SPECIAL STORY FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE August 2023 59 With an accurate feeding regime and high-quality nutrition, producers could see improved aquaculture earnings and less waste. Laguna feeds by ADM are specifically formulated to enhance performance for omnivorous and carnivorous aqua species, encouraging efficiencies and consistent outcomes. For instance, ADM has calibrated the precise ratio of digestible protein to digestible energy within the formulation. As a well-balanced source of energy, Laguna feed supports growth with less fat accumulation for excellent fillet yield. Such an outcome helps aquaculture farmers secure a profitable harvest. Further research is needed to study the synergy between various functional feed additives as a way to enhance growth, physiology and health in tilapia and other species. As scientific knowledge continues to advance and optimize aqua nutrition, fish farmers will be better prepared to align production and profits. PROTECT THE PLANET Environmental conditions are intrinsic to aquaculture. Factors like water temperature, quality and salinity can affect fish metabolism and nutritional needs. As an example, fish tend to consume less in colder water, so a regional and seasonal approach to nutrition that accommodates changing environmental conditions can significantly improve feed intake. Feed efficiency not only drives profits, but it can also support environmental sustainability. Focusing on the precise feed for each species, life stage, season and more will also help minimize waste and water contamination. Moreover, feed manufacturing technology can help mitigate contamination in aquatic ecosystems. Pellet structures need to be stable enough to prevent the particles from disintegrating after water immersion. Pellet stability also helps maintain retention of hydrosoluble micronutrients and limits water pollution. Especially in the nursery phase, pellet shape and diameter must be appropriate to tilapia fingerlings’ mouth sizes. Cold microextrusion prevents denatured proteins to improve digestibility, water stability and pellet floatability. Farm management techniques can also support healthy operations, such as water quality maintenance and strict biosecurity measures. These protocols are important to steward the environment and reduce risk factors throughout tilapia production, which supports food security for end consumers. According to the World Food Programme, 345 million people in 82 countries are facing acute food insecurity. Aquaculture is positioned to be an efficient, responsible source of animal proteins to feed the demands of a growing population. In fact, the global aquafeed market is expected to be worth USD 88.0 billion by 2028, according to a MarketsandMarkets report. The nutritional quality and efficacy of feeds have been improved by scientific advances in technology and research, which have increased the growth rates, pathogen resistance and overall productivity of farmed fish. Aquaculture productions that support tilapia performance throughout its life cycle will be well-positioned for competitiveness and economic success. About Eduardo Urbinati Eduardo Urbinati is an Aquaculture Product Manager for ADM’s animal nutrition business, developing products for the fish and shrimp market in Brazil. He has a master’s degree in aquaculture from Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho (UNESP) and has worked for 10 years in the aquaculture nutrition market.
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