The Natural Solution to Superior Pellet Stability in Aquaculture
Fish farming is continuously increasing to meet the rising global demand for seafood. Feed is the main cost in aquaculture, which represents about 60-70% of total expenses. In aqua feed production, stabilizing feed pellets against nutrient leaching and breakage is important. Physical integrity of the pellets assures that pellets maintain their shape during handling, storage, and transport, and hence reduce nutrient loss and wastage of feed. Low integrity yields fines (small particles) that fish often ignore and can damage water quality. Pellet integrity has a direct effect on fish growth, FCR, and the environment; hence, enhancing pellet quality optimizes feed intake and minimizes waste. Influence of Pellet Integrity in Aquaculture: Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) FCR is defined as the amount of feed ingested per unit of weight increase in fish. Since fish do not efficiently consume disintegrated feed, more feed is required per unit of weight gain, increasing the FCR and overall feed cost. The quality of pellets and their integrity result in efficient feeding, where fish are able to ingest the feed effectively, thus having a lower FCR. Poor-quality pellets increase wastage and results in higher FCR. Fish Growth The physical characteristics of feed pellets, including hardness and water stability, impact directly on fish digestion and nutrient uptake. Pellets which break down too rapidly can leach nutrients out into the water and lower the nutritional content presented to fish. Conversely, well-shaped pellets improve digestion efficiency and lead to improved growth rates. Pellet Quality Binders are feed additives that enhance pellet stability. Natural binders, i.e., plant-based products, enhance pellet strength, suppress nutrient leaching, and inhibit fragmentation during handling and storage, which ensures better feed quality and fish growth. Sustainable Practices The inclusion of binder in feed and pellet quality optimization are key in ensuring aquaculture practice sustainability. Achieving high pellet integrity improves not only feed efficiency and fish growth but also reduces environmental effects by lessening feed losses and nutrient runoff. Limitations of Synthetic Binder: Traditionally, synthetic binders like Polymethylol Carbamide (PMC) have been widely used to strengthen pellets. Although effective, it exhibits certain drawbacks. PMC is a urea formaldehyde resin that leaves formaldehyde residues during pelleting and digestion. Formaldehyde is known as an irritant and a potential carcinogen. Some studies suggest that PMC shows an adverse effect on the taste or texture of feed, which results in reduced feed intake. However, with growing concerns about sustainability, performance efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, researchers are exploring more and more natural organic binders that can be considered as a viable organic alternative to PMC. EASYBIND EASYBIND is an all-purpose, organic binder that is stable at room temperatures which is also compatible with other feed ingredients. Once the feed mix is exposed to moisture and heat in the conditioner, EASYBIND bonds well with other feed ingredients. It enhances pelleting capacity and reduces energy consumption even at a very low inclusion rate. EASYBIND creates uniform pellet quality, resulting in similar pellet hardness and water stability. Fish fed with high-quality pellets absorb nutrients more effectively due to even nutrient distribution and improved digestibility. It offers major benefits to feed operations in terms of cost-effectiveness and nutritional efficiency. EASYBIND is a cost-efficient solution to your pelleting requirements. Benefits Reduces the occurrence of fines Optimum durability and hardness Improves Pellet consistency Optimum water stability Provides good texture and fewer cracks on pellet Protects essential nutrients
Natural Binders: The Future of Aqua Pellet Stability
As global demand for seafood continues to climb, fish farming is stepping up to meet the challenge. A solid, nutritious pellet made with the use of a good binder is responsible for every healthy, fast-growing fish. Pellet stability in water, known as aqua-stability, is one of the important quality criteria of aqua feeds. Aqua feeds […]
Aquaculture plays a crucial role in meeting the global demand for protein. However, the sustainability and productivity of this sector
Aquaculture plays a crucial role in meeting the global demand for protein. However, the sustainability and productivity of this sector are constantly threatened by parasitic infections. Among them, Argulus, commonly known as fish lice, is one of the most problematic ectoparasites affecting freshwater and ornamental fish worldwide. Argulus is a genus of crustacean parasites that […]
Importance of Mineral Chelation in Animal Feed
In modern animal nutrition, the focus has shifted from meeting basic dietary requirements to enhancing overall health, performance, and sustainability. Minerals play a crucial role in various biological processes, including growth, immunity, reproduction, and metabolic function. However, the form in which these minerals are incorporated into feed significantly affects their absorption and utilization. Traditional inorganic […]
Natural Stress Management with Plant-Based Antioxidants in Aquaculture
Aquaculture is a rapidly growing industry, but one of the biggest challenges faced by fish farmers is stress in fish. Stress can negatively affect growth, immunity, reproduction, and overall health, which leads to economic losses. Various environmental, physiological, and management factors contribute to stress in fish, including poor water quality due to low oxygen levels, […]
Combat Argulus Infestation Naturally with DEHOOK – The Ectoparasite Reliever!
Aquaculture farming is highly prone to diseases, affecting productivity and profitability of the farmer. The major challenge in aquaculture is the parasitic infestations, which can highly impact fish health and farm economics. Among various parasites, Argulus sp., or fish lice, is one of the most concerning challenges for fish farmers worldwide. This ecto-parasite attaches itself to […]
Say Goodbye to Pellet Breakage with Pelletovin’s Advanced Organic Binding Formula
Feed is the major cost contributor in aquaculture production, costing approximately 60-70% of the total cost. Feed with high-quality ingredients undergo precise processing techniques to achieve maximum aquaculture yield. Poor feed quality can lead to feed wastage, higher costs, and decreased animal performance. Therefore, the aqua-feed industry is continuously searching for strategies to improve feed […]
Is Low Immunity Affecting Your Aquaculture Profits? NUCLEOVIN Can Help
Aquaculture has rapidly expanded in the past few decades to meet the high-quality animal protein needs of the growing human population. According to FAO’s Fisheries and Aquaculture projections, 2022–2032, apparent consumption of aquatic animal foods is projected to reach 21.3 kg in 2032, up from about 20.7 kg in 2022 per head of consumer. Intensive and […]
Eating Salmon? Know the Sea Lice Story Behind Your Meal…
The global salmon farming business has been struggling since it was founded in the 1970s to control the severe economic, animal welfare, and ecological effects of sea lice infestation, which has kept salmon farming from reaching its full potential. Currently, the year has been put up as estimates for the economic impact of between USD […]
From Disease Management to Growth Optimization: A Natural Approach to Improve Shrimp Productivity
Shrimp is one of the most commonly consumed seafood around the world. Considering the population growth, there is an increase in demand for shrimp-based food products and shrimp farming plays a crucial role in meeting them. According to the FAO report 2008, the world shrimp catch is about 3.4 million tonnes per year, with Asia […]