ISSUE FOCUS 66 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE August 2025 MEETING THE CHALLENGES OF MODERN AQUACULTURE As the global demand for seafood continues to rise, aquaculture plays an increasingly vital role in ensuring food security and supporting economic development. Among the many species cultivated worldwide, tilapia stands out as one of the most widely farmed fish, thanks to its fast growth, omnivorous diet, and adaptability to a range of farming environments. However, the intensification of tilapia farming also brings a host of challenges — from environmental stressors and disease pressure to the need for cost-efficient, high-performance feed strategies. Today’s aquaculture systems demand solutions that not only improve performance and profitability but also align with growing expectations for sustainable and natural production. Fish producers are actively seeking alternatives to synthetic additives and antibiotics, focusing instead on plant-based and marine-derived bioactives, often grouped under the term "phytogenics” and “phycogenics" (from Greek Phytos = plant and Phykos = Algae). These compounds offer potential benefits including enhanced digestion, reduced oxidative stress, and improved immunity. However, their successful use in aquaculture depends heavily on the ability to protect and deliver these active molecules effectively within the fish's digestive system. This is where Nuqo’s latest innovation, referred to here as NQ technology, comes into play, offering a new level of performance through a unique blend of carefully selected plant and seaweed-derived compounds, supported by a proprietary microencapsulation process. Importantly, this solution was designed following Nuqo’s XPR approach - eXtra Protection & Release - which ensures optimal protection of active molecules, even under the stringent conditions of aquafeed production, while also guaranteeing precise release in the digestive tract of fish. This level of protection and targeted delivery represents a critical advancement in the functional use of phytogenics in aquaculture feeds. Phytogenic feed additives in aquaculture offer natural alternatives to synthetic inputs, aligning with the industry's shift toward sustainable, high-performance solutions. Recent trials on tilapia under heat stress showed promising outcomes in growth, digestion, and immunity. A proprietary encapsulation strategy ensured targeted delivery and stability. Results highlight potential cost savings and performance gains—but how far can these innovations really transform modern aquaculture? PHYTOGENIC FEED ADDITIVES IN AQUACULTURE SHOW PROMISE Dr. Stephanie Ladirat R&D Director Nuqo Feed Additives
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