The DDGSAlternatives:

The increasing price and limited supply of fishmeal as the pri mary protein ingredient for shrimp feed have raised significant sustainability concerns. In response, formulators and feed mills actively seek alternative raw materials to reduce reliance on fishmeal. While plant-based protein sources like soybean meal (SBM) have been utilized as a solution, rising commodity prices have necessitated the search for additional alternative ingredients that can ensure the economical production of shrimp feed.

In recent years, researchers have turned their attention to Dried Distillers Grains with Solubles (DDGS) as a potential alternative plant-based protein ingredient. DDGS, a by-product of ethanol made from corn, boasts a high-protein feed composition with an average crude protein content of 25-30%. Notably, the price per unit protein of DDGS is lower than that of (SBM), making it an attractive option for developing sustainable and economically viable shrimp diets.

Scientifically Proven

Furthermore, DDGS proves to be a viable alternative ingredient for shrimp feed not only due to its economic advantages but also because it does not have any detrimental effects on shrimp. Recent research conducted by a nutrition expert from the Jakarta Technical University of Fisheries, Romi Novriadi, supports this claim. His latest study revealed that incorporating DDGS into shrimp feed, both in laboratory and field experiments, led to shrimp growth comparable to that achieved with the current factory feed. These results demonstrate the suitability of DDGS as an alternative ingredient in shrimp diets.

“Shrimp performance is quantitatively even better when there is DDGS content in the feed as a partial substitute for SBM. Apart from growth performance, the use of DDGS also does not affect the nutritional composition of the shrimp at the end of cultivation,” Romi tells THE CRUST.

While DDGS holds promise as an alternative protein source, its application is somewhat restricted. Romi highlights that DDGS is optimally utilized only at a maximum of 15 percent to replace fishmeal or SBM, necessitating its combination with other protein sources. Nevertheless, the inclusion of DDGS into shrimp feed can still save costs, reducing feed production expenditure by approximately 3 percent.

“One of our concerns is that shrimp also have other nutritional needs, such as cholesterol and DHA, which cannot be obtained solely by relying on vegetable protein. In addition, corn has a relatively low amount of lysine (one of the essential amino acids that can only be obtained through external intake) compared to fishmeal or SBM. However, corn has a fairly high level of Methionine (an essential amino acid),” he explains.

Market Trends

Not only at the research level, but the use of DDGS as an alternative ingredient has also been adopted by feed mills to achieve cost-efficiency and sustainability objectives, particularly in their efforts towards carbon neutrality. According to a promi­ nent DDGS supplier, The U.S Grain Council (USGC), DDGS is gaining popularity across Southeast Asia (SEA), North Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. In SEA itself, countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand have already embraced the use of DDGS in their aquaculture practices. Moreover, the Philippines is not only incorporating DDGS in fin fish feeds but also exploring other high-protein sources, including corn fermented protein (CFP).

Regional Director of USGC for Southeast Asia & Oceania, Caleb Wurth, says that DDGS is mainly used as an ingredient for poultry feed in Southeast Asia. However, DDGS can be seen in the rations of most species, including ruminants, swine, and exotics. He reveals that nearly 1 million metric tons of DDGS are sold into Indonesia annually.

“Mainly to the poultry industry as it is the largest feed consumer by volume. Shrimp demand makes up a relatively low overall volume, but growing fast,” he adds.

Even to serve the shrimp feed market, the DDGS industry is trying to increase the protein content from the regular 27 percent to 40-60 percent by adding another round of fiber extraction. They are excited to produce and market this higher protein DDGS of nearly 500,000 MT.

Aquafeed R&D Director CJ Feed, Kim Sung Sam, confirms that the aquafeed industry has been reviewing the use of DDGS as they are looking for cost efficiency. Based on the latest research and verified by the trial on their own farm, CJ Feed & Care Indonesia currently uses DDGS in small amounts in shrimp feed.

The inclusion rates of DDGS depend on various factors such as species, growth stage, water temperature, density, etc. Therefore, Kim says that it’s necessary to verify the feeding trial according to those various factors. “It’s relatively difficult to determine the inclusion rates because the appropriate amount varies according to various factors,” Kim adds.

Citing Chatvijitkul’s paper (2016), Kim says “that the popularity of DDGS as a protein source is the result of moderate protein and lipid contents, as well as phosphorus, vitamins and trace minerals present in the meal. Moreover, DDGS does not contain some anti-nutritional factors such as trypsin inhibitors, phytate, and gossypol, which can cause negative effects on aquatic digestive systems and may influence feed palatability. However, the proper amount of use should be identified according to the raw material to be replaced.”

The Challenges

However, there are some challenges faced by the industry related to the use of DDGS. Kim Sung Sam sees that relying on raw materials that depend on imports can reduce the competitiveness of Indonesian aquaculture. He hopes that in the future, Indonesia will be able to produce quality ingredients on its own due to Indonesia actually having many alternative raw materials. That way, feed production costs, and feed prices can be even less expensive. “If the quality of raw materials produced in Indonesia is improved, and it replaces imported raw materials, the competitiveness of Indonesia’s aquaculture industry will be strengthened,” he concludes.

Additionally, according to Caleb Wurth, drying and maintaining quality during shipment is the biggest constraint to delivering quality DDGS. DDGS is made in the U.S. and is put in a container for 3040 days over the open ocean. Accidents such as delays and leaky containers are a part of the supply chain. So, end users must pick suppliers that will be fair and reasonable when these uncommon but unfortunate instances occur.

Caleb also says that there is always a challenge to convince feed mills and farmers to try something for the first time. But he assures that “The U.S. Grains Council and our partners are here in the region to support these transitions. The economic incentive is there. We are here to support you through the technical and mental barriers.”

THE CRUST - AB,UTE, RIZKY