry with new ingredients or to substitute less sustainable ingredients for these while commercialising at a higher value.

Algae are aquatic photosynthetic organisms that produce Oxygen in the atmosphere while eliminating C02 from water and air, many other products can come from algae, such as fertilizers, bioplastics and Biofuels. For all these reasons, algae may be the key to a better world. Today it is known that, despite their size, if used on a large scale, algae have macro potential.

Algae have a very diverse composition

This superfood is full of essentials, such as proteins, amino acids, vitamins and minerals, lipids, polysaccharides, pigments, and phytohormones. They are very efficient cell factories, similar to agriculture, whilst being more efficient than any other crop. They don’t require arable land or lots of water (more than 90 percent is recycled) or need to compete with food crops. What they do need is lots of CO2, fresh water or seawater, daily harvests, and the proper production infrastructure and technology.

Algae have many applications

There are numerous applications for algae, spanning across many different industries. Algae products can be applied to biofuels and energy, as a possible solution of CO2 mitigation; colouring dyes and biomaterials within the textile industry, and in cosmetics as pigments and active ingredients. Wastewater cleaning utilise algae for N&P recover, while biofibres and bioplastics can replace usual sources of these chemicals. The health industry can also apply it to nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals.

Within agriculture, algae can make bio stimulants and fertilizers. In aquaculture it can be applied to feed fish, shrimp and bivalves in hatcheries and corals in household aquariums. Not to mention, many food ingredients and healthy foods can be produced using this superfood, as well as premix feed and specialty feeds for the feed industry.

Who are Algikey?

We are a key that wants to open the door to algae, so that quality algae products can reach all industries on a global scale. We are a Portuguese company driven by the strong belief that algae can be a solution to many problems. The flexible and agile partner that links producers and buyers, promoting the growth of a market that contributes to a more sustainable planet.

We are part of A4F, Algae for Future, a biotechnology group with more than 20 years of accumulated experience in the research and development of algae production units, and leader in algae production technology up to the industrial scale.

Algikey is the link between users and producers

Algikey assist in facilitating and streamlining relationships. We develop products and drop-in formulations, adjust demand and supply, represent quality brands and products, and join efforts to accelerate the adoption of microalgae in its most varied uses. Our ultimate goal is to contribute to a more sustainable planet.

Products

Algikey offers a range of algae products, including microalgae, microalgae extracts, and macroalgae. The 8 most commercialised microalgae in the market and available at Algikey

Spirulina, Chlorella sp., Odontella sp., Tetraselmis sp., Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Nannochloropsis sp., Haematococcus pluvialis, Dunaliella salina. These products are available in powder and frozen paste formats. Algikey also produces microalgae extracts, including Phycocyanin Powder Extract, Phycocyanin Liquid extract, Astaxanthin oil extract, Astaxanthin powder extract, and omega-3 oils. Coming soon to Aligkey are Beta-Carotene powder extract, Beta-Carotene liquid extract, and Protein powder extract.

Types of Macroalgae offered are Ascophylum nodosum, Fucus vesiculosus, Palmaria palmata (Dulse), Laminaria digitata (Kelp), Ulva sp. (Sea lettuce), Himanthalia elongate (sea spaghetti), Undaria pinnatifida (wakame), Saccharina latissimi (Kombu royal), Gracilaria sp. (ogonori), and Porphyra sp. (Nori).

Services

Key services offered includes microalgae biomass toll manufacturing and customised production. This involves contractual production of biomass tailored to fulfill client needs, offering flexibility in quantities from 50kg to tens of tonnes of dry weight biomass.

Algikey conducts analytical testing of standard parameters and can arrange specific biochemical analysis through external laboratories.

Customized composition and production schemes allow for enriching algae biomass in desired molecules like lipids, carotenoids, and minerals. Clients can use standard strains or their proprietary strains with the addition of an MTA (Material Transfer Agreement).

Furthermore, Algikey facilitates various aspects such as offering offtake contracts for future sales at agreed prices and assisting with product purchases, sales, and development.

Service Scheme

Formalisation: Objectives, quotation, NDA,

What makes us unique?

Knowledge

• Technical knowledge on algae products, production, and applications

• Commercial and market knowledge on algae trade

• Over 20 years of algae business operation within the wider organisation

Quality

• Service: sourcing all kinds of algae products and solutions including contract manufacturing

• Products: Sourcing products from nearby, trusted and verified providers

• Organic certification

Partnerships

Exclusive commercial agreement with: Green Aqua Póvoa (Largest microalgae producer in Europe) / Green Aqua Vagos (Macroalgae producer production start in 2023)

Agreements with other producers in Europe

Tailored Production

This unique feature offers a multitude of opportunities to various clients. For example, our Aquaculture partners can get tonnes of algae production

The Summer Edition is equipped with an extra dose of natural antioxidants. These protect the body cells from oxidative stress, which results in immune stimulation, higher feed intake, improved weight gain and efficient feed conversion. THE RIGHT FEED FOR EVERY SEASON

Aquaculture farmers around the world need to respond to the higher demand of seafood without compromising on nutritional values and sustainability of their fish feed. Cargill’s sustainable aquaculture program, SeaFurther, aims to help them, reducing the carbon footprint of its customers’ farmed seafood by 30 percent by 2030.

REDUCING CARBON FOOTPRINT A new approach to raw materials

by Fredrik Witte, Managing Director for Cargill Aquafeed & Megan Hobbs, R&D Lead, Cargill, USA

As Cargill is part of an integrated global food system across multiple food value chains, it has a unique perspective on how to build solutions that last, balancing multiple and varied interests while also protecting the environment. One way Cargill is leveraging its unique position across the supply chain to achieve carbon reduction is through regenerative agriculture.

To "regenerate" means to rebuild something that has been damaged. Soil is a living, breathing ecosystem that does more than simply provide nutrients for plant growth. Healthy soil uses plants’ photosynthesis to pull carbon from the atmosphere, improves water quality, increases drought resilience, and enhances farmer livelihoods.

Reducing emissions from the supply chain

Considering that fish feed accounts for up to 90 percent of the carbon footprint in the aquaculture industry – mostly coming from wheat gluten and rapeseed oil – it is crucial to start reducing CO2 emissions not only in the waters, but already on the farm.

Last year, the first Norwegian fish farmer decided to take part to SeaFurther Sustainability program to reduce its carbon footprint. Central to achieving this goal are the agricultural practices adopted in several farms located in the North of England. Here, during 2022, we ran a regenerative agriculture pilot, managing to replace 30 percent of the regular wheat gluten in the salmon feed of the participating customer with regenerative wheat gluten, making possible a reduction of 5 percent in total CO2 emissions.

Alan Petch, who took part in the pilot, has owned and operated the 400ha family farm in North Yorkshire for the last 30 years – taking on from his father and grandfather. Recently he has

changed farm practices significantly, to far more climate-friendly methods.

“Before, we plowed and harrowed without asking questions, and we used large amounts of artificial fertilizers and fuel. Now every decision is questioned: is the processing necessary, will this be the best for the crops and the soil? How can I look my grandchildren in the eye, knowing things can and should be better, but do nothing? We all have a part to play, and this project means we can do it in a commercially sustainable way”, says Petch.

Together with seven other farmers in the region, Petch produces wheat and rapeseed with a lower footprint than before. This is sold to Cargill for processing into wheat gluten and rapeseed oil respectively, minimising the overall carbon footprint of salmon feed.

The attraction of regenerative agriculture is that Cargill is addressing the core global issue – working to reduce emissions from its supply chain, not avoid them and leave the emissions unresolved.

“We all have a duty to contribute to reduced climate emissions. This project means that we can also achieve this in an economically sustainable way”, says Petch.

“We need to work through the value chain to reduce carbon emissions from food systems. In aquaculture, retailers, farmers and feed companies have set emissions reduction targets, but can only achieve these with activities further upstream. The 2022 pilot project showed us the potential impact that can be made through applying regenerative agricultural practices. Cargill is in a great position to scale this up through our SeaFurther Sustainability program, to support our customers to meet their emissions reduction commitments,” explains Fredrik Witte, Managing Director for Cargill Aquafeed.

“We are now working to scale this up, producing more crops under regenerative agriculture practices in more of our supply countries, incrementally reducing the footprint of these crops and

thus feed for our SeaFurther customers. I really look forward to seeing what the future holds on road of decarbonisation to 2030 and beyond – working together through our value chains, we can make some transformational changes,” concludes Witte.

Introducing Novel Ingredients

Cargill's ambition to transform the industry approach to raw material goes beyond what's done in the fields. In fact, we are helping to develop and commercialize novel ingredients while continuing to increase our use of by-products, driving a circular economy approach for feed across the aquaculture value chain. This will build on our leading experience of utilizing fish trimmings and other by-products where we can, to help move towards the goal of overall carbon emissions reduction.

Cargill is constantly looking for new and innovative ingredients that can be used in fish and shrimp feeds. We have recently introduced a range of novel ingredients, such as insect protein, algae, and single-cell proteins. These ingredients provide a sustainable alternative to traditional protein sources, reducing the reliance on marine ingredients.

Insect protein is an exciting development in sustainable fish feed production and has become a competitive alternative to other sources of protein at all levels, including nutrition, production, and sustainability. Insects are rich in protein and can be produced using a fraction of the land, water, and resources required for traditional livestock production.

In collaboration with Innovafeed we are finding new ways to reuse by-products and develop fish nutrition that promotes and enhances the health of farmed fish. Leveraging Innovafeed’s high-quality insect meal in aquafeed saves up to 16,000 tons of

CO2 for every 10,000 tons of insect protein. Together, Cargill and Innovafeed maximize the use of resources to create a highquality feed with much less waste. Co-products of the agriculture industry are used to feed black soldier fly larvae. Once the larvae reach a certain stage, protein and oil are extracted from the larvae, which can be used in Cargill’s feed for aquaculture species, and young animals such as chicks and piglets.

We have also begun to include algal oil into all Norwegian fish feed, further helping to reduce fish farmer’s dependence on fish oil in aquaculture production. Among the range of alternative ingredients for aquaculture, algae oil is one of the few that can replace fishmeal and oil without sacrificing omega-3 levels – a critical component of seafood’s health messaging to consumers.

Sustainable way for a better tomorrow

''Our work on bringing innovative solutions to new raw materials in also encompasses the shrimp industry'' says Megan Hobbs, R&D Lead for Cargill Aqua Nutrition. ''Cargill is in fact focusing its efforts on many opportunities arising in this segment, with the ambition to keep offering feeds that safeguard animal health, are cost efficient for farmers and sustainable for the planet. We are capitalizing on our long-term expertise in the fish industry to bring concrete solutions also to shrimp farmers, from new proteins to fats and functional ingredients’’ concludes Hobbs. By bringing novel ingredients into our raw materials basket, committing on further advancing our innovation efforts in the shrimp segment and assessing the carbon footprint of the species we serve through the entire value chain, Cargill is well positioned to support its customers in the long term and raise the bar in aquaculture production, to keep feeding the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way.

EXTRUSION AND EXPANSION TECHNOLOGY YOU CAN TRUST

The Almex AXT 220 Single screw extruder consists of a robust base frame that supports the main motor, gearbox, and extruder barrel. This frame can be executed in mild steel or stainless steel for extended lifetime. The direct coupled inline geared motor ensures the optimal energy efficiency.

Capacity: 10,0 - 12,0 t/h (indication only)

with the Extruder AXT 220

Alltech ONE - Dublin Partnering and empowering each other to overcome big challenges

by Roger Gilbert, Publisher, International Aquafeed, including excepts from Alltech reports

Significant challenges which face modern agriculture was top of the agenda when Alltech held is ‘second stop’ on its ONE World Tour at the Croke Park Stadium, Dublin, which is the home of the Gaelic Athletics Association (GAA), the pride of Ireland.

This was the 39th iteration of its annual ONE Conference and in a change from previous science-based programs this event offered solutions that will allow livestock producers to remain resilient amidst growing adversity.

Presentations from industry leaders, who shared motivating insights on the topics of sustainability, risk management, the importance of data and partnerships for sustainability and profitability were made from the start. Practical tips, that can be implemented immediately, inspired widespread enthusiasm and optimism about the future of agriculture.

The ONE’s main stage keynotes included presentations from Dr Mark Lyons, Nikki Putnam Badding, Dr Vaughn Holder, Mairead McGuinness and Dmitry Skornyakov. The Gardiner Brothers kicked off proceedings with Irish-dancing a duo who boast an impressive five world titles between them.

Cathal McCormack, Alltech’s country manager for Ireland, welcomed the 600-plus audience to the event and challenged them to leave Alltech ONE Dublin with fresh ideas on how to navigate “the 4 Cs” of climate, conflict, consumers and costs.

Alltech’s President and CEO, Dr Mark Lyons, delivered the opening keynote address, during which he noted the importance

of “that positivity within us, which keeps us focused on having the greatest impact.

"That’s why we launched our vision for Working Together for a Planet of Plenty.” He also reiterated that the agricultural industries are being called on to do more as the industry does have the potential to transform the world in ways that other industries cannot.

“Agriculture is at the interface of nourishing the present and preserving the future,” he added.

