The Effect of Fishmeal Quality on Finished Feed

New research presented at Aquafeed Horizons Conference can help control extruded aquafeed quality and processing parameters


HONOLULU, HAWAII [January 25, 2007] — New research presented at Aquafeed Horizons Conference (Utrecht, Netherlands May 9-10, 2007) can be used by the aquatic feed industry to better understand and correct the observed variance in extrusion properties and pellet quality and to improve the product specifications used by fish meal producers and purchasers.

The extrusion properties of fish meals produced with different industrial raw materials and drying technologies were investigated and both the water soluble protein level and the physical shape (fibrous vs. granular) of the fishmeal particles found to have a significant effect on the melt viscosity and thereby dissipation of mechanical energy in the extruder barrel.

From this, empirical models for prediction of feed pellet quality were established. The study was based on standardized extrusion conditions and documented the possibility to develop a model explaining pellet hardness and durability based on fishmeal chemical composition and physical properties.

The strengths and weaknesses of the empirical model will be discussed by Tor Andreas Samuelsen, Senior Scientist, Fiskeriforskning, Bergen. The effect of fish meal quality on extruded pellet density and fat absorption will also be presented.

Aquafeed Horizons is organized and presented by Aquafeed.com, the aquafeed industry information gateway and Fiskeriforskning, the Norwegian Institute of Fisheries and Aquaculture Research.

Aquafeed Horizons will take place at the Jaarbeurs, Utrecht, the Netherlands,

May 9-10, 2007, during Victam 2007 feed show. More information, including program details, can be found on the conference website: www.aquafeed.info or email: editor@aquafeed.com