Following up on their keynote presentations at the Alltech ONE Conference in Kentucky last year, Dr Vaughn Holder, Alltech’s ruminant research director and Nikki Putnam Badding, Alltech’s director of human nutrition initiatives and managing director of Acutia, took to the stage to discuss agriculture's role in saving the planet. They agreed that agriculture has the two most important tasks in the world to underake: to protect the planet and to nourish the people on it.

When asked if there was one change they would like to see come to life over the next few years on this sustainability journey, Holder and Putnam Badding both said that it fundamentally comes down to partnering with others and empowering each other to overcome the big challenges.

Attendees also heard from Mairead McGuinness, European Commissioner for Financial Services, Financial Stability and Capital Markets, who said that communication is key when climate is driving the discussion due to varying perceptions of what sustainability looks like especially when combined with different generational opinions on the subject.

"We need to get the research out there to advisors and think

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For almost a century, Wenger has delivered extrusion-based innovations to our partners. We’ve worked alongside you to develop new processing solutions and better products, providing our industry-leading expertise and ongoing support every step of the way.

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Capacity 2.900 m³ Bins 36 Height 29,8 m Width 12 m Length 20 m International Aquafeed - July 2023 | 19

SETS THE STANDARD IN SQUARE SILOS

about how we sustain that so that we have access to knowledge that empowers farmers,” Ms McGuinness added. "Farmers are hungry for this knowledge."

She closed by saying agriculture will play a major role in climate action and delivering solutions for the biggest challenges.

Dmitry Skornyakov, CEO of HarvEast made the final keynote and was joined by Dr Lyons for a 'fireside-styl'e chat about serious issues. They discussed worldwide impacts of the conflict in Ukraine and the role that Ukraine plays in global agriculture.

Mr Skornyakov also touched on the difficulties surrounding the export of commodities as a result of the Black Sea Grain Initiative and the new reality for Ukrainian farmers; who are struggling to make a living now that transportation and exporting costs were so high.

They discussed the impact of the conflict at the business level and how corporations are harnessing the ability to adapt quickly to a changing landscape as they continue making critical decisions.

Mr Skornyakov, illustrated how crucial collaboration and communication are during times of conflict. He also stressed the importance of trusting your team on the ground, who can use their first-hand knowledge to make real-time decisions.

“Empower them to empower all,” he said, encouraging attendees to replicate this mantra across our industries as we work together to overcome challenges.

After lunch the conference continued with track sessions, which gave both the speakers and the attendees the opportunity to engage in discussions about innovation and inspiration and make meaningful connections.

The second day presented motivating insights from industry leaders on the topics of sustainability, risk management, the importance of data and partnerships for sustainability and profitability.

Delegates learned practical tips that can be implemented immediately, and were inspired by the widespread enthusiasm and optimism for the future of agriculture.

Collaboration and communication

Discussions and ideas generated a strong sense of community across the agriculture and food industries. This ‘feeling’ of community resonated throughout the Croke Park Stadium venue. The conference heard that industry will only be able overcome challenges through partnership and collaboration.

‘Tell the story’ is one of Alltech’s seven values. It was evident during ONE in Dublin that, despite the complex nature of the challenges faced, agriculture’s story resonates most when kept simple. The true story of agriculture is phenomenal, but it can be difficult to get messages across.

Holly Geraghty, ESG project manager at Alltech, discussed the data gathered in the Alltech Sustainability Insights Report — including that 93 percent of respondents agreed that we all must work together to create a better food systems for the future. This will require the whole agriculture and food production sectors to embrace and implement new technology and innovation across the supply chain.

Constance Cullman, president and CEO of the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) also emphasised the significance of effective communication and collaboration when addressing environmental sustainability in the agri-food sector.

She also underscored the immense potential for positive change that could be realised if farmers in the US and Europe collaborated more — the sustainable farming sectors on both sides of the Atlantic have much in common, she added.

“We often fail to grasp the extent of these similarities due to

Drivers of Demand 2030 by Mairead McGuinness, European Commissioner for Financial Services, Financial Stability and Capital Markets Union

Patrick Charlton, Alltech’s European CEO remembers the untimely passing of Brad Riemenapp of FoodChain ID. FoodChain ID is a key sponsor of Alltech ONE

Discussing human nutrition initiatives by Nikki Putnam Badding, Managing Director, Acutia

insufficient or unclear communication.”

Data and innovation

Having access to data is crucial for making the best decisions — but we need more regulations to keep that data safe. According to Tara McCarthy, Alltech’s global vice president of ESG, Bank of America has asserted that, in 2023, “cyber security will cost double that of climate change”.

The conversation about data and innovation continued in a panel discussion that included Cullman; Nina Prichard, head of sustainable and ethical sourcing for McDonald’s in the UK and Ireland; Dr Hans Jöhr, former corporate head of agriculture at Nestlé; Lynda McDonald, expert speaker on food security, sustainability, food systems and development; and Russell Smyth, head of sustainable futures at KPMG.

The panel discussed the ability to track food, from inputs to the farm and throughout the system.

This tracking is not currently possible, so we can’t see where value has been added — but if we could track our food, we could also reward those adding the most value, the panel stated.

The panellists were asked what their hopes are for the next five years.

Lynda McDonald noted that the agriculture industry has a strong, clear purpose and if we engage with young people, we can bring more of them back to our industry — and bring more profits back to farmers as a result. She also argued that a profitable farmer is a sustainable farmer and that we must think about how sustainability and profitability go hand-in-hand

“We shared an incredible experience and connected with many representatives from across our industry over the past two days as we continue our trip across the world,” says Dr Lyons.

In his closing remarks, Dr Lyons reflected on Alltech ONE Dublin, which featured idea generation and relationship-building over two days.

“In the conversations we are having right now, ideas are being fostered,” he said. “The science and data being developed can help create a story where agriculture is the hero.”

Next stop

Alltech ONE Calgary, Canada set for July 3–4, will explore collaborative solutions to the great challenges the agri-food industry is facing as it relates to the Canadian marketplace.

… but food security is not enough to feed the worldwe must provide nutrients, says

Dr Mark Lyons, Alltech President and CEO

Agriculture’s role in saving the planet by Alltech’s Dr Vaughn Holder, Director of Ruminant Research

Irish dancing by The Gardiner Brothers interviewed by Cathal McCormack, Alltech’s country manager for Ireland

From left - Dr Mark Lyons, Nikki Putnam Badding, Dr Vaughn Holder with moderator Cathal McCormack

Nikki Putnam Badding, Managing Director at Acutia

negative effects of handling stress in finfish farming

A natural solution to reduce

by Amine Chaabane, Aquaculture Manager, Laboratoires Phodé, France

ost finfish farming systems involve essential management practices such as transfer, transport, vaccination, sampling, treatments, which generate acute stresses on the animals. These handling stresses have negative consequences on animal behavior, growth, performance and survival.

Indeed, fish under stress respond instinctively and request their metabolism in an excessive way to react to stress by various behaviors (generally escaping and acceleration of swimming, but also fighting or adaptation).

This process involves the hormonal corticotropin signalisation (production of corticosteroids and catecholamines) induced in stress situation (Seyle's General Adaptation Syndrome) and requests a production and a supplementary use of glucose which leaves the rest of the internal functioning in lack of oxygen and energy to maintain homeostasis.

The longer the stress lasts, the more the animal's resistance to this stress consumes energy, with consequences such as altering the functioning of the immune system, leaving the fish more vulnerable to infection by the various pathogens present in the environment. Stress also causes a temporary cessation of consumption that can be dangerous for the animals, which then do not assimilate the energy and nutrients essential for their internal functioning and survival.

All these consequences of stress can then result in weaker animals, mortalities, low meat quality, that represent economic losses for producers. It is therefore important to limit these

Mconsequences of stress to keep animals in an optimal state of welfare, health and growth. To mitigate these consequences, fish are often given sedatives or anesthetics. However, some sedatives take too long to take effect or act for too long, which can also generate significant stress and cause damage to the animals, up to mortality.

The Phodé Laboratories (Albi, France), experts in functional olfaction, have a vast experience and knowledge of the effect of sensory molecules and their combinations to design formulations adapted to each species, which provide the animal with a state of "Better-Being", and thus allow it to express its full potential. Thus, Phodé developed a specific solution for fish, Olpheel Zen, to improve resilience in the face of different acute stress situations in fish production.

The present experiment aimed to study the effect of Olpheel Zen on the mitigation of stress induced by handling.

Protocol

The experiment was conducted at the Center For Aquaculture Technologies (CAT), in Canada. For the experiment, 400 Atlantic salmon of mixed sex and average weight of 196.74 g were distributed in 4 tanks, with an average density of 30.21 kg/m3. Each tank corresponded to a different treatment:

- Negative control without any product.

- Olpheel Zen 20 ppm

- Olpheel Zen 40 ppm

- Olpheel Zen 20+20 ppm (second application 2 hours after the first).

After a 14-day acclimatisation period, on the first day of the experiment, the product was applied directly to the tank water. At 35 minutes after application of the product, a transfer simulation

was performed: water in the tanks was decreased to an average density of 85 kg/m3, and fish were transferred to other tanks with the same concentration of the product. At 4 hours after product application, the fish were transferred back into their original tanks.

Blood samples were taken at 5 different times to measure the cortisol level around the stressor (Figure 1). Four pooled plasma samples were taken from 3 salmon per group. The time to reach 30 percent oxygen saturation was measured from the stressful event as the return to feed consumption was assessed. Data were analysed by ANOVA (general linear model) when appropriate.

Major findings

The day after transfer, the feed intake of the control fish dropped drastically from an average of 1.91 g feed/fish/day to 0.69 g (Figure 2), confirming the negative effect of stress on appetite. Fish treated with Olpheel Zen immediately returned to normal feeding behavior and showed a faster return to feed intake, especially fish in group D (2.05 g vs. 0.69 g for the control). It was observed that the fish explored the entire water column to eat, while the control fish showed less interest in food.

As for oxygen, it was observed that the longest time to reach saturation was in the fish of treatment D, followed by those of treatment B (17.4 and 14.2 minutes versus 11 minutes for the control group, Figure 3). This translates a calmer behavior allowed by the product, especially when administered at a concentration of 20 ppm, repeated every 2 hours.

The cortisol level observed in each group increased after 35 minutes, which translates a stress response to the transfer. It is significantly reduced in groups B and D, 4 hours after treatment (p<0.05). From a global point of view, treated groups show a lower cortisol level during the whole duration of the trial compared to the control (Figure 4). However, fish in treatment D seem to recover more quickly to a low cortisol level after the stressor.

All results obtained during this experiment are consistent with each other and highlight the ability of Olpheel Zen to alleviate the negative effects of stress due to handling. Treated salmon show a calmer behavior and return very quickly to normal feeding behavior after the stressor.

A concentration of 20 ppm seems to be the most effective and especially when reapplied 2 hours later. Finally, the cortisol data complete these results and suggest that a relaxant product of this type is an alternative to sedatives to decrease salmon stress impact during transport.

These results suggest that Olpheel Zen is a natural alternative with high potential to reduce the negative effects of handling stress in finfish production.

Supporting Portuguese aquaculture growth through higher education

by Dr Elisabete Matos, Assistant Professor, Egas Moniz School of Health & Science, Portugal

Portugal seems particularly well suited to host a significant growth in the aquaculture sector. In fact, as a country, we have been scientific knowledge exporters for this sector in the past decades, especially in the fields of nutrition and zootechnology. We possess the 3rd largest Exclusive Economic Zone in the EU (even if the Atlantic is quite merciless for aquaculture producers). And, while still looking at the sector with some

unease, Portuguese people continue to rank among the world’s largest consumers, eating roughly 60 kg of seafood per capita annually. In the past decade we have observed a modest increase in aquaculture production, with reported production going from 9.5 in 2015 to approximately 17 thousand tonnes in 2020, mostly due to more accurate reporting methods, rather than actual growth. The sustainable development of aquaculture in Portugal needs to find solutions that, in an integrated way, overcome the main constraints that limit the national aquaculture sector, while supporting the development of a smart and ecological aquaculture, competitive at a global level and providing consumers in the EU with safe and high nutritional value products. Thus, the national strategic objective for the period 2021-2030 aims to increase and diversify the supply of national aquaculture products, based on principles of environmental sustainability, social cohesion, animal welfare, food quality and safety, in order to reach 25 thousand tonnes by 2030.

The hurdles to overcome

So why is Portuguese aquaculture production still well below forecasts? The issue is multifaceted with no “one answer”, and there seem to be countless bottlenecks. We could argue that, as I've hinted, the Atlantic is poorly suited for mainstream

aquaculture methods. This could be overcome by investing in state-of-the-art technologies, relying on modern 4.0 production systems. But perhaps the investments necessary would quickly place producers at a competitive disadvantage when compared to other countries where such issues are not significant. And there’s the bureaucracy and the latency observed between the intent to develop and its concretization. Nonetheless, the sector has been growing, and is expected to continue to grow in the upcoming years, largely due to a greater awareness of the healthiness of aquaculture products, the consumer push for locally produced products, the need to improve the trade balance (in the EU over 70 percent of seafood consumed is imported) and the stagnation and overall unsustainability of the fisheries sector. This growth will be largely supported by EU’s Resilience and Recovery Plan, with several large investments already in the pipeline.

HEALTH IS AT THE HEART OF OUR CONCERNS

The solutions

How can we minimise the sector’s growth pains? At Egas Moniz School of Health and Science (EM) we believe a wellrounded education is the key to success, and the aquaculture field is no exception. Our passion is to be more than an educational institution, by putting knowledge and research at the service of the community, being actively dedicated to transforming health and science knowledge into real positive societal impact.

This is why we have just launched a new Masters in Sustainable Aquaculture, with two specialisations: Aquatic Production and Aquatic Veterinary Studies. While there are already several Aquaculture Masters Programs in Portugal and Europe, most of the new graduates are better suited to pursue a scientific career, and very few provide veterinary professionals with the tools to support animal welfare, food quality and safety in this sector, which is why EM’s objective is to train

BOOST

ADDITIVE

RESTRICT inappropriate use of antibiotics and chemicals

REDUCE losses from subclinical disease and outbreaks

INCREASE economical and ecological sustainability

BOOST feed perfomance and farm productivity

Great upgrade of your feeds!

professionals capable of responding to the specific needs of the aquaculture industry, contributing both to an improvement in the sustainability of production and to Health, Safety and Welfare in Aquaculture. This will be achieved through a One Health multidisciplinary approach – for which EM is uniquely qualified, being first and foremost a Health School, with established undergraduate and graduate university courses on other fields of human and animal health.

EM’s innovative teaching methodologies are founded on a student-centred paradigm intrinsically linked with active learning, which makes a shift to learning by more than listening to lectures, with pedagogical practices specifically designed to support the development of students’ meta-cognition. Students are engaged in interactive problem-solving activities, being expected to actively participate in their own assessment as partners. Students have access to a wide range of state-of-the-art digital learning tools, with promotion of digital inclusion of students in in-person and distant teaching and learning being pursued by established methodologies. EM’s pedagogical model contributes to deep learning, enabling students to extend ideas, apply knowledge and skills in new contexts, and demonstrate a critical stance towards arguments and evidence. This pedagogical model also promotes research skills and competencies in a transdisciplinary environment, an essential feature for the next generation of aquaculturists. To assure the best fit to the industry’s needs, EM relies on its large network of partners, having established protocols with the main national aquaculture value chain players. Graduates will thus have high professional skills to plan, organize and manage aquaculture production and integrate into the industry. Registration is now open until August 31st, and all the details can be found at this link: https://www.egasmoniz.com.pt/ mestrados/mestrado-aquacultura-sustentavel

Protect your profits

Mitigate risk through mycotoxin deactivation

In addition to rising feed costs, mycotoxins further impact profitability by impairing growth performance and health status. The risk is never zero. Mycotoxin risk management is the insurance policy to secure feed quality and safety, whilst optimizing productivity. Increased productivity

Reduced risk

If not us, who? If not now, when? WE MAKE IT POSSIBLE

The Aquafeed Journal Peer Reviewed article

This new peer-reviewed scientific journal will serve academia and the commercial aquaculture industry with high-quality papers relating to aquafeed science and technology for different species of farmed fish and crustaceans. It is envisaged to address fundamental nutritional requirements for effective and optimal production and applications to advanced feed formulations.

The manuscripts will be fully peer-reviewed by appropriate members of our editorial board and approved finally by the Editor-in-Chief. These published papers will be available on our official website aquafeed.co.uk and in print as well as being downloadable.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with your queries at journal@perendale.co.uk and visit https://www.aquafeed.co.uk/aquafeed-journal/author-guidelines/.

FISH FARMING TECHNOLOGY

Potential for producing tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) feed using locally sourced ingredients in resource-poor farming systems: A case study from Timor-Leste

Introduction

Jharendu Pant1*, Ramesh Perera2, Dedi Jusadi3, Shwu Jiau Teoh1, Silvino Gomes4, Narayan Prasad Pandit5, Ram C. Bhujel6 and Jagadish Timsina7

1 WorldFish, Jalan Batu Maung, 11960 Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia

2Canberra, Australia

3Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Bogor Agricultural University, Indonesia

4WorldFish Timor-Leste, Ministerio de Agricultura no Pesca, Avenida Nicolau Lobato, No. 5, Comoro, Dili, Timor-Leste

5Department of Aquaculture, Agriculture and Forestry University, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal

6Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok, Thailand

7Institute for Study and Development Worldwide, Sydney, and Global Evergreening Alliance, Melbourne, Australia

*corresponding author :

Jharendu Pant

WorldFish, Jalan Batu Maung, 11960 Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia

Email: j.pant@cgiar.org

Widespread poverty and malnutrition continue to be major impediments to recovery and growth of Timor-Leste since its independence in 2002 (UNDP, 2007; WFP, 2010; SDP, 2011; NDFA, 2012). Increasing availability of and access to animal-source food is vital to the improvement of the nutritional status of a large proportion of the population deprived of a nutritionally balanced diet. Aquaculture has been identified by the Government of Timor-Leste as a means of improving food and nutrition security situation in the country, which can also contribute to the expansion of economic activities in coastal and inland areas (NDFA, 2012). The Timor-Leste National Aquaculture Development Strategy (2012-2030) aims to produce 30,000 tonnes of fish by 2030 to maintain 15.0 kg annual per capita fish consumption from current consumption of 6.1 kg. Of the total fish production, 12,000 tonnes (40%) is expected to come from aquaculture, and the remainder from capture fishery mainly from marine waters. To achieve the above fish production target through aquaculture at least 18,000 tonnes of feed is required annually assuming 1.5 feed conversion ratio (FCR). Therefore, it would depend largely on the availability of and access to locally available and cheap feed ingredients to produce good quality feed.

Feed cost is the single most important factor in determining the economic viability of aquaculture operations – be they small- or large-scale. Feed typically makes up over 50% (Rana et al, 2009) and sometimes as much as 90% (El-Sayed et al, 2015) of the total cost of production of intensive and semi-intensive commercial aquaculture operations. Making high quality feed easily accessible to farmers at low price is; therefore, the most important intervention for the development and long-term sustainability of the aquaculture industry in Timor-Leste, and more so in rural aquaculture, where the profit margins often tend to be rather marginal. There is potential for reducing feed cost by reducing the cost of feed ingredients per se as well as through the adoption of prudent feed management strategies (De Silva, 2006). The most obvious approach is to decrease the amounts of expensive ingredients in the feed, e.g., fish meal, through substitution with a suitable, low-cost alternatives, while ensuring that this will not compromise the quality of feed thereby the growth and quality of the cultured stock. Research investigating cheaper alternative protein and energy feedstuffs for the development of low-cost pelleted feed suitable for use by resource-poor small-scale farmers has become a priority in developing countries, where there are acute shortages of animal protein in the diets. There is, therefore, the need to exploit cheaper and locally available, environmentally benign, and socially acceptable fish ingredients to replace expensive fish meal in feed formulation (Perera and Bhujel, 2022). Since locally available feed ingredients, mostly of plant origin contain low protein and high fibre, developing highquality feeds using local ingredients alone would not be a feasible option. However, low-input and low-cost fish culture utilising fertilizer-based green water technology, where a significant portion of fish nutrition is derived from the ‘natural’ productivity of the water could be a viable and sustainable option for resource-poor situations (Almazan

and Boyd, 1978; Boyd, 1976; Diana et al., 1991; 1996; 2007; Pant et al., 2002).

Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is one of the major species identified as suitable for Timor-Leste (NDFA, 2012, Salvador et al., 2022). It is a fast-growing tropical fish, low on food chain, and can be farmed successfully in various management conditions ranging from low-input backyard ponds to large-scale intensively managed commercial production systems (Bhujel, 2014;). The government as well as I/NGOs in Timor-Leste are endeavoring to promote tilapia aquaculture for almost a decade now with a view to solving the malnutrition problem (Salvador et al., 2022). Further, WorldFish headquartered in Penang, Malaysia, with its country office in Timor-Leste, has also introduced the genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT) in the country in 2015 (Pant et al., 2019). However, its expansion is largely constrained by the lack of cost-effective feed technology and feed production in the country. In response, this study seeks to develop tilapia feed formulations for on-farm feed production for small-scale, resource-poor farmers relying exclusively on locally available ingredients but also provide various options for costeffective commercial feed formulation using locally available and imported ingredients which could be the basis for establishment of a fish feed plant in the country.

Materials and Methods

This study consisted of three components: (i) survey of locally available ingredients for formulation of fish feed; (ii) evaluation of fish feed formulation options for on-farm and commercialscale manufacturers; and (iii) macro-level assessment of the availability of fish feed ingredients to support the 2030 fish production target.

Feed ingredients survey

A key informant survey was conducted from November 2015 to January 2016 in three municipalities identified as suitable for freshwater aquaculture development by NDFA based on agroecological environments and accessibility (NDFA, 2012). The survey covered four sucos (villages), namely, Fatuquero and Poetete in Ermera, Gariuai in Baucau, and Batugade in Bobonaro municipalities.

A semi-structured checklist was used to interview key informants representing farmers, and private, public and I/ NGO sectors across the study villages. Twenty-four smallscale farmers (engaged in farming crops and fish), four village market vendors, three Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) Extension Officers, two Municipality Fisheries Officers, three Senior Municipality-level MAF Officers, five INGO representatives (World Vision, Catholic Relief Services, Mercy Corps, Institutu Matadalan Integradu (IMI)), three business sector buyers of bulk agricultural products (KMANEK, Farm Pro, Timor Global), and an agriculture teacher at the Don Bosco Technical School, Fatumaca were interviewed. Information was collected on the kind of crops and fish farmed, production volumes (products and by-products), costs of and access to ingredients to use as fish feed, alternative uses of ingredients, offfarm and non-farm activities, and existing aquaculture practices in the area. The survey checklist was simplified upon consultation with National Directorate of Aquaculture, MAF to avoid ambiguity and improve clarity. The MAF Extension Officers were requested to locate the farmers and verify the information collected from the field. Data were also gathered by visiting local markets and shops using a separate checklist, which focused on the availability, source, purchase cost, and the selling price of ingredients.

Ingredients for on-farm feed use were selected based on their availability within the locality, production volume, price, and their competing uses. Ingredients for feed formulation for commercial manufacturing, however, were identified based on their availability across the country. Ingredients were selected based on seasonality, production volume and bulk purchase cost, and avoided those that were considered to be critical for food security. For the purpose of balanced feed formulation, potential nutritional value of the ingredients was also considered in terms of carbohydrate, protein and lipid source (Rotarian Action Group, 2015). Importantly, the seasonal availability reported here refers to the current status; however, improved irrigation in the future is expected to increase the availability of most crops such as rice and maize and hence feed ingredients.

Design of feed formulation options

Feed formulation options based on locally available ingredients were designed for on-farm manufacturing in the form of pellets or dough/mass balls, the latter to accommodate households where the purchase of a small manual/electric pelletizer was beyond their reach. Commercial feed formulation option was designed to make best use of locally available as well as imported ingredients. Various options that were developed and proposed for use in tilapia aquaculture based on data gathered through the ingredients survey were verified through a stakeholders’ workshop held on 26-27 April 2016 in Dili, the capital of TimorLeste. The workshop was attended by 30 staff from MAF and its Municipality-level officers, as well as WorldFish staff and field officers. The availability of ingredients, and seasonality, price and practicality of proposed feed formulation methods were then scrutinized against ground reality by the workshop participants, culminating in a refined, simpler set of feed formulations. The participants also provided feedback on competing uses of feed ingredients with a view to verifying the survey findings on wider food security impacts of fish feed manufacturing in Timor-Leste.

Macro level assessment of the availability of feed ingredients

The Timor-Leste NADS Implementation Plan has aimed to achieve annual fish production target of 12,000 tonnes by 2030. Hence, potential availability of feed ingredients to realise this target was assessed based on data/information collected from the secondary sources. Demand for feed ingredients against fish production target was estimated under a range of feed conversion ratio (FCR) scenarios using the following formula:

Apparent FCR = Feed used by fish / Fish weight gain

The lower the FCR, higher the weight gain from the feed. Potential feed demand scenarios based on likely FCR of a given feed were developed to gauge the extent to which Timor-Leste could realistically support aquaculture growth with the feed made using mainly local ingredients. Given the limited availability of animal-source feed ingredients in the country, combinations of locally available ingredients as well as imported ones were proposed for semi-commercial fish feed formulation options.

Results

1. Potential feed ingredients

The main plant- and animal-source ingredients for formulation of on-farm feed and commercial manufacturing identified from the feed availability survey across the three municipalities were almost same, except for a few products such as candlenut (Aleurites moluccanus), coconut (Cocos nucifera) and breadfruit (Artocarpus camansi), which were common in Baucau (Ministry of Finance, 2010). Another notable exception was the large

amount of soybean production in Bobanaro, not seen elsewhere (Tables 1 and 2).

2. Feed formulation options

Feed formulations were developed with the consensus of the workshop participants by considering the eight specifications: (i) Feed ingredients are readily and locally available; (ii) Feed meets basic nutritional requirements (particularly protein and essential fatty acid) of farmed tilapia for their efficient growth; (iii) Feed contains sufficient amounts of binder to make pellets or dough balls with adequate water stability; (iv) Feed is palatable to tilapia; (v) Feed does not contain anti-nutritional factors such as cyanide, phytic acid and mimosine; (vi) On-farm feed manufacturing process, including pre-treatment of ingredients, is not too complex, time-consuming, or onerous; (vii) Feed ingredient costs for on-farm and commercial manufacturing are below US$0.50/kg and US$0.70/kg, respectively; and (viii) Feed does not contain ingredients likely to undermine food security, i.e., should have no competition against ingredients that are used for direct human consumption.

To develop the on-farm feed formulations, two feed characteristics were considered to be important: (i) sufficient levels of essential fatty acids to achieve a more nutritious fish product for the consumers, and (ii) adequate levels of binder in order to give water stability to the pellets or dough balls. A simple Microsoft Excel spreadsheet-based tool was used to explore and develop feed formulation options, especially in view of the regional and seasonal variations in ingredient availability. The tool was quite efficient and flexible providing a relatively easy means of balancing feed nutrients and calculating the ingredient costs of each formulation.

For the purpose of mathematically balancing the relative amounts of key nutrients in feed formulations, moisture, protein, fat, fibre, ash and nitrogen free extract contents for each ingredient were derived from scientific literature (FAO, 1997). In intensive culture, tilapia feed for small-scale on-farm feed manufacture should ideally contain crude protein >20%, gross energy > 280 kcal/100 g feed, fiber < 8%, ash < 12%, moisture < 12%, and essential fatty acids (e.g., linoleic acid) (Li et al, 2012)

2.1 On-farm feed formulation options

The proposed feed formulations agreed by workshop participants were plant-source (rice bran, corn bran, leucaena leaf meal, and taro/cocoyam leaves), and animal-source (blood meal) ingredients (Tables 3-5). Rice bran and corn bran are the only ingredients that contain the essential fatty acids for an efficient growth of tilapia (de Silva and Senaarachchi, 2021). Leucaena leaf meal and taro/cocoyam leaves serve as the main source of protein (De Angelis et al., 2021). Leucaena leaf meal and cassava meal require pre-treatment to eliminate toxic compounds. The former contains mimosine (Wee and Wang, 1987; Xuan et al., 2006), while the latter contains linamarin/cyanide (Padmaja, 1995; Cereda and Mattos, 1996). Cassava meal serves as a source of carbohydrates (energy) and as a binder. Blood meal is used as the source of animal protein, which is relatively easier to process. It also improves feed palatability.

The workshop participants proposed two sets of feed formulations for on-farm feed production, first, using only plant source ingredients (Table 4); and second also including animal source ingredient, i.e., blood meal (Table 5). The formulations were made deliberately simple (3-4 plant ingredients) based on availability of ingredients and without including vitamins and minerals. It is however expected that deficiencies of vitamins and minerals would be compensated by natural food (phyto-

and zooplanktons) available in the green water in ponds and low demand for nutrients due to low stocking density (approx. 3.5 fish per m2). Use of only plant-based ingredients resulted in feeds with low crude protein (13-15%) with the possibility of high crude fiber content. Therefore, the participants agreed that feeding only the plant-based diet might not be adequate for good growth of tilapia unless pond water is rich in natural food. Augmentation by protein-rich ingredients such as soybean meal, bloodmeal or fishmeal is needed. As bloodmeal is locally available across Timor-Leste, albeit in smaller amount, four options were tried using bloodmeal to achieve 5% protein source, which resulted in relatively higher level of crude protein (1718%) in options 1 and 3 (Table 5). Increasing the amount to 15% or so, protein requirement could be fulfilled. However, bloodmeal is not easy to obtain in such a large volume.

2.2 Commercial feed formulation options

Ingredients for semi-commercial feed manufacturing must be ones that can be obtained in large volumes for economy of scale. Workshop participants developed four feed formulation options ranging from one using locally sourced ingredients to one using predominantly imported ingredients, such as fish meal, soybean meal, vitamin and mineral pre-mix, and essential fatty acids (Table 6). The addition of phytase enzyme (at a rate of 0.5 g/ kg ingredient) was included to improve the digestibility of plant ingredients, especially phosphorus, which eliminates the need to add inorganic phosphorus and reduces the phosphorus release via faeces into the water. Leaf-based ingredients used for onfarm feed production were excluded for semi-commercial feed manufacturing (Table 6).

While protein content of all formulations was adjusted to around 26-27%, cost and quality varied across the options. Option 1 is considered inferior as it has sub-optimal amounts of n-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Option 2 is a more complete diet but has higher ingredient cost. Options 3 and 4 are complete diets but they use several imported ingredients from neighbouring Indonesia, although the total ingredient cost is less than those for options 1 and 2. Hence, for costing purpose, bulk price of ingredients in Indonesia was used. It is worth noting that cassava meal, which is needed as a binder in commercial feed, has an estimated bulk price of US$0.25, although its production in Timor-Leste has just started and its actual price is yet to be set.

3. Macro-level analysis

3.1 Fish feed demand

Timor-Leste’s NADS Implementation Plan aims to realise an annual fish production target of 12,000 tonnes through aquaculture (presumably based on a range of species, but dominated by tilapia) by 2030 (NDFA, 2012). If aquaculture in Timor-Leste expands in pond area and increases in productivity and remains on track to meet the 2030 production target, the demand for fish feed will be dictated primarily by the feed conversion ratio (FCR) achieved on-farm. Assuming the FCR of 1.5, total annual feed demand by 2030 will be 18,000 tonnes. Aquaculture in the country is expected to be of a semi-intensive nature using pond fertilization. Hence, in addition to use of formulated feeds, FCR estimations need to be considered on a culture system basis that takes into account the contribution of naturally available food in green water ponds.

The FCR that might be achieved in Timor-Leste aquaculture in the coming years is uncertain. Thus, when modelling future demand for feed, it is useful to consider a range of FCRs to allow for any uncertainty. El-Sayed et al. (2013), for example, reported

FCRs of 1.7-2.5 for Nile tilapia farmed in fertilized ponds and supplemented with pelletized commercial feed. Bhujel (2013) reported FCR of 1 or less in supplementary fed tilapia farming with very high natural productivity. Researchers from Asian Institute of Technology, Thailand and University of Michigan achieved FCRs of 0.83 to 1.28 in experimental trials in Thailand, where ponds were fertilized with chemical fertilizers throughout the culture cycle with supplementary feeding of commercial feed pellets from day 80 (Thakur et al., 2004).

3.2 Feed ingredient demand

The percentage composition values for each of the key feed ingredients used throughout the year were used to calculate the total amount of each ingredient needed in 2030 if all feed was either farm- or commercial-made (Table 7). In order to capture the uncertainty in the performance of locally made feed, FCRs ranges (3.0-4.0 for farm made and 1.5-2.0 for commercially made feed) were used in the calculations.

3.3 Feed ingredient supply and competing uses

3.3.1 Plant source ingredients

Production data on all but the major crops in Timor-Leste are scant. Data on cassava, rice and corn were available through various sources but no reliable data was found on banana, leucaena meal, taro/cocoyam or palm kernel press cake (residue from palm oil extraction).

Cassava (Manihot esculenta)

Cassava is an important energy source for the people’s diet and animal feed (Oke, 2007). Its use as a substitute of cereals in fish feed has been reported by Abu et al. (2010), Ufodike and Matty (1984), and Faturoti and Akinbote (1986). Cassava is a popular plant throughout Timor-Leste with a planted area of 10,757 ha and production of 94,834 tonnes in 2010 (NSD, 2011). An estimated 125,000 cuttings were grown in 2013-14 and another 93,000 cuttings distributed to INGOs for seed multiplication (SOL, 2014). Cassava roots are rich in starch and are normally consumed by humans when other staples like rice and maize are depleted (MDF, 2013) and normally fed to pigs. Cassava leaves, relatively high in protein content, are also consumed by humans as a vegetable. No information was however found on the availability of cassava meal or processed to flour for TimorLeste. Commercial processing into cassava flour has just started,

and product is expected to be used for human consumption. Cassava tubers could also be processed on-farm. To reduce the food-feed competition between human and animal, and for profit maximization, cassava could play an important role in TimorLeste.

Taro (Colocasia esculenta)

Taro (cocoyam) is commonly available in Timor-Leste. Taro corms can be used by households as food, but the leaves are thrown or discarded, or sometimes used as animal feed. It is planted alongside with cassava and sweet potato. It has protein content of about 7% in root and 23% in leaves and is rich in essential amino acids (Saenphoom et al., 2016). Rodriguez et al. (2006) reported that fresh taro leaves can replace soybean meal by up to 50% in young pigs. Bunta et al. (2008) showed that taro leaf silage could replace up to 70-75% of the fish meal protein.

Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala)

Leucaena (ipil-ipil) is an important fodder crop. Farinu et al. (1992) reported that leucaena leaves make a high-protein feed containing 21.7-34.0% crude protein. It can also be included in tilapia feed (Osman et al., 1996). In Timor-Leste, leucaena is commonly planted alongside coffee plants to fertilize the soil and is also promoted for reforestation. The plant is not used as food and the production data are not available.

Corn (Zea mays)

Corn is a popular cereal grown across Timor-Leste, with an annual production of 102,473 tons from 215,747 hectares. In 2012, Bobonaro produced 30,481 tons, Baucau 7,582 tons and Ermera 4,944 tons (MDF, 2013). Maize bran is used both as food for human and feed for animals by some households.

Rice (Oryza sativa)

In 2012, 51,358 tons of paddy rice was produced by 45,673 households from a total of 81,022 hectares in Timor-Leste (MDF, 2013). Baucau (18,311 tonnes), Bobonaro (6,073 tonnes) and Ermera (3,561 tonnes) municipalities produce over half of country’s total rice production. There are large milling companies operating in the major rice production areas such as Lautem, Baucau, Bobonaro and Manatuto. Baucau (9,300), Viqueque (5,883) and Bobonaro (5,219) have the highest numbers of households involved in rice cultivation. Rice paddy is mostly grown for household consumption and just around a quarter of

the harvest is traded in the local market. The surplus is also sold to neighbours during the hungry months. Rice is sold as paddy with bran on. After milling, the miller keeps the bran and sells it in bulk. Rice bran can be used as fishmeal.

3.3.2 Other sources

There is no indication that farm-based ingredients (e.g., banana, cassava, taro, sweet potato) would be limiting at least to meet current demands. Fresh cassava demand projected for 2030 under a worse-case FCR scenario would be about 5% of the current supply. However, more information on crop production at national and suco levels, and also on national production of other crop by-products (e.g., cassava leaves) is needed before a meaningful estimate on the availability of ingredients can be made. This is also essential for making any judgment about whether local ingredients alone could meet the 2030 feed production target. In addition, studies on by-product yield of various crops are necessary. For example, estimated amounts of leaves that could be harvested annually would be required to estimate supply tonnages accurately.

It is reemphasised that the 2030 ingredient demands would require a significant increase in the production of the associated crops at farm level. Whether such demands can be met depends on a range of factors, such as irrigation and land availability, and importantly, the relative profitability of aquaculture compared to other competing land uses.

3.3.3 Animal source ingredients

Of the 221,767 heads of cattle in Timor-Leste, 37,052 are in Bobonaro, 14,172 in Ermera and 11,593 in Baucau (MoF, 2015). About 89% of the households in Bobonaro are involved in cattle raising and 84% in Lautem, with these two municipalities accounting for a quarter of the country’s pasture land. Two to three cattle are slaughtered every week in Ermera and Baucau, and 1-2 cattle slaughtered every day in Bobonaro. Although cattle are raised for meat, neither blood nor intestines are used as food by locals. There are some uses of meat and bone meal as food but these by-products are usually discarded. More information is needed on the amount of blood meal, meat and bone meal, and cattle (and poultry) stomach meal that can be generated annually Among these, animal blood has a potential to use as a source of protein for the manufacturing of commercial fish feed. Assuming that 30 animals are slaughtered each day, each producing 40 litres of blood (which is reduced to 4 kg of blood meal), then theoretically, current production would only satisfy 5% of the 2030 ingredient demand. We suggest for a comprehensive study exploring data on animal production, slaughtering, and animal blood extraction and their potential for fish feed in various municipalities.

3.4 Food security risks

Food security risks should be considered in the context of type and amount of ingredients available and in recognition that fish farming itself represents a potential mean of addressing food security concerns by improving household nutrition through increased consumption of fish. Although overall food security condition in Timor-Leste is improving, there still remains localised food insecurity issues, particularly in Ainaro (southwest), Ermera and Liquica (north) (FAO, 2015). Hence, an understanding of the macro-level ingredients demand for fish feed manufacturing in 2030 against their availability and potential risk of compromising food security by competing against ingredients intended for direct human consumption is important.

This study showed that of all the ingredients assessed, only

soybean meal is considered to be a high-risk crop with potential for compromising food security. The rest are considered to pose low or moderate risk as they are neither eaten by humans or nor their production can be readily increased to accommodate farmbased feed manufacturing (Table 8). Based on this assessment, demand of individual ingredients for commercial feed manufacturing in 2030 is generally higher than for on-farm feed ingredients. This is because the commercial formulations assume that the purchase of ingredients is made in bulk and that a single formulation would be used throughout the year, with the end result being demand for greater quantities of fewer ingredients. Thus, there would be even greater limitations in meeting demand for ingredients for commercial manufacturing compared to onfarm feed production to meet the 2030 feed production target. On the other hand, commercial feed producers can import some or all ingredients (from Indonesia or elsewhere), and hence purchasing in bulk from large-scale suppliers can pass on savings from economies of scale in the form of lower ingredient costs. Commercial manufactures need not be solely reliant on locally sourced ingredients.

Discussion

This study aimed at developing and testing on-farm feed formulations for tilapia for small-scale resource-poor farmers relying exclusively on locally available ingredients and providing potential commercial cost-effective feed formulation options using locally available and imported ingredients. The study also aimed at assessing whether the ingredients available in Timor-Leste can fulfill the feed demand to achieve the fish production target of 12,000 tonnes through aquaculture by 2030. There is insufficient data available to make an accurate estimation; however, at a macro level, this analysis has shown that if the underlying assumptions hold true, there are enough raw materials to make sufficient on-farm feed to achieve the 2030 target 18000 tonnes of feed based on FCR of 1.5. The key underlying assumptions included: (i) the requisite ingredients would be available at the farm level, and (ii) FCR of 3.0-4.0 using farm made feed could be achieved in fertilised pond culture systems (Yi et al., 2008). This is particularly important due to the limited availability of animal-based raw material for fish feed manufacturing. Using solely plant-based ingredients available in the country means that protein levels in feed will be compromised. Protein level in feed that includes animal-based ingredients (blood meal and stomach meal) is approximately 20% as against the same feed made solely with plant-based ingredients of around 15%. What effects protein level will have on fish growth rates in the context of the overall FCRs that can be achieved in fertilised pond systems remains to be seen, but clearly, protein sources for feed manufacturers will pose a serious challenge to Timor-Leste meeting its aquaculture production goals. Complete substitution of fish meal in the feed has been demonstrated only in a few cases. Still, almost every ingredient tested – ranging from oil seed meals, pulses and leaf meals to various agricultural by-products (for example, Tacon, 1987; Hertrampf and Pascual, 2000), as well as aquatic food product wastes (e.g., Rathbone and Babitt, 2000; Gunasekera et al., 2002) - tested in laboratory has been proved capable of replacing fish meal to varying degrees, but mostly to about 40%, without compromising the performance and flesh quality.

Achieving the 2030 fish feed production requirement necessitates a significant increase in feed ingredients and an associated quantum increase in the number of farmers and or size of farms. The challenges described above will be exacerbated in the future and hinder the development of the aquaculture

sector unless the availability of raw materials increases keeping pace with the demand. Testing the assumptions on the ground is a priority next step in determining the viability of on-farm feed manufacturing to support the Timor-Leste aquaculture, and for doing this, ongoing farm trials conducted by WorldFish across Ermera, Baucau and Bobonaro municipalities provide an opportunity to test and validate the effectiveness of the feed at the farm level (Pant et al., 2023).

Aside from the inherent lack of data on several raw materials to base an accurate estimation of the supply, the survey described in this paper had limitations of its own in terms of the time allocated on the ground. The geographical coverage and the number of key informant farmers interviewed in any one locality were limited and not randomly selected, and as such, there is uncertainty in the conclusions regarding estimation of the availability of raw materials at the national or municipality level, or the availability of ingredients in any one farm within a village. Thus, it is important to undertake a more comprehensive and randomised household survey to obtain a more realistic situation of fish ingredients availability across the country. A more comprehensive and detailed understanding of the potential ingredients for fish feed manufacturing that are available across the country will help better serve the national policy setting.

Importantly, this assessment has not considered whether smallscale pond aquaculture (encompassing farmer capability and access to natural resources) would be sufficiently profitable to attract the more farmers required to meet the production targets set in the aquaculture strategy. The feed cost typically makes up a significant portion of the overall production cost in aquaculture worldwide. In this study, we aimed to develop a farm-made feed of reasonably good quality based on plant ingredients at a cost of US$0.50 per kg or less (Tables 4 and 5). Ingredient cost varied significantly but was clearly much less for formulations that did not include animal-based materials with much lower protein levels. For example, in Poetete and Fatuquero villages, on-farm feed using plant-only ingredients cost only US$0.11-0.15 per kg, whereas feed that included animal ingredients cost US$0.26-0.34 per kg, reflecting the scarcity of high-protein raw materials that are suitable for diversion to fish feed manufacturing. As discussed previously, the assumptions about FCR are critical to these calculations and they must be verified through trials. Detailed information from on-ground trials is also necessary to determine the true cost of feed manufacturing, which must also take into account a range of other inputs (including time and labour costs). These inputs are difficult to model with confidence without onground trials.

Beyond determining the actual cost of feed, it is crucial to undertake enterprise-level economic (benefit-cost) modelling to evaluate the overall economic feasibly of small-scale fish farming (tilapia and other species) in Timor-Leste. The on-going PADTL2 WorldFish Project and USAID Project trials provide an excellent opportunity to collect data needed to support such a modeling (Pant et al., 2023). As part of a modelling exercise, it would be prudent to undertake parallel modelling of medium- and largescale aquaculture, and of cluster or cooperative farming systems. This sort of modelling can generate information that will place policy makers in a better position to set future directions.

This analysis also looked at the potential impact of diverting raw materials to aquafeed manufacturing on food security. To a great extent, the choice of ingredients guarded against serious food security issues. Increasing lands allocated primarily to produce raw materials for fish feed as well as those allocated to building ponds needs to be monitored carefully to detect these indirect impacts on food security, especially in poor and

vulnerable communities. Such analyses should also consider the benefits of aquaculture from the food security perspective. In recent years, an animal feed company has already started producing fish feed in small batches and has shown its willingness to expand the production based on the commercial feed formulation options proposed in this paper (Pant et al., 2023). This analysis found the costs of ingredients for semicommercial aquaculture to be higher than those for on-farm feed formulation although the feed for the former would be of superior quality. However, if productivity gains to meet fish demand are a priority, there may be a greater role for commercial-scale feed manufacturing. As mentioned before, it is paramount that economic modelling needs to be conducted to determine the feasibility of setting up and operating large-scale commercial feed mills. Such a modelling should incorporate comparisons between importing commercial feed pellets and importing ingredients for manufacturing feed in Timor-Leste, and policy setting options that would lower the costs of importation, for example, through reducing import duties.

Conclusions

Feed is the most important input for the development of aquaculture industry. Formulating quality feed containing high protein is not possible using ingredients of only plant origin. Feed quality can be improved by including ingredients with high protein content, especially of animal origin, e.g., fishmeal, animal bloodmeal. However, virtually all of the plant- and animal-based ingredients are in short supply in Timor-Leste. Hence, establishment of a fish feed industry is necessary. For this, in-country production of plant-based ingredients (e.g., corn, rice bran, soybean) have to be substantially increased and made available first at modest prices so that import could be restricted to fishmeal and/or soybean meal only. While aquaculture in Timor-Leste is just emerging, low demand for fish feed might constrain the economic viability of in-country feed manufacturing industry. Therefore, supporting private sector for the import of high-quality feed in bulk may serve as an alternative for scaling of aquaculture in a more efficient and cost-effective way until the time when the country starts producing feed itself. In recent years, attempts have been made elsewhere to explore alternatives to fish or soybean meals to enhance the quality of feed, which have emerged as potential sources of protein, such as black soldier fly and other insect meals (Bhujel and Perera, 2023; Galecki and Golaszeweski, 2023). These alternatives may work in homestead small-scale production systems. Hence, future study should also address the technical feasibility, economic viability, and environmental aspects of their mass-scale production.

(References available upon request)

For supporting tables and references please visit the article page on the online document repository at aquafeed.co.uk

Article 23.v1.1

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FISH FARMING TECHNOLOGY Tech update

Autonomous bots

Watbots are working towards introducing a more efficient and reliable way of net cleaning process with the development of a unique, autonomous robot.

Watbots has a very exciting technology that radically changes the way nets are washed. All sensors in the robots allow for BIG data analyses, and the company is thinking of facilitating open APIs and making all data available to the breeders. With our mapping of the note, you get a detailed picture right down to mask level, and then advanced AI (Artificial Intelligence) is used to analyse development and trends. "The only thing we can say is that the robot is wire-free and does not use trusters." says CEO of the company, Håvard Lillebo. "And, there will be a fixed robot per slot, which washes on a daily basis without the need for human control, and a lot of data is collected."

The Future of Fish Farming is On Land A disruptive water treatment solution is the future

by Michael Isakov, CEO, BioFishency, Israel

It comes as no surprise that fish farming is the fastest-growing food production sector in the world, and the most sought-after solution to meet the increasing global demand for animal protein. Today, seafood makes up approximately 17 percent of the world’s protein intake, while in much of Asia and Africa, it’s closer to 50 percent. By 2030, global consumption of fish will reach 180 million tonnes, up from 158 million tonnes in 2020. According to the World Bank, 90 percent of the world’s fisheries are now at or over their capacity. Simply put, our oceans are running out of fish, however, the future of fish farming is not in the water – it’s on land.

With the global decline in wild fish stocks, and the limited availability of land (ponds) and water and their quality, traditional land-based aquaculture, as we know it, is unsustainable. Demanding unprecedented amounts of water and energy, landbased aquaculture is not environmentally responsible in its mission to provide the growing world population with quality seafood products.

After decades of global deployment, pond fish farming has prevailed, and yet, today, due to increased energy costs and higher interest rates, countless projects and multiple locations are at a standstill, resulting in slower than anticipated Return on Investment. To meet the surge in demand for fish, and fastgrowing populations in need of proteins, these projects must deliver shorter ROI.

Raising the bar on RAS

Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), and the potential of intensive seafood production on land are more in focus than ever. The need to intensify grow-out, and enhance the use of existing land resources and water supplies, has resulted in the critical need to integrate RAS as a preliminary stage when introducing fish into the ponds.

But despite the many benefits of RAS, some limiting factors restrict their wider application, such as instability, the inefficient removal of nitrogen and phosphorus compounds specifically in cold water, the increase in bacteria inside conventional biofilters, and the generation of off-flavours. This leads to increased production costs, challenging RAS systems’ ability to be sustainable and profitable.

Israel-based BioFishency, sought viable solutions to solve these and other challenges for RAS, including the limited availability of water, and the build-up of toxic ammonia excreted by fish. A fundamentally new take on RAS, BioFishency develops, manufactures and markets electro-chemical and biological aquaculture water treatment solutions for RAS to produce a year-round harvest of healthier fish. The company’s patented technologies are designed to render RAS more sustainable, more profitable, and more optimized, while eliminating off-flavoring, in both cold and warm water.

At its core, BioFishency solutions are based on intensification

BioFishency ELX – Electro-Chemical Water Treatment (ECWT) system for ammonia removal and water disinfection

– to produce more fish per unit of area and water, with sustainable, cost-saving technologies. Based on such disruptive technology, water treatment is handled in a fully-controlled environment, yielding the introduction of stronger, healthier fish, intensification, and a total greater annual harvest.

The road to sustainable and profitable RAS

What began as a startup in 2013 to develop a plug-andplay biofiltration unit, today, BioFishency expanded its water treatment technologies to guarantee sustainable fish growing systems that shift the water treatment process from biofilters, to a cloud-based, fully controlled, industrialised system that maximises RAS ROI. Its product portfolio includes BioFishency

SPB™ (single-pass biofilter). A Full Water Treatment (FWT) system, unlike the conventional biofilter, it’s an all-in-one, plug and play biological filter for ammonia removal, to intensify growth density, increase survival rate, and deliver healthier fish. BioFishency SPB is ideal for use with fresh and salinated warm water species, designed for both existing and new RAS developments, and is best suited for locations with water restrictions or to boost productivity, with limited investment. Recently, BioFishency introduced an additional line of products – an entirely new approach to RAS water treatment solutions. The first of its kind on the market today, BioFishency ELX™ is an advanced Electro-Chemical Water Treatment (ECWT) system for cost-efficient ammonia removal and water disinfection. The

BioFishency ELX – Ammonia Removal and Water Disinfection Process

system outpowers the inefficiencies of biological RAS, all in a fully controlled environment, while eliminating unsavory offflavors, to deliver a healthier and larger year-round harvest of fish.

BioFishency ELX – Electro-Chemical Water Treatment (ECWT) system for ammonia removal and water disinfection. BioFishency ELX also addresses other key RAS challenges, namely, the unsavory off-flavoring in fish, a result of bacteria buildup in the water. This leads to the production of 2-methylisoborneol (MIB), and geosmin, both of which are absorbed into the fish gills and tissues, leaving an unpleasant odor and taste. Earlier this year, the unprecedented test results of BioFishency ELX, hailed the first in the world success of removing MIB and geosmin in both water and fish tissues, fully eliminating off-flavors in the purging while feeding process.

In comparison, traditional biological RAS, purging under starvation, uses vast amounts of water, while farmers lose approximately 5 percent in fish weight, lowering their market value. Raising the bar on RAS, BioFishency ELX presents RAS farmers with a sustainable, cost-saving solution that enables and promotes fish health, and consistent, normal growth during purging. With BioFishency ELX, maximised RAS ROI is achieved by minimising CAPEX and OPEX, streamlining operations, and delivering superior quality end-products to market.

BioFishency ELX – Ammonia Removal and Water Disinfection Process

A robust zero discharge water treatment system, BioFishency

a built-in disinfection, multi-stage solution in a single cycle, BioFishency ELX directly transforms ammonia to nitrogen, without the need for a costly standalone denitrification reactor to remove nitrate and phosphate from the water. Working on electro-chemical processes, commonly referred to as indirect ammonia oxidation, rather than biological filtration, the system enables comprehensive ammonia, carbon dioxide, and fine particles removal, while continuously monitoring water pH, temperature, oxygen, ORP, chlorine, and ammonium levels. Highly sustainable, the system supports a small carbon footprint, and is equipped with an advanced controller (dashboard) that fits into existing control rooms, requires considerably less space and energy, and operates immediately upon power-up.

What the future holds

The benefits of RAS far outweigh its challenges. RAS systems enable intensified fish farming, occupy minimal land, and require less water, which is expected to increase its demand on a global scale. But in the long term, today’s RAS water treatment solutions, cannot singlehandedly carry the immense weight of feeding our planet, protecting our oceans from overfishing, and conserving land and water resources for future generations. While there is still sufficient room for development, if landbased RAS systems do end up actually shaping the future of aquaculture in a decisive way, the RAS industry must be primed to embrace change. It must be ready to integrate disruptive aquaculture technologies, where electro-chemical and biological water treatment systems become the new norm. Only by redefining its future – today, can required RAS systems work to their full potential, and drive sustainability and profitability

TECHNOLOGY SHOWCASE

Innovations this month July 2023

In this month’s Product Showcase we address water quality in aquaculture, which is particularly crucial in RAS facilities, including a drain waste collection system, a smart monitoring system and a UV disinfection system, all to improve water quality in fish farming.

If you would like your product or service to appear in this section in a future edition of International Aquafeed and Fish Farming Technology magazine, then please contact us at editorial@perendale.co.uk

ASR-RT1 by Ace Aquatec

The Flex and Ring Acoustic Startle Response devices protect farmed fish from predators without harming marine mammals. They target marine predators, such as seals and sea lions, but avoid the specialised hearing ranges of dolphins and porpoises.

A triggered mechanism produces a low-frequency sound to startle any predators. It delivers randomised frequencies and tonal patterns to prevent seals and sea lions from becoming accustomed to the sounds. The signal requires less acoustic output into the water than oldergeneration barrier systems. It takes only ten milliseconds from the start of the noise to reach its peak to create a physical response in marine mammals which they cannot ignore.

Low Frequency protection is the latest generation of acoustic startle response (ASR) devices, and more effective than older acoustic deterrent devices (ADDs). Older ADDs build a temporary acoustic barrier around a pen, which predators can breach.

https://aceaquatec.com

Pellet Mill by IDAH

IDAH pellet mills are born from years of experience and continuous improvements to ensure high production efficiency at the lowest cost.

IDAH has standardised the pellet die and the roller shell for aqua feed production. The compression ratio of their pellet die is specially designed to ensure compact and tough pellets with higher PDI. The roller shells are designed individually for each different hole size.

The “High Moisture Pelleting” method can be achieved through our advanced preconditioning technology. Careful control in the incorporation of heat, moisture, and time provides sufficient cooking for the production of premium quality feeds with good water stability to the market. In addition to altering the product quality, sufficient pre-conditioning also reduces wear out of the parts.

The “High Moisture Pelleting” method can be applied for the production of premium quality sinking feeds, including fish feed (for milkfish, tilapia, catfish, etc,) and shrimp feed.

https://idah.com

Viper SL by Aqua UltraViolet

The Viper Series Sterilisers are a perfect chemical-free UV light water treatment solution for professional applications. UV Sterilization is versatile technology used for disinfecting water, other opaque liquids, hard surfaces and air. Using the same germicidal rays as the sun, but hundreds of times stronger, ultraviolet water filters offer a reliable, cost effective, environmentally friendly alternative to chemicals and their resulting biproducts.

UV Sterilisation is a purely physical process so it doesn’t alter water’s chemistry, taste, smell or pH.

The Viper Series UV are ideal for large commercial or residential ponds, aquariums, and water features. The specially designed lamps disinfect faster and have greater cell penetration capability. The compact body design of the ultraviolet water filters have a small footprint making it easy to handle, install and maintain.

Vipers are engineered to accommodate extreme flow rates. A provided flow switch shuts the unit off if flows fall below 95 GPM.

https://aquaultraviolet.com

SHOWCASE

Fish counter Pescasight 100 by Faivre Pescasight 100 is equipped with a stainless steel trolley that can be height adjusted. It has been designed to discharge directly into a 1.2m high above ground tanks which are commonly found in hatcheries. A high-frequency camera counts every fish that goes through the water stream. The software that controls the camera also permits to estimate each fish’s weight in order to have the average weight of the counted batch. A high-frequency camera counts every fish that goes through the water stream. The software that controls the camera also permits to estimate each fish’s weight in order to have the average weight of the counted batch.

A count report can be loaded with an USB stick into a computer. A video control of also easily helps to verify the percentage of each counting error.

You can provide the video to your customer during a load so that they can audit the results themselves.”

www.faivre-aqua.fr

Net cleaning Rigs by AKVA Group

AKVA Net Cleaners uses rotating cleaning discs mounted on cleaning rigs in various shapes and combinations. AKVA uses rugged, tailor-made high-pressure pumps to drive the cleaning discs. The cleaning process starts with submerging the rig on the inside of the net, using only sea water under high pressure. Cleaning Systems does not use chemicals or scrubbing action. This is environmentally friendly and will not damage the nets.

The cleaning discs are generally delivered with 40 cm diameter. They can also be offered in 30 cm or 50 cm diameter. A movable camera on the rig makes it possible to zoom in on details and provides full control of the washing process.

All Net cleaners are offered with a smooth front rail in stainless steel that ensures minimal wear of the net. All Net cleaners are offered with a smooth front rail in stainless steel that ensures minimal wear of the net.

www.akvagroup.com

Aquaculture is the fastest growing industry in animal food production in the world and supports an increasing global demand for healthy food. Fish farming has a significantly lower climate footprint than other animal production, but disease in the larval and brood stages of fish constitutes a significant bottleneck in fish production and causes large economic losses in the industry. Fish fry cannot be vaccinated and antibiotics are therefore often used in the treatment of diseases. This entails a risk of the development and transfer of antibiotic resistance, which partly reduces the effectiveness of the treatment and partly increases the risk of the spread of antibiotic resistance to food and the environment.

In a project coordinated by Professor Mathias Middelboe, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, researchers from two universities in Denmark are collaborating with aquaculture and biotech companies in Denmark, England and Scotland to develop a new environmentally friendly technology for the treatment of bacterial diseases in trout farming. The starting point for the project is to use the bacteria’s natural enemies, the bacteriophages, in the fight against pathogenic bacteria in aquaculture.

“Our research into bacteriophage-based control of fish diseases

has shown promising results in recent years,” says Professor Mathias Middelboe, “and now the Innovation Fund – together with Carus Animal Health and a number of other Danish and British companies – have invested just over 20 million DKK in taking the next step in the development of antimicrobial products that can reduce disease outbreaks in trout rearing.”

The products are thought to be used preventively as feed supplements or applied to biological filters in recirculated breeding facilities. As the diseases in question are globally widespread and have major negative consequences for the industry throughout the world, products that reduce fish mortality and support sustainable production have great commercial potential.

The goal is therefore that the project’s results can contribute to phasing out the use of antibiotics in the aquaculture industry and contribute to a sustainable development and restructuring of the sector.

The project is a collaboration between the University of Copenhagen, the Technical University of Denmark, the Danish Technological Institute, DanAqua, KSK Aqua, Aller Aqua, Carus Animal Health and Fixed Phage and will run for 3 years.

Sustainable trout farming: alternative to antibiotics to fight diseases

A new research project will use bacteria’s natural enemies, bacteriophages, to control bacterial diseases in aquaculture.

Industry Events

Status updates for industry events amidst global effects of COVID-19

2023

2023 July

5 - 6

Aquaculture Philippines 2023

Pasay City, Philippines

www.livestockphilippines.com

8-10

VIV Turkey

Istanbul, Turkey

www.vivturkey.com

2023 August

23-25

Aqua Nor

Trondheim, Norway

https://aquanor.no

2023 September

6 - 7

Seagriculture USA 2023

Portland, USA

https://seagriculture-usa.com

6 - 8

Expo Pesca AcuiPeru

Lima, Peru

www.thaiscorp.com

11 - 13

Seafood Expo Asia

Singapore

www.seafoodexpo.com

18 - 21

Aquaculture Europe

Vienna, Austria

www.aquaeas.org

2023 October

3-5

Pet-Aqua Conference

São Paulo, Brazil

https://victamlatam.com

5 FEED MILLING MAXIMISED Conference

São Paulo, Brazil millingandgrain.com/event /feed-milling-maximised-2023

MAXIMISED

October 5th, 2023

A CONFERENCE FOR FEED MILLERS

São Paulo, Brazil

14 - 17

Fenacam

Natal, Brazil

www.fenacam.com.br

20 - 22

VIV MEA 2023

Abu Dhabi

www.vivmea.nl

19

Aquaculture Extrusion & Nutrition Conference

Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. bit.ly/aenc23

www.onlinemillingschool.com

11 - 13

Aquaculture Vietnam 2023 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam https://aquafisheriesexpo.com

23-25

Victam LatAm

Sao Paulo, Brazil. https://victamlatam.com

23 - 26

Aqua Expo 2023 Guayaquil, Ecuador https://aquaexpo.com.ec

2023 November

1 - 3

Aquaculture Taiwan Taipei, Taiwan, www.aquaculturetaiwan.com

13- 16

AFRAQ - Aquaculture Africa

Lusaka, Zambia www.was.org

Aquaculture development and investment

Aquafeed Extrusion and Nutrition Conference will be held at VIV MEA 2023. It is a one-day conference centred on the topics of the production and extrusion of aquatic feed along with the nutrition and farming for fish and shrimps. Covering a variety of topics within aquafeed, this conference will provide knowledge, solutions, and research for everyone in the aquaculture.

☑ See The International Aquafeed team at this event

To sponsor please email: Tuti Tan – tutit@perendale.co.uk

For more information on the conference please email: Shannon Parsons – shannonp@perendale.co.uk

2023

December

12 - 15

AlgaEurope 2023 Prague

https://algaeurope.org Live

October 3-4, 2023 São Paulo Brazil

Two half-day conferences for millers

3 The Online Milling School LIVE!

São Paulo, Brazil

UK Aquaculture Awards 2023

The winners of this year’s Aquaculture Awards were announced at a celebratory dinner in Inverness on 15th June, attended by leading figures from across the sector.

The event, held at the Macdonald Drumossie Hotel and hosted by comedian Jo Caulfield, saw a total of 13 prizes awarded to companies and individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to aquaculture over the past year.

In a category crowded with talent, the Rising Star award went to Mowi’s Eleanor Lawrie, who has blazed a trail as the company’s first female deckhand and hopes to inspire others into roles that aren’t traditionally for women.

The Collaboration prize was awarded to Rare Earth Global and the Institute of Aquaculture at the University of Stirling for their trial validating hemp seeds as a viable novel ingredient in the diets of farmed salmon.

In another competitive field, the Innovation award was given to Australia’s Aqua Clean Tas for its Tassie Devil Tracker 4000, the world’s first hydraulically powered mechanical ROV net cleaning machine.

Winner of the Sustainability award was Selcoth Fisheries, a small family run business making big strides growing rainbow trout. The company has implemented a hydro-electric supply network, invested in humane stunning technology and a water filtration system, and delivered biodiversity and habitat improvement projects across its sites.

The hotly contested Community award went to Organic Sea Harvest (OSH) and aquafeed supplier Cargill for their joint From the Sea to the Land community initiative, which has brought tangible benefits to local causes on Skye since its launch two years ago.

Cameron Jones of Mowi beat off tough competition to scoop this year’s Farmer of the Year award. The judges decided he stood out as Mowi’s youngest ever manager and now its youngest area manager, showing leadership beyond his years, turning

around some of Mowi’s most challenging farms and supporting his team in difficult times.

The coveted Animal Welfare prize was awarded to steelhead trout producer Kames Fish Farming for introducing a brood stock programme with genetics experts Xelect and cryopreservation specialists Cyrogenetics, resulting in a strain of trout tailored to its specific environment.

Tom Morrow Tarpaulins of Inverness was named Supplier of the Year. Serving the aquaculture sector industry for more than 25 years, the Tom Morrow team have provided sustainable and humane products to solve and manage the challenges faced by the sector, never missing a deadline and working round the clock to deliver for their clients.

The inaugural Best New Start Up award was won by WellFish Diagnostics, which has developed a potentially transformational service using blood biomarkers to monitor fish health, incorporating AI and achieving early commercial success.

Organic Sea Harvest, the first new, independently owned salmon farm in Scotland for decades, was named Best Aquaculture Company by the judging panel, singled out for its commitment to producing organic salmon on Skye, to growing the business and for making an impact in the communities in which it operates.

Dr Lesley McEvoy of UHI Shetland, described by colleagues as a quiet but active champion of aquaculture, was winner of the Unsung Hero award. As she retires, she is credited with inspiring many up and coming scientists, school pupils and husbandry staff in her role as an instructor, teacher, lecturer and supervisor of aquaculture and fisheries vocational, undergraduate, postgraduate and research students.

Another tireless advocate for aquaculture, Ronnie Soutar, head of veterinary services at Scottish Sea Farms, was the clear favourite to win the Outstanding Contribution award, having earned the respect of his peers across the sector for the range and

Master in Sustainable Aquaculture

depth of his work.

The Judges’ Special Recognition Award, created to acknowledge the efforts of a particular company or individual, went to World Feeds, which has made a significant difference to cleaner fish welfare and survival rates with its innovative feed blocks.

Aquaculture Awards organiser

Diversified Communications paid tribute to all the award entries, and to the sponsors, including SAIC, Fish Farmer, MSD Animal Health, Ocean Kinetics, M&S Food, DSM, BioMar, Poseidon, Hendrix Genetics, Solvtrans, Cargill, Stingray, the Institute of Aquaculture, Skills Development Scotland, Crown Estate Scotland and Marine Scotland.

Event Director Cheri Arvonio said: “The Aquaculture Awards celebrate the incredible talent, initiative and sheer hard work that make the sector so successful and we are proud, once again, to be able to honour the achievements of those who have made such a difference this year.

“The judges’ decisions were difficult, given the select line-up, and congratulations must go to all those who were nominated, the high calibre shortlists and to the amazing award winners.”

World Feeds wins special award for VAF's impact on aquaculture industry

World Feeds Ltd have been awarded Judge’s Special Recognition at this year’s Aquaculture Awards, held in Inverness.

Following the launch of their innovative feeding systems - designed specifically for cleaner fish used in the global aquaculture industry – in 2019, World Feed has become well-established and trusted within the sector. Our unique VAF Feed Blocks have had a hugely positive effect on fish husbandry, cleaner fish health and welfare and bolstering their effectiveness in combatting sea lice.

VAF has now been embraced across Scotland, with all major salmon producers including Mowi, Bakkafrost, Loch Duart and Scottish Sea Farms now converted to their diets and feeding strategies as part of their cleaner fish care. VAF is currently undergoing extensive trials in Norway with Mowi and Lerøy with major new opportunities developing in the region, as well as Canada. They are committed to playing our key part in the continued development of the industry, improving fish nutrition and welfare.

They continue to develop new innovative feeds and delivery methods as has always been the World Feeds way. Next on the agenda, the company is bringing their unique approach to animal welfare in hatcheries with larval and broodstock diets on the horizon.

by Niamh Cassidy, International Aquafeed, UK

WAS DARWIN

For the first time since 2014, The World Aquaculture society came to Darwin, Australia this year, for three days of sessions, awards, trade show, and endless networking opportunities. From May 30 to June 1, the Darwin convention centre in the Northern territory of Australia hosted the annual aquaculture event, giving an opportunity for the global aquaculture community to gather and exchange research, knowledge, and innovative ideas to develop the future of the sector.

The conference held a trade show and numerous sessions throughout the days, with networking opportunities in the afternoons and evening, such as the student reception, Presidents’ reception, and happy hour!

Aquaculture plays an important role when it comes to the

challenges in global security, and this event was a great platform for the aquaculture community to gather and discuss, debate, present, and exchange ideas, as well as network. Evaluating the sectors progress is important, and the event hosted academics, industry researchers, market and industry analysts, government officials, policy makers, and representatives from the Asia-pacific region and worldwide. Darwin itself is the ideal location due to its proximity to both the Australian industry and regions of Asia that all together produce around 89 percent of the world’s aquaculture.

The total attendees this year was 1394, from 75 countries. These statistics include 585 Australian and 81 student attendees. 348 Abstracts were submitted this year, and 50 posters were presented

Carla Keith from CRCN

Amine Chaabane from Phodé and Dr Sungchul Bai

G. Ramesh, and Gary Pearse on the stand of Wenger

Antonio Garza de Yta

Plenary award

Brenton Brook and Desmond Lee

Guillaume Drillet, SGS

Steve Harrison and Roger Gilbert

Richard Knuckey from Company One

Regis Bador

at the event.

At the trade show, 80 booths were present, showcasing the latest in aquaculture technologies and other sectors.

Sessions were held throughout all three days, surrounding topics in economics, biosecurity, nutrition/heath, environmental considerations, technology, indigenous aquaculture practices, and women in aquaculture (among others). The 34 special sessions also included topics in climate change, oceanography, research technical advances energy efficient, communications.

The technical programme allowed for a showcase in the latest developments in the aquaculture world, with oral and poster presentations in the theme of ‘supporting strength in aquaculture.’

Roger Gilbert, Publisher of International Aquafeed magazine had the opportunity to talk to Ross Briggs, Co-Director of Project systems and design sales for Into Aqua. When asked on the benefits of adopting northern European technology, he says

“It’s not so much the technology, but how you make the technology work together, and getting different perspectives to get the best out of the system, and the best for the fish.”

International Aquafeed magazine also had the chance to speak with Patrick Tigges, CEO of Billund Aquaculture, Australia. Billund aquaculture attended WAS Darwin this year to promote and highlight

Dan Richards

Jorge Lasso and Varun Uthappa from Trovan and Microchips Australia

Mark Cyrus and Leo Nankervis, from James Cook University

Holger Kühlwein of Leiber

Daniel Arana from Huvepharma with Roger Gilbert

the work their doing with salmon and other species. Salmon is the main reason for establishing themselves in Australia, as it’s 90 percent of their turnover, however they do work with over 30 species. Billund Aquaculture have a lot of research and development that they’re hoping will support the Australian Aquaculture industry.

“I think Australia has the unique advantage of having a lot of species well suited for aquaculture. It lacks a bit of funding and investment, but that will no doubt come in the years forward, which’ll be interesting to observe and see which species will make the race and where to support.”

“Barramundi has the advantage already, it’s fairly established and well known in Australia and Indonesia and there’s a lot of production already, but not compared to Salmon. We hear a lot of interest in other species like mulloway, and various perch types. Yellowtail fish is a hot topic right now.”

Tony Long and Peter Eckberg from Kaeser Compressors

Patrick Tigges, CEO of Billund Aquaculture

Professor Roy D. Palmer

The great debate

Adrian McIntyre from Aqua Future, Australia

Enzo Bova from Hayward Flow Control

Rau Chua and Sam Christie

Ben Walsh, Alessandro Ricco and Matt O'Brian

Seunghyung Lee

Ryan Lim of Sysmex

insights

The right nutrition

The right nutrition is a significant factor in ensuring the health and wellbeing of livestock, pets, and aquatic animals. The right balance of essential nutrients in animal feed is essential for the growth and development of healthy animals, and it can also help to prevent disease and other health problems.

The basics of animal nutrition

To understand the importance of animal feed, it's important to first understand the basics of animal nutrition. Like humans, animals require a variety of essential nutrients in their diet to support their growth and development. These nutrients include:

- Protein: Essential for building and repairing tissues, and for producing enzymes and hormones.

- Carbohydrates: A source of energy for the animal's body.

- Fats: Also a source of energy, and important for the absorption of certain vitamins.

- Vitamins: Essential for various bodily functions, including growth, metabolism, and immunity.

- Minerals: Essential for strong bones and teeth, and for various bodily functions.

- Water: Essential for hydration and various bodily functions.

The right balance of these essential nutrients is crucial for the health and wellbeing of livestock, pets, and aquatic animals. If animals don't receive the right balance of nutrients, they may suffer from malnutrition, which can lead to a range of health problems, including stunted growth, weakened immune systems, and even death.

The impact of feed on animal health

The quality of animal feed can have a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of livestock, pets, and aquatic animals. Poor quality feed can lead to a range of health problems, including digestive issues, weight loss, and reduced immunity. In some cases, poor quality feed can even lead to the spread of disease within a herd or flock.

To ensure the health and wellbeing of their animals, farmers and pet owners must provide high-quality feed that is balanced and appropriate for the specific needs of their animals. This can be a challenge, as different animals have different nutritional requirements depending on their age, weight, and other factors.

Advancements in feed science

Advancements in feed science are helping farmers and pet owners to improve the quality of their feed and achieve better health outcomes for their animals. For example, the use of probiotics, prebiotics, and enzymes in animal feed can help to improve the digestion and absorption of nutrients, which can lead to better overall health and wellbeing for livestock, pets, and aquatic animals.

Probiotics are live microorganisms that can help to improve the balance of bacteria in an animal's digestive system. By promoting healthy bacteria in the gut, probiotics can improve digestion and nutrient absorption, leading to better overall health. Prebiotics, on the other hand, are non-digestible fibers that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. And enzymes are proteins that

Interview GEPRO

A very interesting company that’s focusing on nutrition and feed quality in general is GEPRO. GEPRO is specialised in developing, manufacturing and selling exceptionally high-quality poultry proteins and fats for the animal food industry (pet food, aquafeed), as well as the biofuel industry. Headquarters and main production site located in Diepholz, Lower Saxony – in close proximity to Germany’s largest poultry production and processing plants. In addition to the headquarters in Diepholz, GEPRO has other locations around the world to ensure incredible service.

In recent years what are the most critical technological developments that you have witnessed in the sector?

Throughout its 50 years in operation, GEPRO went through many developments and therefore has made a name for itself as a reliable and successful industry player that can face challenges head on and overcome them using innovative solutions. Our goal is to always have our finger on the pulse of the market and to implement our customers’ requests and requirements in a timely manner. Technology-driven rearing systems to improve overall health and generate more specific data on animal performance can be considered the major technical development.

What is your vision on the evolving pet food and aquafeed industry? How do you cope with the emerging trends in aquafeed?

The transforming pet food and aquafeed industry requires non-stop R&D. Regular training sessions are a matter of course at GEPRO so the specialists stay up to date on current trends. We develop and produce the highest quality products from the best abattoir by-products in the poultry industry. We only process Category III abattoir by-products from poultry here. In doing so, we have always relied on cutting-edge technology and production processes (e.g. spray drying, wet rendering process) to meet the highest standards of quality; our own!

Thanks to our decades-old procurement strategy, we are able to guarantee that we and our customers receive raw materials in reliable quantities and of a consistently high and sustainable quality. As we offer more sustainable products compared to soy or palm products, we look positively to the future.

Can you tell us a little bit more about your innovations or technologies?

Examples of GEPRO’s latest innovations and technologies are hydrolyzed protein, more efficient technology such as technology-driven rearing systems and regenerative energy supply.

help to break down complex nutrients into smaller, more easily digestible components.

Another area of advancement in feed science is the use of alternative protein sources. Traditionally, animal feed has been made primarily from soybeans and other grains. However, as demand for animal protein continues to rise, there is increasing pressure to find alternative protein sources that are more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

In conclusion, high-quality proteins, fats and vitamins play a crucial role in ensuring the health and wellbeing of livestock, pets, and aquatic animals. The right balance of essential nutrients is essential for the growth and development of healthy animals, and advancements in feed science are helping farmers and pet owners to improve the quality of their feed and achieve better health outcomes for their animals.

aquafeed.co.uk/web/companies

Welcome to the market place, where you will find suppliers of products and services to the industry - with help from our friends at The International Aquafeed Directory (published by Turret Group)

Aerators

Faivre + 33 3idah 81 84 01 32

www.faivre.fr

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1603

Air products

Kaeser Kompressoren

+49 9561 6400

www.kaeser.com

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1035

Additives

DSM

+43 2782 8030

www.dsm.com

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1605

Jefo

+1 450 799 2000

https://jefo.ca

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1607

Liptosa

+34 902 157711

www.liptosa.com

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1608

SAS Laboratories Phode

+33 5 63 77 80 60

www.phode.com

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1644

Analysis

Romer Labs

+43 2272 6153310

www.romerlabs.com

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1610

Bulk storage

TSC Silos +31 543 473979

www.tsc-silos.com

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1612

Conveyors

Computer software

Inteqnion +31 543 49 44 66

www.inteqnion.com

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1277

Coolers & driers

Bühler AG +41 71 955 11 11

www.buhlergroup.com

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1614

FAMSUN

+86 514 85828888

www.famsungroup.com

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1034

IDAH

+866 39 902701

www.idah.com

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1615

Wenger Manufacturing

+1 785-284-2133

www.wenger.com

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1616

Drum filters

Faivre + 33 3 81 84 01 32 www.faivre.fr

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1603

Faivre is a French company, and one of the world leaders in the conception, manufacture and production of aquaculture machines.

Since 1958, thanks to their knowledge of the market and strong experience in aquaculture, Faivre has developed high quality products to satisfy all of your needs, from one product to the full installation. Strength, effectiveness and simplicity are the qualities of their production.

aqfeed.info/e/1603

Elevator buckets

Elevator & conveyor components

4B Braime +44 113 246 1800

www.go4b.com

aqfeed.info/e/1655

Enzymes

DSM +43 2782 8030

www.dsm.com

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1605

Equipment for sale

ExtruTech Inc

+1 785 284 2153

www.extru-techinc.com

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1618

Extruders

Almex

+31 575 572666

www.almex.nl

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1279

Buhler AG

+41 71 955 11 11

www.buhlergroup.com

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1614

IDAH +866 39 902701

www.idah.com

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1615

Ottevanger +31 79 593 22 21

www.ottevanger.com

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1621

Wenger Manufacturing

+1 785-284-2133

www.wenger.com

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1616

Zheng Chang

+86 2164184200

www.zhengchang.com

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1623

Feed and ingredients

Adisseo

+33 1 46 747104

www.adisseo.com

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1624

Aller Aqua

+45 70 22 19 10

www.aller-aqua.com

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/961

Alltech

+44 1780 764512

www.alltechcoppens.com

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1625

Anpario

+44 1909 537 380

www.anpario.com

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1626

Biorigin

www.biorigin.net

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1627

GePro

+49 54415 925252

www.ge-pro.de aqfeed.info/e/1656

Grand Fish Feed

+202 20 650018

www.grand-aqua.com

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1628

Jefo

+1 450 799 2000

https://jefo.ca

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1607

Liptosa

+34 902 15 77 11

www.liptoaqua.com

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1608

Phileo (Lesaffre animal care)

+33 3 20 81 61 00

www.lesaffre.fr

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1629

Feed Mill

TekPro

+44 1692 403403

www.tekpro.com

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1631

Tietjen Verfahrenstechnik GmbH

+49 4106 6333 0

www.tietjen-original.com

PROFILE:

Van Aarsen International

+31 475 579 444

www.aarsen.com

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1632

Fish counters

Faivre

+ 33 3 81 84 01 32

www.faivre.fr

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1603

Fish Graders

Faivre + 33 3 81 84 01 32

www.faivre.fr

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1603

Fish pumps

Faivre + 33 3 81 84 01 32 www.faivre.fr PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1603

Grinders

Grand Fish Feed +202 20 650018

www.grand-aqua.com

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1628

Hammermills

Dinnissen BV +31 77 467 3555

www.dinnissen.nl

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1633

Tietjen Verfahrenstechnik GmbH

+49 4106 6333 0

www.tietjen-original.com

PROFILE:

Moisture analysers

Hydronix +44 1483 468900

www.hydronix.com

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1634

Packaging

FAWEMA / The Packaging Group

+49 22 63 716 0

www.fawema.com

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1635

Paddle Mixer

Anderson www.andersonfeedtech.com aqfeed.info/e/1658

IDAH

+866 39 902701

www.idah.com

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1615

Palatability enhancers

Symrise

https://aquafeed.symrise.com

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1739

Pellet mill

IDAH

+866 39 902701

www.idah.com

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1615

PTN

+31 73 54 984 72

www.ptn.nl

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1636

Plants

Buhler AG +41 71 955 11 11

www.buhlergroup.com

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1614

Dinnissen BV +31 77 467 3555

www.dinnissen.nl

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1633

FAMSUN

+86 514 87848880

www.muyang.com

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1034

Ottevanger +31 79 593 22 21

www.ottevanger.com

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1621

Zheng Chang +86 2164184200

www.zhengchang.com

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1623

Pulverisers

IDAH

+866 39 902701

www.idah.com

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1615

To include your company in the International Aquafeed market place in print, and a company page on our website contact Tuti Tan +44 1242 267700 • tutit@perendale.co.uk

To visit the online market place visit: www.aqfeed.info/e/1130

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•

•

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Probiotics

DSM +43 2782 8030

www.dsm.com

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1605

Royal DSM is a global, purpose-led company in Health, Nutrition & Bioscience, applying science to improve the health of people, animals and the planet. DSM’s purpose is to create brighter lives for all. DSM’s products and solutions address some of the world’s biggest challenges while simultaneously creating economic, environmental and societal value for all its stakeholders - customers, employees, shareholders, and society at large. DSM and its associated companies employ approximately 23,000 people around the world and deliver annual net sales of about €10 billion.

DSM use their bright science to deliver positive transformations at scale for as many people as possible today and for generations to come, operating within the constraints of the world’s finite resources. DSM aim to redefine how they live and work in order to create a fairer, more prosperous and more sustainable society.

In Animal Nutrition and Health

The DSM Animal Nutrition and Health business group offers customers a true end-to-end portfolio of products, solutions and services for sustainable and profitable animal farming. The company’s three dedicated business lines cover Precision Services, Performance Solutions + Biomin® and Essential Products.

Precision Services

Greater precision in animal farming is key to a more sustainable and profitable future. Their Precision Services use the latest data analytics and diagnostics to improve animal health, lifetime performance, resource use and environmental footprint — while mitigating risks and unlocking more value. Improving the sustainability and profitability of animal farming is secured with aqfeed.info/e/1605

Phytogenics

Delacon +43 732 640 531 414 www.delacon.com

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1637

RAS Equipment

Fish Farm Feeder +34 886 317 600

www.fishfarmfeeder.com

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1638

FishFarmFeeder is a company founded in 2008 that manufactures feeding systems for aquaculture with a complete catalog of feeders that cover all stages of the fish's life: hatchery, pre-grower and grow-out, both on land and at sea.

FishFarmFeeder’s mission is to:

• Offer globally specialized solutions only in the field of feed automation for aquaculture. Contribute to a sustainable aquaculture helping to optimize production and improving fish welfare.

• Respond to the needs of automation in the feeding of all stages of the fish's life.

• Develope a profitable, reliable, accurate and safe technology.

Facilitate integration with other existing technologies in aquaculture such as sensors, software aqfeed.info/e/1603

RAS system

Silos FAMSUN

+86 514 85828888

www.famsungroup.com

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1034

TSC Silos +31 543 473979

www.tsc-silos.com

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1612

Vacuum

Dinnissen BV +31 77 467 3555

www.dinnissen.nl

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1633

Weighing equipment

Ottevanger +31 79 593 22 21

www.ottevanger.com

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1621

Yeast products

Leiber GmbH +49 5461 93030

www.leibergmbh.de

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1640

Phileo (Lesaffre animal care) +33 3 20 81 61 00

www.lesaffre.fr

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1629

Aqua Ultraviolet +1 952 296 3480

www.aquauv.com

PROFILE: aqfeed.info/e/1639

For more information about our market place - please view or download our 2023 media kit

https://aqfeed.info/e/1529

the interview

Ivo Lansbergen, President Animal Nutrition and Health & Member of the Group Executive Committee, dsm-firmenich, Netherlands

Ivo Lansbergen is the President of Animal Nutrition & Health at dsm-firmenich. He holds a master’s in science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Enschede, Netherlands. He joined DSM in 1997 and has held various positions within the company. In 2019, he took over the leadership of the Animal Nutrition & Health business, transforming it into a leading solutions provider. Under his guidance, strategic acquisitions strengthened the firm’s expertise in animal health and nutrition. Mr.Lansbergen is committed to driving sustainable animal protein production and reducing on-farm livestock emissions by 2030, aligned with the company’s Food System Commitments.

How long have you worked at DSM and has all that time been devoted to Animal Nutrition & Health? Why did you decide that DSM was a career choice for yourself?

I’ve grown up with DSM, having been with the company now for 26 years. I have a degree in chemical engineering and started my career as a Process Engineer at DSM Resins. I’ve held a variety of roles in many of the different business lines, including chemicals, materials, human nutrition and most recently Animal Nutrition & Health. One thing that strongly appealed to me is the company’s ability to transform itself repeatedly over time, along with a clear dedication to sustainability which is also a core tenet of dsm-firmenich.

The industry in the Europe has set high standards when it comes to food safety especially in the area of mycotoxins, etc. Do you believe the rest of the world is capable of reaching these same food safety standards or will we have to settle for various and different requirements from country-to-country?

Mycotoxins jeopardise both animal and human health and pose a direct threat to food safety and food security. Not all mycotoxins are regulated, and even contamination levels below legal limits can still cause problems for farm animals and producers. Food safety standards vary per jurisdiction and continually evolve. Expanding scientific knowledge on mycotoxins and other contaminants contribute to enhancing food safety standards not only in Europe but also on a worldwide basis. Higher standards help ensure that every person has access to safe, healthy, and nutritious food.

Do mycotoxins play a role in food safety for farmed fish species now that we are using more grain-based proteins in fish diets?

Mycotoxins have a significant impact on feed safety for farmed fish species. Mycotoxin contamination can adversely affect the health, welfare, and performance of aquatic animals, leading to substantial economic losses, estimated at billions of dollars globally each year. Moreover, there is a risk of mycotoxin carryover to human food. Recent data shows that over 90 percent of aquafeed samples contain multiple mycotoxins, with feed materials like corn by-products, rice bran, soy, and wheat being notably contaminated. With the growing use of plant proteins, cheaper raw materials, and the influence of climate change, the mycotoxin threat is expected to increase further in the future.

What are likely to be the future challenges for fish farmers in meeting a demand for protein when competing with land-based livestock production which has had many decades of development and achieving efficiencies? Will farmed fish be competitive with the chicken on the plate in future?

As well as space to grow, future growth of the industry relies on the scale and availability of affordable, low footprint raw materials with the right nutritional profile, and there will be new and continued challenges in health and welfare of farmed aquaculture species. Production efficiency also drives sustainability of course and a combination of nutritional interventions and data-based decision-making tools can support sustainable growth of aquaculture and accelerate progress in addressing these issues.

THE INDUSTRY FACES

Ole Christian Willumsen to join Proximar as new CFO

“Proximar is very pleased that Mr Willumsen will join as our new CFO. He brings important and highly relevant competence to Proximar, including experience from working in Japan and with Japanese multinational corporations. I am confident that he will be a valuable member to our team and in the further development of the company, and look forward to working closely together with him,” says Joachim Nielsen, CEO of Proximar.

Mr Willumsen joins Proximar from the position as country manager for Equinor in Japan and is currently living in Tokyo. He has more than 20 years of extensive experience in leadership positions, from both start-up companies and large corporations, covering commercial and operational roles. He has a strong international background and has previously been working in London, Dubai and Beijing.

Mr Willumsen will start the position as CFO on August 1, 2023. He holds a MSc. in Business and a CEMSmaster from the Norwegian School of Economics (NHH) and Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien.

Burges Salmon appoints new director

Independent UK law firm Burges Salmon is pleased to announce the appointment of Katy Wall as a new director in its Construction and Engineering team.

Ms Wall joins Burges Salmon from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner, where she was a senior associate in the firm’s Commercial Construction & Engineering team.

Ms Wall specialises in commercial construction and engineering law, providing advice on procurement strategy and negotiation of standard form and bespoke construction and engineering contracts, service and supply agreements and associated development, funding and third-party arrangements. Having worked as an in-house solicitor for Siemens plc, Ms Wall has acted for both contractors and developers on major international infrastructure projects.

Ms Wall comments, “Burges Salmon has a very well-regarded Construction and Engineering team, with both an impressive roster of clients and a wide range of highly experienced lawyers. I’m excited to be joining the team and am very much looking forward to working with our clients on a variety of nationally significant and complex construction projects.”

Haiko Zuidhoff to be the new CEO of Orffa

Eddy Ketels will step down as CEO of Orffa at the end of 2023. He will be succeeded by Haiko Zuidhoff, who will start in his new role as of 1 October 2023.

Eddy Ketels has been working for 35 years at Orffa. He became CEO in 2001. Under his leadership Orffa has developed from a local player, mainly focused on ingredients in Belgium and the Netherlands, into a global innovative value-adding company having presence in the main feed producing countries, offering a balanced portfolio of feed additives.

Haiko Zuidhoff has worked in Asia for 25 years and moved back to The Netherlands in 2022. He most recently served IMCD as President for the Asia region, overseeing IMCD’s vision, strategy and accelerated growth through both organic growth and M&A. Prior to IMCD he served in various senior leadership roles at Trouw Nutrition Nutreco and Corbion. His knowledge and expertise will contribute to Orffa’s strategy and vision to be a value-adding partner to the global animal production of today and tomorrow.

Haiko Zuidhoff will be based at Orffa’s headquarter in Breda, the Netherlands.

Turpin Joins Innovasea as Chief Financial Officer

Innovasea, a global leader in technologically advanced aquatic solutions for aquaculture and fish tracking, announced today that Jean Turpin has joined the company as chief financial officer. Turpin has a strong track record in international business finance, including experience in strategic consulting, competitive analysis, business analytics, business transformation, due diligence and postmerger integration.

“Jean’s impressive background providing financial leadership to a number of successful international corporations is a perfect fit for Innovasea as we continue to expand globally into new markets,” said Innovasea CEO David Kelly. “Jean’s experience working with and leading international teams will be vital to executing on our growth strategy.”

Prior to joining Innovasea, Turpin served as vice president of strategy and analytics at IAC, a U.S.-based digital platform business whose brands include Match.com, Vimeo and Angie’s List. Turpin led the strategy and analytics group for IAC’s ANGI International segment, overseeing financial planning and analysis.

At Innovasea Turpin will be focused on providing the financial resources and capabilities required to support the increasing scale, scope and complexity of Innovasea’s operations as well as the execution of its strategic plan.

Since 1958, Faivre has developed and manufactured high quality equipment for the aquaculture industry.

A complete range of filters, built to handle from 3 l/s to 1200 l/s

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NEW Spiderplate ® www.faivregroup.com

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15 different packs, made to manage fish from 1g. to 3,5kg.